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Jul 202012
 
    I have many recommendations for digestive and intestinal health – IBS, UC, Crohn’s Disease, diverticulitis and more – info posted soon!

 Posted by at 11:36 pm
Jul 022012
 

Research shows that Burdock root, or Niu Bang Gen as it is known in Chinese herbal medicine, is great for protecting the liver from the effects of Acetaminophen (Brand name: Tylenol).1 So if one takes Tylenol, even occasionally, it is best to also take Burdock root at the same time. This way you can prevent the toxicity of this drug on the liver.

Tylenol or Acetaminophen is also found in the pharmaceutical Vicodin (along with Hydrocodone Bitartrate).

If one takes Tylenol or Acetaminophen regularly for mild pain and headaches, consider trying safer herbal remedies to help instead. Since Tylenol is very hepatotoxic (toxic to Liver), it is highly recommended to avoid the use of Tylenol whenever possible. When severe pain occurs, consider trying other herbal pain management as well. In this case, one should consult with an integrative medical professional such as an Acupuncturist/Clinical Herbalist or Naturopathic Doctor (N.D.) for a proper diagnosis based on integrative medicine principles to prescribe the correct herbal combinations for you.

The typical dosage for a patient to take is 1-3 grams/day. A higher dosage could be tolerated, but because this herb is both bitter and cold in nature, it could cause loose stool or diarrhea in certain people (especially those that are already prone to this). This is just a simple example of how discussing your specific case or constitution with a qualified natural medicine professional will help you use herbal medicinals correctly.

1. Chen, John K. and Tina T. Chen, Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology, p. 71. (Research article: Hepatoprotective effects of Arctium lappa on carbon tetrachloride- and acetaminophen-induced liver damage, American Journal of Chinese Medicine.)

Jun 242012
 

This is a handout that I wrote in 2010 for a lecture I gave at a local gym. This lecture was also covered by an article in the local paper, the Paradise Post, by Bonnie Sitter, “Ten Healthy Foods that could lengthen your life”, March 2010. (But sorry, it is not available online.) I now also give to to many patients as a general guide to start using dietary therapy for health.

Top Ten Superfoods for Longevity: A Medicinal Food Approach

Addendum for recipes are not provided here since I don’t have rights to publish recipes from references. However, the recipe references are in the handout and most could be found online.
There are a few recipes I have adapted or obtained from classes, and I will eventually post them online. But for now, please feel free to email me at info@heavenly-herbs.com if you would like them.
(References also are to a few of the good books on dietary therapy, for those really interested in healing with diet.)

Jun 232012
 

CoQ10 (pronounced Coenzyme Q10), is an anti-oxidant, which can benefit many conditions1. It is known to strengthen the heart and can even lower mild hypertension. CoQ10 is absolutely necessary when one is on statin drugs (for high cholesterol or hyperlipidemia/dyslipidemia) or even when one is on the more natural form of Red Yeast Rice extract to counteract serious side effects (for more info see: add reference – blog).

The average person could use 100 mg/day whereas someone with hypertension or cardiovascular disease could be taking up to 400 mg/day (discuss with alternative healthcare provider).

Pathologies with anecdotal coenzyme Q10 therapeutic benefit2:
Mitochondrial neuromuscular diseases
Neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinson’s disease, dementias,
others)
Congestive heart failure-prevention/support therapy
Muscle weakness
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Cancer-breast treatment
Chemotherapy amelioration, support for AZT/AIDS treatment
Vascular disease, diabetes mellitus
Sports medicine. Performance enhancement (not a pathology)

References:
1) Summary of research on benefits of CoQ10: CoQ10 Monograph
2) Research article reference:
Cellular redox poise modulation; the role of coenzyme Q10, gene and metabolic regulation, Anthony W. Linnane and Hayden Eastwood, Mitochondrion 4 (2004) 779–789

Jun 232012
 

A few of the the herbal formulas I use for Menopausal Symptoms:

Estrovera – a nutraceutical product especially for hot flashes. (This is a phytoestrogen product that doesn’t include soy).

Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan – typical Chinese herbal formula for the symptoms of hot flashes and night sweats, especially when the patient presents with a dry, red tongue.

Wu Ji Bai Feng Wan (Black Chicken, White Phoenix formula) – also used post-partum, this herbal formula nourishes the Blood and Kidney Qi and Jing (to be explained later).

Diet is of the utmost importance too! Increase intake for blood-building foods such as dark green, leafy veggies and seaweed.

Acupuncture is also excellent for menopausal symptoms!

Many more options to be added later.

Jun 212012
 

My general recommendations for treating Peripheral Neuropathy (PNP):

1. Acupuncture
Acupuncture helps increase the vascular supply or blood circulation to the nerves. See item below for article about PNP and Acupuncture.

2. Diet
PNP is typically caused by diabetes, although it can have other causes such as lower back injuries and chemotherapy. If due to diabetes, the first and foremost recommendation is to maintain healthy, normal blood glucose levels – this is of utmost importance to prevent neuropathy. This is best done by avoiding carbohydrates in your diet, especially wheat products since wheat, whole or refined, is a high glycemic index food. (see my book review article of Wheat Belly)

3. Nutriceutical support
*Chromium – a mineral supplement known to help regulate blood glucose levels (generally also used to help with sugar cravings)
*Alpha Lipoic Acid – an anti-oxidant, 600 mg/day – see A-Lipoic Acid Monograph (Clinical Indications summary)
*Benfotiamine, a specialized B vitamin for vascular function (and correspondingly, for nerve health) – see article about Benfotiamine

4. Chinese herbal medicinals
There are many possible Chinese herbal formulas to help with PNP. The prescription will depend upon the diagnosis of the practitioner. One common one I will use is Flex (NP), by Evergreen Herbs. It is a very complex, and therefore useful, formula for nerve pain and neuropathy.

5. Exercise
Exercise increases blood circulation, so patients with PNP will also benefit from this.

6. General
Dry Brushing

7. Additional information
Reference article about PNP and Acupuncture

Jun 212012
 

An article co-written by Dr. Oz about the benefits of acupuncture such as musculoskeletal and arthritis pain management, insomnia and reducing side effects of radiation and chemotherapy:

The You Docs: Why we still like ancient acupuncture, by
Michael Roizen, M.D. AND Mehmet Oz, M.D.

Jun 212012
 

Brief article on Doctor Oz website about the ‘Power of Chinese Medicine’, by Dr. Mao Shing Ni:

Ancient Chinese Cures

Dr. Mao, as he is known, is author of many books on Chinese Medicine. I have his book, Secrets of Longevity in my office waiting room, and I have used it as a reference for patients and also in articles I have written myself.

Jun 212012
 

To Whom it concerns: This letter is in regards to my belief in acupuncture, and Sheryl Sanchez, LAc, of the Acupuncture clinic: Heavenly Herbs

Many years ago, about twenty, I fell over a rug where I worked. It wasn’t put down correctly and it was up against the edge of a refrigerator. I twisted as I fell and ruptured a disc. Needless to say I had surgery on my spine. I did try relief with many appointments of traction, and therapy before surgery. It was my last hope. I did well for about a year but my pain continued to get worse. It actually caused me to drag one leg and my upper back always felt like there was a sharp pain right in the center. My doctor suggested Acupuncture. He confessed to not knowing much about it, but thought I should try everything if I didn’t want to take drugs for the pain. However, he made me promise I would go for at least five appointments.

Needless to say, I was scared, but wanted to try it. Not much happened in the way of relief until the third visit, I woke up and the pain in the center of my upper back was gone. As I continued the visits, the limp got better. I have been doing acupuncture ever since. It’s continued to be my way of daily having less pain, thus allowing me to continue my days in a more efficient manner.

I feel very blessed to having found Sheryl Sanchez, L.Ac., here in Paradise, Ca. While she is now my good friend, she is also very knowledgeable in herbs and acupuncture. When I am suffering, I am able to go, get acupuncture, and after two or three sessions, I am able to face the day again. Sheryl is a very professional, friendly and good person. She knows what she is doing and continues to be a part of my life. She is a welcome relief to a soul that’s hurting, for all pain, affects you in one way or another.

Sincerely,
Jo Ann Cantrell

Jun 212012
 

I came to Sheryl after I’d been to 2 other acupuncture practitioners. She is by far the best. I came with tendonitis in my thumb. She really helped me. Then I had sciatica and it was gone in one treatment. Also, I’ve been helped with the Traumeel she recommended for my arthritis pain. Also, the sinus nasal spray she sold me is great. My doctor prescribed some that I can’t tell anything has changed. So I use only the spray Sheryl sold me.

Thanks Sheryl!!!
Frances Westra