Information
All Vitamins are Not Created Equal
When buying a multivitamin, be aware of the differences in quality. You may think that the Once Daily multivitamin you picked up at the grocery store or drug store is a high quality item. After all, it’s advertised on TV. What you may not realize is that it contains synthetic chemicals, artificial colors, binding agents, and shellac, that prevent the vitamin from breaking down. It may even contain aluminum. Shellac coated vitamins do not dissolve, and may come out the way they went in. Capsules break down easily. 100% whole food vitamins are not coated and also break down easily.
Good Bacteria (probiotics) Promote Better Digestion
Probiotics are good bacteria that live throughout your gut and kill harmful bacteria, viruses, fungi, and yeast. They also help you break down and absorb the foods that you eat. Years ago milk, cheese, and naturally fermented foods like homemade buttermilk and sauerkraut were plentiful with healthy bacteria. That isn’t the case anymore. Some yogurts contain probiotics, but usually just
one strain and in a low dose. Probiotics need to be replenished on a continual basis. Everyday stress, chlorinated water, fluoride, alcohol, birth control pills, and poor diet are all killers of probiotics. Prescription antibiotics kill all bacteria in the body. When the good bacteria are depleted, yeast, fungi and other pathogens have a greater opportunity to do harm to your body. Probiotics help with: allergies, skin problems, bad breath & body odor, yeast & fungal infections, constipation & diarrhea, immune system, and overall well being.
Digestion
Raw foods contain live enzymes, which play a key role in the digestive process. When food is cooked above 118 degrees wet (steam, boil) or 150 degrees dry (bake, fry, grill), the enzymes are destroyed. This leaves your body responsible for secreting the enzymes necessary for breaking down the foods that you eat. When your body has to do this over and over again everyday, it places a lot of stress on your system and organs. This leaves less metabolic enzymes for repairing damaged cells and tissues and keeping your immune system strong. Processing has stripped all of the enzymes from food in order to increase shelf life. Fresh foods rot and packaged food does not. Take an enzyme when you eat to give your body more energy and enzymes to promote organ and tissue health. How do you know if you are lacking enzymes? Some symptoms could be: heartburn, gas, constipation, bloating, allergies, ulcers, and a lack of energy.
Fish Oil Smell?
It is vitally important to opt for quality when purchasing a fish oil or cod liver oil supplement. Properly processed fish oil should NOT smell fishy! If yours does, it is rancid and could also be contaminated with a number of harmful substances. The way fish oil is processed, cleaned and tested has everything to do with the quality of the finished product.
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Visit ConsumerLab.com for reviews and education on supplements.
http://www.consumerlab.com/
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When buying a multivitamin, be aware of the differences in quality. You may think that the Once Daily multivitamin you picked up at the grocery store or drug store is a high quality item. After all, it’s advertised on TV. What you may not realize is that it contains synthetic chemicals, artificial colors, binding agents, and shellac, that prevent the vitamin from breaking down. It may even contain aluminum. Shellac coated vitamins do not dissolve, and may come out the way they went in. Capsules break down easily. 100% whole food vitamins are not coated and also break down easily.
Good Bacteria (probiotics) Promote Better Digestion
Probiotics are good bacteria that live throughout your gut and kill harmful bacteria, viruses, fungi, and yeast. They also help you break down and absorb the foods that you eat. Years ago milk, cheese, and naturally fermented foods like homemade buttermilk and sauerkraut were plentiful with healthy bacteria. That isn’t the case anymore. Some yogurts contain probiotics, but usually just
one strain and in a low dose. Probiotics need to be replenished on a continual basis. Everyday stress, chlorinated water, fluoride, alcohol, birth control pills, and poor diet are all killers of probiotics. Prescription antibiotics kill all bacteria in the body. When the good bacteria are depleted, yeast, fungi and other pathogens have a greater opportunity to do harm to your body. Probiotics help with: allergies, skin problems, bad breath & body odor, yeast & fungal infections, constipation & diarrhea, immune system, and overall well being.
Digestion
Raw foods contain live enzymes, which play a key role in the digestive process. When food is cooked above 118 degrees wet (steam, boil) or 150 degrees dry (bake, fry, grill), the enzymes are destroyed. This leaves your body responsible for secreting the enzymes necessary for breaking down the foods that you eat. When your body has to do this over and over again everyday, it places a lot of stress on your system and organs. This leaves less metabolic enzymes for repairing damaged cells and tissues and keeping your immune system strong. Processing has stripped all of the enzymes from food in order to increase shelf life. Fresh foods rot and packaged food does not. Take an enzyme when you eat to give your body more energy and enzymes to promote organ and tissue health. How do you know if you are lacking enzymes? Some symptoms could be: heartburn, gas, constipation, bloating, allergies, ulcers, and a lack of energy.
Fish Oil Smell?
It is vitally important to opt for quality when purchasing a fish oil or cod liver oil supplement. Properly processed fish oil should NOT smell fishy! If yours does, it is rancid and could also be contaminated with a number of harmful substances. The way fish oil is processed, cleaned and tested has everything to do with the quality of the finished product.
------------------------------------------------------------
Visit ConsumerLab.com for reviews and education on supplements.
http://www.consumerlab.com/
------------------------------------------------------------
SAFETY: DRUG-HERB CONFLICTS - Herb Drug Contraindication
Bladderwrack
Hyperthyroid medication
May decrease effectiveness of drug due to natural iodine content.
Bladderwrack
Thyroid replacement therapies
May add to effect of drug.
Bugleweed
Radioactive iodine
May interfere with administration of diagnostic procedures using radioactive isotopes.
Bugleweed
Thyroid hormones
Should not be administered concurrently with preparations containing thyroid hormone.
Chaparral
Sulfur drugs, cortisone, chemo drugs
Interacts negatively with drugs, especially with sulfur drugs, cortisone and chemotherapy agents.
Dan Shen
Warfarin
May potentiate effect of drug.
Echinacea
Immunosuppressant medication
May decrease effectiveness of drug.
Garlic
Warfarin
May potentiate effect of drug.
Ginger
Warfarin
Increased risk of spontaneous bleeding, particularly at levels greater than 4 gms/day ginger.
Gotu Kola
Accelerates the action of penicillin and sulfur drugs. allow at least 2 hours between the two.
Green tea, Chamomile, Lime Flower, Vervain Rosemary, & other herbs high in polyphenols
Iron
Inhibition of non-heme iron absorption where iron supplementation is required; do not take simultaneously with meals or iron supplements.
Korean (Panax) Ginseng
MAO inhibitors
May cause headaches and tremor, mania.
Licorice
Anti-hypertensive medications
May decrease effectiveness of drug when licorice consumed long-term at doses greater than 100 mg/day glycyrrhizin.
Licorice
Digoxin
Excessive licorice intake causes hypo-kalemia, which can potentiate the toxicity of the drug; therefore avoid long-term use of licorice at doses greater than 100 mg/day glycyrrhizin.
Licorice
Thiazide diuretics and other potassium depleting drugs
The combined effect of licorice and the drug could result in excessive potassium loss; avoid long-term use of licorice at doses greater than 100 mg/day glycyrrhizin.
Nervine and “mood altering” formulas (Valerian, Passion Flower, Wood Betony, Scullcap, Hops, Kava Kava, St John’s Wort)
Anti-depressants, anti-psychotics, anxiety drugs, tranquilizers, sleep medications
Allow at least 3 to 4 hours between psychiatric or anti-psychotic drugs or mood altering drugs.
St John’s Wort
Chemotherapeutic drugs
Decreases drug levels.
St John’s Wort
Digoxin
Decreases drug levels at doses greater than 1 g/day dried herb.
St John’s Wort
HIV non-nucleoside transcriptase inhibitors
Decreases drug levels.
St John’s Wort
Immunosuppressives
Decreases drug levels.
St John’s Wort
HIV protease inhibitors
Decreases drug levels.
St John’s Wort
Phenprocoumon
Decreases plasma drug levels.
St John’s Wort
Warfarin
Decreases drug levels.
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PREGNANCY, NURSING, AND BABIES
Herbs That Can Be Used During Pregnancy and While Nursing
Bilberry: will fortify vein and capillary support, aids in kidney function and is a mild diuretic for bloating
Blue Cohosh: stops and eliminates false labor pains; for final weeks of pregnancy, to ease and/or induce labor
Burdock Root: helps prevent water retention and jaundice in the baby
Chamomile: aids digestive and bowel problems and relaxes for good sleep.
Echinacea: aids the immune system to help prevent colds, flu and infections
Ginger Root: excellent for morning sickness
Lobelia: helps to relax the mother during delivery and helps speed up the delivery of the placenta
Nettles: will guard against excessive bleeding as it has vitamin K in it; it will improve kidney function and help prevent hemorrhoids
Peppermint: after the first trimester, may be used to help digestion, soothe the stomach and overcome nausea. It is an over-all body strengthener and cleanser
Red Raspberry: it is an all-around excellent herb to use for pregnancy. It is a uterine tonic, anti-abortive, and helps prevent infection. It also aids in preventing cramps and anemia. Prevents excessive bleeding during and after labor and will facilitate the birth process by stimulating contractions.
Wild Yam: for pregnancy pain, nausea or cramping and will lessen miscarriage
Yellow Dock: aids in iron assimilation and will help to prevent infant jaundice
______________________________________________
Bowel: Psyllium with a good amount of water. Cascara Sagrada - start with a very small amount and increase if needed. Do not take so much that it causes cramping or diarrhea.
Build Mother's Milk: Blessed Thistle, Red Raspberry Leaf, Cell Salts, and Fenugreek
Cough, Congestion: YS Formula
Depression: Skunk Cabbage
Digestion: Digestive enzymes
Heart: HR
Infection: Echinacea (take two weeks, then off one week), Colloidal Silver, Olive Leaf
Kidney: Fluid Retention: KD-B, KA, Buchu
Nausea: Red Raspberry Leaf, Spearmint, Peppermint Leaf (not oil) Ginger, G, Peach Leaf (take in small amounts as it can have laxative effect)
Nerves: Chamomile, Valerian Root, NRV
Pain: PA-H, L&B
Pregnancy Support: PNC, Cell Salts
Prevent Miscarriage: Crampbark Formula, PNC
Sleep: SR, Cell Salts, MEL-L, NRV
Stomach: STM, Dandelion Root
Thyroid: Dulse, THY, Cell Salts (a lack of iodine in mother's system can cause Down's Syndrome)
Weaning: Sage or Parsley will assist drying up milk production
--------------------------------------------------------------
HERBS TO BE AVOIDED DURING PREGNANCY
The Following Herbs Should Not Be Used During Pregnancy.
Aloe Vera, Whole Leaf: use externally only
Alfalfa: in high amounts as it can stimulate hormones
Angelica: can cause uterine contractions
Barberry
Black Cohosh, or any herb that has hormone effect
Buckthorn
Cascara Sagrada
Chestnut Leaf
Cinchona: Cinchona and its alkaloids should be avoided in pregnancies because of their oxytocic effects
Coffee: avoid caffeine, as it irritates the uterus; excessive amounts in some sensitive individuals can cause premature birth or miscarriage
Coltsfoot
Dandelion Root (while nursing)
Dong Quai
Eucalyptus oil: should be avoided during pregnancy as it is difficult to eliminate through the kidneys
Feverfew: has been shown to stimulate menses in some women, and may therefore precipitate miscarriage
Gentian
Golden Seal
Juniper: a too-strong vasodilating, diuretic effect
Lovage: causes uterine contractions
Ma Huang (Ephedra): should be avoided during pregnancy as it has too strong of an antihistamine effect; also raises pulse rate and blood pressure
Mathake
Male Fern: too strong a vermifuge
Mandrake
Milkweed: avoid internally
Mistletoe: can cause uterine contractions
Mugwort: stimulates uterine contractions and can be toxic in large doses
Myrrh
Parsley: in nursing mothers will dry up milk
Pennyroyal: can cause abortion of the unborn child
Poke root: should be avoided during pregnancy as it is a powerful emetic
Rue: can cause abortion
Safflower
Saffron
Sage: in nursing mothers will dry up milk
Senna
Schizandra Berry
Shatavari
Shepherds Purse: too astringent; may be used for after-birth bleeding
Suma:- use with caution
Tansy: can cause uterine contractions
Thuja
Turkey Rhubarb
Wild Ginger: an emmenagogue that causes uterine contractions
Wormwood: stimulates uterine contractions and can be toxic in large doses
Yarrow: a strong astringent and mild abortifacient (may cause abortion of the unborn child)
-------------------------------------------------------------
HERBS TO BE LIMITED DURING PREGNANCY
The herbs listed below should not be taken except by the recommendation of your herbalist, and in limited amounts, and then with caution, and then perhaps only in combinations.
Black Cohosh: use only the final weeks of pregnancy; will ease and/or induce labor.
False Unicorn: use only the final weeks of pregnancy; will ease and/or induce labor.
Golden Seal: large amounts can cause uterine contractions.
Pennyroyal: this herb can cause abortion; may be used in final weeks.
NOTE: The following herbs are LAXATIVE in nature and should be used very sparingly or in combinations.
• Aloe Vera
• Barberry
• Buckthorn
• Cascara Sagrada
• Mandrake
• Turkey Rhubarb
• Senna
Strong laxatives should be used with discretion as they cause stomach and intestinal cramping
Bladderwrack
Hyperthyroid medication
May decrease effectiveness of drug due to natural iodine content.
Bladderwrack
Thyroid replacement therapies
May add to effect of drug.
Bugleweed
Radioactive iodine
May interfere with administration of diagnostic procedures using radioactive isotopes.
Bugleweed
Thyroid hormones
Should not be administered concurrently with preparations containing thyroid hormone.
Chaparral
Sulfur drugs, cortisone, chemo drugs
Interacts negatively with drugs, especially with sulfur drugs, cortisone and chemotherapy agents.
Dan Shen
Warfarin
May potentiate effect of drug.
Echinacea
Immunosuppressant medication
May decrease effectiveness of drug.
Garlic
Warfarin
May potentiate effect of drug.
Ginger
Warfarin
Increased risk of spontaneous bleeding, particularly at levels greater than 4 gms/day ginger.
Gotu Kola
Accelerates the action of penicillin and sulfur drugs. allow at least 2 hours between the two.
Green tea, Chamomile, Lime Flower, Vervain Rosemary, & other herbs high in polyphenols
Iron
Inhibition of non-heme iron absorption where iron supplementation is required; do not take simultaneously with meals or iron supplements.
Korean (Panax) Ginseng
MAO inhibitors
May cause headaches and tremor, mania.
Licorice
Anti-hypertensive medications
May decrease effectiveness of drug when licorice consumed long-term at doses greater than 100 mg/day glycyrrhizin.
Licorice
Digoxin
Excessive licorice intake causes hypo-kalemia, which can potentiate the toxicity of the drug; therefore avoid long-term use of licorice at doses greater than 100 mg/day glycyrrhizin.
Licorice
Thiazide diuretics and other potassium depleting drugs
The combined effect of licorice and the drug could result in excessive potassium loss; avoid long-term use of licorice at doses greater than 100 mg/day glycyrrhizin.
Nervine and “mood altering” formulas (Valerian, Passion Flower, Wood Betony, Scullcap, Hops, Kava Kava, St John’s Wort)
Anti-depressants, anti-psychotics, anxiety drugs, tranquilizers, sleep medications
Allow at least 3 to 4 hours between psychiatric or anti-psychotic drugs or mood altering drugs.
St John’s Wort
Chemotherapeutic drugs
Decreases drug levels.
St John’s Wort
Digoxin
Decreases drug levels at doses greater than 1 g/day dried herb.
St John’s Wort
HIV non-nucleoside transcriptase inhibitors
Decreases drug levels.
St John’s Wort
Immunosuppressives
Decreases drug levels.
St John’s Wort
HIV protease inhibitors
Decreases drug levels.
St John’s Wort
Phenprocoumon
Decreases plasma drug levels.
St John’s Wort
Warfarin
Decreases drug levels.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
PREGNANCY, NURSING, AND BABIES
Herbs That Can Be Used During Pregnancy and While Nursing
Bilberry: will fortify vein and capillary support, aids in kidney function and is a mild diuretic for bloating
Blue Cohosh: stops and eliminates false labor pains; for final weeks of pregnancy, to ease and/or induce labor
Burdock Root: helps prevent water retention and jaundice in the baby
Chamomile: aids digestive and bowel problems and relaxes for good sleep.
Echinacea: aids the immune system to help prevent colds, flu and infections
Ginger Root: excellent for morning sickness
Lobelia: helps to relax the mother during delivery and helps speed up the delivery of the placenta
Nettles: will guard against excessive bleeding as it has vitamin K in it; it will improve kidney function and help prevent hemorrhoids
Peppermint: after the first trimester, may be used to help digestion, soothe the stomach and overcome nausea. It is an over-all body strengthener and cleanser
Red Raspberry: it is an all-around excellent herb to use for pregnancy. It is a uterine tonic, anti-abortive, and helps prevent infection. It also aids in preventing cramps and anemia. Prevents excessive bleeding during and after labor and will facilitate the birth process by stimulating contractions.
Wild Yam: for pregnancy pain, nausea or cramping and will lessen miscarriage
Yellow Dock: aids in iron assimilation and will help to prevent infant jaundice
______________________________________________
Bowel: Psyllium with a good amount of water. Cascara Sagrada - start with a very small amount and increase if needed. Do not take so much that it causes cramping or diarrhea.
Build Mother's Milk: Blessed Thistle, Red Raspberry Leaf, Cell Salts, and Fenugreek
Cough, Congestion: YS Formula
Depression: Skunk Cabbage
Digestion: Digestive enzymes
Heart: HR
Infection: Echinacea (take two weeks, then off one week), Colloidal Silver, Olive Leaf
Kidney: Fluid Retention: KD-B, KA, Buchu
Nausea: Red Raspberry Leaf, Spearmint, Peppermint Leaf (not oil) Ginger, G, Peach Leaf (take in small amounts as it can have laxative effect)
Nerves: Chamomile, Valerian Root, NRV
Pain: PA-H, L&B
Pregnancy Support: PNC, Cell Salts
Prevent Miscarriage: Crampbark Formula, PNC
Sleep: SR, Cell Salts, MEL-L, NRV
Stomach: STM, Dandelion Root
Thyroid: Dulse, THY, Cell Salts (a lack of iodine in mother's system can cause Down's Syndrome)
Weaning: Sage or Parsley will assist drying up milk production
--------------------------------------------------------------
HERBS TO BE AVOIDED DURING PREGNANCY
The Following Herbs Should Not Be Used During Pregnancy.
Aloe Vera, Whole Leaf: use externally only
Alfalfa: in high amounts as it can stimulate hormones
Angelica: can cause uterine contractions
Barberry
Black Cohosh, or any herb that has hormone effect
Buckthorn
Cascara Sagrada
Chestnut Leaf
Cinchona: Cinchona and its alkaloids should be avoided in pregnancies because of their oxytocic effects
Coffee: avoid caffeine, as it irritates the uterus; excessive amounts in some sensitive individuals can cause premature birth or miscarriage
Coltsfoot
Dandelion Root (while nursing)
Dong Quai
Eucalyptus oil: should be avoided during pregnancy as it is difficult to eliminate through the kidneys
Feverfew: has been shown to stimulate menses in some women, and may therefore precipitate miscarriage
Gentian
Golden Seal
Juniper: a too-strong vasodilating, diuretic effect
Lovage: causes uterine contractions
Ma Huang (Ephedra): should be avoided during pregnancy as it has too strong of an antihistamine effect; also raises pulse rate and blood pressure
Mathake
Male Fern: too strong a vermifuge
Mandrake
Milkweed: avoid internally
Mistletoe: can cause uterine contractions
Mugwort: stimulates uterine contractions and can be toxic in large doses
Myrrh
Parsley: in nursing mothers will dry up milk
Pennyroyal: can cause abortion of the unborn child
Poke root: should be avoided during pregnancy as it is a powerful emetic
Rue: can cause abortion
Safflower
Saffron
Sage: in nursing mothers will dry up milk
Senna
Schizandra Berry
Shatavari
Shepherds Purse: too astringent; may be used for after-birth bleeding
Suma:- use with caution
Tansy: can cause uterine contractions
Thuja
Turkey Rhubarb
Wild Ginger: an emmenagogue that causes uterine contractions
Wormwood: stimulates uterine contractions and can be toxic in large doses
Yarrow: a strong astringent and mild abortifacient (may cause abortion of the unborn child)
-------------------------------------------------------------
HERBS TO BE LIMITED DURING PREGNANCY
The herbs listed below should not be taken except by the recommendation of your herbalist, and in limited amounts, and then with caution, and then perhaps only in combinations.
Black Cohosh: use only the final weeks of pregnancy; will ease and/or induce labor.
False Unicorn: use only the final weeks of pregnancy; will ease and/or induce labor.
Golden Seal: large amounts can cause uterine contractions.
Pennyroyal: this herb can cause abortion; may be used in final weeks.
NOTE: The following herbs are LAXATIVE in nature and should be used very sparingly or in combinations.
• Aloe Vera
• Barberry
• Buckthorn
• Cascara Sagrada
• Mandrake
• Turkey Rhubarb
• Senna
Strong laxatives should be used with discretion as they cause stomach and intestinal cramping
