Natural Remedies For Summer Fun

Summer is the time for picnics, swimming, and vacation-fun! However, the fun doesn’t come without a price. It’s also the time when the insects are swarming, the sun is sweltering, and the ivy is growing. If you have children, you know that every summer is an adventure filled with bites, scratches, and bumps for them and for you. Even without children, our summer activities often take us outside and into new surroundings. We tend to be more adventurous in the summer and that can lead to a few stiff muscles, a few scratches, and/ or bites in which we normally wouldn't encounter.

Here are some natural remedies to help prepare for the hot days of summer. The remedies listed below can reduce the symptoms of many minor injuries until medical care is found or until it heals on its own. Use your judgment as to the severity of the problem, but if it's minor, these remedies may be helpful. If symptoms persist, seek professional medical advice immediately. Minor symptoms can often be a sign of a more serious underlying condition.

FOR BUMPS AND BRUISES

ARNICA: Arnica is available in both internal and external preparations, and is safe to use for all ages. Useful for reducing swelling and bruising. Look for Arnica gel or cream, as well as the oral preparation of Arnica 12c or 30c potency. Directions: Apply gel/cream every 2-4 hours as needed, do not apply to broken skin. Arnica 12c/30c should be given immediately after the trauma and then 3 times per day for a few days.

COMPRESSES: Apply a cold compress immediately after the trauma for 20 minutes. This will help reduce the amount of bruising. You may also add witch hazel, comfrey, or arnica (pour ½ tsp from a tincture into a pint of cold water). Repeat 2 to 3 times. External use only.

FOR SUNBURNS

COMPRESSES: As soon as you notice a sunburn, cool the affected area by applying a cold towel compress, apply for 20 minutes. You can also apply fresh cucumber juice to the area by mashing cucumber in a bag or a bowl and then applying it.

ALOE VERA: Apply fresh aloe gel from a plant or a prepared gel or juice to unbroken skin. The plant will soothe the pain and burning. Reapply as needed.

HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES: Apis, cantharis, arnica, or urtica urens are possible remedies used in a 12c or 30c potency. Check a homeopathic guide to see which remedy is appropriate for your symptoms.

HYPERICUM (St. John’s wort): Apply oil or salve to the area a few hours after the burn occurs.

FOR SCRAPES AND SUPERFICIAL WOUNDS

If the wound is gaping and does not appear to be minor, then seek medical attention immediately.

ANTISEPTIC WASH: If bleeding, apply pressure to the area for a few minutes to stop the bleeding. Clean the area well with an antiseptic wash solution using calendula, goldenseal, or witch hazel (1/2 tsp of tincture in a pint of water).

SALVES OR CREAMS: Apply cream or salve made from comfrey, calendula, yarrow or tea tree and cover with a bandage. Use the antiseptic wash once a day to prevent infection.

HOMEOPATHY: Use Arnica as described in the above burns and bruises section.

FOR INSECT BITES AND STINGS

POULTICE: Apply plantain leaves, raw potato slices or raw carrots directly on the bite or with a cheese-cloth for 20 minutes. It will draw out the poison and relieve itching.

COMPRESSES: Apply a compress of distilled witch hazel with a few drops of lavender oil. If you don’t have witch hazel solution on hand then use lemon juice or apple cider vinegar diluted in water.

NATURAL BUG REPELLENT: Using lavender, citronella, eucalyptus and pennyroyal essential oils, mix 15 drops of each with one ounce of almond or olive oil. Use on clothing to avoid repeated skin contact.

HOMEOPATHY: Apis, potency 12c or 30c within 1 hour of bite or sting.

FOR SPLINTERS

BANANAS: Enzymes in banana peels create a drawing action that pulls splinters out of your skin. To use, apply a ripe banana peel (skin side up, pulp side down) to the affected area. Attach using surgical tape before you go to bed and leave it on over night.

SILICEA: Take homeopathic silicea, potency 12c or 30c, three times per day for three days. Specific for extruding foreign material from wounds.

FOR POISON IVY

If you think you have come in contact with poison oak or ivy, immediately wash your clothes and skin with cold, soapy water.

OATMEAL: Make a pot of oatmeal and add to a cool bath and soak for 20- 30 minutes. You may also make a paste from oatmeal and apply it directly to the affected areas. Oatmeal soothes irritated skin and also assists in drawing out the oily exudate.

HOMEOPATHY: Rhus toxicodendron, anacardium, graphites, and sulphur are possible remedies used in a 12c or 30c potency. Check a homeopathic guide to see which remedy is appropriate for your symptoms.

CLAY POULTICE: Use bentonite clay mixed with water and add a few drops of tea tree or lavender essential oil. Apply to the affected areas. Clay will help draw out the irritating oils and soothe the itching.

Enjoy your summer!!!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Since 2005, Dr Fey has helped women, men, and children find real solutions to their health concerns. She truly believes that giving the proper care and nutrients your body has an amazing ability to heal. She is committed to finding the root cause of illness by utilizing a whole body approach not just focusing solely on presenting symptoms. With her scientific background, Dr Fey uses science based natural approaches to treating disease.

Dr. Amanda Fey is the owner and practicing Naturopathic Doctor at Complementary Medicine & Healing Arts, the Southern Tiers Center for Natural Healthcare located in the Binghamton NY area. The office website is www.naturallywell.us. Dr Fey is currently offering telemedicine for patients all across the US. To contact the office call 607-729-0591 or email cmhahealth@gmail.com.  

Amino Acids & Antioxidants: Naturopathic Tools For Cardiovascular Disease Prevention & Treatment

In honor of American Heart Health Month, February, let’s discuss some important amino acids and antioxidants that Naturopathic Doctor’s use for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease.

What is an amino acid?

When you eat protein, they are broken down into amino acids. These amino acids play critical roles in our bodies. They are vital in making hormones, building muscles, regulating our immune system, and making our neurotransmitters, just to name a few.

What is an antioxidant?

We also get antioxidants through our food or through supplementation. Antioxidants are part of our defense system in our bodies. They help fight free radicals which can wreak havoc on many systems in our body but especially our cardiovascular system. This is why, for example, smoking is a risk factor in developing cardiovascular disease. Inhaling smoke is full of free radicals, and it’s our antioxidants that come and battle the inhaled toxins to prevent damage to our tissues.

Some favorite AMINO ACIDS Naturopathic Doctor’s use for cardiovascular diseases

1. Taurine

   Taurine is an amino acid that is naturally produced in our bodies and favors areas like our eyes, brains, heart and muscles. The main source of taurine is in animal foods like meat, dairy and fish.

   Research has shown taurine to slow the progression of plaque formation in the arteries (atherosclerosis). In addition, taurine aids in reducing hypertension by improving blood flow in the vessels as well as minimizing impulses in the brain that increases blood pressure. Lastly, taurine helps increase the force and effectiveness of heart contractions, and has been shown to help with congestive heart failure. Most doctors suggest taking 2 grams 3x/day.

2. L-carnitine

   L-carnitine is an amino acid that can be produced in the body. It is essential for transporting fatty acids into our cells to process for energy. 98% of our carnitine is used in our muscles, and therefore is a very important amino acid for cardiovascular disease since the heart is plain and simply…a muscle.

   Several studies using 2 grams/day of L-carnitine showed an improvement in heart function and a reduction in symptoms of angina. In addition, patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) have insufficient oxygenation of the heart, which can damage the heart muscle. Supplementing with 2 grams of L-carnitine daily has been shown to improve ventricular contractions and cardiac output for CHF patients. Lastly, 2 grams per day showed to significantly decrease systolic as well as diastolic blood pressure readings for hypertensive patients.

Some favorite ANTIOXIDANTS Naturopathic Doctor’s use for cardiovascular diseases

1. Vitamin C

   Vitamin C, also known as L-ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that is naturally present in some foods, added to others, and available as a dietary supplement. Humans, unlike most animals, are unable to synthesize vitamin C endogenously, so it is an essential dietary component. Foods high in vitamin C include broccoli, cantaloupe, cauliflower, kale, kiwi, orange juice, papaya, red, green or yellow pepper, sweet potato, strawberries, and tomatoes.

   Research has shown vitamin C to protect your cholesterol, specifically LDL, from damage. Vitamin C has been shown to decrease the oxidation of the cholesterol therefore reducing plaque formation. In other clinical trials, vitamin C has been shown to decrease high cholesterol levels. Doctors sometimes recommend 1 gram per day of vitamin C.

2. Selenium

   Selenium is found naturally in many foods. The amount of selenium in plant foods depends on the amount of selenium in the soil where they were grown. The amount of selenium in animal products depends on the selenium content of the foods that the animals ate. There are debates whether our soil is being depleted in selenium. A common supplemental dose of selenium is 200mcg/day.

   Some studies show that people with lower blood levels of selenium have a higher risk of heart disease. In an analysis of 25 observational studies, a 50% increase in blood selenium levels was associated with a 24% reduction in the risk of heart disease. Additionally, selenium has been shown to lower markers of inflammation in your body⁠, one of the main risk factors for heart disease. For example, a review of 16 controlled studies including over 433,000 people with heart disease showed that taking selenium supplements decreased levels of the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (CRP).

3. Coenzyme Q10

   CoQ10 is an essential cofactor for energy production and is also a powerful antioxidant. Our body produces CoQ10 naturally, but its production tends to decrease with age. After the age of 30, your natural levels of CoQ10 begin to diminish. And by age 70, your natural CoQ10 levels may be 50% lower than they were when you were a young adult! Indicating supplementation with CoQ10 is essential as we age. The standard dose of CoQ10 ranges from 60 mg to 200 mg per day.

   There are many studies indicating the importance of CoQ10 and the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. It seems that treatment with CoQ10 assists with restoring optimal levels of energy production, reduces oxidative damage and improves heart function, all of which can aid in the treatment of heart disease.

   If you are a statin user (Lipitor, etc) it’s imperative that you supplement with CoQ10. It is widely know that statins inhibit cholesterol synthesis well as inhibiting the synthesis of CoQ10. A Columbia University study found that within 30 days of using statin medications, your levels of CoQ10 can be decreased by half.

These are just a few tools Naturopathic Doctor’s have in their tool box to help prevent and treat cardiovascular diseases. If you are on any medications you should talk to your Primary Care Doctor or your Naturopathic Doctor before taking.

References

Taurine

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31560859

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21076292

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23224908

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23722414

L-Carnitine

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31481697

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19620516

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28497060

Vitamin C

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19451807

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1962556

Selenium

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9430262

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17023702

CoQ10

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17608895

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15210526

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25282031

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26512330

About the author

Since 2005, Dr Fey has helped women, men, and children find real solutions to their health concerns. She truly believes that giving the proper care and nutrients your body has an amazing ability to heal. She is committed to finding the root cause of illness by utilizing a whole body approach not just focusing solely on presenting symptoms. 

Dr. Amanda Fey is the owner and practicing Naturopathic Doctor at Complementary Medicine & Healing Arts, the Southern Tiers Center for Natural Healthcare located in the Binghamton NY area. The office website is www.naturallywell.us. To contact the office call 607-729-0591 or email cmhahealth@gmail.com.  

Valerian: An Effective Natural Therapy For Insomnia And Anxiety

Valerian has been used as a medicinal herb since at least the time of ancient Greece and Rome. Its medicinal uses were prescribed as far back as the 2nd century by Galen for insomnia. In the 16th century, it was used to treat nervousness, trembling, headaches, and heart palpitations. During World War II, it was used in England to relieve the stress of air raids.

How does valerian work?

More studies need to be done to understand the exact mechanism of how valerian helps with anxiety and insomnia, but a possible mechanism is that valerian’s constituents increase the amount of GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid) in your blood stream. It is known that the more activation of GABA receptors the more peaceful the person is. Common medications like xanax, klonopin, valium, etc. work along the same GABA enhancing mechanisms like valerian. Luckily, valerian hasn’t been shown to be addictive and is considered a safe alternative to these medications.

Research supporting its use

A study published in the journal, Menopause, in 2011 showed the impact of valerian on sleep quality for postmenopausal women who were experiencing insomnia. It has been shown that 61% of postmenopausal women have insomnia, which then affects cognitive function, mood, and quality of life during the day. Many studies have looked at valerian in the use for insomnia but none have looked at postmenopausal women and for this length of time. 

The postmenopausal women studied were between the age 50 and 60, they were not using hormone therapy and were experiencing insomnia based on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The participants and examiners were all blinded. One group of women were given 530 mg of concentrated valerian capsules 2x/day and the other were given placebo, for 4 weeks.

A statistically significant change was reported in quality of sleep in the valerian group when compared to placebo. Overall, 30% of women taking valerian and only 4% of the placebo group reported and improvement in their sleep quality. Indicating, valerian as a definite useful tool to consider for insomnia.

In addition, a study published in the journal, Phytomedicine, in 2014 showed valerian root and lemon balm extracts to be effective in children less than 12 years of age suffering from anxiety and insomnia. Specifically, 169 primary school children suffering from hyperactivity, sleep difficulties, impulsivity, and focusing issues used 640 mg valerian root extract and 320 mg lemon balm extract per day for 5 weeks.

The fraction of children having strong/very strong symptoms of poor ability to focus decreased from 75% to 14%, hyperactivity from 61% to 13%, sleep difficulties from 19.4% to 6%, and impulsiveness from 59% to 22%. Parent rated social behavior, sleep and symptom burden showed highly significant improvements. Only in two children mild transient adverse drug reactions were observed.

Side effects and cautions with use

Clinically, I have only seen a paradoxical effect with valerian, for example causing insomnia vs helping it, but this is only in a very small percentage of my patients. Looking through the research there have been very few side effects noted with the use of valerian. In one study, an increase in sleepiness was noted the morning after 900 mg of valerian was taken before bed.

Levels of medicinal constituents can vary among plants depending on when the plants are harvested, resulting in marked variability in the amounts found in valerian preparations. Utilizing brands of supplements that test for the constituents can guarantee quality and although may be more costly will be most effective since there are no regulations on supplements currently.

Women who are pregnant, nursing, and children younger than 3 years old should be cautious with using valerian since studies have not been done on the safety of use. In addition, individuals taking valerian should be aware of the possibility of additive sedative effects from alcohol or other sedative drugs, such as barbiturates and benzodiazepines.

Reference

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12120807

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24199972

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21775910

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/4034730

About the author

Since 2005, Dr Fey has helped women, men, and children find real solutions to their health concerns. She truly believes that giving the proper care and nutrients your body has an amazing ability to heal. She is committed to finding the root cause of illness by utilizing a whole body approach not just focusing solely on presenting symptoms. 

Dr. Amanda Fey is the owner and practicing Naturopathic Doctor at Complementary Medicine & Healing Arts, the Southern Tiers Center for Natural Healthcare located in the Binghamton NY area. The office website is www.naturallywell.us. To contact the office call 607-729-0591 or email cmhahealth@gmail.com.  

Overcoming Ulcerative Colitis with Naturopathic Therapies

Stephen and his family arrived at my office in 2015 exhausted. Exhausted from the rigors of conventional treatment without the satisfaction of improving symptoms. Stephen was a 35 year old man who had been battling ulcerative colitis for 5 years. He had tried a multitude of conventional treatments ranging from steroids to immune suppressant medications to no avail. The only option left was surgery on his colon, which was something he did not want to do. Unfortunately for Stephen, he still required to wear a maxi-pad daily to collect the constant dripping of blood from his anus and was experiencing sometimes up to ten urgent bowel movements every morning before he left for work. In addition, he couldn’t exercise, and if he tried he would develop a fever causing him to retire to his bed for multiple days to recover. This was not the life he or his family wanted to live, so they came to me for hope which I knew I could give them.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) located in the large intestine or colon. The symptoms of active UC are frequent and urgent diarrhea mixed with blood and abdominal pain. UC is associated with an increased risk of colon cancer particularly in patients with extensive colitis of long duration. Characteristically, UC involves ulcers or open sores located in the colon often seen via diagnostic imaging.

There are many theories regarding the specific cause of ulcerative colitis, although none have been proven. Most likely it is a variety of factors that work together to bring about the disease. These factors range from genetics, faulty immune system reactions,  environmental influences, and diet. For example, some people are genetically at risk for ulcerative colitis (it runs in their family), and an infection or other toxin may cause an abnormal immune reaction which then causes ulcerative colitis.

One of the goals in treating patients with ulcerative colitis is to reduce inflammation.    Naturopathic therapies complement conventional therapies in achieving this goal.   Inflammatory compounds such as leukotrienes are greatly increased in the colonic mucosa, blood, and stool of patients with UC. Eliminating pro-inflammatory foods from the diet and uncovering any possible food intolerances are important in managing the chronic intestinal inflammation.  Fish oil has also been shown to be important. A study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology showed that dietary changes along with fish oil supplementation had direct anti-inflammatory effects in UC patients. 

Herbs have been used historically in the treatment of ulcerative colitis. In UC, a dramatic decrease in the mucus content of the mucus-producing goblet cells has been associated with an increase in the severity of the disease. Demulcent herbs such as slippery elm, marshmallow root, and deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) can be used to soothe irritated mucus membranes and promote the secretion of mucus. 

The intestinal microflora is another aspect of ulcerative colitis that requires attention. The concentrations of beneficial bacterial flora have been shown to be significantly reduced in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. A study published in the journal American Journal of Gastroenterology in 2009 showed that probiotics to be as beneficial in achieving and maintaining remission in patients with ulcerative colitis. A newer study in 2019 showed that the use of probiotics (lactobacillus and bifidobacterium strains) with mesalazine can decrease inflammatory cytokines which can lead likely lead to remission more quickly than just the use of the pharmaceutical medication alone. 

Whenever the intestines are inflamed you can guarantee that nutrients are not being absorbed optimally. Without proper nutrient assimilation how can the body heal? Replenishing lost nutrients due to this chronic inflammation is also a critical part of overcoming ulcerative colitis. Clinically, I find that until the gastrointestinal inflammation is better controlled utilizing high quality multiple vitamin and mineral supplements are required.

Like many who have been diagnosed with inflammatory bowel conditions, Stephen was also experiencing rashes that come and go, headaches, vertigo, asthma. anxiety, and extremely low energy. As the inflammation of the colon subsides and the nutrients are supplied for better absorption, I find that many of these additional symptoms reduce in severity.

For Stephen after just one month of using naturopathic therapies he noticed a difference in his symptoms. In seven months he was no longer using the maxi-pads and his bowel frequency and urgency normalized. Now it has been four years, and Stephen has not had one flare up since the first time I met him in 2015. 

I have treated many patients like Stephen with ulcerative colitis. Each one was a unique case. I have not found any cookie cutter protocol for treatment. It is truly individualized. Unlike Stephen, who was not utilizing any conventional treatments at the time of his visit, many patients I work with are. Either way there are many naturopathic therapies to assist patients like Stephen to gain control of their life again and overcome ulcerative colitis. 

References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19174792

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31418411

About the author

Since 2005, Dr Fey has helped women, men, and children find real solutions to their health concerns. She truly believes that giving the proper care and nutrients your body has an amazing ability to heal. She is committed to finding the root cause of illness by utilizing a whole body approach not just focusing solely on presenting symptoms. 

Dr. Amanda Fey is the owner and practicing Naturopathic Doctor at Complementary Medicine & Healing Arts, the Southern Tiers Center for Natural Healthcare located in the Binghamton NY area. The office website is www.naturallywell.us. To contact the office call 607-729-0591 or email cmhahealth@gmail.com.