FEBRUARY, 2006 NEWSLETTER

3430-D Anderson Hwy., Powhatan, VA  23139 ~ 804-598-5352

www.herbalconsultant.com

HEALTH WORKSHOPS At Apothecarian Herbals (co-sponsored by Whole-Istic Health Massage)

PLAN AHEAD! Pre-register by calling 598-5352, 677-0805, or sign up at www.herbalconsultant. com/Calender.htm

(Must have 5 pre-registered attendees to hold a class.)

DIABETES ALTERNATIVES

February 27 (Monday)

6:30 pm - 8:00 pm $10.00

Instructors: Debbie Markel, CH, CNHP ShawnMarie Kerley, CMT Bethanie Good, RN, CNC

CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH WITHOUT DRUGS

March 20 (Monday)

6:30 pm - 8:00 pm $10.00

Instructors: Debbie Markel, CH, CNHP ShawnMarie Kerley, CMT

ADAPTOGENS FOR ENERGY AND STRESS

Adaptogens, in very simple terms, are herbs that help us "adapt" to changes and stressors our bodies experience daily.  They are used in herbal medicine to combat stress and fatigue, and they also have a positive effect on our immune systems.   In 1947, Russian scientist N.V. Lazarev,  determined that a medicinal substance must fit the following three criteria in order to be classed as an adaptogen:

1. It must cause only minimal disorders in the body's physiological functions;

2. It must increase the body's resistance to adverse influences not by a specific action but by a wide range of physical, chemical, and biochemical factors;

3. It must have an overall normalizing effect, improving all kinds of conditions and aggravating none.

According to Christopher Hobbs, world-renowned herbalist, author and licensed acupuncturist, adaptogens work by:

1. Supporting the adrenal function, thus counteracting the adverse effects of stress;

2. Enabling the body's cells to have access to more energy;

3. Helping cells to eliminate toxic byproducts of the metabolic process;

4. Providing an anabolic (building-up) effect (hence the use of adaptogens by body-builders);

5. Helping the body to utilize oxygen more efficiently;

6. Enhancing and speeding the proper regulation of bio-rhythms.

As you can see, adaptogens perform important functions in our bodies and have broad applications for most people in today's stressful, toxic, fast-paced world.

There are two classes of adaptogens - primary and secondary. Primary adaptogens meet all the criteria outlined above while secondary adaptogens may lack support for the adrenals but will still enhance energy, stress and immunity.  Most primary and some secondary adaptogens have had extensive research performed on them, especially in Russia.  Following are some of the most popular and effective adaptogens commonly used today:

1. Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus), which used to be known as Siberian Ginseng.  Eleuthero has been extensively researched on thousands of humans in clinical trials.  Its actions are as follows:

     a. Protects against environmental pollutants and radiation;

     b. Normalizes body temperature, thus treating hypothermia;

     c. Regulates blood-sugar levels;

     d. Protects the liver and enhances its ability to break down and get rid of drugs in the body;

     e. Increases the body's ability to resist infection;

     f. Supports optimum adrenal function;

     g. Increases endurance and the capacity to work;

     h. Increases semen output in men which can assist with fertility issues.

2. Schizandra berries (Schizandra chinensis) are related to the American magnolia tree.  They are used in adrenal support, stress-reduction, weight loss and sports performance formulas and are normally combined with other herbs and adaptogens.  These berries have strong liver-detoxifying and protecting properties.

3. Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) are mushrooms that are highly revered throughout the world, particularly in Japan.  Christopher Hobbs reports that reishi has shown a wide range of adaptogenic properties, including blood sugar regulation, immune support, anti-cancer properties, ability to oxygenate the blood efficiently, speed regeneration of the liver, a sedative and calming effect, free-radical protective effect, radiation protective effect, reduction in sensitivity to allergens, anti-hypertensive effect, and it lowers cholesterol.  There are several well-designed studies proving how well reishi works to support a variety of diseases and conditions. 

4. Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea) is an herb that was used for centuries in Scandanavia and Russia, but has just recently been introduced into wide-spread use in the United States.  It was used by the Russian Communist government to increase endurance and fight fatigue among Russian soldiers.  Rhodiola appears to work by influencing key central nervous system chemicals--neurotransmitters called monoamines (dopamine and serotonin are examples), which is different from how other adaptogens work.  It has been used for treating depression and fatigue, enhancing memory and intellectual capacity, increasing work performance and endurance, and stimulating the nervous system.  Other benefits of rhodiola that have been proved in studies include such varied applications as regulation of menstrual periods and infertility, reduction of side effects from cancer chemotherapy, increased sexual libido and erectile dysfunction, enhancement of thyroid gland function, and protection from environmental toxins.

Secondary adaptogens include Ashwaganda (Withania somnifera) and Gotu-kola (Centella asiatica) from India; Wild Oats (Avena sativa); Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceous), a powerful tonic herb from China; and Burdock (Arctium lappa), whose root, greens, and seeds were known to the ancient Greeks as healing remedies, and in Western herbalism they were important foods and medicines throughout the middle ages.

Side effects for adaptogens are rare because they work very gently and harmlessly on all body systems.  Some "tonic" formulas will contain a combination of one or more adaptogenic herbs with other supportive supplements and vitamins.  Since adaptogens are easily available and have almost no contra-indications, there's no reason not to be able to fight stress, fatigue and disease safely on a daily basis.

(Reference source: www.healthy.net)

CLASSES at POWHATAN HIGH SCHOOL

PRACTICAL AND EASY NUTRITION

Learn to read food labels, healthy recipe substitutions, and what vitamins may be right for you.

Begins February 8 for 4 Wednesdays

6:30pm - 8:00pm

$20.00 fee (free for qualifying seniors)

DO-IT-YOURSELF HOME REMEDIES FOR SENIORS

Learn to use common household ingredients to make remedies for health and home care.

One Night Only!  Monday, March 13

6:00pm -8:00pm

Free Class for Seniors!

Both classes taught by Debbie Markel, CH, CNHP

To register, call Sharon Faubert at PHS, 598-5710

Pre-registration is required!

 ALSO NEW AT THE STORE...

Roses of Sharown Shea Butter, Aloe Butter, Coconut Oil, and pure, natural soaps (A Powhatan-owned business)