Healing Earth Herbals

Organic Herbal Medicine Clinic and Dispensary

Healing Earth Newsletter

 

Thank you very much to everyone visiting this website and reading this newsletter.  A new article will appear on this site every 2 weeks and will focus on various topics such as specific herbs, specific diseases, frequently asked questions and other information pertaining to herbal medicine. If you would like to receive this newsletter direct to your email inbox every 2 weeks, please contact me by email and I will add you to our mailing list.

** To read more from James Christian, Medical Herbalist, you can view his blogs at:

http://medicalherbalist.blogspot.com/

Stress and Western Herbal Medicine

June 4th, 2007

Although modern day living provides many new conveniences, there is still a large portion of the population that suffer from various degrees of stress. But what is stress and how does it affect people’s health? Basically stress can be described as any outside force that disrupts the internal balance or harmony within the body. These can include relationships (both personal and professional), work conditions and bodily health among others. Living in the city requires the ability to withstand some stress, but when it becomes overwhelming and begins causing physical complaints such as high blood pressure, insomnia, digestive upset and the inability to concentrate and focus, it is indicative that balance needs to be restored within the body.

 

By nature, stress is not a condition that can be “treated” itself, but rather the body can be given support through the use of healing plants, supplements, relaxation techniques and lifestyle adjustments to work through the stress in a healthy way.

 

Herbs to Use:

Herbal Medicine provides us with herbs with various actions that are beneficial in the treatment of stress. Herbalists use plants with adaptogenic, relaxant, adrenal tonic and nervous system restorative actions. Adaptogenic herbs include Eleutherococcus senticosus (Siberian Ginseng) and Withania somnifera (Ashwaghanda) which both effectively help the body adapt and cope with stress. Relaxing herbs are important as they can help calm the mind. Some great herbs for relaxation include Valeriana officinalis (Valerian) and Scutalleria lateriflora (Skullcap). As stress can sometimes lead to an over-use of adrenalin from the body to cope with stress, your adrenal glands (located on top of your kidneys) become exhausted and begin to cause other health problems. Borago officinalis (Borage) is a herb that works well to restore healthy adrenal function. Nervous system tonic herbs are used to help bring balance back to your nervous system and help you function and cope with stress by providing nutrition to nerve cells and restoring healthy cell activity. Herbs that have this action include Avena sativa (Oats) and Stachys officinalis (Wood Betony)

 

 

Lifestyle and Supplements:

One of the most important things to help with lifestyle stress is to examine the circumstances that trigger the stress and see how you can change your lifestyle patterns to minimize them. It is very beneficial to try to incorporate relaxation techniques into your life routine including yoga and meditation. If you feel that you are unable to cope with the stress in your life on your own, you should consult a Counselor or Psychologist to help work through the issues professionally. Good supplements to use during stressful periods of life include Vitamin A, B-complex, B6 and B12, C, D, E, Magnesium, Zinc and Oils of Evening Primrose or Borage.

 

 

Every individual is different and different herbs may be required. For a more customized approach to your allergies, consult your local Medical Herbalist

 

 

Allergies and Western Herbal Medicine

April 12, 2007

It is that time of the year again – allergy season! For many people living and working in Victoria this time of the year can be a nightmare trying to balance their daily routine with the unpleasant symptoms of allergies. Allergies are caused by allergens which are a variety of tiny things such as pollen, dust, dander and others. Our body flags these allergens as invaders and therefore triggers a defensive response which brings about a large and varied amount of symptoms. Symptoms range from itchy and watery eyes, runny nose, general fatigue, sneezing and sensitive skin. So what herbal medicines can you use to help alleviate your symptoms, and at the same time reduce your susceptibility to allergens in the first place?

 

Herbs to Use:

Herbal Medicine provides us with herbs with various actions that are beneficial in the treatment of allergies. Herbalists use plants with anti-allergic, relaxant, bronchodilating and immune boosting actions. Anti-allergic herbs include Gingko biloba (Gingko Tree) and Urtica dioica (Stinging Nettle) which both effectively reduce the body’s reaction to the presence of allergens. Relaxing herbs are important as research has shown that anxiety and stress can increase the symptoms of allergic responses. Some great herbs for relaxation include Chamomilla recutita (Chamomile) and Scutalleria lateriflora (Skullcap). As allergies can sometimes lead to a constriction in the airways, known as allergic asthma, herbs such as Lobelia inflata (Lobelia) and Ephedra sinica (Ephedra) are very beneficial, although these herbs should only be used under the direct supervision of a Professional Herbalist. Immune boosting herbs are very beneficial and one of the very best I can recommend is Echinacea angustifolia or Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower). It may seems strange to give immune boosting herbs during a time where it seems that our body is already defending itself, but herbs such as Echinacea help restore the healthy functioning of the immune system and might help to reset the allergic response to allergens.

 

Lifestyle and Supplements:

Studies have shown that removing pets, including birds, from the home have reduced the frequency of allergic reactions. Dust mites that live in our pillows and mattresses can also increase allergic responses. One way to alleviate this problem is to use bed products resistant to dust mite infestation, and to place your pillows in the freezer overnight to kill off the dust mites living in them. Try to increase relaxation techniques to reduce stress levels and ensure a good night’s sleep to give your body the energy to fight off the allergens. Good supplements to use during allergy season include Vitamin A, B-Complex, Vitamin C, Bromelain, Selenium and Zinc.

 

Diet:

There are certain foods that increase the allergic response and these foods should be avoided during peak times of allergies. Foods such as dairy, fatty and greasy foods and sugar should be avoided along with refined foods including white flour. Fresh and raw vegetables are great in assisting the nutrition levels of the body without causing a spike in the reactions. Rice is not known to cause any allergic reaction so you are free to eat rice, but you should choose brown rice over white rice. Be sure to drink plenty of water to help flush out any toxins within the body. Soups are great as they are easily digested and require less energy to assimilate the nutrients.

 

Every individual is different and different herbs may be required. For a more customized approach to your allergies, consult your local Medical Herbalist

 

Setting up Clinic in Victoria, BC

March 31, 2007

Since moving to Victoria in September 2006, I have been working hard to set up my clinical practice here and begin helping people achieve optimum health using the healing power within the plants that grow around us everyday. It seems strange to me that a healing system that has existed for as long as we have on this planet, that surrounds us in everyday life, has become so foreign to us. I walk around Victoria and see healing plants growing out of cracks in the sidewalks, along the curbstones of the roads and in the planters and gardens of residents of the community. Would it surprise people to know that these plants have the ability to fight off infection, cleanse your liver and digestive tract, restore a healthy blood pressure and help you manage stress?

To me there is nothing more satisfying than to be able to use these natural plants and help people with them. Ever since I was young I have wanted to be involved in healthcare at some level. I thought about attending Medical School and becoming a Physician. I thought about becoming a Naturopath. It wasn’t until I had a healing experience with plants that changed my view and opened up my mind to this world which has been forgotten by most. I set my mind to it and located the best school that I could in the field of Herbal Medicine. It was not a surprise to find that the best school was in England and it was called the School of Phytotherapy. I immediately enrolled in the 4 year degree program and began my journey that has led me here to Victoria.

There have been many ups and downs along the way as is to be expected with life. Without any fluctuations would it really be eventful? Would we enjoy our lives as much if there wasn’t any hiccup along the way? I feel strongly that all the experiences that we have along our life’s path prepare us for what is around the corner. We gain in strength and intelligence with each passing day. New thoughts, new ideas and new memories. Good and bad. It is with this experience that I come into the clinic and am able to empathize with people. I have compassion and am able to see where they are coming from. I draw upon my own personal experiences and achievements to help motivate people into a more positive mentality and show them that there are plants out there in the world that can help restore health and vitality to them.

I know that I have made the right decision in setting up my clinical practice and dispensary in Victoria because since I have done so, so many influential people have come into my life. These people have filled me with confidence that I am doing what is right. I wonder who will be calling me each week to come in and see me for advice about their health and how much of an impact I can make for them. Every person that comes to see me receives the very best treatment I can offer. Nothing brings me more excitement and satisfaction than hearing the success stories back from clients after they have been taking the customized herbal treatments.

I just want to take this opportunity to welcome all of you to come and meet with me to discuss your health. No issue is too big or too small to discuss. No matter what your health concerns are you will receive my full dedication to assisting you with plant medicines. I truly look forward to hearing from you and seeing you soon at the clinic.

James Christian

Be sure to check back every 2 weeks for a new article about Herbal Medicine!

Welcome to Healing Earth!

Date: June 4th, 2007

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