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Spring 2008 Newsletter

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Kia Ora everyone.
Wow hasn’t Spring arrived with a bang! Here at our Naturally by Trisha gardens we have plums, pears, peaches, apples, nashi’s, macadamias all in varying stages of blossom, with Egyptian musk rose weaving through some of the fruit trees. The scent in the air is so heady, it never fails to fill me with hope and joy. Another cycle beginning in the garden.
The spring vege seedlings are all sitting patiently in the porch, kindly restraining themselves, to give me just a little more time to get their beds weeded, dug over and fertilized (with all our lovely chook poo) The winter bed has suddenly come alive with the new warmth, the beetroots are fat, the winter greens tall and lush. The vege garden wasn’t a great success this winter. Too wet for it’s liking perhaps.
We have been also been busy making fresh tinctures for our balms with weeds, cultivated plants and natives. What a blessing and a gift that we have all these powerful natural healers, right on our doorsteps, available and so needed these days. Simple and uncomplicated, they do the job they are given to do by mother nature, no less and no more.
I want to remind you which balms you might want to think about using as the weather warms up. I don’t know why I do, but every Spring I underestimate the power of the sun and get sunburned very early on. The Everyday Balm is what I reach for, it is so good at minimizing the effects and the discomfort of sunburned skin. Three applications over the first 24 hours and chances are, even if quite severely burnt, you won’t peel. Mosquito and sandfly bites notoriously itchy all respond to the everyday balm. Really you shouldn’t go anywhere without this little gem. Also all you gardeners, it’s also brilliant for use on your gardeners hands, be they cut, dry, pricked, or just plain needing a bit of TLC.
Another one for the gardeners is the Aches and Pains. After a hard day in the garden, a nice hot bath and some Aches and Pains rubbed on neck, shoulders, lower back, arms and hands you will wake the next day with a body that is ready for more.
Solar X is a product that we should be using all year round to minimise damage to those areas prone to sun exposure. This balm is packed with plants with antioxidant activities. I advise that people use it morning and night, some people actually use it as a night balm, Someone from Australia who was living in the Outback wrote and said it was the best face cream she had ever used, for wrinkles! etc. Which leads me to some very exciting new from us here at Naturally by Trisha.
We are soon to be launching two new products….our first cream based products….
The first cream is a face cream for mature skin, or skin that is dry and sun-damaged. My daughter who is only twenty-three years old has dry skin and already shows fine lines and wrinkles on her forehead and has freckles that are growing together on her forehead from sun-damage. She will definitely be a candidate for this cream, even though she is only twenty three.
This gorgeous cream will be a combination/re-mix of the Solar-x and the Mothers Belly Balm. The Mothers Belly Balm supports blood vessels like capillaries (which cause redness under the skin) and tones up tissue, while the solar-x takes care of sun damage. In a base of olive, almond, and avocado oils and the addition of colloidal silver and Vitamin C this is an exciting addition to the range.
The second new cream, coming soon….is a Teenage/Acne Cream. A product that we are often asked to make. Wel,l now we are, and it is jam packed with nature’s simple skin healers. We have used plants that deal with inflammation, scarring, and the itch that often goes with acne sores and pimples. Manuka, Harakeke, Calendula and Kawakawa, as well as Colloidal Silver (a proven anti-bacterial) and Vitamin E.
We love feed-back here at Naturally by Trisha, we want to know what you need us to make and get out there on the market. Kerry and I went to the Trade Gift show last week and really there are so many products out there to choose from.
We take pride in keeping our ingredients simple and understandable, we choose to use the gifts of Papatuanuku as she offers them - without refining or altering. We believe that’s what makes our products unique and effective. Mother nature at her best………
We thank you our customers for your trust and loyalty.
Blessings
Trisha

Kings Plant Barn - SAVE AND GROW YOUR OWN Evening

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0400

CALENDULA BALM MAKING DEMONSTRATION
With Trisha
at
KINGS PLANT BARN
11 PORANA RD
TAKAPUNA
SAVE AND GROW YOUR OWN Evening
WEDNESDAY 8TH OCTOBER
5.00 PM - 8.00 PM
Kings Plant Barn Evening Offer - Purchase 2 large jars of balm and get a small one free!
Featuring:
5.30pm
Organic Garden Care with special guest Bruce
6.00pm
Lynda Hallinan - Editor of the NZ Gardener magazine
Self sufficiency guru!
Meet with the Kings Plant Barn trained and friendly staff for expert advice on how to grown your own fruit and vegetables
Meet with Kings Plant Barn Landscape designer team - their knowledge can make the difference!
Join the VIP club with Kings Plant Barn - ITS FREE!
All members will receive a 15% discount on the night
Spot prizes, and fundraising sausage sizzle
www.kingsplantbarn.co.nz

ie Produce In-Store Times

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0400

ie Produce
1 Barrys Point Rd
Takapuna
NEW ZEALAND'S BEST RANGE OF HEALTHY FOODS
www.ieproduce.com In Store times with all our Naturally by Trisha products:
Kerry Friday 12th September 12.00 - 2.00pm
Trisha Sunday 14th September 12.00-2.00pm
Kerry Friday 17th October 12.00 - 2.00pm
Trisha Sunday 19th October 12.00 - 2.00pm
Kerry Friday 14th November 12.00 - 2.00pm
Trisha Sunday 16th November 12.00 - 2.00pm
LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING YOU THERE

Meet with Trisha at Wellsford Pharmacy

Sun, 27 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Launching............
Naturally by Trisha
New Zealand
Natural Herbal Problem Skincare Products
at
WELLSFORD PHARMACY
156 RODNEY STREET
WELLSFORD
11.00AM TO 1.00PM
FRIDAY 8TH AUGUST 2008
Come meet Trisha

Natural Diaper Creams and Balms: They Do Work Better

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400

http://greentot.wordpress.com/2008/07/23/natural-diaper-creams-balms/ Posted by Julie under Green Baby Health, Green Bath Time, Green Diapers | Tags: diaper, nappy, rash |
"There’s a saying by Canadian social reformer and educator Martin McLuhan: “Diaper backward spells repaid”. One thing is pretty certain: a wise choice of diaper care products can be repaid with quieter nights and happier daytime play.
All babies have at least one bout of diaper rash before they are potty-trained. There’s no way around it. Frequent diaper changes (not less than seven a day), water rinsing when practical instead of baby wipes, a regular application of lightweight baby oils and use of all-natural baby wipes can help control, if not completely prevent baby rash.
Sometimes diaper rash can be caused by the very diapers you use. Cloth diapers are more prone to causing skin irritations, perhaps due to a fact that the moisture is not quickly wicked off the skin, like in disposable diapers.
Unlike many other green moms, I am not a firm believer in cloth diapers (I already envision skeptical frowns.) Before my baby was born, I stocked an ample supply of soft, fluffy cloth diapers, woolen pants, and waterproof pads, none of which came cheap. After a month of daily diaper washes, our water and electricity bills skyrocketed! The almost constant diaper rash despite frequent changes and usage of only natural detergents (think Dr. Bronner’s soap and plain unscented soap flakes, not Fairy liquid!) was also a decisive factor. We switched to biodegradable, chlorine-free disposables made of corn, and my daughter has never had a bout of diaper rash ever since. With monthly a cost of $40 (instead of $100-plus that advocates of cloth diapering claim) and substantially lower environmental impact, I am happy to use disposable diapers with biodegradable liners and pack them in compostable diaper sacks. Even if you choose to use cloth diapers, keep a pack of larger-sized (not training pants) diapers for diaper rash emergencies.
To soothe a baby’s diaper area, always wash it with water instead of cleaning with wipes, even if you made your own completely green ones. Pat the area dry and apply a barrier cream with zinc oxide, calendula, aloe or chamomile. I am not a huge fan of lavender, and whenever possible, I choose a cream that has only few ingredients, to minimize any risk of irritation. And of course, I steer clear from any diaper balms that have any PEGs, parabens, artificial fragrances, silicone, or other chemicals nasties. Why would I use them if so many natural alternatives are available?"

Newsletter June 2008

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Mothers Belly Balm ****NEW****
For bellys under pressure. Stretch marks and pregnant belly itch! Soothes distressed capillaries.
INGREDIENTS Olive oil Almond Oil Beeswax Tinctures of Bellis Perennis Witchhazel Yarrow Koromiko Horse-chestnut Rose Light Essence
Fungal Salve ****NEW****
Fungal toe nails, ringworm, athletes foot and candida....
INGREDIENTS Olive Oil Beeswax Tinctures of Horopito Thyme Rosemary Patete Manuka Maire Rose Light Essence
Trisha has re-branded Trisha's Ointments so that she may offer a more extensive range of balms for both you and your customers. Some balms have now been blended with New Zealand's wonderful native flowers and plants.
While Trisha will continue the research and production of the products, Kerry Travis will organise the sales and marketing. Trisha will be introducing a new extensive range of creams in the larger jars.
For those of you who prefer to use a cream based product. What is special about Trisha's balms and creams is that they are handmade especially by Trisha, using plants and trees grown organically, in her own garden.
Please visit our new website: www.naturallybytrisha.com,
It will eventually have the added features of;
wholesale ordering system,
monthly newsletters,
promotional and new products,
open discussion areas on current issue in health and healing.
Convenient packs will be available very soon, and are listed below:
Gardeners Pack: Aches and Pains, Solar X and Everyday Balm,
Travel / Home Pack: Everyday Balm, Aches and Pains, and Solar X ,
Baby and Mothers Pack : Baby Bottom Balm, Mothers Belly Balm and Aches and Pains ,
Sports Pack : Aches and Pains, Solar X and Fungus Salve,
New payment details as at 1 July 2008:
Account Name: Naturally by Trisha New Zealand Ltd
ASB Bank:
www.naturallybytrisha.com,
sales@naturallybytrisha.com,
trisha@naturallybytrisha.com,
Trisha Curtis Ph: 09 420 4121 Fax: 09 420 3231
Kerry Travis Ph/Fax: 09 426 3054 Mob: 021 234 1729

Workshop in Otara

Sun, 27 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Trisha along with the help of Jackson is demonstrating to locals of Otara, South Auckland
How To Make Balms and Ointments
This is a community project which is being held at:
Seventh Day Adventist Church, Otara
Monday Night 4th August
7pm-8:30pm
Please bring along your friends and see how these old fashioned balms and ointments are made.
Trisha blends age old European and Maori remedies to make these balms.
Make time to attend as you will be truly entertained, plus learn how and what to do in making these wonderful natural herbal balms for your future generations

Solar X Featured in the Waikato Times

Tue, 06 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0400

We had a small write up in the Waikato Times last week. One of their contributors uses the Solar-X ointment on her whole family and finds it very effective so she mentioned it in combination with a longer piece on preventing skin damage from long term exposure to our southern hemisphere sun.
"A natural product several members of my family are very impressed with is a New Zealand-made balm called Naturally by Trisha Solar X. This is a natural ointment made from beeswax and several herbal extracts that is very effective at healing certain types of sun damage.
My family is very fair-skinned and several of us have sun damage spots on our noses. Regular application of this product as recommended on the jar has healed these spots. The ointment contains herbs with anti-oxidant activity and states that it shrinks solar keratoses and fades age spots. It is available from health food stores."
Clare Baker, Waikato Times, 26th April, 2006.

Herpes: Treatment and causes

Thu, 03 Jun 2004 00:00:00 -0400

Autumn is nearly here, and with the change of weather so many of us can be prone to cold sores. Cold sores and genital herpes are both caused by different strains of the herpes virus but the eruptions can often have the same triggers.
Often the biggest trigger is stress, which it’s not always possible to control; outside influences being what they are. Cold weather and sun are also triggers that may be outside our sphere of influence. Specific foods also trigger attacks, and excess consumption of foods with a high L-Arginine content and low L-Lysine content can keep us in a state of imbalance, perfectly primed for a herpes outbreak.
Having a basic working knowledge of some of the foods at the ends of the L-lysine and L-argine scale is I believe our first line of prevention. There is an excellent web-site www.herpes.com/nutrition which lists most of the common foods and their argine-lysine ratios. Some of the common trigger foods are nuts and chocolate, while yoghurt, cheese and lamb are at the other end of the scale.
I found this site extremely helpful in understanding and limiting what I had previously thought were random attacks. In my homeopathic practice I often see people with herpes, and will select a remedy that matches the overall symptoms of the person. There is no, one remedy fits all in homeopathy. Each case is taken on the individual symptoms presented and each person does present as an individual. I also suggest the use of IT WORKS balm for genital eruptions and cold sores. It lessens the duration of the eruption and is extremely soothing and healing. Many people have switched from the pharmaceutical topical drug and have found IT WORKS balm most effective. Hope this is helpful.

News

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0400

"Trisha's ointments are an essential part of our family's everyday healthcare and first aid. We use Trisha's ointments for cuts, grazes, burns, sunburn (it really takes the sting out), cracked heels, eczema, insect bites and stubborn infected sores. We also use it as a handcream and lip balm. We use Trisha's ointments for anything that needs soothing, smoothing or deep healing. We use them on out horses wounds and irritations as well.
Recently a jar of Trisha's Ointments was misplaced and I realised just how often we use this product. On one day before we found it, I looked for it eight times, that was in a single day."
Jenny Woods, Helensville

Why Organic Balms Work Better

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400

www.good-parenting.net/2008/07/06/why-organic-balms-work-better/ "Why Organic Balms Work Better
July 6th, 2008 by admin
There are plenty of baby products on the market, many full of chemicals and artificial colors and perfumes to make them look and smell better. These chemicals tend to be harsh on delicate skin and parents in the know usually prefer organic baby skin care products such as organic baby balms.
Organic baby balms should be completely made of natural ingredients that are chemical free. Each ingredient has a specific purpose and it´s a good idea to understand which ingredient does what for your baby´s skin so you can choose the perfect organic baby balm for his or her skin.
Organic Baby Balm Ingredients
Beeswax: This ingredient is one of the most commonly used in baby balms. It´s a natural ingredient that smells heavenly and also works to seal and protect delicate skin. When used with moisturizing ingredients, it helps to seal them in, maximizing the moisturizing potential of any baby balm.
Calendula: This Mediterranean flower is a very useful natural ingredient. Used on its own, it can eliminate pain and when used in organic baby balms, calendula reduces inflammation and promotes healing. It also reduces the itching of insect bites.
Chamomile: A natural antiseptic, chamomile is soothing and great for use on sensitive skin. It boosts natural cell regeneration and helps reduce rashes and swelling. This herb is particularly useful in baby skin care products meant to treat diaper rashes.
Coconut Oil: An amazing oil that originates from the meat of the coconut, this natural ingredient has anti-fungal, antibacterial and antiseptic properties that make it a very useful ingredient in organic baby balms.
Lavender: This aromatic herb is well known for its soporific effect on people and a little of its essence added to an organic baby balm will help calm and soothe a fussy baby and promote sleep.
Olive Oil: This natural moisturizer is just as healthy when applied to the skin as it is ingested. Rich in Vitamin E, olive oil helps promote healing and minimizes scarring. It is also excellent for treating skin problems like eczema and dandruff.
Shea Butter: An organic, heavy duty moisturizer, shea butter is also useful for protecting little faces from the wind and sun. It also promotes healing of small cuts and rashes, such as diaper rashes and can be used to prevent and treat blemishes and scars. Shea butter is also used to help reverse skin damage caused by harsh chemicals and can really soothe tender baby skin.
Zinc Oxide: One of the most common ingredients in diaper rash cream, zinc oxide eases inflammation and works as a natural astringent on the skin. It´s gentle healing action is very useful for rashes and sores. It is also a natural sun block.
Organic baby balms are the natural way to treat your baby´s skin. Not all of the above ingredients will be used in every balm, as each is specifically formulated to serve a purpose. For example, a healing balm might contain olive oil, zinc oxide and calendula, while a moisturizing balm would be more likely to have beeswax and shea butter in it.
The simpler organic baby skin products are, the less likely your child will have a reaction to any of the ingredients. Most baby balms have just 4-6 ingredients and all are recognizable, as opposed to chemical laden versions.
Look for an organic baby balm that has the ingredients needed for your baby´s particular skin type. Each ingredient will do a specific job and combined, they are dynamite for treating dry infant skin."

Healing Herbs of the Amazon

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400

www.totalhealthbreakthroughs.com Total Health Breakthroughs: Alternative Solutions for Mind, Body, and Spirit
"Nutrients & HealthHealing Herbs of the Amazon: Part 2: Sangre de Grado (Dragon’s Blood)
by David Kamnitzer 06/06/2008
Imagine if a modern drug company reported about a new promising compound that seemed to exhibit the following properties (and with no side effects!):
Speeds wound healing; stops bleeding; kills bacteria; kills fungi; kills viruses; relieves diarrhea; reduces pain and inflammation; relieves itching.
I’d buy stock in that company in a “New York Minute”!
Fortunately (in my opinion), there already exists a natural (and unpatentable) plant that exhibits all of these properties — sangre de grado, or dragon’s blood.
Leslie Taylor, the well-known and respected naturopath and expert on South American Herbology, tells us in her classic text: The Healing Power of Rainforest Herbs that,”Sangre de Grado is a medium- to large-sized tree that grows from 10-20 meters high in the upper Amazon region of Peru, Ecuador, and Columbia …. When the trunk of the tree is cut or wounded, a dark red, sappy resin oozes out as if the tree is bleeding …”
Both the resin and the bark have been used in various healing traditions. In the United States, the use of the resin is more common. The resin is a very red sap that appears to be completely safe — however, it
will permanently stain clothing!
Once or twice a day, 10-15 drops of sangre de grado can be taken internally (in a small amount of liquid) to reduce gastric inflammation and healing, and for its anti-microbial properties.
Dr. Taylor, in the aforementioned text tell us that, “Applied (topically) directly to the affected area, it is helpful for all types of cuts, scrapes, external wounds, bites, stings, rashes, and skin problems, including skin and nail fungi.”
Externally, the resin can be applied directly to the affected area twice daily. Although your skin will be stained, the stain is only temporary and will wash off.
Here are some other observations about sangre de grado made by well-known researchers:
* “Not only does Sangre de Grado prevent pain sensation, it also blocks the tissue response to a chemical released by nerves that promotes inflammation. There is currently no other substance that we know of that shares these same activities.” — Dr. John Wallace.1 Wallace also notes that isolation of the active ingredient in sangre de grado could lead to new therapies for a wide range of inflammatory diseases, including asthma, arthritis and ulcerative colitis.
* According to famed botanist, Dr. James Duke, “Several compounds in it… have antiviral and wound-healing properties that may be especially useful against the viral sores caused by herpes. The natural mixture of all three compounds
heals wounds four times faster than the individual compounds alone.”2
Many individuals report success with sangre de grado for helping the body to heal fungal infections of the nails. I am particularly excited about this application, since the most common drug used for this health challenge has some serious potential side effects and necessitates medical monitoring of liver function (not to mention that in the US, it costs several hundred dollars per month and must be taken for several months!).
As part of a “first-aid” kit, it can come in really handy to stop bleeding. For this purpose, rub it in and it will thicken the resin into a lighter colored paste that helps form a “second skin” on top of a
wound.
Sangre de grado has no reported contraindications or drug interactions. It is a wonderful example of the safety, effectiveness, and multi-faceted nature of many of the herbs of the Amazon Rainforest.
References
1. Wallace, J Natural Science May 15, 2000.
2. Duke, JA, The Green Pharmacy, Rodale Press, 1997.

Looking good without the chemicals

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400

LOOKING GOOD WITHOUT THE CHEMICALS
New Zealand Herald
5:00AM Monday July 21, 2008
By Brooke Donovan and Alice Neville
The natural beauty industry is booming worldwide and New Zealand, with its clean green image, is perfectly poised to capitalise.
But is natural beauty really a green proposition, or merely a marketing tool?
The answer can be found in an alarming statistic. It is thought that women ingest as much as 2kg of chemicals a year from the cosmetics and skincare they use - and there are no rules or regulations governing their ingredients.
Attention has particularly been drawn to the use of parabens as perservatives in beauty products, which some studies have linked to cancer, and phthalates, the industrial chemicals used in many cosmetic products and linked to birth defects.
As concern grows about the use of chemicals in beauty products, the natural beauty industry is becoming mainstream.
World-wide, the industry is worth US$5.9 billion ($7.7 billion), or 2 per cent of the total beauty market, and is growing at 17 per cent a year.
Large international companies, such as L'Oreal, Clarins and YSL are buying or creating new companies to take part in the revolution.
Leigh Kite, of Comvita's manuka honey-based skincare range Huni, recently attended the second Natural Beauty Summit in New York, which attracted 250 skincare companies from around the world.
The focus was on defining what "natural beauty" is, said Mrs Kite, and working towards establishing global standards.
"We don't want to sully the natural beauty segment with brands that are greenwashing. Using one organic ingredient and calling a product organic is not being responsible or ethical - we need to be transparent and honest with consumers."
"There are already 20 different standards being used globally, and as an industry we want harmonisation."
Catherine de Groot of Wellington natural skincare company Trilogy said she felt sorry for customers who were increasingly being bombarded with dubious advertising claims.
"It's often impossible for the lay person to cut through all the advertising hype. The key is for consumers to ask questions ... "
Mrs de Groot said people increasingly wanted to know where the natural ingredients come from.
"They want traceability in the supply chain, they want to know if the products are fairtrade ... customers are becoming more savvy," she said.
"We try to make every step of the supply train transparent. We know where every ingredient comes from, we know every component of the packaging and how it can be recycled."
Trilogy has been honoured as the only New Zealand company to be included in the first Green Beauty Bible, a book put out by the British beauty writers responsible for the popular Beauty Bible.
Mrs Kite and Mrs de Groot agreed that things were getting tougher for rogue brands purporting to be green.
"At the end of the day regulations are becoming tighter," says Mrs de Groot.
WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR?
* Products that use low or minimal amounts of synthetic chemicals
* Natural, organic or fair trade ingredients
* Ingredients from renewable or sustainable sources
* Minimal packaging and recycled or recyclable packaging
WHAT SHOULD I AVOID?
* Parabens, petrochemicals, formaldehyde, sodium lauryl sulphate chemicals, mineral oils and aluminium

The 9 Ways to Green Your Cosmetics

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400

THE 9 WAYS TO GREEN YOUR COSMETICS
New Zealand Herald
5:00AM Monday July 21, 2008
1: Chemical chaos - look at the label
The biggest and most complicated issue regarding the cosmetics we use are the unregulated chemicals that are used to make them. The best advice is to learn the main ones to avoid and then check the product ingredient label.
2: No sweat - aluminium-free deodorant
Aluminium has been found to cause skin irritation. Anti-perspirants prevent the body from eliminating toxins through perspiration. Try brands without aluminium, or the crystal stick which uses natural salts.
3: A natural smile? - toothpaste
Many popular brands contain chemicals such as parabens, titanium dioxide for whitening, and high levels of fluoride. But natural toothpastes are available, and many people find that using a bit of baking soda will do the trick as well.
4: Taming the mane - hair care
Watch out for shampoos and conditioners containing petroleum products, hair dyes with carcinogenic coal tar hairsprays and gels containing petroleum derivatives, formaldehyde and phthalates.
5: Oh so slick - petroleum-free products
Mineral oil, paraffin, and propylene glycol can be found as basic ingredients in the majority of cosmetic products. Once again, is it essential to look for certified labels. Lip balm and gloss use petroleum - use beeswax instead.
6: How did you get your tan?
The Ecologist says: "Because sun creams encourage a false sense of security, we stay out in the sun far longer than is smart or safe." Look for natural sun creams and/or cover up in the sun and stay out of the midday heat.
7: Cruelty free - no animal testing
Look for the Humane Cosmetics Standard (HCS) label on products to check that they are cruelty free. It is the world's only international standard for cosmetic or toiletry products that are not animal tested. The HCS was introduced in 1998.
8: Organic products
Don't be taken in by words such as natural, organic, or hypoallergenic on the labels; make sure the product has a certified label. Using organically produced ingredients means your cosmetics help the environment and you avoid absorbing chemical residues.
9: Toxic shock? - organic tampons and sanitary pads
TSS is not the only health danger in these products. The chlorine bleaching is another to watch for. We recommend looking for 100% cotton tampons and sanitary pads, organic if possible.

Eczema - Dealing with it Naturally

Sun, 14 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Eczema - Dealing with it Naturally
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Written by Jill Dunn - MHSc Complementary Medicine, Registered Naturopath, Registered Medical Herbalist, Registered Nurse (Non-practising)
"Eczema is a common condition in children and affects two to seven percent of the population. Most children with infantile eczema grow out of it by three or four years of age, but in others it can continue into adulthood, and maybe a forerunner of other allergic conditions such as hay fever or asthma. In two-thirds of those with eczema, there is a family history, and most improve with a diet that eliminates common food allergens.
How to recognise eczema
The terms eczema and dermatitis refer to the same condition and are used interchangeably. Eczema's appearance is slightly different depending on what stage it is at, whether it is acute, subacute or chronic. In the acute stage little vesicles (fluid-filled bubbles) appear, in the subacute stage the skin is red and scaly, and maybe inflamed and crusted if secondary infection is present. Chronic persistent eczema appears thickened and is the result of constant itching or rubbing.
Those who are prone to eczema have altered immune responses, whereby specialised white blood cells called mast cells release higher amounts of histamine and other allergic compounds that trigger inflammation. They are also more susceptible to skin infections, warts and cold sores. Teething, skin or other infections, contact with animal dander, severe anxiety or stress, and exposure to food or environmental allergens (chemicals, wool, and detergents) maybe precipitating factors.
Food and environmental allergens
Eczema is in part due to food or environmental allergies, and often starts to develop when solid foods are introduced around four to five months of age. Sometimes eczema occurs earlier when a baby is totally breast or bottle-fed. An environmental allergy to wool, washing powder, detergents, clothes-softening products, and perfumes in shampoo, soap or creams or even nappies maybe a factor, and a change to low allergen, perfume free, low-chemical and natural-based products is advisable. In others, food allergy or a combination of food and environmental sensitivities can be responsible. Eczema in a totally bottle-fed baby may indicate an allergy to the milk formula, and in a totally breastfed baby maybe related to something the breastfeeding mother is having in her diet, causing a transfer of allergic antigens into her breast milk. Having said this, breastfeeding during infancy provides significant protection against eczema and allergies in general.
Introducing foods to your baby
A baby's digestive system is immature at birth and relies solely on colostrum and breast milk for nutrition. Until the digestive system matures, foreign proteins may be absorbed into the blood stream, and this is why exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life can help reduce the likelihood of food allergies. Start introducing foods slowly and if there is a family history of allergy wait until baby is six months old. Breast milk is a food in itself, but if you are concerned about low iron levels, there are infant liquid iron supplements available. To reduce the likelihood of allergies to dairy or soy, breast milk is the best milk for the first twelve months of a baby's life.
Care needs to be taken when introducing new foods to all babies. Only introduce one new food each week and always give the food in a cooked form. This makes it easier to digest and enables the easy identification of any problem food. Keep a diary identifying the food introduced and any reactions that occurred, such as nappy rash or colic. If a reaction occurs, stop the food and reintroduce in several weeks time. Start with foods such as stewed pears, kumera or pumpkin and rice. When baby is about eight or nine months old, finely chopped unprocessed meat and chicken can be introduced together with green leafy vegetables like silverbeet and spinach. Continue the slow introduction of new foods and delay the introduction of the common allergens (wheat, dairy, soy, legumes, tomatoes and citrus) until after the child is one year old. Eggs and berry fruits can be added around eighteen months to two years of age and ground nuts (including peanuts) and fish/shellfish after age three. Organically grown foods that are free of pesticides, herbicides, colours, flavours and preservatives are best.
Physical reactions to foods can change, often beginning as colic or eczema, but as the child grows older may result in migraines or bronchial tendencies. This is where your food diary itemising your baby's reactions to foods, becomes a useful tool for the identification of problem foods later in life.
Identifying food allergies
Tracking down food allergies can become complex and may require trained naturopathic or nutritional advice to unravel the culprit(s). Food allergens are identified by systematically eliminating a suspect food from the diet for ten days followed by reintroduction of the food. Common allergens include: dairy products, milk, eggs, peanuts, fish, soy, wheat, citrus and chocolate, although virtually any food can be involved. Any removal of foods from the diet should be compensated for, by use of other foods or dietary supplements in order to avoid nutrient deficiency.
Eczema and essential fatty acid metabolism
Those with eczema appear to have altered essential fatty acid metabolism. Analysis of fatty acids present in blood, and red and white blood cells has indicated that in those with eczema, essential fatty acids are not well converted into their long chain form. The omega-3 essential fatty acid (alpha linolenic acid [ALA] found in flaxseed oil and leafy green vegetables) and omega-6 (linoleic acid found in nuts, seeds and vegetable oils) require conversion into the active long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA], docosahexaenoic acid [DHA], gamma linolenic acid [GLA]) which if decreased, leads to a tendency towards allergy and inflammation. The ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids has also been found to be lower in those with eczema, this can be improved by eating more fatty fish such as mackerel, herrings, salmon and tuna or supplementing the diet with omega-3 fish oils.
Evening primrose oil (EPO) and omega-3 fish oils are both beneficial for those with eczema. Supplementing the diet with these products provides a ready useable source of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) which reduce the body's tendency to produce inflammatory prostaglandins. It takes approximately three months to see the full benefits of supplementation, as it requires this time for the LCPUFAs to be taken up into cell membranes.
The dose of EPO or fish oils required varies with age. For infantile eczema (when the child is breastfed), the mother's diet can be supplemented with two Evening Primrose oil 1,000mg capsules and one Omega-3 (1,000mg) fish oil capsule daily with food. Evening Primrose oil can also be applied to the affected areas of skin. For babies who are not breastfed and for children under three years of age Efamol Efanatal can be used as an additional source of essential fatty acids that is suitable for this age. For children aged two to five years use one capsule of Evening Primrose oil 1,000mg daily, and children aged six to twelve years take two capsules daily. For children twelve years and older two to four capsules of Evening Primrose oil 1,000mg maybe required. Also include fresh fish, tuna, salmon, sardines and herrings in the diet at last three times per week.
Most eczema responds to dietary changes and supplementation with essential fatty acids. For those with a family history of allergy (eczema, asthma, and hay fever) supplementation with omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids during pregnancy is particularly advisable, and there are specifically formulated products for this time.
Eczema and herbal medicine
More severe cases of eczema will require herbal medicines to help correct underlying metabolic imbalances. Herbalists use combination formulas that hasten removal of metabolic wastes while supporting proper digestion. Nettle and heartsease are used for their blood cleansing properties, and liver and kidney supporting herbs such as dandelion and St. Mary's thistle, open up the body's natural channels of elimination and the removal of metabolic wastes, while strengthening digestive function. Flavonoid-rich herbs like grape seed extract, bilberry, Ginkgo biloba, Albizzia lebbeck and Scutellaria baicalensis have natural anti-allergy properties and form part of the treatment for troublesome chronic allergic conditions.
Use of external ointments containing herbs such as Calendula, Nettle and Chickweed are prescribed for itching and inflammation, and possess natural antimicrobial properties. On their own they may provide relief from mild eczema, but in chronic cases are used to help reduce hardening of the skin and to heal any cracks that provide an entry point for bacteria. Evening Primrose oil combined with Manuka honey and Tea tree oil can also be useful to help prevent skin infection, although some individuals can be sensitive to Tea tree oil. Before using Manuka or Tea tree oil products, always test them on the inside of the wrist and leave for 24 hours. If skin redness or itching develops, avoid all products containing these ingredients. If there is no reaction, as with any ointment choose a small patch of affected skin to treat initially, until you are sure no aggravation is occurring.
Relief is at hand
External preparations are useful, but it is the LCPUFAs on the inside that make most difference. Although having said that, adding one tablespoon of almond, jojoba, grapeseed or sunflower seed oil to a nightly bath, soothes and moisturises the skin. The oil will float on the surface of the water and moistens the child's skin when they get out of the bath. Calendula oil is even better as it has antimicrobial and skin healing properties and replaces soap that should never be used by those with eczema. It can be added to bath water or applied externally following a bath.
Also when making dietary changes always supplement with a multivitamin and mineral formula, especially in children and if dairy products are removed ensure your child is receiving adequate calcium from elsewhere (almonds, brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, tofu, miso, dried figs, broccoli, seaweeds, calcium fortified dairy substitute milks). Children aged one to ten years require a total of 800mg of calcium per day and teenagers require 1200mg and to reach this amount you will probably need to use dietary supplements.
And finally if your child is troubled by eczema, consider the clothing they are wearing. Avoid skin contact with synthetic fabrics. Wool, untreated cotton or linen fabrics are best and are readily available today."

Varicose Veins - reducing the discomfort

Sun, 14 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Varicose Veins - Reducing the discomfort
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Written by Jill Dunn - MHSc Complementary Medicine, Registered Naturopath, Registered Medical Herbalist, Registered Nurse (Non-practising)
What are varicose veins and what causes them?
Varicose veins are dilated, tortuous veins that may have their origin in the deep saphenous veins that run up the back and front of the legs. The saphenous veins carry approximately 80 to 90% of the venous blood from the legs back towards the heart. When the varicosity originates in these deep veins the condition is termed “primary” varicose veins and “secondary” when they occur as a result of impaired blood flow in these veins. Varicose veins occur as a result of genetic weakness of the veins or their valves, or when there is pressure on the pelvic veins caused by pregnancy or excessive abdominal weight. During pregnancy, there is an increase in blood volume and hormonal changes that relax the walls of blood vessels and can result in varicose veins in the legs, vulva or rectum in those who are susceptible.
Prolonged standing, or increased intra-abdominal pressure caused by repeated heavy lifting and straining associated with constipation, are believed to be important contributing factors. Constant increased intra-abdominal pressure accompanied by weakness in the walls of the veins, causes veins to dilate and hinders the flow of venous blood. Within the veins are valves which assist in the return of blood (against gravity) towards the heart and when damaged, blood tends to pool and causes the veins to bulge and become varicosed.
If the veins involved are near the skin surface, they pose little harm to health although the legs may feel heavy, tight and tired. Obstruction and valve defects in the deeper veins are more serious and can be diagnosed by ultrasound. This type can lead to problems such as deep vein thrombosis (associated with long flights).
What can you do to reduce the likelihood of varicose veins?
Varicose veins are uncommon in parts of the world where the diet is unrefined and high in fibre.1,2 Low fibre diets result in smaller, harder bowel motions that are difficult to pass. Straining increases intra-abdominal pressure, which obstructs the flow of blood back up the legs, and overtime are believed to weaken the vein wall causing varicose veins and hemorrhoids, as well as diverticula (outpouchings) in the wall of the large intestine. A diet rich in flavonoids, particularly proanthocyanidin-containing foods such as blue berries, black berries, boysenberries and cherries helps strengthen blood vessel walls.3 Grapeseed extract, bilberry, hawthorn and rutin are prescribed by naturopaths and medical herbalists to help build vein strength and to relieve discomfort, although during pregnancy these should not be taken without professional advice. A short-term study,4 used the bioflavonoid rutin (3g per day for 14 days) in a group of forty-two women with haemorrhoidal varicosities during the last trimester of pregnancy and immediately post partum, and found it to be efficacious in 95% of women, significantly reducing pain. In a European animal study, rutin taken during pregnancy was not found to cause teratogenic effects (birth defects)5 but because there is no safety data on use during pregnancy in humans, rutin should only be taken with the approval of your doctor, and then not during the first four months of pregnancy. Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), which is available as a tincture from medical herbalists, has not shown an increase in frequency of malformation or other harmful effects on the foetus, despite consumption by a large number of women, and is considered compatible with breast feeding6.
A sedentary lifestyle contributes to varicose veins and haemorrhoids; regular exercise such as walking or swimming causes contraction of the leg muscles and assists venous circulation. To increase pelvic circulation, carry out pelvic floor exercises twice daily throughout pregnancy and postpartum. If haemorrhoids are present, tighten and release the muscles around the anal sphincter up to 50 times in quick succession, to help firm up the muscle tone of the anal blood vessels. Carry out this exercise morning and night, while lying on your side with your knees drawn up towards your chest. Elevating the end of the bed, three to four inches, can also assist venous return during sleep. Squatting, standing for long periods and crossing of legs, which hinder venous return, should be avoided.
During pregnancy it is particularly critical that the diet is high in fibre. Fresh fruit and vegetables, dried fruit, legumes and whole grains are good sources of fibre, but when consuming dry foods high in fibre, adequate fluids are required. Fibre is like a sponge in that it absorbs water and bulks out and softens the contents of the bowel. If insufficient fluid is taken, the bowel contents will remain dry and hard. Natural bulking agents such as psyllium hulls, are useful for chronic constipation and are considered safe in that they have not been associated with foetal malformation.7 However, psyllium hulls have the potential to reduce absorption of non-haem iron6 (from vegetables) and therefore should only be used in the short-term and not by those with anemia.
When varicose veins are already present in a pregnant woman, support hosiery (tights) and elevation of the feet are recommended to assist venous return as well as regular exercise, particularly walking or swimming. Distilled Witch hazel (Hamamelis) can be applied externally as a compress to problem areas to help ease discomfort. Soak a flannel in distilled witch hazel and apply to the area while feet are raised. Hamamelis cream, or Witch Hazel extract with a blend of geranium, cypress, rosemary and lemon oils can be applied externally in gentle upward strokes, up the legs when they feel heavy and achy. Products containing cypress oil should not be used until after six months gestation.
The biochemic cell salt Calc fluor, is a homeopathically prepared micro-dose of calcium fluoride that helps support the contractile power of elastic tissue found in blood vessel walls. Taken regularly Calc fluor helps strengthen varicose veins.
Increasing the intake of vitamin E containing foods such as sunflower seeds and wheat germ, vitamin C-rich fruit and berries is also recommended.
The approaches above will not stop or prevent varicose veins during pregnancy, but assist in symptomatic relief of discomfort associated with them. Frequently following child birth varicose veins and the associated heavy, aching and sometimes itchy legs, settle on their own accord. Like everything in pregnancy, discuss with your midwife or doctor before self treatment.
References
Trowell, H. Burkitt, D. & Heaton, K. 1985, Dietary fibre, fibre-depleted foods and disease. Academic Press. London.
Vahouny, G. & Kritchevsky, D. 1982, Dietary fibre in health and disease. Plenum Press. New York.
Murray, M. & Pizzorno, J. 1998, Encyclopedia of natural medicine. Little Brown. London.
Benzi, G. Vanzulli, A. Pozzi, E. & Acerboni, S. 1992, Clinical study for the evaluation of the tolerability of o-(beta-hydroxy-ethyl)-rutoside in the treatment of hemorrhoids during the 3d trimester of pregnancy and in the postpartum period. [Italian], Minerva Ginecologica, 44(11), pp. 591-597.
Preuss-Ueberschar, C. Ueberschar, S. & Grote, W. 1984, Reproduction toxicologic studies on rats following oral administration of benzopyrone preparations. [German]. Arzneimittel-Forschung, 34(10), pp. 1305-1313.
Mills, S. Bone, K. 2005, The Essential Guide to Herbal Safety. Churchill Livingstone, London.
Conover, E.A. 2003, Herbal agents and over-the-counter medications in pregnancy. Best practice & research clinical endocrinology and metabolism, 17 (2), pp. 237-251.