The Wright Guide to Health

Vitamin D to the Rescue - again!

2011-12-22T14:41:00.001+02:00

I have written about the benefits of Vitamin D a few times before. I can't stress enough how important it is to maintain your blood levels of Vitamin D above 50ng/ml. Here is a video that talks about some of the benefits of this incredibly important substance:
The Real Story on Vitamin D

Stop Smoking Drugs Associated with Suicide, Self Harm & Depression

2011-12-05T10:09:00.001+02:00

In a recent report in the continuing medical education publication Medscape, the authors reported:

"Varenicline (Chantix, Pfizer or Champix) is associated with a significantly increased risk for suicidal behavior and depression, according to new research.

In a study of more than 13,000 cases of adverse events involving smoking cessation products over the course of 13 years, investigators found that 90% of the reports of self-injurious behavior or depression were associated with the use of varenicline. Bupropion and nicotine replacement products were responsible for the remaining 7% and 3%, respectively.

"This should not be a first-line drug. If you start with the others, [and] they don't work, and you have to use a drug, then you use Chantix. But you must monitor the mental status of patients who use it," coinvestigator Curt D. Furberg, MD, PhD, professor of public health sciences at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, told Medscape Medical News.

"Ideally, I think it should come off the market, but that is not realistic. So a more realistic recommendation is to restrict its use."

Well I have to agree with Dr Furberg - take this drug off the market! The moral of the story is: use willpower and natural medicine, acupuncture or other treatments to stop smoking and don't take your life in your hands by taking Champix or any other stop-smoking drug. But whatever you do, STOP SMOKING IMMEDIATELY - its never too soon or too late!!

Homeopathy Gives Significant Results in the Treatment of Fibromyalgia

2011-11-27T17:24:00.001+02:00

I have recently come across a 2004 study published in the international journal Rheumatology. This trial examined the effectiveness of homeopathic treatment of patients suffering from the increasingly common problem of fibromyalgia. The results were overwhelmingly positive and illustrate what I have personally found in practice: fibromyalgia patients can benefit significantly from individualised homeopathic treatment!

In this trial, participants on active treatment showed significantly greater improvements in tender point count and tender point pain, quality of life, global health and a trend toward less depression compared with those on placebo.

The authors conclude: "the present study demonstrated that individualized homeopathy is significantly better than placebo in lessening tender point pain and improving the quality of life and global health of persons with fibromyalgia."

Why I also think that this trial is so important, is that it clearly shows how homeopathic treatment not only benefits the symptoms, but improves the person's overall state of health and physical and mental health, as opposed to regular anti-inflammatories and analgesics that simply mask the problem and may bring a host of side effects with them.

If you suffer from fibromyalgia, find an experienced, registered homeopath soon!

Reference: I. R. Bell, D. A. Lewis, A. J. Brooks, G. E. Schwartz, S. E. Lewis, B. T. Walsh and C. M. Baldwin. Improved clinical status in fibromyalgia patients treated with individualized homeopathic remedies versus placebo. Rheumatology 2004;1

http://rheumatology.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2004/01/20/rheumatology.keh111.full.pdf+html

2011-11-21T11:13:00.001+02:00

Catch me discussing the role of complementary medicine in South African healthcare on Bush Radio, 89.5FM in Cape Town at 12h30 today!

The Tree of Life

2011-10-25T11:05:00.001+02:00

I though I would share this fascinating image of the evolutionary relationships between all plants, animals, fungi and bacteria. It has helped me to remember that we are all interconnected and come from a single source and also how medicines from the plant, animal, fungal and bacterial world can help us reintegrate with that source, become more connected to the world around us and become whole again

Buchu - one of our most famous exports!

2011-09-26T15:25:00.000+02:00

Buchu

Agathosma betulina / crenulata

An amazing volatile oil -rich plant endemic to the Western Cape, is a fantastic medicine for digestive disturbances.

If taken as a tea or tincture (Buchu Brandy is and old Cape remedy), it helps to enliven sluggish, underperforming digestive tracts. It is great for bloating, gassiness and fermentation in the gut, it wakes up and stimulates (like many other members of the Citrus family) digestive functions. Buchu may also be useful in some respiratory problems, and is a urinary antiseptic - helpful in certain types of cystitis and other urinary infections.

If you live in the Western Cape, grow some of your own!

http://www.plantzafrica.com/plantab/agathoscren.htm

will give you some more information on this famous old Cape botanical medicine

Herbs for Spring: as seen on SABC 3's Expresso

2011-09-02T10:10:00.001+02:00

Phytotherapy, or medical herbalism, can help with a wide variety of complaints. Herbal medicines can be used and prescribed in many forms such as tinctures, glycerites, powders, capsules, tablets, creams, oils and also water extracts called infusions (simple tea) or decoctions (boiled tea). Infusions and decoctions are simple and easy ways to prepare safe and helpful herbal medicines for yourself at home. Infusions are generally used for flowers and leaves and decoctions are used to extract the active ingredients from harder material such as roots, barks and seeds.

This morning on SABC's breakfast show, Expresso, I attempted to show how the herbs Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) and Nettle (Urtica dioica) can be used to make a tea which is anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic and has anti-histamine effects. One or both of these herbs together, if drunk regularly (as an infusion), can help with allergies and hayfever prevalent at this time of the year.

Nettle can also be used with Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) and Burdock (Arctium lappa) to make a decoction which is excellent for gently cleansing and detoxifying the body. Spring is a good time to clear out accumulated wastes and to help the body switch from a storage type metabolism to a more 'summery' usage metabolism. These three herbs can help the body's organs of elimination and detoxification (skin, kidneys, lungs, skin and liver) to work more effectively and by so doing improve general health.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is also a fantastic tea for enhancing metabolism, improving digestion, increasing circulation and generally promoting health. In Ayurveda it is know as vishwabheshaja - the universal medicine!

While generally these are very safe herbs, if you have any doubt or are on any medications, always consult a qualified and registered phytotherapist or homeopath.

Recipes

For An infusion

Add 250ml freshly boiled water to 1 teaspoon dried or 2-3 teaspoons fresh herb. place a lid on the container to prevent essential oils from escaping (e.g. a saucer on your cup). Leave to stand for at least 5 minutes, strain and sip. A small amount of honey may be added if you feel the need. Infusions are generally taken warm and between 1 - 6 times daily depending on age, body size and health problems

For a decoction

add 30g of dried herb (e.g. Dandelion root) or up to 90g of fresh herb to 500ml cold water. Place on the stove and gently bring up to boiling point with the lid on. Simmer very slowly for 10 minutes, then remove from heat and leave to cool down. Strain and drink a cup up to three times a day. This preparation will not keep more than a couple of days.

Keep yourself healthy with herbal medicines, but if you have a serious problem or your problem persists or gets worse or if you are unsure, please consult a suitably qualified practitioner!

Professor Tim Noakes takes on the white (refined carbohydrate) elephant in the room...

2011-08-02T13:43:00.000+02:00

Internationally renowned Professor Tim Noakes of the Sports Science Institute of the University of Cape Town has recently written an article in the Winter 2011 Discovery Magazine called 'Against the Grain'. In his controversial (for some!) article, Professor Noakes points out how the carbohydrate-skewed 'food pyramid' contributes to so many obese Americans, deficiency diseases and other troubles. I really have to agree with him...

A diet based on lean protein and lots of vegetables, nuts, seeds, pulses and low carbohydrate intake (i.e. grains) leads to happier people with fewer health problems and better body composition, i.e. less fat and more muscle. If you don't believe me, try it for yourself! Here's what happened to Professor Noakes when he made some changes:

"Finally, I submitted myself to an experiment of rigorously avoiding all bread, cereals, rice, pasta, and refined carbohydrates and replacing that nutritional deficit with healthy meats, fish, fruit, vegetables and fats, including nuts. Five months later, I am at my lightest weight in 20 years and I am running faster than I have in 20 years. For the first time since I ran heroic weekly mileages in training have I learned exactly how to maintain an ideal body weight without any sense of privation. And with only as much exercise as I want to do. Even my friends are impressed. They agree that not even the most expensive cosmetic surgery could have produced such a remarkable change"

So ditch the refined carbohydrates and eat like a caveman or woman!

Cholesterol Deceptions: some interesting facts about the dangers of cholesterol and statin drugs

2011-07-26T13:43:00.000+02:00

Cholesterol Deceptions: From Eggs to Statins, What Your Doctor Didn’t Tell You About Cholesterol, is an interesting article on the often overblown significance of slightly raised cholesterol levels and the dangers of statin drugs. An interesting assertion made by lipid biochemistry expert Mary Enig, PhD is that cholesterol levels of between 5.18 and 6.22 are NORMAL, i.e. a patient should not be on statins if they have tested at this widely regarded "high" level.

Never look at total cholesterol levels in isolation - always insist on a lipogram where you can get a more complete picture of good (HDL) and bad (LDL) cholesterol levels, and get your Vitamin D levels checked for good measure as this nutrient is vital for cardiovascular disease prevention.

Another problem I am encountering frequently in South Africa is that of patients who are on statin drugs, but not simultaneously taking CoEnzyme Q10. Statin drugs block the production of this vital substance, which ironically is necessary for heart and blood vessel health, amongst many other things. If you are taking statins, you MUST also supplement with CoEnzyme Q10 (available from pharmacies and health stores without prescription) - and if your doctor has not prescribed this for you simultaneously with your statins, then they are not following best practice guidelines and you should take it up with them.

http://articles.healthrealizations.com/HeavyMetalDetox/2011/07/25/Cholesterol-Deceptions.aspx

The 4-Hour Body - A book by Timothy Ferriss

2011-07-06T16:55:00.000+02:00

A few months ago I was told about a book by a chiropractor friend in London - The 4-Hour Body by Timothy Ferriss. He had been recommending it to patients and everyone had been raving about how excellent the book and information contained within it was and the effectiveness of his programme. After reading the book and making changes to my diet and training regime, I can absolutely recommend this book to anyone looking to change their body composition - lose weight, gain muscle or increase strength or endurance. Timothy Ferris brings together lots of interesting scientific information and most importantly uses himself as a systematic guinea pig. I particularly like his idea of the minimum effective dose - the minimum amount of input necessary to get the maximum effects. A concept so perfectly homeopathic! I think his slow-carb diet (lots of lean protein, beans and vegetables) is excellent and his weight training programme so easy, I feel like I am cheating... I can't recommend this book more!

Warming Calendula and Other Winter Tips

2011-06-13T16:20:00.000+02:00

With the Cape winter here, its time to think about ways to protect yourself health.

The Cape winter is cold and wet and tends to induce these sort of states in many people! Individualised homeopathic treatment is one of the best ways to improve immunity and decrease sensitivity to environmental influences. Vitamin D levels start to decline at this time of the year, and there is evidence that this contributes to a decline in your immunity and an increase in susceptibility to colds, 'flu and other infections. Most South Africans that I have tested have sub-optimal Vitamin D levels - get yours checked today! Some simple self-help tips can help keep you healthy:

Eat and drink plenty of warming and mildly spicy things (such as Chai and curries) and look into taking Calendula officinalis, a warming, drying and cheering daisy which is one of the best herbs to to help you through this time is the year.

Calendula is an immune boosting and protecting herb that belongs to the same plant family as the famous but misused Echinacea and is more suitable for long term use. Taken throughout the winter months, Calendula can work on the lymphatic and immune systems and help to prevent colds, 'flus and other problems typically experienced in winter, and is also good at helping to lift the mood of those that are prone to 'Winter Blues' or S.A.D. The petals or flower heads, fresh or dried, can be added to soups and stews, or made into a tea to be consumed daily or small amounts of the tincture (ethanol extract) can be taken in water.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency is more common than most people realise

2011-05-27T14:01:00.001+02:00

Vitamin B12 deficiency may be a lot more common than we realise. Your blood levels of B12 should not be below 450 pg/mL. Get your level tested especially if you are older, vegetarian or vegan. Follow the link below to read the full article:

B12 deficiency: a silent epidemic with serious consequences

http://thehealthyskeptic.org/b12-deficiency-a-silent-epidemic-with-serious-consequences

Sugary soft drinks linked to high blood pressure

2011-03-02T11:54:00.000+02:00

The BBC is reporting that a new study on fizzy or sugary soft drinks has linked them to dose-related increases in blood pressure. Read the full article here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-12597970

Whatsup Cape Town Article

2011-02-23T14:11:00.000+02:00

Big thanks to Dirk for a great article about myself on his Blog WhatsupCapeTown! Have a read of the article here: http://www.whatsupcapetown.com/2011/cape-town-blog/profiles-craig-wright-a-new-homeopath-in-cape-town/

Nobel Prize Winner and AIDS research pioneer Luc Montagnier Supports Homeopathy

2011-02-01T11:08:00.000+02:00

"Dr. Luc Montagnier, the French virologist who won the Nobel Prize in 2008 for discovering the AIDS virus, has surprised the scientific community with his strong support for homeopathic medicine.

In a remarkable interview published in Science magazine of December 24, 2010, (1) Professor Luc Montagnier, has expressed support for the often maligned and misunderstood medical specialty of homeopathic medicine. Although homeopathy has persisted for 200+ years throughout the world and has been the leading alternative treatment method used by physicians in Europe, (2) most conventional physicians and scientists have expressed skepticism about its efficacy due to the extremely small doses of medicines used."
Read the rest of Dana Ullman's excellent article from the Huffington Post at:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dana-ullman/luc-montagnier-homeopathy-taken-seriously_b_814619.html

Adaptogens - Plant Medicine Superstars!

2011-01-24T12:45:00.000+02:00

Many plant medicines have extensive and well-rounded effects, but the true all-rounders are a group of plants called adaptogens. These wonder-plants are able to help the body and mind adapt to changing circumstances (hence the name!) and are superb for helping with stress and all its mental and physical effects.

Many ancient medicine systems have wonderful tonic herbs that can be used to promote health and balance many physiological functions. Called variously Qi tonics in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Rasayanas in Ayurveda, many of these plants have been subjected to modern investigation and testing, in most cases confirming their health giving properties. A large body of research is thanks to the Russians, who were looking for substances that they could give to their cosmonauts when they sent them into space, helping them to deal with the extreme and varied stresses of being in space. Plants such as Eleutherooccus (Siberian Ginseng) have been proven to do just that.
Adaptogen plants affect the hormonal, nervous and circulatory systems. They increase energy levels, balance over or under immune system responses and are generally anabolic - helping to build and and sustain the body, increasing strength and stamina. Many lower cholesterol levels, improve heart function, increase disease resistance and normalise metabolism.
Famous adaptogen plants include Panax Ginseng (Asian Ginseng), Withania somniferum (Ashwaganda), Asparagus racemosa (Shatavari), Glycyrrhiza glabra (Liquorice), Cordyceps and Reishi mushrooms, Eleutherococcus senticosus (Siberian Ginseng), Sutherlandia frutescens (Cancer Bush) and Rhodiola rosea. Not all these plants are suitable for everyone, but generally they are extremely safe. However, if you feel that you are in need of some adaptogen help, it is best to see a knowledgeable practitioner who can individualise a prescription for you.

If you only pack one natural medicine for your holiday it better be .....

2010-12-08T14:41:00.000+02:00

URTICA - The Stinging Nettle. This is the perfect plant for sunburn, heat rash and bites and stings.
If you have ever had an encounter with a stinging nettle, you will know all about the stinging, burning, itching red-and-white eruptions that it can cause. This makes it the perfect homeopathic medicine for similar problems. I use neat Urtica tincture on bites and stings, and for burns, scalds, sunburn, heat rash, hives or other itching eruptions, it can be diluted 50:50 with water, or you can mix 10 drops per teaspoon of Aloe gel. Apply liberally. It really is the most magical treatment for minor burns - keep a bottle in your kitchen or near the braai.

8-Day Healing Bush - a little bush with big powers!

2010-11-29T17:04:00.000+02:00

Lobostemon fruticosus is an amazing indigenous plant belonging to the Borage and Comfrey family. It is a common little shrub in the Cape Floristic Region, with tough hairy leaves and flowers that range from pink through purples to blues, often on the same bush and in the same flower at the same time.
Chew some fresh leaf and you will see why it is also called 'Pleisterbos' - a gummy mass will quickly form!
Other names include Agtdaegeneesbossie and Douwurmbos. Said to heal any condition in 8 days, this plant has properties that are typical of the family - it is soothing and cooling and moisturising to the skin and is a wonderful wound healer. I make a fantastic rich cream from the plant and it can be used for all manner of skin problems. Lobostemon cream or gel is perfect for dry eczemas and psoriasis, helping to cool and moisturise the skin. It is a soothing application for sunburn, so common at this time of the year, and indeed can help repair sun damage and even help precancerous skin changes if used consistently. It is also helpful for fungal skin conditions such as ringworm or tinea versicolor and may be used by people with seborrhoeic dermatitis. Its wound healing properties make it an excellent application for cuts, grazes and minor wounds as well as bumps and bruises. It has very similar properties to the related famous wound healer Comfrey (Symphytum), but is indigenous and easy to grow in a waterwise garden. Internally, Lobostemon may have applications as a lung medicine, for soothing and healing the stomach (e.g. ulcers) and may act as an anti-depressant, but more research is necessary before I could recommend it in these conditions. Look out for Lobostemon - a perfect plant for our outdoor South African lifestyle....!http://www.plantzafrica.com/plantklm/plimagesklm/lobostemfrut.jpg

Moving Practice

2010-10-28T16:13:00.000+02:00

As of this coming Monday, 1 November, I am please to announce that I am moving practice to a new multidisciplinary centre just 200m down the road from my current practice. 'Back 2 Health' will have 2 Osteopaths, a Biokineticist and myself, and we will shortly be joined by a GP or psychologist. This move will allow me to offer an improved service of tailor-made integrated medicine as, in addition to the homeopathy and herbal medicine that I would normally utilise, I am able to work closely with physical practitioners to help any patient that has structural or biomechanical problems. Appointments can now be made on 021 671 4338. Come and have a look!
Back 2 Health
166, Corner or Belvedere & Lansdowne Roads
Claremont
Cape Town
7708

Tips for Spring

2010-09-29T13:12:00.000+02:00

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Spring, when the new growth starts to appear on trees and other plants, is said the be the Wood time of the year, i.e. Spring is governed by the Wood Element (as opposed to Fire, Earth, Metal and Water). Each Element is also linked to a major organ system and in TCM this is the Liver and Gallbladder. Spring is therefore one of the best times to address Liver issues and to ensure that your liver and gallbladder is in optimal health. Now is the time to address this and also to assist the shift in metabolism from the quiet, slow winter mode to the more expansive and active summer mode.
This is a good time to help your detoxification and elimination systems to 'Spring clean' your body. Most detoxification programmes focus on:
1) Opening the four channels of elimination (Lung, Skin, Intestines, Kidneys)
2) Ensuring healthy liver and gallbladder function and bile production and flow
3) Ensuring the appropriate flow and distribution of blood and lymph
Many medical systems address this in different ways.
I usually suggest
1)Triphala - an ancient Ayurvedic cleansing formula - for removing wastes from the body through the digestive tract (it also helps the liver)
2) lots of hot mild spice tea (chai) especially fresh ginger to fire up the metabolism and digestive processes
3) Take herbs such as Urtica urens (Stinging Nettle) for helping the blood and kidneys; Taraxacum (Dandelion) for helping the liver, gallbladder and kidneys and/or Arctium lappa (Burdock) which helps the lungs, skin, kidneys and liver!
This is a good time to take herbal bitters such as Sweden Bitters (which contains our local Aloe ferox), as bitters are cooling and not suitable for general winter use, but best for Spring and Summer and bitter substances help the flow of bile and digestion.
In addition, exercise, yoga breathing exercises, steam baths and lymphatic drainage massage will help complete a transformation to summer!

Exciting New Research on Cancer Cells and Homeopathic Medicine

2010-08-24T12:36:00.000+02:00

A common criticism of homeopathy is that we use medicines that are diluted beyond the point where any of the original molecules of the substance are left in the prescribed medicine. These 'ultra-molecular dilutions' are controversial to some and often considered to be no more than placebo! An interesting new piece of research would have us believe otherwise. Published in the International Journal of Oncology in February this year, it shows how ultra-molecular preparations of 4 medicines commonly prescribed for cancer patients had a selective effect in killing cancer cells in test tubes while not affecting normal cells, proving that highly diluted homeopathic medicines can in fact have a measurable effect and are not simply water / placebo. See below for more information on this study:

Int J Oncol. 2010 Feb;36(2):395-403.

Cytotoxic effects of ultra-diluted remedies on breast cancer cells.

• Frenkel M, Mishra BM, Sen S, Yang P, Pawlus A, Vence L, Leblanc A, Cohen L, Banerji P, Banerji P.

• Integrative Medicine Program-Unit 145, Department of Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA. frenkelm@netvision.net.il

Abstract

• The use of ultra-diluted natural products in the management of disease and treatment of cancer has generated a lot of interest and controversy. We conducted an in vitro study to determine if products prescribed by a clinic in India have any effect on breast cancer cell lines. We studied four ultra-diluted remedies (Carcinosin, Phytolacca, Conium and Thuja) against two human breast adenocarcinoma cell lines (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) and a cell line derived from immortalized normal human mammary epithelial cells (HMLE). The remedies exerted preferential cytotoxic effects against the two breast cancer cell lines, causing cell cycle delay/arrest and apoptosis. These effects were accompanied by altered expression of the cell cycle regulatory proteins, including downregulation of phosphorylated Rb and upregulation of the CDK inhibitor p27, which were likely responsible for the cell cycle delay/arrest as well as induction of the apoptotic cascade that manifested in the activation of caspase 7 and cleavage of PARP in the treated cells. The findings demonstrate biological activity of these natural products when presented at ultra-diluted doses.

Radio Helderberg Interview & Wordsworth Talks

2010-05-25T09:39:00.000+02:00

Catch me this morning (Tuesday) at 11h30 on Radio Helderberg 93.6 FM talking about medicinal plants. This Thursday 27 May at 17h30 I am giving a talk on homeopathy, its principles and applications at Wordsworth Books at the Waterfront - come along and ask some difficult questions!!

What is Homeopathy?

2010-05-03T14:29:00.000+02:00

Homeopathy is a complete system of medicine devised in its modern form in 1796 by a German physician—Samuel Hahnemann. Homeopaths work with the body’s own natural healing mechanisms to stimulate a person back to health. This is done by prescribing small doses of substances that would, in a larger dose and in a healthy person, cause symptoms similar to the ones that the patient is currently experiencing.
This is medically utilising the Principle of Similars, i.e. “Like cures Like”. Homeopaths draw on over 3000 substances from the mineral, plant and animal kingdoms to use as medicines. In addition, they may also use supportive treatments such as diet, supplements, herbal medicines or acupuncture to treat a patient. Homeopathic treatment is intrinsically holistic and highly individualised. The whole person’s mind and body are taken into account when tailor-making a treatment programme for a patient. In South Africa, homeopaths are medically trained primary-contact physicians who are able to diagnose and treat (if appropriate) illness and deficiencies in human beings. All South African-trained homeopaths have a Master’s degree in Homeopathy and have undergone a 5-year fulltime training and a 1 year internship. Homeopaths must register with and are controlled by the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa.

Geometry in Nature

2010-04-28T11:04:00.000+02:00

I have really been struck by this beautiful short video showing how nature uses geometry in its constructions! It is a wonderful display of Fibonacci sequences, The Golden Mean & Phi etc. Have a look and see what I mean: http://www.etereaestudios.com/docs_html/nbyn_htm/movie_index.htm

2010-04-19T15:27:00.001+02:00

With the Cape winter on its way, its time to think about ways to protect yourself from winter problems.

The Cape winter is cold and wet and one of the best herbs to to help you through this time is the warming, drying and cheering daisy - Calendula officinalis.
Calendula is an immune boosting and protecting herb that belongs to the same plant family as the famous but misused Echinacea and is more suitable for long term use. Taken throughout the winter months, Calendula can work on the lymphatic and immune systems and help to prevent colds, 'flus and other problems typically experienced in winter, and is also good at helping to lift the mood of those that are prone to 'Winter Blues' or S.A.D. The petals or flower heads, fresh or dried, can be added to soups and stews, or made into a tea to be consumed daily or small amounts of the tincture (ethanol extract) can be taken in water.

Research in Homeopathy. What's the Evidence?

2010-04-06T16:18:00.000+02:00

Research into many areas of homeopathy is continually being done. This is contrary to some reports in the media that there is no evidence that homeopathy works! It is just bad journalism, really - lazy journalists mindlessly repeating misinformation that has been given to them...
The Society of Homeopaths in the UK has added a section to their website explaining much of the research that is being done (in the English speaking world) into homeopathy. Have a look at this link to find out more: http://www.homeopathy-soh.org/whats-new/research/evid/clinical-trials.aspx

Talk on Health at the Waterfront

2010-03-18T15:32:00.001+02:00

I am giving a short talk on the differences between Western biomedicine and Natural Medicine systems and an overview of homeopathy, herbal medicine and naturopathy at Wordsworth Books at the V&A Waterfront this evening from 17h30. A series of monthly talks on health is planned - contact Wordsworth Books directly or keep an eye out here for upcoming talk information!

Eating Advice for Vata, Pitta and Kapha Types

2010-02-16T19:09:00.001+02:00

In Ayurveda, all things are considered to have one or more of 6 universal flavours. All foods and medicines can be classified as sweet, sour, salty, pungent (spicy), bitter or astringent (drying / puckering) or a combination of these flavours. There are 3 good flavours and three bad flavours for each constitutional type. The suggestions given below are aimed at trying to include more of the 3 good flavours of foods in your diet and less of the 3 bad flavours. If you have determined which of your 3 doshas are predominant - Vata, Pitta or Kapha, then you can have a look at the guidelines below to help you to adjust your eating style:

These are very broad guidelines. Never force yourself to eat a food that disagrees with you or that you have an allergy to!

VATA REDUCING DIET

NERVOUS SYSTEM NOURISHING DIET

Use this diet to help relieve nervous tension, cramps, pain, anxiety, insomnia, bloating, constipation, dryness & chilliness.

General treatments:

Please just eat what is appropriate for you. If you are intolerant of any food or simply do not like it then please avoid it.

• This diet is to help raise the digestive fire and enhance the assimilation of nutrients which will help calm the nervous system.

• Emphasise foods that are warm, soupy and easy to digest.

• Eat at regular times.

• Eat to less than full.

• Practice relaxation.

• Avoid yeast, refined sugars, coffee, tea, tobacco, drugs, poor quality oils and extremely spicy foods as these aggravate the digestion and the nervous system.

• Favour foods that are warm, heavy, and oily as these nourish the nervous system.

• Reduce foods that are cold, dry, and hard as these aggravate digestion.

• Favour foods that are sweet (e.g. wheat, milk, rice), sour (e.g. vinegar, yogurt, umeboshi plums, citrus fruit), and salty as these are all nourishing.

• Reduce foods that are very spicy, bitter (e.g. chillies, coffee, green leafy vegetables), and astringent (e.g. apples, beans) as these aggravate digestion and disturb the nervous system.

• Dairy: all dairy products nourish the nervous system. Always boil milk before you drink it, mix with cardamom seeds and drink it warm. Don’t take milk with a full meal or with fruit. Use organic milk. If allergic substitute with almond or rice milk. Avoid ice cream, powdered milks and soya milk.

• Sweeteners: all sweet flavours are good for nourishing the nervous system. Reduce refined white sugar. Avoid all sugars if bloating is present.

• Oils: all oils reduce dryness and nourish the nervous system. Emphasise Flax, hemp, sesame, ghee, olive, sunflower, evening primrose, borage and fish oils. Use these internally and externally.

• Grains: rice (basmati, brown, wild), wheat, oats (cooked) and quinoa are very good for nourishing the nervous system. Amaranth is ok. Reduce intake of barley, corn, millet, buckwheat and rye as these are a bit drying and can be difficult to digest creating wind. Avoid the rest

• Fruits: favour sweet, sour, or heavy fruits, such as berries, bananas, avocados, grapes, cherries, lemons, limes, fresh figs, peaches, melons, plums, pineapples, mangoes, and papayas. Cooked apples and pears are ok. Soaked prunes and raisins are ok. Avoid dried fruits, uncooked apples, pears, pomegranates, cranberries as these can create wind.

• Vegetables: asparagus, beets, cucumbers, carrots, and sweet potatoes are the best. Peas, green leafy vegetables, celery, summer squash, winter squash, and potatoes are best well cooked in oil or ghee with mild spices. Seaweeds are very beneficial. It’s best to avoid the Brassica family: brussel sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage. Also avoid Solanaceae (nightshade) family; peppers, aubergines, potatoes and tomatoes. Raw vegetables, especially onions are banned as these all create wind.

• Spices: Most of them, especially; asafoetida, cardamom, cumin, coriander, ginger, fennel, dill, cinnamon, salt, cloves, mustard seed, black pepper all help reduce gas and spasms in the digestive system.

• Nuts: all nuts and seeds are good in moderation, especially soaked.

• Beans: avoid all beans, except for marinated tofu and mung lentils and occasionally red lentils.

• Meat and fish: chicken, turkey, eggs and seafood are fine; beef should be avoided.

PITTA REDUCING DIET

INFLAMMATION & HEAT REDUCING DIET

Use this diet to help clear skin inflammations, itching, joint pain, hot flushes, acidity, ulcers, anger, irritation, infections, fever, late spring

General Treatments

Please just eat what is appropriate for you. If you are intolerant of any food or simply do not like it then please avoid it.

• Include Aloe Vera juice and rose water daily

• Avoid alcohol, coffee, tea, chocolate, cheese, yogurt, and excess animal products. Low quality oils are a major cause of inflammation.

• Avoid sour, salty, and pungent foods as these aggravate inflammation.

• Favour foods that are cool, refreshing and liquid. Fresh organic fruits and vegetables.

• Favour foods that are sweet, bitter, or astringent as these reduce heat.

• Reduce foods that are spicy, salty or sour as these increase heat.

• Dairy: Milk, butter, and ghee are good for pacifying heat. Avoid yogurt, cheese, sour cream, and cultured buttermilk; their sour taste aggravates inflammation.

• Sweeteners: All sweeteners are good except for honey and molasses.

• Oils: Flax, hemp, borage, evening primrose, olive, sunflower, and coconut oils are best. Reduce sesame, almond, and corn oil, all of which increase heat.

• Grains: Wheat, basmati rice, barley and oats are anti-inflammatory. Reduce corn, rye, millet, and brown rice as they are a little heating.

• Fruits: Favour sweet fruits such as grapes, limes, cherries, melons, avocado, coconut, pomegranates, mangoes, apples, berries, sweet and fully ripened oranges. Reduce sour fruits such as grapefruits, lemons, olives, papayas and sour, not-yet-ripened oranges, pineapples, and plums as they can increase heat and acidity.

• Vegetables: Favour asparagus, cucumber, cooked beetroots, sweet potatoes, green leafy vegetables, pumpkins, summer squash, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, okra, lettuce, sprouted beans, peas, green beans. Avoid Solanaceae (nightshade) family: hot peppers, bell peppers, tomatoes, aubergines, potato (some is ok). Also avoid Allium (onion) family; especially raw onions & garlic and other pungent vegetables such as radishes and horseradish. Also avoid raw beetroots, raw spinach and mustard greens as these all increase heat and acidity.

• Beans: Avoid all beans except for tofu and mung lentils. Especially avoid peanuts as these can create inflammation.

• Spices: Cinnamon, coriander, dill, aniseed, cardamom, fennel, turmeric, fresh ginger and small amounts of black pepper are good, but the following spices strongly increase heat and should be taken in moderation: Asafoetida, dry ginger, cumin, fenugreek, clove, celery seed, salt, and mustard seed. Chilli peppers and cayenne should be avoided.

• Meat and Fish: Chicken, pheasant, and turkey are preferable; but beef, seafood, and egg yolk increase inflammation.

• Superfoods: Chlorella, Spirulina, Wheat grass, Barley grass, Klamath lake algae, seaweeds all help to cool the system and clear inflammation.

KAPHA REDUCING DIET

Use this diet to help clear mucus, heaviness, sinus congestion, think tongue coating, tiredness, sluggishness, high cholesterol, oedema, excess weight and is useful during winter months

General Treatments

Please just eat what is appropriate for you. If you are intolerant of any food or simply do not like it then please avoid it.

• Avoid yeast, salt, cheese, yoghurt, chocolate, and refined sugars and flours as these increase mucus.

• Avoid overeating, especially at night.

• Do not eat when you are not hungry. Do not eat between meals.

• Do not eat cold foods

• A primarily vegetarian diet is highly recommended.

• Include ginger in your daily diet: take a pinch of fresh ginger root with a few drops of lemon juice before each meal.

• Favour foods that are light, dry, and warm as these reduce mucus.

• Reduce foods that are heavy, oily, and cold as these increase weight and mucus.

• Favour foods that are spicy, bitter, and astringent (e.g. ginger, asparagus, tea) as these help to dry excess fluids in the body.

• Reduce foods that are sweet, salty, and sour (e.g. cakes, crisps, vinegar) as these increase fluids in the body.

• Dairy: Low-fat milk is better. Always boil milk before you drink it (making it easier to digest) and take it warm. Do not take milk with a full meal, or with sour or salty food. Add some cardamom or ginger to whole milk before boiling it to help reduce any mucus generating properties. Use goat’s milk or water milk down 50/50. A little ghee (clarified butter) is fine. Avoid eggs, cheese, yoghurt and buffalo milk.

• Fruits: Lighter fruits, such as apples and pears, are better. Reduce sweet, heavy or sour fruits such as oranges, bananas, pineapples, figs, dates, avocados, coconuts, and melons, as these fruits increase mucus.

• Sweeteners: Use a little honey (2 tsp/day) as it helps to reduce mucus. Reduce all other sugar products.

• Beans: All beans are fine, except tofu as it is very cold.

• Nuts: Reduce all nuts as they are too oily.

• Oils: Reduce all oils but flax, corn and sunflower is ok.

• Grains: Increase barley, corn, buckwheat, quinoa and millet as these are slightly drying or warming. Avoid or do not take too much wheat, rice, or oats, as they increase heaviness and mucus.

• Spices: Include all spices except for salt. Salt increases water retention and mucus whereas spices increase warmth in the body.

• Vegetables: Increase asparagus, aubergine, beetroots, broccoli, cabbage, carrot, cauliflower, celery, garlic, ginger, green leaves, kale, onion, potato, pumpkin, radish, sprouts. Reduce okra, olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, sweet potatoes, and summer squash as these increase fluids.

• Meat and Fish: White meat from chicken or turkey is fine, as is seafood. Avoid or reduce red meat and pork.

The Case for Homeopathic Medicine: The Historical & Scientific Evidence

2010-02-11T10:00:00.000+02:00

American author and long time advocate of homeopathy Dana Ullman has written an excellent article about homeopathic medicine for the respected Huffington Post - its well worth a read! Have a look at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dana-ullman/the-case-for-homeopathic_b_451187.html

What Type are You?

2010-02-09T15:18:00.000+02:00

Ayurveda is the ancient Indian system of medicine. In Ayurveda, there are three constitutional types (called doshas). These are called Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Knowing which type you are allows you to change your diet and your lifestyle to help to decreased the dosha that is in excess and in doing so, improve your health and wellbeing. Which type are you? Basically, Vata types are cold, dry and underweight, Pitta types are hot, fiery, irritable, burning and Kapha types are large, slow and damp. There are many quick tests that you can do to determine which is your predominant dosha. Have a look at Pukka Herbs' test here: http://www.pukkaherbs.com/file/18493d0dce9126383774a3dc1327277e/discover-your-ayurvedic-type.html

The next post will include dietary tips for the 3 types

2010-02-08T17:42:00.001+02:00

Practical no-nonsense information about health and wellbeing coming soon...