Here is a partial list of symptoms, conditions and degenerative diseases that have been shown to be helped over the centuries through safe, natural periodic cleansing and simple daily detoxification practices:

o Acne
o Allergies; sinus, tactile, digestive, hives, etc
o Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia syndromes
o Anxiety
o Arthritis
o Asthma attacks
o ADD /HD (attention deficit)
o Autism spectrum
o Body odor (foul)
o Brittle nails
o Chemical sensitivity
o Chronic constipation
o Chronic digestive disorders
o CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome)
o Chronic infections
o Chronic respiratory issues
o Chronic weakness
o Cirrhosis of the liver
o Crohn’s disease
o Depression
o Drug /food addiction
o Eczema
o Fibromyalgia
o Gallstones
o Gout
o Gum disease
o Hair loss
o Halitosis (bad breath)
o Headaches
o Hot flashes and night sweats
o Immune disorders
o Insomnia
o Irritability
o IBS (irritable bowel disorder)
o Kidney disease
o Kidney stones
o Low blood sugar
o Memory loss
o Migraines
o Mood swings
o Multiple sclerosis
o Muscle aches / pain
o Obesity
o PMS
o Parkinson’s disease
o Psoriasis
o Rashes, itching (chronic discomfort under skin)
o Sinus pain (drip, irritation, sinus headache, etc)
o Ulcerative colitis
o Ulcers
o Weak bones
o Weight gain (excess)
o Weight loss (excess)

Accumulating toxins may affect just about any region of the body or mind as the incomplete list above shows. Properly cleansing the debris from the body’s organs, tissues and cells allows the body to find its center, restart nutrient utilization and resume a better working order. Rejuvenated organs and cells offer us more energy and vitality as well as a sense of inner peace and calm. This can lead to more restful sleep, a lift in spirits and a release from chronic pain and discomfort.

Here are my top 10 favorite general cleansing herbs and foods. It is not good enough to purchase one or more, however, unless you pay close attention to the quality of the product you choose. Please buy organic/ local whenever possible.
For more info, read my article “Quality is Everything” .

Turmeric
Ginger
Holy basil (tulsi)
Red clover
Burdock
Hempseeds
Sea vegetables
Blessed thistle
Dark leafy green vegetables
Sprouts

Acne, from a holistic viewpoint, is caused by toxins accumulating in the blood, liver, colon, lymphatic system and other organs of elimination. Proper cleansing of the organs and blood can have a dramatic effect with all types; teen, adult and cystic acne. Eating the right foods is essential during the time of detoxification, as well as afterwards during the nourishing and strengthening period. For those of us that experience extended episodes of acne, cystic acne or other chronic skin conditions, scheduling a cleanse for 7 to 15 days each spring and fall, or for a few days during each of the four seasons, will help the body with the toxin overload that is believed to lead to breakouts on the skin.

Acne is related to candida overgrowth; a symptom of candida, so to speak. When we address candida thoroughly, using detoxification and nutritional support, skin problems are alleviated or eliminated. Candida is a naturally occurring fungus within the intestinal tract, but when we use antibiotics, steroids, birth control pills, chlorinated water, etc; an overgrowth of one (or several) of the more than 70 species of candida can cause harm to our health in a variety of ways.

The liver and colon are nearly always congested whenever a skin imbalance occurs; whether we suffer with oily, dry or combination skin problems. Ideally, our colon should eliminate (bowel movements) two to three times daily; easily, well-formed and somewhat abundantly. For most Americans, this is not the case. Too many doctors have given their chronically ill patients incorrect information over the past few decades when they have told them that elimination two or three times a week is just ‘normal for them’. WRONG! This is NOT normal for anyone! It is a sign that the body is not functioning properly and is accumulating lots of toxins, further damaging our health.

Before we can begin to eliminate the toxin overload from the skin, blood, liver and other detoxifying organs, we MUST get the colon eliminating with ease daily. To correct a stagnant colon, more fiber is definitely needed, preferably from a healthy, natural foods diet containing LOTS of vegetables! Vegetables are truly the key to great health.

Notice I didn’t say ‘fruits and vegetables’? This is because they should virtually never be grouped together in one category! Fruits, although good for us in moderation, are very sweet and should be eaten infrequently and mostly when that particular fruit is in season in your area. So if you live in Wisconsin or Vermont, bananas and kiwi should be a rare treat, not your daily breakfast or snack foods. Think about what folks one hundred or more years ago would have eaten in your region. Make food choices with this concept in mind.

Change your diet in small ways each day or as you are able, thinking of them as lifestyle changes to support your overall health and vitality, rather than a dramatic diet or quick fix.

So; we need to eat more vegetables! This includes roots, dark leafy greens, squash, sea vegetables, etc. Every week, try adding a new vegetable to your meal plan that you’ve never had before. Find some interesting recipes that include it, and try preparing it a couple different ways; baked, steamed, raw in a salad, etc. It may be time to invest in a couple new (mostly vegetarian) cookbooks!

If the addition of more vegetables is not enough to get your colon eliminating sufficiently, a fiber powder product may be called for. My favorites are all made by Renew Life; Fiber Smart, Triple Fiber and the delicious cinnamon flavor found in the Organic Bowel Cleanse. Using fiber products in capsules is expensive, and you do not get very much real benefit compared to these tasty powders.

I would urge folks to also avoid fiber products found in most grocery stores and pharmacies, as well as those containing psyllium seed or husk, cascara sagrada or senna leaf. There are inherent concerns with each of these products and herbs, but that is a post for another day.

Avoid laxatives as well; even the ‘natural’ ones. Laxatives, by their very nature, stifle the body’s ability to eliminate on its own. Just five days in a row using a laxative product will reduce your body’s ability to eliminate without help. This can increase dependence on laxatives and further reduce complete elimination of the accumulated toxins that lead to poor health and skin problems.

If adding more fiber is only marginally helpful, and you’re not yet eliminating with ease, try Planetary Formulas’ Triphala or Renew Life’s Cleanse More. These powerful, yet gentle colon moving products work with our body to evacuate the colon. They do not cause us to loose our peristalsis, the rhythmic contractions in the intestines that directs food downward through the digestive tract and the body’s waste toward the rectum.

With issues of acne, especially with cystic acne, the lymphatic system has become quite sluggish, blocked or stagnant. Moving the lymph occurs with daily exercise, but not if we’re stressed out and uptight when we do the exercise. The lymphatic system doesn’t come with a pump, in the way that the circulatory system has the heart, so this daily exercise is necessary for the relief of the congestion or stagnation that the lymphatic system is designed to flush away from the organs and cells.

Exercising outdoors will provide us with increased benefits over the same workout done indoors or in the gym. Breathing fresh air invites us to release toxins more completely as we exhale, providing more room in the lungs for a greater inhale, and thereby delivering more oxygen to the cells.

Probably the most important first step would be to address the foods that you eat. What foods do you consume regularly? Take a close look at this for a few days. Keep a journal of everything consumed (foods and liquids), if necessary. The partial list below contains some of the most important things to eliminate (or at least reduce)as your body begins to regulate so that your skin may heal.

Chemical additives- preservatives, fillers, artificial flavors, colors, synthetic vitamins, minerals, etc.
Sugar and all soft drinks, especially the sugar-free variety.
Fried foods- including sautéed and deep fried foods
Vegetable oils- commercially prepared oils, even most of the ‘natural’ ones
Flour- even whole wheat; so no bread, pasta, pastries, cereals, junk food, etc. for awhile.
Junk food- chips, cookies, bagged snacks, fast food, pastries, etc.

Increase your consumption of the following cleansing, nourishing foods:

Sprouts- broccoli, radish, alfalfa, red clover, bean, etc.
Fermented foods- miso, yogurt, sauerkraut, kefir, pickled beets,, cured olives, etc.
Indian spices- curry, cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, etc.
Whole grains- (not flour) brown rice, millet, quinoa, barley, rye, etc.
Cruciferous vegetables- cabbage, kale, collards, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, bok choy, etc.

Nourishing the blood, organs and cells is also imperative for the return of healthy, glowing skin. We know that skin health depends on nutrients such as vitamins A, B, C, D, E and K. But skin health responds far more readily to the complex array of vitamins, minerals, micronutrients and phytonutrients available in high quality organic foods than in the isolated nutrients and food-based products that most vitamins are made with. When foods and herbs are properly grown, harvested, dried, processed and/or extracted into clean, pure, excellent quality, high energy products the effect can be immediate and help to mend the imbalance that has lead to acne in young people and in adults.

Another important product to completely avoid is Olestra (also called Olean), a fat-free oil substitute. Many believe this stuff to be complete poison. It is reported to have caused many, possibly thousands of cases of long term bowel disease and disorders. And for many, it is believed to have caused severe acne problems, as well.

The most important thing about using herbs, even more essential than which herbs you select, is the quality of the product that you choose. Please read my article “Quality is Everything!” if you haven’t already. Now, I could just suggest all those same herbs that most of the other websites and books suggest, but if you don’t have the good fortune to choose a high quality herbal product, the herbs and supplements will be of little benefit, (except to line the pockets of the manufacturers of those poor quality products).

Check out any of the following herbal products for cleansing the liver, blood and skin:

Blood Support
Herb Pharm’s Dermal Health Compound
Gaia’s Skin & Nail Support
Flora’s Flor-Essence Tea tea
Lumina Health’s Cellfood

For cleansing herbs, it is helpful to take them in cycles; say 5 days on then 2 days off; or 10 days on and 5 days off. This is not because of some associated side effects, as has been rumored. In more than 5000 years of use, there are few true reports of side effects associated with clean, pure herbal remedies. The reason that it’s best to take herbs in cycles is that this is how we seem to get best results! This is likely due to the idea that the body gets a break from the herbal program, internally adjusts, and is ready to be affected by the next round of herbal support.

Essential fatty acids are another crucial part of good skin health. The EFA’s, as they’re often referred to, that support skin health are the ‘good 6’s’. The non- essential fatty acids that are omega 9’s are also excellent. Try organic hemp oil on your rice, salad or in a smoothie. It’s got the prefect balance of EFA’s for every cell in our bodies, is high in lots of other good nutrients, and tastes wonderful! Do not rely on fish oils, however. (I cannot tell you how often I’ve seen or heard fish oil recommended for skin conditions, but in reality, it’s the opposite of what’s really needed for healthy skin!)

If you prefer to take your ‘good fats’ in capsule form, you may want to try Renew Life’s Oil Smart. I have seen remarkable results with the use of this product, along with a good detoxification program, for severe acne problems. This is likely due to the fact that it contains plenty of lipase, the enzyme that helps us to digest and use all those good fats in our cells.

Now, most acne is associated with hormonal imbalances, which is often another symptom of a candida imbalance. To support this, you may choose to add a good hormonal balancing herbal product. Even though these products are geared toward women, men and boys with acne often benefit from their addition for the return of good skin health. (Please note: There is no estrogen or other harmful chemicals in any of these products.) Look for:

New Chapter’s Estrotone
Gaia’s Phyto-Estrogen
Herb Pharm’s Phytoestrogen Tonic.

For additional help and support, please look into a therapeutic detoxification program in your area or contact me. With the right cleansing foods and support herbs, you will likely begin to see the return of beautiful, clear skin in two to four weeks. Be patient with your body, smile and love yourself and feel gratitude for all that you’re blessed with.

But when Lisa realized that her period wasn’t due for another week and a half and the pain seemed to be increasing, they both became concerned. Jeri, Lisa’s mom, called the doctor, and she said to get Lisa in there right away.

After testing, the doctor told them that they had found an ovarian cyst and described it as the size of a grapefruit. Lisa’s doctor wanted to operate on it right away. She said that she would hopefully be able to limit it to a cystectomy, the removal of only the cyst, but she may need to remove the ovary, as well. Lisa told her doctor that she would like a few days to address it holistically, but her doctor was reluctant. Lisa and her mom nonetheless left the hospital and told her that they would phone her immediately if the pain worsened or if she showed any other symptoms.

As they drove away, Jeri and Lisa spoke about how they would proceed. Jeri used her cell to call me to schedule an appointment for about an hour later. Then she took Lisa home and tucked her into bed. Lisa lied there in fetal position, small beads of sweat along her hairline. She sipped water through a straw and closed her eyes to rest.

Jeri arrived to my office right on time. Her worry was apparent on her face as well as in her body language. We greeted one another and settled into my office. As we started to talk, a sense of relief began to replace the fear in her eyes. Jeri described the pain and discomfort her daughter had been experiencing the previous few days. I knew Lisa’s general health history, as she had been to see me the previous year for chronic tension headaches.

I asked her about her PMS symptoms, both over the past few months and throughout her young womanhood. She had always experienced at least mild cramps, but most months they got pretty bad and usually lasted for about three days. Lisa had used a tincture (liquid alcohol extract) of crampbark and black cohosh as soon as the cramping began for years. This helped relieve the pain for her for a few hours. I suggested that we meet again after this crisis had been resolved; so that Lisa could learn to use foods, herbs and lifestyle choices to help her body restore hormonal balance so she wouldn’t need to go through the physical and emotional discomforts every month.

We began to speak of the herbs and supplements that may help Lisa with her current situation. Because I am not a doctor, I do not prescribe an herbal program during consultations. Instead, I educate the client about various herbs, supplements and lifestyle practices that may support wellness and restore balance to the body and mind. Then we work together to choose which of those potential solutions may be most beneficial and that will realistically fit into the life of the client so, that they will actually use them.

Jeri told me that Lisa, a senior at the university, didn’t eat very well when she was away at school. She usually came home on weekends, and ate a healthy diet there. She had been raised eating whole foods, exercising regularly and played sports, and using holistic therapies whenever possible. Lisa had very high standards, and pushed herself hard; sometimes to exhaustion. When she was at school, she didn’t sleep enough, felt very stressed and rarely got any real exercise, with the exception of rushing to classes. Her grades were quite good, but Jeri said that the cost on her daughter’s body and mind was far too high. Lisa had been feeling a bit of depression over the previous few months.

I asked her about whether she might be drinking alcohol or using drugs; prescription, over-the-counter or otherwise. Jeri said that she and her daughter were quite close and could talk about anything. They both felt very strongly about drugs and alcohol. Lisa’s cousin, who she was very close to growing up, had died of an accidental drug overdose when he was only fifteen. Lisa had vowed never to touch drugs or alcohol, and to her mom’s knowledge, she never had.

I taught Jeri about several herbs and products that may be of value in Lisa’s current health crisis. We chose three products together that would address the cyst and one that she could use ongoing for supporting detoxification and increased nutrient support.

The program that we decided upon included:

Blood Support from Eclectic Institute combines five of my most favorite western herbs used for detoxification. Eclectic Institute offers excellent herbal products that are certified organically grown and then freeze dried, creating a potent and concentrated herbal capsule that captures the vitality of the fresh herb. Blood support combines burdock, red clover, yellow dock, nettles and dandelion root. These herbs have been used for centuries to effectively purify the liver and blood, assisting the body when there is an excess buildup of toxins to support overall health.

Estrotone, made by New Chapter, was selected to address the hormone balance and to direct the other herbs to the reproductive system. Estrotone is a very potent formulation that includes schizandra, ginger, black cohosh, Vitex (Chaste tree), rosemary and evening primrose oil. Schizandra is a Chinese herb that supports not only hormonal balance, but also helps to balance the entire endocrine system and all of the organs as it provides a sense of peace, calm and wellbeing. Black cohosh and Vitex are western herbs, well known to help the body find its own unique balance of hormones. Black cohosh is also an excellent herb used for inflammation relief throughout Europe. Ginger and rosemary have been found through years of compelling research to support healthy inflammation levels. A good organic ginger also helps any herbs that it’s taken with to work more efficiently; as much as 300% better! Evening primrose oil supports the reproductive system in numerous ways. Known in old England as the King’s Cure-all, Evening primrose oil has been used for centuries for arthritis, cardiovascular disease and several other inflammatory conditions. Evening primrose has also been used for the clearing of conditions that are considered excess in nature, such as skin problems and PMS.

Oilsmart is a balanced essential fatty acid formula that includes a significant amount of lipase, the digestive enzyme that breaks down fats in the digestive tract, so that the oils may be used more efficiently in our cells. Oilsmart provides many of the much needed omega fats necessary to help restore balance to every cell in the body. Some of these fats assist the body by reducing excess inflammation, while others help harmonize the reproductive system, according to hundreds of reliable studies.

Jeri thought CellFood sounded like an excellent choice for Lisa to use on a more long term basis. Cellfood seems to provide its users with an increase of energy and vitality through its ability to increase oxygenation of the cells and its powerful trace nutrient content. Cellfood is also used to help detoxify excess toxins from all of the organs and tissues of the body.

Jeri and I visited the local herbal pharmacy together. We found the four products and Jeri rushed home to get Lisa started on the herbs. Jeri added the drops of Cellfood to Lisa’s glass of water. Lisa took the first round of herbs and rested some more. Two hours later, she took them again. When she woke up about two and a half hours later, Lisa told her mom that the pain had subsided substantially. She took the herbs again and felt strong enough to sit at the kitchen table for a few minutes with Jeri.

They discussed the consultation that we had had in her honor. Lisa agreed that finding better ways to handle her high stress levels was imperative, and agreed with her Mom to eat better, exercise every day and drink plenty of water this last semester and beyond. Before she went back to bed, Lisa wanted to call me to make an appointment for when she had recovered and to thank me.

Ovarian cysts can recur. We spoke about how she might work to prevent this from happening. I knew that Lisa would do well to begin a program to help her reduce excess stress once this cyst was gone. I suggested that Lisa needed to get more sleep, practice her meditation (she had been meditating since childhood, but did not continue this practice while away at school) and get the essential fatty acids through foods or supplementation needed to help protect her body and mind from excessive stress during those last few months of college. She agreed.

I saw Lisa about seven weeks later to discuss a long term strategy for her health and wellbeing. She told me that she had visited her doctor a couple days before and that the cyst was completely gone! And her PMS was milder than it had been in years. This was really great news!

Having done fairly extensive investigation on mercury and PCB poisoning, I can tell you that this ‘new’ study is nothing new. For years, there has been some very good research showing that women from various cultures around the world who consume more fish while pregnant; even the types of fish that Americans have been told to avoid for years, have children with higher IQ’s and less risk of concerns such as ADD and other learning difficulties.

So, if you’re pregnant or considering pregnancy, what should you really be eating regularly?

Well, I can tell you right now; we don’t have bright kids just because we ate lots of fish; and not because we didn’t eat fish, either. This is only one of the tens of thousands of things we could do right or possibly do wrong. Many of them can also have an impact on our developing fetus’ brain and nervous system health. When we are blessed with children who are more intelligent and follow a better path in their lives, it is for a wide variety of reasons. But, for now, let’s look at whether eating fish regularly is the prudent choice when we are pregnant or contemplating pregnancy.

Eating fish frequently is well known to provide the body with the omega 3 fatty acids necessary to nourish the brain, nerves, eyes and heart. Rather than staying away from something that provides so much essential nutrition, it may better serve us to eat detoxifying foods regularly to help prevent the potential for mercury toxicity.

While it is not safe to detoxify the body during pregnancy with strong herbs and supplements, eating nourishing, lightly cleansing foods such as dark leafy greens; kale, collards, arugula, cilantro, watercress and the like should be part of the daily menu plan, whenever possible. Squeezing lemons and limes into our water and onto foods like fish can safely help to purify the liver and blood. And eating plenty of whole grains such as brown rice, millet, quinoa and barley helps to prevent constipation, a common complaint in pregnancy.

I ate the very cleanest fish possible very often during both of my pregnancies, and I have been blessed with two exceptionally bright and intelligent daughters. I also ate greens virtually every day and consciously did at least a thousand others things to help improve those chances.

So, if you decide that eating fish is worth the risk, which fish should you choose? The answer is simple, sort of. Choose the very cleanest, least contaminated option possible. Ask at the fish counter where their choices were caught or raised. Remember that most farmed fish contains higher concentrations of contaminants that most wild fish.

Small species such as sardines, herring and anchovies are high in the good fats and considered safer to consume. It will depend, of course, on where the fish is from as to whether it is truly safe. Please ask questions before you make your purchase from a reputable market. Below, you will find a partial list of the fish considered safest from mercury for us to eat while pregnant, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council. They also offer a wallet sized ‘Mercury in Fish’ laminated card.

LEAST MERCURY Enjoy these fish.
Anchovies
Butterfish
Catfish
Flounder*
Haddock (Atlantic)*
Hake
Herring
Mackerel (N. Atlantic, Chub)
Mullet
Perch (Ocean)
Pollock
Salmon (Canned)**
Salmon (Fresh)**
Sardine
Shad (American)
Sole (Pacific)
Tilapia
Trout (Freshwater)
Whitefish

MODERATE MERCURY Best to eat six servings or less per month.
Bass (Striped, Black)
Carp
Cod (Alaskan)*
Halibut (Atlantic)*
Halibut (Pacific)
Mahi Mahi
Monkfish*
Perch (Freshwater)
Sablefish
Skate*
Snapper*
Tuna (Canned chunk light)
Tuna (Skipjack)*
Sea Trout

* Fish in Trouble! These fish are perilously low in numbers or are caught using environmentally destructive methods. To learn more, see the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the Blue Ocean Institute, both of which provide guides to fish to enjoy or avoid on the basis of environmental factors.

** Farmed Salmon (and other farmed fish) may contain PCB’s, chemicals with serious long-term health effects.

There is a new organization called Seafood Safe, which measures the levels of mercury and PCBs in seafood. The Seafood Safe label informs the consumer how many meals they may safely consume per month without exposure to dangerous levels of these contaminants.

There are companies that offer only very clean (and environmentally safer) fish. Ecofish offers the most sustainable, high quality and healthiest seafood; supports sustainable fisheries (wild & aquaculture); and is helping to reverse the decline of marine bio-diversity by encouraging a shift in consumer demand away from over-exploited fisheries.

Should other seafood, such as lobster, shrimp, scallops and crab, be consumed as liberally as well? Maybe. Consider these two concerns. First, they don’t contain the quantities of omega 3 fatty acids that many species of finned fish contain. Secondly, many of the other seafood choices are bottom feeders. They crawl and live predominantly on the seabed floor, eating from what’s sunk to the bottom. With all the garbage we’ve dumped into our oceans, lakes and rivers, we should be very careful with consuming these and other non-finned seafood.

So, are supplements the answer? I’ve heard several reporters and ‘specialists’ interviewed on this issue say that we should ignore this latest report and continue to avoid fish while pregnant; taking omega 3 supplements instead. Again; maybe. The answer can be summed up in one word; quality.

I wouldn’t take very many of the fish oil and other omega 3 supplements on the market. There are many periods during production where the quality of those supplements may be compromised. With fish oil, the region where the fish was caught and the pressing method are both very important. Some fish oil supplements, both liquid and capsules, have also been found to be contaminated with concentrations of heavy metals including lead, or other contaminants. Some have also been found to be rancid on the store shelf.

The four brands of fish oil supplements that I prefer to use include Nordic Naturals, Carlsons, NewChapter and Renew Life. Their standards are consistently very high.

Nut and seed oils can also contain significant amounts of omega 3 fatty acids. Flax and hemp are particularly good choices, and it’s very important to choose organic seeds and seed oils to prevent consuming genetically modification and other contamination. My favorite brands of flax oil capsules are Renew Life and Barleans, and I have only one favorite in liquid form; Flora. This is because they care enough about their consumers to bottle their precious oils in glass. No one else does, to my knowledge. Regarding hemp oil products, my top choices include Manitoba Harvest and Nutiva.

Ummmm; I’m getting quite a craving for a salmon steak with ginger honey glaze and a big bowl of garlic kale with lemon juice!

In India and the surrounding region, there is a tree called Neem whose leaves, bark, leaf oil and seed oil have been studied for decades and used for dozens of minor and serious health concerns. Neem has been revered as the ‘village pharmacy’ and can be traced back to nearly 4,500 years of use.

One of neem’s many uses has come under the spotlight in more recent years, however. That particular use may well become what neem will be most widely known for throughout the world. You see, neem has been found in extensive scientific research to be a safe and very effective birth control that may be used by either men or women. And it may protect women from a wide variety of STD’s (sexually transmitted diseases), too! How exciting is that!

Since I find it very exciting that there is a completely natural birth control that a man can safely and successfully use, let’s begin there. Research has shown that male subjects, members of the Indian Army, who consumed neem leaf oil or neem seed oil via capsule for six weeks achieved 100% effectiveness, and that effectiveness continued for as long as the subjects took the neem capsules daily. Within six weeks of discontinued use, the effect wore off and was completely reversed. None of the study’s participants experienced any side effects during the study period or afterwards.

The action is due to neem’s ability to slow the motility of the sperm, preventing their ability to reach their destination and impregnate the egg. And none of those men in the study had any issues with sperm production, obstructions or loss of libido at any time.

Research also shows that neem is effective for long term birth control when a minute amount of neem seed oil is injected into the vas deferens. Researchers found that men experienced eight months of effectiveness, again without side effects.

For women, neem has been used as birth control as well. Several studies have shown its safety and effectiveness. Unlike neem’s use for birth control with men, women do not need to take the neem capsules orally. Neem oil, (preferably organic) or specially prepared creams containing a therapeutic amount of neem oil have been found to be nearly 100% effective when administered intravaginally, also with no harmful side effects. Researchers do not believe that neem’s action with women is hormonal, so it appears that it may be a very safe option for birth control for women. There have been growing concerns about the numerous side effects associated with use today’s birth control options, including the pill.

The effectiveness of neem appears to be through its spermicidal action. In fact, researchers found neem oil to kill sperm in the vaginal region within just thirty seconds, and to continue to be effective for as many as five full hours; four hours longer than many creams or gels.

Neem is well known to be a powerful antimicrobial herb. Neem oil, when applied vaginally, has been shown to be very effective against several sexually transmitted diseases (STD’s). There has been strong evidence found in a number of studies that leads us to believe that neem can be successfully used against gonorrhea, syphilis, Chlamydia, herpes simplex-2 and possibly even HIV-1. Research is underway, and more research is needed to see how neem can be of value in fighting these and other STD’s.

Neem has been used for preventing and ridding the body of excess candida without harming the beneficial bacteria naturally found in the gut or vagina. Neem leaf or neem oil taken orally, or a therapeutic cream or the pure neem leaf oil applied topically has been found to fight candida, and several other fungal infections, as well. Neem has also been used when antibiotic resistant E. coli in the urinary tract and Staphylococcus aureus have become seriously out of control.

Several isolated constituents of neem have been studied for their birth control effect, and although they were also found to work well, the neem oil in its full spectrum form has been found to be more safe and effective.

And just as researchers tested the injected oil with men, they have found that injecting a small amount of neem oil into the uterine horn generated a twelve month prevention of fertility which was found to be completely reversible. Menstrual cycles and reproductive function were returned to normal once the injections were discontinued.

Neem oil was also looked at by researchers for oral use just after conception. They found that it may even be effective as a morning after type preparation. In animal studies, it was found that when a significant amount of neem oil was given to rats ten days after implantation, all embryos were reabsorbed by the body by day fifteen. The rats had no side effects and regained fertility for their next cycle.

To read more about the health benefits of neem, please read Neem: The Ultimate Herb, Neem: India’s Miraculous Healing Plant and Neem: A Tree for Solving Global Problems.

Excellent organic neem oil, capsules and creams by Thera Neem are available from Organix South. Find them at your local health food store throughout much of Europe and the US.

We all deserve, at every age, to experience good health and emotional well-being. Women do so much for everyone else in their lives that we’re becoming a society of frazzled, worn out beings on the emotional rollercoaster. Women, it’s time to take better care of ourselves, nurture ourselves regularly and regain our vibrant health and vitality!

Please remember that when it comes to using herbs to support good health, Quality is Everything! Herbs may be purchased in a wide variety of forms and with various processing and extraction methods used. We should purchase organically grown herbs whenever possible, so as to avoid the potentially toxic chemicals that commercial crops are sprayed and fertilized with.

Supercritical extracts, tinctures, herb teas, standardized extracts and powdered herbs (loose or in capsules) containing the same herb can affect us quite differently. Taking herbal remedies consistently for a period of time, is believed to contribute to the effectiveness of many herbs and herbal combinations, while others may be more beneficial when used only for a brief period of time. If you have any questions or concerns about the usage of herbs, please email me or contact an herbalist or other holistic practitioner in your area.

Many of us have heard about using medicinal herbs for safer hormonal balance, and for maintaining or regaining optimal levels of energy and vitality. Here are just a few of the herbs that are considered to be very safe that have been used by women for centuries to support good health and emotional well-being.

Black cohosh is normalizing to the female (and often the male) hormonal system and has been shown to have inflammatory modulating (balancing) properties, used for centuries for arthritis and rheumatism. A gentle and effective muscle relaxant, Black cohosh may be an excellent choice on its own, or used in combination with Cramp bark for cramping or backache. Black cohosh has been safely used by the Native American people since long before Europeans began to arrive, likely for well more than a thousand years. Black cohosh has been widely used in Germany for over 50 years, prescribed by gynecologists for symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes, sweats, vertigo, nervousness, sleeplessness, irritability, depression and headaches.

It is important to choose a certified organic product, as many of the products on the market are extracted with chemical solvents, such as acetone, PERC (dry-cleaning fluid) or hexane. These chemical solvents, although approved by the FDA, may react with the delicate plant phytonutrients, creating a less pure and potentially less effective product.

Vitex helps a woman’s body to self-regulate, both physically and emotionally, when used consistently for 3 to 6 months or longer. Vitex is believed by many to be most beneficial when consumed first thing in the morning, before our feet touch the floor.

Dong quai, often referred to as the female ginseng, can help to regulate the menses and tone the uterus, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine. Dong quai is considered to be potent and safe for both short and long-term use. Purchasing an organic product is imperative; as roots such as Dong quai are prone to concentrations of potential toxins that commercial herb and vegetable crops are usually grown with.

Blessed thistle, a close cousin of the more popular milk thistle, is known to be an effective digestive bitter and a powerful, yet very gentle liver tonic. Blessed thistle increases and enriches the flow of mother’s milk, according to centuries of use. Best of all, for women who are dealing with the difficulties of hormonal imbalances, Blessed thistle helps to balance the emotions for people at all ages, in great part through the detoxification of the accumulating toxins in the liver and blood.

Cramp bark helps the body relax the uterine muscles to reduce menstrual cramps. Cramp bark has been used for centuries for back ache, leg cramps, chronic muscle pain and physical tension.

Dandelion root helps to detoxify the liver and gall bladder, and supports digestive health, while the Dandelion leaves are a superb diuretic, actually providing the body with surplus potassium, and supporting reduced swelling & bloating.

Nettles, considered the most nutritious land plant on Earth, offers us abundant minerals, vitamins, trace minerals and phytonutrients. Very invigorating and purifying, Nettles deep nourishment supports all of the body’s organs and systems. Nettles is an excellent herbal choice for when we feel exhausted and depleted.

Raspberry leaf, a safe, nutritive uterine tonic has been used throughout recorded history for pregnancy, as well as for girls and women of all ages to support hormonal wellness. Children love this herbal tea, either on its own or combined with peppermint or a fruity flavored tea!

Holy basil is a magnificent herb for women of all ages, supporting adrenal balance and soothing the emotions. Calming and centering, Holy basil is excellent for stress, irritability and anxiety, helping stabilize blood sugar balance and mood swings. Research has shown Holy basil to be a potent herb for helping the body to modulate (balance) excess inflammation, making it a wonderful herb to consume regularly for helping with the symptoms of PMS and menopause.

Motherwort, an excellent uterine tonic, has been used for centuries for anxiety and an irregular or skipped heartbeat, regardless of the cause.

These are just a few of the myriad possibilities to restore our vitality and emotional well-being. You may prefer a program more suited for your specific needs, but I’ve chosen to share these herbs with you as they are considered safe and very beneficial. Look for part three of Women’s Health at Any Age in the next month or so. Take good care!

Remember; the information above is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to take the place of a qualified healthcare practitioner.

Women are often treated with a variety of medications just for passing through normal biological phases of life. We need to re-evaluate whether or not we should risk the side effects of such treatments when there are so many effective ways to feel invigorated and free of discomfort by eating the right foods and using safe, gentle and effective herbal and nutritional remedies.

Girls, as they become young women, are often recommended to take aspirin, Tylenol or Midol to relieve cramping and discomfort. Girls and women of any age may be prescribed mild doses of prescription depression medications for the moodiness or blues that can accompany PMS or menopause. Women who are pregnant or nursing are too often treated by people in the medical professions as if they suffer from an illness or disease, instead of being honored and revered for being in a natural state of womanhood as they bring forth life.

And menopause has become a catchall condition, complete with dozens of prescription medications for any of the possible symptoms that women in fast-paced western societies may experience. Did you know that there is no word for menopause or hot flashes in the East Asian languages? This is likely do to the fact that Asian women who use the traditional foods and practices of their region do not experience anything negative when passing through ‘the change of life’. When women from East Asian countries become ‘westernized’ with junk food and excess stress, they, too, experience the menopause symptoms that we are all to familiar with.

A Woman\’s Book of Herbs: The Healing Power of Natural Remedies by Deb Soule

Remember the adage, ‘we are what we eat’? More accurately, we could say ‘We are what we take into our bodies, and are healthiest when we eat and are able to digest and utilize fresh, wholesome foods’. When we choose what enters our bodies wisely, we can retain or regain our good physical health and balanced emotional well-being. Women of all ages should do their very best to eat a wide variety of nutritious whole foods so as to supply the body and mind with the nutrients needed for optimal energy and vitality.

Take good care of yourself, every day. This is another important ‘food’ sorely lacking for the majority of women today; the practice of caring for ourselves. Isn’t it time to change this one? It only takes an attitude shift, so what do you have to lose? Beginning today, do your best to nurture yourself every day. Most women do so much for everyone else, but too often we neglect ourselves. Find ways to relax every day, no matter how busy you are. In fact, the busier your life is, the more important daily relaxation and self-nurturing will be for you. Take a bath or buy yourself some flowers, work in the garden, walk, run or swim, whatever nurtures your soul. Make the time every day to do something special for yourself; something that won’t show up on your hips! You’ll be able to better care for others when you’ve cared well for yourself.

Drink plenty of water every day! Attempt to drink half your weight in ounces of fresh, delicious filtered or spring water every day. In other words, a 150 pound person should drink seventy-five ounces or about nine glasses of water daily.

Herbal Healing for Women by Rosemary Gladstar

De-stress often. Whether this means having a hot bath or sauna, getting a massage, acupuncture or bodywork regularly, walking the dog or taking a yoga or meditation class, it is important to breathe deeply, relax and let your mind unwind as often as you can. At least once or twice daily, stop what you’re doing to take some long, deep breaths, and be sure to exhale completely. We can only inhale deeply with the next breath if we’ve completely let go of the one before.

Avoid processed and deep-fried foods. These foods can cause long-term damage to our fragile bodies. Eaten only once in a while, they may do little or no harm, but for many of us, regular consumption of processed and deep-fried foods can affect our digestion and energy levels for days or weeks. Be aware of the effects that these foods can have on the cardiovascular system. This is now well documented, and can mean the difference between sticky, clumping blood and vibrant health!

Enjoy yourself while preparing wonderful fresh foods for yourself and your family. Be creative in the kitchen. Cooking can be a time to relax, breathe deeply and nurture yourself. Serve several fresh vegetables, local whenever available, with each meal. Share food preparation time with children. They can help beginning at two or three years old, and can instill good eating habits for a lifetime of good health.

For optimal health at any age, please eat plenty of the following foods:

Dark leafy green vegetables (kale, collards, watercress, arugula, chards, mustards, etc), sea vegetables (nori, wakame, dulse, kelp, kombu, etc), organic powdered algae (spirulina, chlorella, red algae). They’re loaded with vitamins, minerals, trace minerals, essential fatty acids and fiber.
Cultured foods such as miso, kefir, nutritional yeast and whole milk organic yogurt can help strengthen our digestion, immune system and liver to help balance our hormones. Goat yogurt & cheeses are delicious & easy to digest, even for most people who are sensitive to dairy products. Miso is particularly nourishing & protective for girls and women of all ages. One teaspoon of miso daily can significantly support the prevention of symptoms of menopause or PMS. Cultured soy foods are nutrient rich & supply bioavailable isoflavones and millions of other micro-nutrients. For further information about the health benefits of properly cultured soy foods, please see Myths in Nutrition- Part One- The Great Soy Debate, posted to this site on November 11, 2006.

Breast Cancer? Breast Health! The Wise Woman Way by Susun S. Weed

Sprouts are a nutrient dense, delicious live food. Did you know that just one tiny little broccoli sprout has all the phytonutrients that the entire large broccoli plant will contain when mature? So, the next time you’re feeling moody, you get exposed to something you feel is toxic in your system or it’s about ‘that time of month’, try munching on a handful of broccoli sprouts for a few days. You may be amazed by the results!
Sprouted grain breads, often found in the freezer section, are low in carbs & high in nutrition! A crushed grain (made into flour) is high in carbs, but when you sprout that same grain, it becomes higher in protein, minerals, vitamins and other important nutrients for vital health.
Nuts, seeds & nut butters (preferably organic) supply many essential nutrients; protein, omega fats, minerals, etc in a delicious and nutritious food. (Please note: This category does not technically include peanuts or peanut butter. While some may enjoy peanuts and peanut products, for many they may contribute to health concerns or be difficult to digest.)
Extra virgin olive oil (eaten raw, never cooked) and other raw, natural oils, are loaded with essential fatty acids, necessary for ever cell in the body. The Flora company provides some of the highest quality oils available anywhere.

Flax seed supports good elimination of toxins from the colon while offering protein and good fats. Flax seed is best purchased in the organic whole seed form, and then fresh ground & eaten within 15 minutes. It doesn’t store well due to the volatile oils contained within.
Root vegetables are alkalizing, helping to reduce fatigue. Roots in the diet help to nourish our beneficial bacteria in the gut, supporting digestion, assimilation of nutrients and immune health.
Green powdered drink mixes, preferably organic (as greens that are not organically grown will carry higher concentrations of petrochemicals) are super foods, and excellent for people of all ages who may desire more energy and a fast way to enjoy their green foods every day. Try mixing the powder with almond, hazelnut or rice milk.
Stay away from refined sugar, flour and junk food, as much as possible. (Special occasions are ok, but do your best to make it an occasional treat and not an every day feast.) We do not need to give up all of our favorite treats. We should just be sure to enjoy them in moderation as we eat plenty of fresh (and cultured) vegetables and nutritious, whole foods.
Prepare lunches and snacks at home whenever possible, and bring them with you to work or play. This is an effective way to consume high quality, nutritious foods while away from the home.

One of the most powerful medicines we have is food!

There have been hundreds of thousands of articles published about the use of herbs and nutritional supplements for achieving and maintaining good health. I would estimate that, of the thousands I have read over the last three decades, about 80% of them provide inaccurate information by containing these myths and half-truths. It is not likely due to the writers’ desire to throw their readers’ healing programs off-base. Instead, I’ve found it more likely due to the idea that research is often manipulated and interpreted in a variety of ways, depending on the desired outcome of those funding that research, even with the scientific standards that currently exist. In the US (and several other countries,as well), a writer or advertiser may quote information from a study, leaving out the very details that make the quote honest and truthful, to promote their products, services, ideas or concepts.

There are so many examples of this, but few get under my skin as powerfully as the issue of soy. Many articles and ads regarding soy state that it’s heart healthy or it’s not good for the heart whatsoever. Some say it will protect the breasts and cells from cancers, while others warn that it may cause or contribute to cancers. others say soy can either prevent or increase PMS or menopause symptoms. It goes on and on…

How is a person to determine what is best for them when those on both sides of the issue feel very strongly that they are right, and the other is somehow lesser informed? For many folks, the choice is difficult, and regardless of which advice they decide to follow, they find themselves second-guessing and feeling concerned about their decision.

For the first couple decades I studied natural health, I was one of them. I believed in trial and error, and didn’t trust research, preferring the empirical evidence of the generations before me. I tried one thing, and then another, desperately attempting to heal myself from the chronic pain and discomfort I endured as I dealt with several ambiguous auto-immune disorders. I was a high-functioning type-A personality gal, determined to be free of it all and finally get to experience the long-term vibrant health that we all deserve to enjoy.

Soy played a big role in this seesaw game of learning to heal myself. Eventually, I became enlightened by one of my greatest teachers as to the importance of tracing back what was stated or implied in an article, book or ad by checking the references until I got to the actual research being quoted, or more often misquoted or half-quoted, and then to find out who funded the research. (This is something I technically knew how to do since grade school, but had always thought that if someone referenced a statement, they surely would have gotten it right. Wrong!)

Soy is probably one of the most misunderstood topics in the natural health industry. Many people tell me that their doctors have told them to stay absolutely clear of all soy products and soy derivatives, especially when there is a history of breast cancer (and sometimes other cancers) in the family. Others state that they were told by their healthcare practitioner to eat as much soy as possible to avoid cancer, alleviate symptoms of menopause or improve bone health. Both of these opinions, however, are unfortunately incorrect, according to the most reliable independent research. See how confusing things can be?

The real story is not about whether soy is good or bad, but rather, according to thousands of years of evidence and the latest independent research, as well, is that fully cultured (fermented) soy (and properly sprouted soy) are healthful, protective and beneficial, while uncultured soy, most of what’s on the US market, is at best, not beneficial, and at worst, may contribute to several discomforts and disease conditions mentioned above and likely others, too.

Very few folks that attend my classes or receive consultations have ever heard of these distinguishing factors regarding soy. Most of them just felt confused by the numerous health claims and health warnings that they had heard or read about over the years. You have probably felt similarly. The following will likely help you to further understand, so that you will be better informed and able to make wiser choices in the future.

The original source of incorrect information regarding soy and its health benefits or potential harm seems to have been intentionally spread to promote the budding soy industry back in the ‘70’s. Whenever I first mention soy in the classes, one can immediately observe the changes in facial expressions throughout the room, and then the hands begin to go up, oftenly urgently. Many share that they have been very confused by the opposing viewpoints about soy, so they have either chosen to avoid it altogether or to eat lots of it daily in hopes that it’s the magic bullet they seek.

Most of the health benefits associated with soy have been found through research that has been done using miso (fermented soy paste used primarily for making miso soup) or natto (a strange fermented soy condiment rarely consumed in America). There have been a few studies done using fermented soymilk (what we may call soy yogurt), tempeh (a fermented soybean cake) or fermented soy sauce (called shoyu or tamari). Many of these fermented soy foods take years to make, and are traditionally consumed in small amounts each day in Japan and other East Asian countries. The Japanese people, until recently, have rarely consumed uncultured soy foods, but these myths in marketing have had an impact on their younger generation, too.

Miso has been associated with many health benefits, including but not limited to the protection from breast, stomach and overall cancers. One large study conducted by National Cancer Center Research Institute in Tokyo that followed 21,000 middle-aged Japanese women for 10 years showed that only 179 developed breast cancer. The women who consumed ½ to one teaspoon of miso mixed into a bowl of soup or broth three times daily had significantly less chance of developing beast cancer than those who ate miso one or fewer times each day. This is far fewer diagnoses than would be found in a comparable number of American women.

Miso, when combined traditionally with sea vegetables (edible seaweeds) in miso soup or other Japanese dishes, is believed to be even more chemoprotective than either one alone. The folks from Okinawa who follow their ancestors’ traditions begin their day with this type of miso soup, and then have it again with lunch and often dinner, as well.

Natto, a sticky soybean condiment often eaten with brown rice, has been shown to provide noteworthy benefits to the cardiovascular system, better blood lipid profiles (triglyceride numbers), cholesterol levels, reduced cancers and lower incidence of osteoporosis.

Many conflicting studies have been done with soy protein isolates and isoflavones, one of the groups of active constituents found in soy. The studies that have been financially backed by various soy interests have shown ‘promise’, but the independently funded have shown that uncultured soy may be unhelpful or possibly even harmful. Please don’t be fooled by this quagmire of paradoxical information The Japanese are considered to be the healthiest people on Earth, but as soon as their diets become ‘westernized’, adding American foods and uncultured soy, their healthy life expectancy drops significantly.

As you can see by reading the labels of packaged foods in nearly any health food store and more recently, in the regular grocery stores, too, American food companies have ignored the real research and traditional usage of soy foods in the healthiest country in the world, probably because these foods take too long to manufacture. Instead, they have misguided us with deceptive advertising and press releases, quoting scientific studies, but leaving out the very fact that the research had been done with cultured soy instead of the isolated and uncultured soy products that they attempt to promote.

Here is the list of healthful cultured soy foods that we may choose to consume so as to protect our cardiovascular and cellular health:

Miso
Natto
Tempeh
Tamari (fully fermented soy sauce)
Shoyu (fermented soy sauce)
Soy yogurt

Here is the list of soy foods that may not be beneficial and may be harmful to our health:

Soy protein powders
Soy milk
Soy nuts
Soy oil
Soy nut butter
Soy flour
Soy pasta
Texturized vegetable protein
Meat and cheese alternatives
Soy ice cream alternatives
Tofu
Soy pills

I hope that this, the first in a long series of Myths in Nutrition, has begun to help you to recognize and understand the differences between the myths, misunderstandings, half-truths and the truths that you may read or hear about soy going forward.

For additional information on the topic of soy, you may want to check out:
the Weston A Price Foundation’s Soy Alert!
and the best article I’ve found to date on soy published by Mothering Magazine in the May/June 2004 issue:
Whole Soy Story: The Dark Side of America’s Favorite Health Food.

If you are a new Mom and have any concerns about breastfeeding, relax and read on. There are dozens of foods and herbs that can help lactating women produce rich, abundant milk supply to satisfy their little ones.

Drink plenty of pure water, eight to twelve glasses every day. Attempt to drink one glass of water each time you sit down to nurse. Do your best to stay away from soda, and if you drink coffee or black tea, please choose organic and limit it to one cup daily. Green tea should also be organic, but may be consumed during lactation as often as desired. The reason for choosing organic is that the coffee and tea crops are heavily polluted with pesticides, herbicides and fungicides, which may interrupt milk flow.

Always remember to breathe deeply while nursing. Reading, singing, reciting poetry, visualization and joyful storytelling in a quiet voice will help your little feel nurtured, help to calm Mom and help with the production of nourishing milk.

If you want to produce richer milk, please visit your local health food store and purchase sweet brown rice and aduki beans (sometimes spelled adzuki). Sweet brown rice is a shorter, plumper grain than traditional brown rice and is cooked in the same way. You may also want to try a delicious drink made with sweet rice, called amasake.

Aduki beans are small brown beans that may be purchased in cans (and usually organically grown) or dried. Both have been used to produce copious amounts of rich, delicious milk by lactating Moms who are having trouble with milk flow. They are also excellent foods for adopting Moms to eat plenty of when they plan to nurse their babies.

There are some great herbs to increase milk flow. My favorite is ginger, especially the Ginger Wonder Syrup made by New Chapter. (This same product also comes under the names Ginger Honey Tonic and Digestion Ginger Honey Tonic.) Ginger Wonder Syrup is simply the juice of organic ginger and a bit of a potent ginger concentrate mixed with Vermont honey. It may be taken right from the spoon, mixed with seltzer water or naturally carbonated mineral water to create a delicious herbal ginger ale, or mixed with warm water (never hot, as you don’t want to damage the enzymes contained in the ginger) to enjoy a soothing ginger honey tea.

Ideally, one would want to have a teaspoon or more of the syrup with every meal or snack throughout the day. This will also help to sooth a baby’s tummy if she’s experiencing colic, constipation or gas. And it’s a great help if Mommy experiences any of these digestive discomforts, as well. Remember; do not give it directly to your baby until after the first year, due to the fact that it contains honey.

If you prefer to consume ginger without the honey, please be sure to have attention to purchasing an organically grown product. I don’t mean to sound like a broken record, but there are some pretty yucky chemicals used to grow commercial ginger crops, especially potent fungicides, and babies can be especially sensitive to toxins. You can use it in cooking, capsules or tincture (careful, though, it’s quite spicy!) To make the most useful tea from fresh ginger, try warming the water to a temperature that you can sip easily, grate the ginger onto a plate, and squeeze the ginger juice into the warm water. This method of preparing ginger tea will provide increased benefits for digestive, immune and cardiovascular health for both Mom and Baby. Ginger supports increased appetite and is considered useful in Traditional Chinese Medicine for more than 600 conditions.

Other well-known herbs to help with milk flow include fennel, fenugreek, nettles and blessed thistle. Each of the herbs mentioned is superb for the digestion system. One way that they support increased milk production is to help Mom digest more easily and thoroughly, so as to have more high quality nutrients available to turn into rich milk for your little one. You know the drill, organic whenever possible. You may try them incorporated into foods, tea, capsules or taken as a tincture (don’t worry about the alcohol content, as we get more alcohol from eating a ripe banana than in a dose of tincture).

A pinch of fennel seeds are chewed thoroughly following meals in regions of India. Fennel has been consumed throughout much of Asia and Europe for thousands of years. Fennel is soothing to the mucosal tissue, so it is used for calming an irritated throat or lungs. For use, either chew a few seeds, usually ½ teaspoon per meal and snack, or take as a tea. To make a tea, pour boiling water over one teaspoon of seeds, and cover. Steep for 15 minutes and sip a half cup or so per meal and snack. Be sure not to overdo it, as it is believed that too much fennel can slow milk flow. (The amounts suggested above should not be too much for most of us.)

Fenugreek is probably the most recommended herb for lactation by midwives, (although I favor ginger and fennel). Fenugreek is, for many, an acquired taste, so it is usually taken by capsule.

Nettles, considered to be the most nutritious land plant on Earth, helps to make very rich, very satisfying milk. If your little one seems to want to nurse all the time, or if you feel stressed out, so your milk seems to be less satisfying to your babe, you may want to try nettles. It makes a delicious tea and may be added to soups, salads, smoothies, tomato sauce, stir-fries or whatever you’re serving for dinner. This is also a great way to slip some nourishing veggies into your children who may not usually choose to eat their vegetables. Nettles are well-known to help folks who suffer with allergies. So, if you’re a new Mom with allergy concerns, nettles may be a very beneficial addition to your daily diet. There is no known side effects or unsafe upper levels, according to a wealth of research.

Blessed thistle, a cousin of Milk thistle, supports liver health, blood cleansing and colon regularity. Blessed thistle can also help to increase appetite.

Please, if you haven’t already, try Pregnancy Tea, formulated by one of my greatest teachers, Rosemary Gladstar, and produced by Traditional Medicinals. It is delicious. Be sure to place a cover on the mug to hold in the potent essential oils, as much of the medicinal value of herbs is contained in their essential oils.

If your little one is having trouble with nursing, slow weight gain or failure to thrive, try the following simple technique. As baby begins to find the breast and latch on, use your fingers to gently open his mouth wider around the nipple. He may fuss a bit, but relax and help him stretch open that little mouth a bit more with each nursing for the next couple days.

I once had a friend whose baby was experiencing a serious failure to thrive concern, and she did not want to go back to the doctor’s office because she knew what she’s be told, and she was committed to nursing. Her baby girl get sucked on the tip of the nipple, which was not allowing good milk flow and was painful for the Mom. I helped her to get the baby’s mouth widely wrapped around the entire nipple, and within two weeks, the baby filled out, became less fussy and slept better. When she visited the doctor shortly thereafter, her little girl got a clean bill of health.

Another important thing to consider; when you and your little one are ready to wean, be sure to discontinue all of the aforementioned herbs and foods that increase milk supply or your breasts will pay dearly. I once knew a woman who was painfully engorged for more than two weeks after weaning. She couldn’t understand why her breasts weren’t going down, and as she whined to me in pain, we realized that she was drinking amazake (the sweet rice drink) and had eaten aduki bean soup for dinner two nights in a row! She put them all in the freezer, and a day later was out of pain.

The best to each of you as you nourish and grow your beautiful little people.