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In honor of Herbal Awareness month I thought my readers might enjoy learning more about the organizations that support the use of herbal medicine. Listed below are some of the most valuable resources for anyone interested in using herbs: 1. The American Herbalists Guild, An Association of Herbal Practitioners (AHG). The American Herbalists Guild was founded in 1989 as a non-profit, educational organization to represent the goals and voices of herbalists specializing in the medicinal use of plants. Our primary goal is to promote a high level of professionalism and education in the study and practice of therapeutic herbalism. http://www.americanherbalistsguild.com/ Mailing Address
If a new mother is having difficulty nursing, she should first be evaluated by a board-certified lactation consultant, who can pinpoint problems with the baby’s latch and can help resolve any presenting issues. Nursing mothers need to rest and should drink plenty of liquids. It is important that she also feel relaxed, unhurried and positive about lactation. During lactation, women need even more calories, protein and calcium than they do when they are pregnant and should eat accordingly. Eating whole, unhulled barley can often increase milk supply. Nursing moms should eat plenty of dark green leafy vegetables and often benefit from supplementing with a daily protein smoothie. Taking a prenatal vitamin during lactation is also recommended. There is a long tradition of using herbs to help increase a nursing mother’s milk supply and these can be used if there are no other known reasons why she is not producing enough milk. Herbal teas that can aid nursing include: raspberry leaf, blessed thistle and nettles. These herbs are often mixed with aromatic herbs such as anise, dill or fennel seed. The oils from these herbs pass into the milk and can help to prevent colic in newborn babies when taken in tea form by the nursing mother. The herb fenugreek has a long tradition of use as a galactagogue (lactation stimulant) and has been shown to increase milk supply in one small uncontrolled human study. Although larger studies are not yet available, there is a great deal of anecdotal evidence that fenugreek works. Fenugreek has GRAS status and is safe when used appropriately. For lactation, 2-3 capsules are taken three times daily. More may be needed by some women. The nursing mother’s urine will smell strongly of maple syrup when the correct dose has been reached. Very large doses of fenugreek may cause hypoglycemia and should be used with caution in diabetics. Some digestive distress such as gas, bloating or diarrhea may also occur with large doses.
It’s that time of year again--- the season for itchy, scratchy eyes, ears, nose and throat. If you are one of the unfortunate ones who suffer from hayfever, you might find it comforting to know that nettle leaf is an effective remedy. Choose dried or freeze-dried nettle capsules, (with or without added quercetin) to help quell the histamine response associated with seasonal allergies. Nettle tea or medicinal infusion is another way to use this deeply nourishing, mild tasting herb. Nettles are a rich source of minerals, including iron and calcium. They are high in vitamin c, antioxidant flavonoids and numerous other bioactive constituents. Nettle leaf is known for its traditional use as a remedy for anemia, water retention, allergies, eczema, gout, arthritis and many other chronic health problems. Nettle root has been shown in clinical studies to help manage the symptoms of enlarged prostate. Nettle infusions are used as hair rinses for dry, itchy scalp and dandruff. A rich source of organic nitrogen, nettle garden teas can be made by soaking the fresh plants in water for several days until fermentation begins, then pouring this liquid onto nitrogen-loving garden plants. Also known as stinging nettle, this herb is covered with many small hairs that release formic acid when touched. Nettles can sting only when fresh, so thorough cooking or drying is necessary before using them for food or tea. If you are lucky enough to have nettles growing in your garden, harvest the tops when they are very young (< 4 inches tall) in early spring. Cook these and use them as you would spinach. Nettles are great in soups, quiche, spanakopita and more! Look for dried organic nettles in capsules, chewables and in freeze dried preparations. Nettles are also available as packaged teas and in the bulk herb section. For more information on National Kidney Month: http://www.nih.gov/news/health/mar2010/niddk-01.htm |
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