Wednesday 9 December 2015

Dr Clare's Top Antimicrobial Herbs


As discussed in my last blog, the worldwide crisis on the emergence of superbugs is unfolding. It appears that genius microbes are outwitting our ability to eradicate them with single constituent. In comparison herbs are multi-constituent and multi-action complex vegetation that have co-evolved with microbes over millions of years. The following herbs are my top antimicrobial herbs: 

Elderberry and Flowers 

Elderberry is nature’s very own anti-viral on our doorstep. The active ingredients include the flavonoids quercetin and the anthocyanins cyanidin-3-glucoside and cyanidin-3-sambubioside. Elderberry may increase immune system activity against influenza showing 93% more rapid recovery from influenza in general (1) and specifically types A and B (2).

It is more useful once an infection has taken hold, rather than for preventing infections when you are well. One suggestion of how elderberry works is that it may ‘blunt the spikes’ on the outside of viruses and stop them from entering the cells where they reproduce (3).  Elderberry also shows promise at inhibiting the H5N1 avian influenza virus (so-called ‘Bird Flu’) in preliminary laboratory experiments (4).
You will find elderflower in my immune support blend http://www.healthandherbs.ie and it is one of the herbs I use in my children's soothing Tea http://www.healthandherbs.ie

Thyme
Your common Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) showed antimicrobial activity in different extract amounts against four common bacterial strains and two types of fungal infestion with Candida albicans. This study provides useful information on the use of Thyme as a natural and economical antimicrobial in food preservation and as a medicine  (5). Of course this is why you stuff your meat with thyme, because it stops your meat from spoiling. Imagine food poisoning before en suite toilets.
Because it also acts as an antispasmodic[6] Thyme is particularly useful for chest and sinus infections, make `thyme tea and drink a cup every 2-3 hours from the onset of a chest infection.
This is why you will find Thyme in my Chest and Sinus Blend http://www.healthandherbs.ie

Sage (Salvia officinalis) 



Sage is used in the same way as Thyme to stop the spoilage of foods. `it has a sticky feel to the leaves which gives a hint to the presence of sticky resins. These stick to the lining of mucous membranes making them particularly helpful for infections of the mouth, throat and tonsils. Gargle sage teas for tonsillitis and use as a mouthwash for infected gums.

For tonsilitis a small clinical research study supports traditional scientific knowledge by demonstrating that the application of a combination spray product containing common sage and echinacea every 2 hours up to 10 times daily for up to 5 consecutive days improves symptoms as effectively as a chlorhexidine-lidocaine spray in patients with sore throat due to acute pharyngitis or tonsillitis (7). 
Sage is one of the main herbs that I use in my throat spray.   http://www.healthandherbs.ie

For Coldsores, caused by the virus Herpae Simplex research shows that in  combination with Turkish Rhubarb it has been found to be as effective as the pharma alternative acyclovir (Zovirax) (8).

Oregon Grape (Berberis aquifolium)

Oregon grape contains a substance known as berberine, which can stop bacteria from sticking to the walls of the intestine and urinary tract. It is a common garden shrub in Irish gardens. When used as a tea, it is a wonderful way to wash away urinary tract infections. It can be used in dried capsules or liquid tincture to treat digestive tract conditions like infectious diarrhea. 


Coptis Chinensis. 
This Chinese herb deserves a mention as I use it in preference to Golden Seal (Hydrastis canadensis). Unlike Goldenseal it is not being overharvested from the wild. It is another Berberine containing herb with anti-bacterial effects (9,10,11).It is also anti-inflammatory and pain relieving so it is truly multifunctional.



[1]Fan-kun Kong (2009) Pilot Clinical Study on a Proprietary Elderberry Extract: Efficacy in Addressing Influenza Symptoms, J Pharmacol Pharmacokin 5: 32‐43

 [2]Zakay-Rones et al. Randomized study of the efficacy and safety of oral elderberry extract in the treatment of influenza A and B virus infections’. J Int Med Res. 2004 Mar-Apr;32(2):132-40

[3] Mumcuoglu. 1995. Sambucus nigra (L), Black Elderberry Extract: A breakthrough in the treatment of influenza. RSS Publishing.
20Mumcuoglu.  In vitro Laboratory Tests show Sambucol neutralizes Common and Avian Flu Virus H5N1’. Research undertaken by Retroscreen Virology Ltd in association with the University of London Jan 2006 (unpublished)
[4] Serkedjieva, J., Manolova, N., Zgórniak-Nowosielska, Phytotherapy Research. Antiviral activity of the infusion (SHS-174) from flowers of Sambucus nigra L., aerial parts of Hypericum perforatum L., and roots of Saponaria officinalis L. against influenza and herpes simplex viruses.
Volume 4, Issue 3, pages 97–100, June 1990 
 [5] Dababneh BF. Antimicrobial activity and genetic diversity of Thymus species on pathogenic microorganisms. Journal of Food, Agriculture & Environment Vol.5 (3&4) : 158-162. 2007 
 [6]Van Den Broucke, C. O. and Lemli, J. B. 1983. Spasmolytic activity of
the flavonoids from Thymus vulgaris. Pharmaceutisch Weekblad
Science 5:9-14 
 [7] Schapowal A, Berger D, Klein P, et al. Echinacea/sage or chlorhexidine/lidocaine for treating acute sore throats: a randomized double-blind trial. Eur.J Med Res 9-1-2009;14:406-12. 
 [8] Saller R
1, Büechi SMeyrat RSchmidhauser C. Combined herbal preparation for topical treatment of Herpes labialis.Forsch Komplementarmed Klass Naturheilkd. 2001 Dec;8(6):373-82. 
 [9] Dan Yana, b, Cheng Jina, Xiao-He Xiaoa, Antimicrobial properties of berberines alkaloids in Coptis chinensis Franch by microcalorimetry. Journal of Biochemical and Biophysical Methods
Volume 70, Issue 6, 24 April 2008, Pages 845–849 
 [10] Wei-Jun Kong, Yan-Ling Zhao, Xiao-He Xiao. .Spectrum–effect relationships between ultra performance liquid chromatography fingerprints and anti-bacterial activities of Rhizoma coptidis. Analytica Chimica Acta
Volume 634, Issue 2, 23 February 2009, Pages 279–285 
 [11] Dan Yan, XiaoHe Xiao, Cheng Jin, XiaoPing Dong Microcalorimetric investigation of the effect of berberine alkaloids from Coptis chinensis Franch on Staphylococcus aureus growthScience in China Series B: Chemistry
July 2008, Volume 51, Issue 7, pp 640-645

Thursday 3 December 2015

Herbal antibiotics, antifungals and antivirals are anti-infection superheroes

How does one herb save millions of lives?

The worldwide crisis on the emergence of superbugs is unfolding. It appears that genius microbes are outwitting our ability to eradicate them with single constituent single action super-chemicals made in factories. Maybe the drugs are too simple and the bugs not all that clever. In comparison herbs are multi-constituent and multi-action complex vegetation that have co-evolved with microbes over millions of years.

Complex herbs match the less than genius bugs.

Many common ailments such as sinus problems, sore throats, simple urinary tract infections and superficial wounds do not need drugs in most cases. Many times, these can be effectively treated with the right lifestyle changes and herbal medicines. More complex disease may need professional treatment form a well qualified herbalist. This is not a modest claim, the time for underestimating and playing a modest hand for herbs is over. Witness the role of the plant Artemisia annua for malaria which I have been using in my clinic for almost 20 years. The current Nobel Prize Winner Dr Tu Youyou has rediscovered the role of this plant in the teeth of a worldwide malaria crisis due to super-drug resistance.




The 2015 Nobel Prize winner TuYouyou rediscovered the use of Artemisia in the treatment malaria, According to the Nobel committee, her work saves more than 100,000 lives in Africa alone every year. The World Health Organization says modern malaria treatments — which include some form of an artemisinin have saved more than 3 million lives since 2000.



Figure 4: Youyou Tu searched ancient literature on herbal medicine in her quest to develop novel malaria therapies. The plant Artemisia annua turned out to be an interesting candidate, and Tu developed a purification procedure, which rendered the active agent, Artemisinin, a drug that is remarkably effective against Malaria.




Youyou Tu was born in 1930 in China and is a Chinese citizen. She graduated from the Pharmacy Department at Beijing Medical University in 1955. From 1965-1978 she was Assistant Professor at the China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, from 1979-1984 Associate Professor and from 1985 Professor at the same Institute. From 2000, Tu has been Chief Professor at the China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

In my next blog I will talk about my top Antimicrobial herbs. 

Wednesday 18 November 2015

Preventing Spina Bifida by supplementing with Folic Acid.


Can I remind women to take care of themselves and their families with a reminder regarding preventing Spina Bifida. We had a major public health campaign a few years ago but recent study shows that a reminder might be helpful. Mention it to friends, daughters, daughters-in-law and nieces where appropriate.

Eating steamed greens is good for all ages so
Steam those Greens.


Three out of four women in Dublin do not have enough folic acid to prevent Spina Bifida in their babies according to a recent University College Dublin Study at the Coombe Maternity Hospital.


Eighty families each year in Ireland cope with the distress of dealing with this condition affecting one of their own. Spina Bifida affects the spinal cord and can cause paralysis.

Ireland has a particularly high incidence of Spina Bifida. Many cases can be prevented by supplementing with Folic Acid for at least 3 months before you try to conceive and while you are trying to get pregnant. Continue the supplement throughout the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

‘Fol’ in folic acid is the Latin for ‘leaf’ and this vitamin is high in green leaves. Folic acid (known as folate in its natural form) is one of the B-group vitamins.

There is more folic acid remaining in steamed leaves rather than boiled leaves.

It can be hard to get all the folic acid consistently in your diet so it is recommended to take 400 micrograms per day continuously if you are not using relatively foolproof contraception.
A lack of folic acid could lead to anaemia.



What does Folic Acid do?

         It works together with vitamin B12 to form healthy red blood cells
         It helps to reduce the risk of central nervous system defects, such as spina bifida, in unborn babies



Herb sources of Folic Acid.

Nettle leaf is loaded with folic acid and calcium, lots of minerals, and tons of vitamins, including E. It strengthens hair, blood vessels, and the kidney/adrenal complex. It is considered as safe as kale.




Food sources of Folic acid
Folate is found in small amounts in many foods including:
         broccoli
         brussels sprouts
         kale
         liver
         spinach
         asparagus
         peas
         chickpeas
         fortified breakfast cereals.

Folic acid cannot be stored in the body, so you need it in your diet every day.


Thursday 29 October 2015

Cold and Flu Prevention Tips


See below some practical tips for avoiding colds and flu’s over the winter season:


1. Wash your hands


This is probably the most useful tip. Viruses are spread by direct contact. They can live for hours on surfaces like door handles, telephones and keyboards so wash your hands often.




2. Drink plenty of fluids


Drink fluids like water, herbal teas and freshly made juices. Avoid becoming dehydrated – a typical healthy adult needs around 1.5 litres of water each day.




3. Sleep well

Achieving restful sleep each night (8 hours) helps the body repair itself and build the immune system. Cut down on caffeine, especially in the afternoon.Certain foods are very good to help you sleep. Have a look at the education section of our website http://www.healthandherbs.ie/healthleaflets/ to see which ones are best.



4. Keep your diet healthy

Try to get on average 7 portions of fruit and vegetables. It is easier if you make sure to include two fruits or vegetables in each meal. Use wholegrain foods instead of white processed foods. Include plenty of prebiotic food such as bananas, onions, garlic, asparagus and cabbage which nourish beneficial bacteria in the gut.



5. Control stress
It is well known that stress can weaken your immune system and may make you more likely to catch a cold than your calmer counterparts. I have a lovely relax blend if you suffer with anxiety and have problems sleeping. For further information have a look at my website www.healthandherbs.ie



6. Avoid too much alcohol

Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol is bad for immune cells which means that you will more susceptible to colds and viruses





7. Get plenty fresh air

Try to get out for a walk every day in between those winter showers!

Wednesday 21 October 2015

Herbs to help fight those winter bugs


The cold weather puts extra stress on our immune system. In conjunction with with plenty of sleep, vitamin D, exercise and a healthy diet, there are herbs that can help keep fight those bugs. I have formulated an immune tonic based on the herbs below.

Astragalus

AstrgalusAstragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for thousands of years. Astragaus is called an adaptogen, meaning it helps protect the body against various stresses, including physical, mental, or emotional stress. The dried root is used medicinally.

Astragulus is used for common cold, upper respiratory infections, allergic rhinitis and to strenghten and regulate the immune system. It is also used as for fybromyalgia, as an antibacterial and antiviral tonic. People with autoimmune disease should speak with their doctor or herbalist first before taking Astagalus because it may stimulate the immune system.


Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera, fam. Solanaceae) is commonly known as “Indian Winter cherry” or “Indian Ginseng”. It is one of the most important herb of Ayurveda (the traditional system of medicine in India) used for millennia as a Rasayana for its wide ranging health benefits. The root and the berry are used medicinally.
Ashwagandha is traditionally used for arthritis, anxiety, insomnia, tuberculosis and chronic liver disease. It is also an adaptogen. It is used for immunomodulatory effects, improving cognitive function, decreasing imflammation and fibromyalgia. It also appears to reduce stress-induced increased of plasma corticosterone.


Echinacea


Traditionally used by Native Americans for hundreds of years, Echinacea (Echinacea Echinacea angustifolia; Echinacea pallida; Echinacea purpurea) is probably the most widely known herb. #It is a beautiful genus of herbaceous flowering plants in the daisy family, Asteraceae and is also known as the American coneflower.

Orally, echinacea is used for treating and preventing the common cold and other upper respiratory infections and is also used orally as an immunostimulant  . Echinacea is used orally for nasal cattarh, allergic rhinitis, gum disease and tonsillitis. Other uses include chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), rheumatism, migraines, dyspepsia, pain, dizziness, rattlesnake bites and swine flu. 


Elderflower

Elderflower (Sambucus nigra)  has been used in traditional medicine all over the world for it's antispeptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Both the flowers and berries in the Elder plant can be used when properly prepared, but all leaves, sticks and roots should be avoided.

Orally, elderflower is used for sinusitis, cold, influenza (flu), swine flu, bronchitis, and diabetes. It is also used as a laxative for constipation, as a diuretic, to promote sweating, and to stop bleeding. It is rich in antioxidants. Because of it's great taste, elderflower is often used as in a cordial.It is generally very well tolerated and a  very gentle herb suitable for all ages.

Wild Oats

Oats (Avena sativa) are primarily used for acute or chronic anxiety, excitation and stress. People with nervous exhaustion, depressive states and insomnia benefit from this herb.

Although there is unlikely to be any problem with Wild Oat infusion or tincture for celiac patients I don’t prescribe it because patients feel anxious about it in the remedy. This is traditionally used as a very nourishing herb for stamina in the nervous system. Particularly good for exhaustion from chronic stress especially with a poor sleeping pattern. It is suitable for all ages.


Lemon Balm

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)is a perennial herbaceous plant in the mint family and is considered to be a calming herb. It is native to North Africa, the Mediterranean region, south- central Europe and Central Asia. The leaves are used to make medicine and have a mild lemon aroma.

 Orally, lemon balm is used for anxiety, insomnia, dyssomnia, restlessness, dyspepsia, bloating, flatulence, colic, and for attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Lemon balm is also used for Graves' disease (overactive thyroid), painful periods, cramps and headache. It is also used orally for Alzheimer's disease, melancholia, nervous palpitations, vomiting, and high blood pressure. Topically, lemon balm is used for cold sores (herpes labialis).

Thyme

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris; Thymus zygis) is also a member of the mint family. It is an evergreen herb. It is best cultivated in hot, sunny country with well drained soil. The flowers, leaves and oil are used as medicine
Orally, thyme is used for bronchitis, whooping cough, sore throat. Thyme contains the essential oils and several other constituents It also contains flavonoids, polyphenolic acids and other constituents.
Thymol, the primary constituent of thyme is rapidly absorbed in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Preliminary research suggests that thyme has antimicrobial activity and modest antibacterial effects.It also seems to have antiviral activity.


Liquorice
Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)  has antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, laxative, and soothing properties. The applicable part of licorice is the root. It has a lovely sweet taste. 
Licorice is used for stomach and duodenal ulcers, sore throat, bronchitis, gastritis, indigestion, colic, adrenal glands insufficiency of the adrenal cortex and cough. 

The effect of liquorice on the Adrenal Glands is beneficial for most patients, however a small group of patients are sensitive to the effects on blood pressure. Under normal circumstances this would not be significant for short term low dose use. It can be monitored by taking blood pressure and many chemists have a blood pressure machine patients can check during treatment if you do not have resources to check the blood pressure.



Ginger


Ginger (Zingiber officinale) has a long history of use for helping
with digestive issues such as loss of appetite, nausea and motion sickness.It's room or underground stem (rhizome) can be consumed, fresh, powdered as a spice or juice. Ginger belongs to the same family as cardamom and tumeric. 
Ginger is also used for upper respiratory tract infections, coughs, bronchitis, for the promotion of sweating, as a circulatory stimulant and for treating stomach-ache, diarrhea and nausea for any reason. It can also be used for reducing pain.

Although herbs are generally very safe, if you are on medication or have an underlying medical condition please check with your doctor or herbalist prior to taking any herbs. 
For further details on any of the herbs above, take a look at my materia medica  http://drclaresacademy.com


Disclaimer: Please note this information is based on the traditions of empirical science. These traditions account for observation over generations and centuries. They have not been traditionally used with pharmaceutical medicines and you are advised to seek professional advice from a well qualified medical herbalist if you take pharmacy medication.













Tuesday 8 September 2015

Back to School - Helpful Herbs



Herbal medicine is family medicine and herbs such as chamomile, limeflower and elderflower, catnip and yarrow work wonderfully with children.

If you want to support your child's immune system at the start of school time, I have made a Children's Soothing Tea blend which use relaxing,calming herbs with promotion of gentle sweating. It helps strengthen the immune system as they are bombarded with new viruses on starting or returning to school. 

In addition to a healthy diet, plenty of sleep and exercise, I would also recommend that the children take vitamin D supplements - particularly as we are still waiting for the Irish summer to start!!



Catnip

Catnip is used for restless sleep, headaches; viruses, fevers and all digestive upset. It is also used as a general tonic for stress.






Elderflower

Elderflower has been used in traditional medicine all over the world in many different cultures due to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. 


The most common uses are for viral illnesses, sinus infections, and all respiratory disturbances. Elderflower also has diuretic and laxative properties and is helpful in relieving occasional constipation. Elderflower  may also alleviate some allergic problems and boost the functioning of the immune system.
It is rich in bioflavonoids, that are most commonly known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.



Yarrow
As a traditional medicine yarrow is used as a blood cleanser by inducing sweating and promoting urine flow. Yarrow lowers fever and acts as an anti-inflammatory. It is used for feverish illnesses including, the common cold and influenza, chronic ‘runny’ nose, absence of or scanty menstrual periods, dysentery, diarrhea, loss of appetite, mild or crampy discomfort of the digestive tract, promotion of sweating and reduction of high blood pressure. In combination with other herbs, yarrow is used for nervous digestive complaints. 
In foods, the young leaves and flowers of yarrow are used in salads.


Friday 4 September 2015

Herbs for Strong Bones


Osteoporosis is a silent process of losing minerals from your bones. They become brittle and fracture easily.There is no pain unless you experience a fracture which is why it is important to look after your bone health with preventive measures.

Good bone health is achieved by ensuring that you have an adequate intake of vitamin D, calcium and magnesium, preferably through diet. It is also important to do regular gentle weight building exercise.

I have created a Bone Building Tea that includes a range of herbs that are naturally rich in minerals and helpful in supporting strong healthy bones. Many of these herbs can be found in your back garden. The amount of vitamins and minerals you can get from these plants is significant.


Boneset (Eupatorium)

Boneset helps build healthy bone mass as well as helping to treat with arthritis. It is also used as a pain reliever for broken bones and may help them heal faster. This wonderful herb is also used for the body pains and aches you get with influenza and helps to reduce fever. Boneset has a very bitter taste.



Mallow

Mallow looks beautiful and tastes great. The whole plant can be used but the root has the most virtue. It contains phytoestrogens which help in bone remodelling.
The leaves are a powerhouse of minerals and vitamins ( calcium, iron, vitamin c, copper traces and more. They also release soothing mucilage.


Yellow Dock Root

Yellow dock has been used as a multi-purpose plant for centuries. Today it can often be found as an ingredient in toothpastes. The plant is also known as narrow dock, curled dock and curly leaf dock. 
The leaves contain high levels of organic oxalic acid which is no problem to eat raw in very small quantities but if eaten in large quantities can lock up other nutrients in the food. The leaf stalks are used in salads. The root is used as medicine.
Oxalic acid readily combines with calcium and helps the digestive assimilation of the calcium. 


Alfafa 

Alfalfa is a nutritional powerhouse. It is a high source of vitamins A,C, E and K4. It is also high in minerals calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorous, iron and easy to assimilate. It contains essential amino acids which are not made by the body but must be obtained from foods sources.It contains one of the highest chlorophyll content of any plant.

It is also a useful alternative for helping to reduce cholesterol and blood pressure. Because of it's high magnesium and calcium it is wise to use it for keeping bones strong. It is also good for arthritis and joint issues. As with most herbs, alfafa should be used with caution is on blood thinning agents. 
                                         

 Nettle Leaf 

Nettle is found all along the roadsides and in most people's back garden. I believe stinging nettle to be Ireland's nutritional powerhouse herb. It contains several nutrients and active constituents.  The leaves have significant amounts of carotene, vitamin A,C, D, K, potassium and calcium, all in  a form that is easy for the body to use.  The boran in nettles helps protect bones. Stinging nettles is one of natures best nutraceuticals. 



Dandelion Leaf
Although you probably think of dandelion as a weed, the plant has been used as a traditional herbal remedy for centuries all over the world.
Dandelion root is a great digestive tonic and is used for stimulating bile. The leaf is a great source of vitamins A,B, C and D and the minerals iron, potassium, calcium and zinc. Dandelion leaves can be picked from your back garden and put into your salad.


To establish your risk of bone fracture see the FRAX index. This is a simple academic and WHO (world health organisation) approved index of bone fracture risk. Check out the website http://www.shef.ac.uk/FRAX/  for Bone Density under calculation tools.

On the website there is a questionnaire to answer. You will be asked for your weight and height on the right side of the page so it is better that you have this information to  hand before you start. On the dropdown "select BMD" you are asked to put the results of your bone scan into your T score (if you have had one done). Otherwise you can leave it blank.

It is wise to check this index before starting medication and discuss with your health provider.
For diet and exercise advice see betterbones.com