The Complete Herbal Guide: A Natural Approach to Healing the Body - Heal Your Body Naturally and Maintain Optimal Health Using Alternative Medicine, Herbals, Vitamins, Fruits and Vegetables (14 page)

Zinc

Deficiency of zinc is known to have a negative effect on sexual function. Zinc is one of the most commonly deficient minerals. A typical dosage for impotence is 15 to 30 mg daily, taken with 1 to 2 mg of copper, since supplemental zinc interferes with copper absorption. Too much zinc can be toxic, so do not exceed this dose.

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is sometimes called “Indian Ginseng”. It is not related botanically to ginseng, but has similar uses as a tonic herb believed capable of generally strengthening the body. It is used traditionally to increase sexual capacity as an aphrodisiac.

Some constituents of ashwagandha can make you drowsy, so it should not be combined with sedative drugs. However, this may make ashwagandha useful for people with impotence related to anxiety. This herb also helps with cholesterol and prevention of colds and flu.

Damiana

The herb damiana is used traditionally in Mexico as a male aphrodisiac. It is a popular male aphrodisiac with a mild effect. Damiana is also used for inability to achieve orgasm in women.

Damiana appears to be safe at the recommended dosages. However, it contains low-levels of compounds similar to cyanide, so excessive dosages may be dangerous. Safety of damiana in young children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with severe liver and kidney disease is not established. The only common side effect is mild digestive distress.

Pygeum

Pygeum is a tall evergreen native to central and southern Africa. Pygeum bark has been used since ancient times to treat urinary problems. It doesn’t appear to work by affecting the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone. Pygeum is known as an herbal treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Pygeum appears to be non-toxic. Side effects include mild digestive distress.

Siberian ginseng

Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) is believed to be an aphrodisiac. It is believed to be an adaptogen, which means that it affects whichever system of the body in need of support. Siberian ginseng is considered by many traditional Chinese doctors to be a superior treatment.

Traditional Chinese practitioners also use lycium berries and lotus seeds for sexual dysfunction to enhance kidney and liver energy. The body uses arginine to make nitric oxide, a substance that relaxes the blood vessels.

Suma

Suma (Pfaffia paniculata) is a large ground vine native to central and South America. It has been called “Brazilian ginseng”. It is traditionally used to promote robust health and longevity. There is increasing interest in suma. It helps adapt to stress and fight infection. A typical dose of suma for stress is 500 mg twice daily. More comprehensive safety studies are needed.

Saw palmetto

Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) is used for impotence, especially if it is mixed with other herbs. It reduces the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

Hormone Replacement

Testosterone replacement is used by some holistic doctors to increase the patient’s sex drive and improve their mood. The first step is blood or saliva test to assess levels of the hormone.

If testosterone levels are low, testosterone injections or transdermal creams are used. Oral testosterone is avoided because it can cause liver dysfunction.

Men who supplement with testosterone should only do so under the supervision of a qualified health practitioner. They should monitor their PSA levels, as excess testosterone has been linked to prostate cancer. Other possible side effects include testicular atrophy, male pattern baldness, elevated red blood cell counts, elevated blood pressure, and polycythemia and increased risk of stroke, gynecomastia, prostatic enlargement, and sodium and water retention. Transdermal DHEA and androstenedione are also used.

Yohimbe
The bark of the West African yohimbe tree is a traditional aphrodisiac and the source of yohimbine, a prescription drug for impotence. Yohimbe stimulates blood flow to the penis. Yohimbe has been shown to increase libido and decrease the period between ejaculations. Yohimbe may also have a positive effect on impotence problems caused by depression.

Yohimbe is not recommended because it has a very narrow therapeutic index. There is a relatively small dosing range, below it the herb doesn’t work and above it the herb is toxic. Side effects of normal dosages include dizziness, anxiety, hyper stimulation, and nausea. As little as 40 mg a day can cause a severe drop in blood pressure, abdominal pain, fatigue, hallucinations, and paralysis.

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Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that affects the knees, hips, back, and small joints in the fingers. Osteoarthritis affects over 20 million people in the United States, a figure that is expected to double in the next 20 years.

Avocado/Soybean Unsaponifiables

Avocado/soybean unsaponifiables are one of the most promising arthritis remedies. Four high-quality clinical trials suggest that avocado/soybean unsaponifiables, an extract made from avocado and soybean oils, can improve the pain and stiffness of knee and hip osteoarthritis and reduce the need for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It appears to have decrease inflammation and stimulate cartilage repair.

Precautions:

In France, avocado/soybean unsaponifiables have been approved as a prescription drug.

In other countries, it is available as a supplement in some health food stores or online. A typical dose is 300mg per day. It usually takes between two weeks and two months to take effect. Studies have found no additional benefit with higher doses.

Eating avocado and soy, even in large amounts, will not provide enough of the unsaponifiables to have a therapeutic effect. Only 1/100th of the oil is the unsaponifiable portion.

The safety of avocado/soybean unsaponifiables has not been established in children, pregnant or nursing women.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate

At least 5 million people in the United States take glucosamine or chondroitin alone or in combination. Glucosamine is used to make a molecule involved in the formation and repair of cartilage, the rubbery substance that cushions joints. Although it's still not clear exactly how glucosamine in pill-form works, it's believed to allow more of cartilage building blocks to be made. Chondroitin sulfate appears to block cartilage-destroying enzymes and help joint cartilage remain elastic and supple.

Research:

Studies with glucosamine have found a reduction in the pain, stiffness, and swelling of arthritis. It is also thought to prevent structural damage to joints. In a study published in the
Archives of Internal Medicine, participants took glucosamine or placebo for three years and were x-rayed each year to assess structural changes. Participants who took the placebo had progressive joint space narrowing, a sign of cartilage degeneration, but those who took glucosamine had no significant narrowing of joint spaces.

The dose used in studies is 1500 mg glucosamine sulfate and 800 to 1200 mg chondroitin sulfate. It is important to choose glucosamine sulfate, rather than hydrochloride, because many of the clinical studies have used the sulfate form. It usually takes 1 to 3 months to take effect. Side effects may include mild stomach discomfort, which can be alleviated by taking glucosamine with meals. Some glucosamine supplements are derived from the shells of crabs and other shellfish, so people with shellfish allergies should ensure they use synthetic glucosamine.

Acupuncture

The World Health Organization has identified more than 40 conditions that acupuncture can treat, including osteoarthritis. Acupuncture involves the insertion of hair-thin needles into acupoints in the body. It is believed to rebalance the flow of energy, or qi, in the body. Studies have found that acupuncture releases natural pain-relieving substances such as endorphins and serotonin.

Research:

A study involving 294 people with osteoarthritis knee pain found that after eight weeks of treatment, participants who had acupuncture experienced a significant improvement in pain and joint function compared to those who had sham acupuncture or placebo.

Yoga

Although many people think yoga involves twisting your body into pretzel-like poses, yoga can be safe and effective for people with osteoarthritis. Yoga's gentle movements can keep build strength, flexibility, and balance and reduce arthritis pain and stiffness.

Research:

A pilot study conducted by the University Of Pennsylvania School Of Medicine examined one type of yoga, Iyengar yoga, for people with osteoarthritis of the knee. After an 8-week course of weekly 90-minute beginner classes, there was a statistically significant reduction in pain, physical function, and mood.

Precautions to take before trying yoga:

• Talk with your doctor and ask about any restrictions.
  
• Look for a teacher who has worked with people with arthritis and can suggest modifications for you. Some hospitals and community centers offer yoga classes geared to people with arthritis.
  

Massage Therapy

Massage can help to relieve muscle tension associated with osteoarthritis. Joint pain can cause surrounding muscles to become tense. Massage boosts circulation to the affected joint, which decreases joint stiffness and promotes cartilage repair. Massage therapists do this not by directly massaging an inflamed joint, but the muscles surrounding the joint.

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What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a condition of decreased bone density. It affects one in six women and one in eight men over the age of fifty and is most common among post-menopausal women. Osteoporosis is often the cause of many health complications, as it progresses silently and unnoticed for years. Only after years of bone loss do signs and symptoms appear, such as pain, spinal deformity, and fractures.

An individual’s peak bone mass occurs between the ages of twenty and thirty. Bones reach their maximum density and strength during this time. After peak bone mass is reached, bone rebuilding gradually wanes.

For women, the greatest bone loss occurs in the years immediately after menopause when estrogen levels decline.

Risk Factors for Osteoporosis

• Women (although osteoporosis also occurs in men)
  
• Age 50 or older
  
• Past menopause
  
• Prolonged hormonal imbalances
  
• Excess use of certain medications, such as steroids
  
• Not enough calcium or vitamin D in the diet
  
• Lack of exercise
  
• Thin, “small-boned” body frame
  
• Caucasian
  
• History of fracture
  
• Family history of osteoporosis
  
• Smoking, caffeine, or alcohol consumption
  

Prevention of Osteoporosis

Bone continually renews itself by remodeling – building up and breaking down.

To prevent osteoporosis:

Calcium
- Calcium has been shown to be effective in helping to build bone mass. For optimum nutrition, the range of calcium intake is between 1000-1500mg per day depending on your age, dietary intake, and other health conditions. Calcium is found in yogurt, green vegetables such as kale, soy products and tofu, seafood such as salmon and oysters, and sesame seeds.

Vitamin D
- Vitamin D has also been shown to be effective in building bone mass. It is synthesized in our bodies from sun exposure and is also found in foods such as egg yolks, liver, salt-water fish, and fortified beverages. Vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium. Daily intake should be approximately 400-800 IU per day depending on the season.
Vitamin K
- The research on vitamin K to reduce bone loss has been very promising. Until recently, vitamin K has been best known as a treatment for aiding blood coagulation. However, researchers have also found that vitamin K is important for the maintenance of healthy bones3, 6. Vitamin K is found in green, leafy vegetables such as broccoli, brussels sprouts, collard greens, lettuce, and spinach. Vitamin K supplements are available in the United States, but are currently unavailable in Canada unless by prescription for treatment of blood coagulation. Because of vitamin K's role in blood coagulation, individuals on blood thinners should check with their doctor before attempting to increase their vitamin K intake.

Exercise
Weight-bearing exercise is vital for bone health. Running, jogging, walking1, dancing, and weight training are all exercises that put more weight on bones than activities such as swimming. The added weight on the legs encourages bone formation, creating a stronger frame that has less chance of being fractured. Exercise also decreases the risk of falls by improving balance. You should begin with a simple exercise protocol from a qualified health care professional.