There is growing evidence that certain drugs prescribed for heartburn are associated with a number of adverse effects and are overprescribed.

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as Omeprazole and Lansoprazole reduce acid production in the stomach and are amongst the most commonly prescribed drugs. They are used to treat various conditions where there is abdominal pain and heartburn - most often acid reflux. 60% of adults will experience some type of acid reflux in a 12 month period.

The NICE guidelines state that PPIs should be prescribed for less than 8 weeks but many people, particularly the elderly, take them for considerably longer and sometimes up to decades. Concern is growing about the long term effects of continually taking these drugs. Evidence is mounting that they can increase the risks of heart disease, kidney disease, vulnerability to stomach infections, and dementia as well as weakening bones and causing mineral and vitamin deficiency such as magnesium and vitamin B12.

There needs to be a review of the risk/benefit balance of taking these drugs long term and changes made to how they are prescribed. Unfortunately, there can be a rebound effect in coming off drugs used to combat hyperacidity but if well managed this is usually short lived.

Herbal medicines can be used to help withdrawal from taking PPIs and offer an effective treatment for acid reflux. There is a wide range of herbal medicines which can be used for treatment. The herbs selected will depend on the causes and the symptoms experienced by each individual. The herbal actions include improving protection of the oesophageal lining, reducing acid production, reducing inflammation, promoting tissue healing, increasing the tone and effectiveness of the lower oesophageal sphincter, encouraging the stomach to empty its content into the duodenum, antibacterial, reducing gas production, optimising digestive enzyme production, and reducing nervous tension and the effects of stress.

You need to consider the long term benefits of taking PPIs.  If you have acid reflux, take charge of your condition, make changes in diet and life style, and take herbal medicines as a safe, effective alternative.

Bladder infections, also called Cystitis, result from bacteria such as Escherichia coli and cause great discomfort. They mainly affect women resulting in a frequent need to urinate, pain on urination and, if bladder inflammation progresses, blood in the urine. Cramps may also occur after urination.

Antibiotics are given to treat the infection but those suffering from recurring urinary infections are repeatedly treated with a course of antibiotics only for the infection to return. There is also a condition known as interstitial cystitis where there are symptoms resulting from chronic inflammation of the bladder but no infection.

Herbal medicines have much to offer and can be particularly effective in treating and preventing urinary infections.  There is a range of herbs which can fight the infection, reduce pain and inflammation, repair the bladder wall, and enhance the ability of the body’s own immune system to fight infection.

I have had success in treating urinary infections and inflammation with a combination of herbs tailored for each individual. Using herbal medicines prescribed by a Medical Herbalist offers both a much more effective long term treatment for inflammatory conditions of the bladder and also prevents the overuse and potential resistance to antibiotics.

Giving talks is a good way of promoting the many benefits of herbal medicine and explaining the advantages of visiting a Medical Herbalist.

In recent months I have given over fifteen talks to local social and support groups. More recently these have included Women's Institute (WI) groups as I am now on the West Kent WI speakers list. I have four more in the pipeline, and no one has mentioned the need to pose for a calendar photograph!

My talks explain what herbal medicine is, some history of its use, and why there has been a resurgence in interest. I take the audience through a Cook's tour of the conditions that respond particularly well to herbal treatment, how to take herbal medicine, and examples of different herbs and their actions.

I then detail the benefits of visiting a Medical Herbalist as compared to buying over the counter preparations and I am also keen to promote the use of herbs for self-care. I also explain ways of using fresh herbs from the garden.

I provide anonymised examples of patients who have responded well to herbal treatment explaining a little of their condition and the herbs I used for treatment.

My talks emphasise that many of the traditional uses of herbal medicine are now supported by recent scientific research and evidence. While we have all gained enormously from orthodox treatment, herbal medicine can be very effective for certain conditions and offers another choice of treatment. The reasons that people often visit me are that orthodox treatment has not been effective, side effects outweigh benefits, or they are looking for a more natural form of treatment.

I finish by suggesting future roles for herbal medicine in reducing long term drug treatment for chronic conditions, as an alternative to antibiotics for the treatment of infections and in the support of cancer treatment.

The groups I have talked with are always very welcoming and interested in herbal medicine. There is often interesting discussion on topics such as the shortcomings of the NHS, ways in which people have used herbal medicine and media coverage of different herbs. I am usually asked what herbal treatments would be beneficial for specific conditions.

It is interesting that those people most likely to have used herbal medicines in their families often come from other European countries. We tend to have lost the traditional use of herbs passed down from family members in the UK.

Although people express an interest in a consultation few have so far actually booked an appointment. Hopefully they will remember my talk and consider a visit in the future if the need should arise.

About four-fifths of 40-60 year olds are either overweight, take insufficient exercise or  drink too much alcohol.  The bad news for health policy is that more such people are being identified as being pre-diabetic. The good news is that four-fifths of cases of type 2 diabetes could be delayed or prevented through making lifestyle and dietary changes.

Pre-diabetes is classified as increase in blood glucose levels to higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. Measurements of fasting plasma glucose (6.0 – 6.9 mmol/l)  and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c (43 – 47 mmol/mol) are used to identify poor control of blood glucose levels.

Seven million people are estimated to have pre-diabetes and thus at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Each year 5% to 10% of people with pre-diabetes develop type 2 diabetes, a chronic disease with life-threatening complications.

The good news is that if you are pre-diabetic and you act now, you could stop type 2 diabetes in its tracks. The risk of developing diabetes is minimised by catching the condition early as pre-diabetic signs can precede full-blown type 2 diabetes by many years.

You can, therefore, make changes that significantly improve glucose control.  This requires better diet and lifestyle. And that can be effectively combined with treatment using herbal medicine. It is estimated that about 80% of cases of type 2 diabetes could be delayed or prevented through making these changes.

The early control of blood glucose stops the need for drugs, and the dangers of long-term complications such as heart and kidney disease, blindness and nerve damage, leading to amputations.

The key to treatment is to increase insulin production and then the response to insulin.  Weight loss is a very crucial part of lifestyle changes needed to achieve this. Losing >5% can reduce low level inflammation and insulin demand, and increase insulin response.

Diet changes should include less saturated fat intake, more fibre, no refined carbohydrates, plenty of vegetables and low fruit, as well as moderate protein intake including more nuts, which also curb the risk of diabetes development.  Exercise of at least 30 minutes for five times a week starting with gentle walking is very important as are good sleep patterns which aid weight loss.

Treatment with herbal medicines enhances the benefits of these vital life style changes. A group of herbs which are particularly beneficial are spices such as ginger, garlic, cinnamon, turmeric and capsicum. These reduce inflammation and help balance blood glucose. Other effective herbs in controlling blood glucose include Gymnema, Fennel,  Liquorice, Goat ’s rue, Ginseng and Baical skullcap.

A Medical Herbalist will select the best of these glucose-controlling herbs for each individual and combine them with others to improve liver function, lower cholesterol, improve vascular function and reduce inflammation. They will advise which nutritional supplements are necessary for balancing blood glucose. These include chromium, magnesium, omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin B, vitamin D and zinc which are very important for normalising glucose levels.

Combining crucial life style changes with herbal medicine treatment provides a real opportunity to reverse poor control of blood glucose and prevent the development of type 2 diabetes. This will avert long term health problems and improve the chances of continued good health and well being.
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Cold winter weather makes us much more susceptible to infections such as cold and flu viruses. Once you have had one infection it can also make you more susceptible to further infections particularly during the festive season. Herbal medicines can be an effective treatment helping to prevent and reduce the severity of these infections.

Herbal treatment offers a two prong approach. First, herbal medicines can boost our immune system so strengthening the body's ability to fight infection. Second, herbs can be very effective antimicrobial agents killing pathogenic viruses and bacteria.

This second action has a further benefit of not only killing the cold or flu virus but also preventing secondary bacterial infections. This avoids asking GPs to prescribe antibiotics. With the increase in antibiotic resistance, we should reduce our use of antibiotics and preserve the body's ability to fight more serious bacterial infections.

A Medical Herbalist has access to a wide range of different herbs with both immune enhancing and antimicrobial action so that a unique mix of herbs can be selected to strengthen your whole body in fighting infections.

We all need to look after our own health if we are to avoid visits to the GP. Making simple lifestyle changes and using herbs as part of our food and as medicine provides a simple and effect way of keeping healthy and treating ailments. One of the ailments we can all suffer from is insomnia.

Insomnia is the deeply irritating difficulty in falling or staying asleep, or having disturbed sleep patterns that fail to refresh you.

Stressful life events can result in anxiety and cause short term insomnia or chronic insomnia which is defined as occurring on at least three nights a week for more than one month.

Other causes of insomnia include exercise or drinking caffeine just before bedtime, alterations in the biological clock such as jetlag, depression and medical conditions such as arthritis and asthma which can become troublesome at night.

Sleep deprivation can harm health.  Effects on mental health include a decrease in thinking ability and memory, and an increase in low mood and anxiety. Poor sleep quality increases the likelihood of being overweight or obese. Sleep increases the production of leptin, an appetite suppressing hormone, so decreased levels of leptin result in increased appetite.  Reduced hours of sleep increase the risk of diabetes, hypertension and reduced immune function.

Drugs used to treat insomnia can be taken for a few days to alleviate short term insomnia resulting from stressful events. These drugs should not, however, be taken long term as they result in the symptoms of tolerance and addiction. In fact, according to a BMJ study, the benefits of drug treatment are limited: they result in only 25 minutes extra sleep but cause problems of day time fatigue and impaired thinking.

A much more attractive option is to make lifestyle changes to improve sleep hygiene and to use Herbal Medicine.  

Ways to improve sleep hygiene:

• Ensure your room is dark, cool and quiet, and your bed is comfortable
• Do some exercise each day, preferably in the late afternoon or early evening
• Do not watch TV or look at your computer or mobile phone in bed
• A light snack before bed can be beneficial but not a heavy meal
• Get up at the same time each day no matter what time you went to bed to establish a sleep-wake rhythm
• Do not lie in bed if you cannot sleep get up and do something quiet until you become drowsy.
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol and tobacco before bed
• Expose yourself to natural sunlight in the day
• Try not to rehash the days problems or worry about tomorrow
• When you go to bed relax your muscles, beginning with your feet and working your way up to your head.

Ways to use herbs:

• Herbal tea  Drink a cup before bed or if you wake in the night. Herbs which are beneficial include Chamomile, Lemon Balm, Passion flower, Skullcap, Hops, Valerian and St John’s Wort.  Teas can be made by infusing 1-2 teaspoons of dried or fresh herb in a cup of boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes. Alternatively sleep promoting herbal teas by companies such as Pukka Herbs can be bought in health shops and supermarkets.  
• Lavender essential oil  Add a few drops of Lavender oil to a bath before bed or add a drop of Lavender oil to your pillow
• Valerian hot chocolate (livingmedicine.org.uk) Simmer a teaspoon of valerian root in a cup of milk add cinnamon and melt in a square of bitter chocolate, cocoa powder and/or honey. Sieve the liquid and then sip slowly to give a comforting relaxing drink.
• Over the counter herbal remedies Licensed herbal remedies can be purchased from pharmacies and supermarkets
• Visit a Medical Herbalist who will prepare a mixture of herbs tailored to treat your specific symptoms and cause of insomnia

 

In a recent article in The Times Dr Mark Porter identified ten medications that are often taken for long periods and which have limited benefit. In fact they may instead be harmful if taken indefinitely and if combined with other drugs. This is at a time when resources in the NHS are limited and there has been a 50% increase in the number of drugs dispensed per person per year.

Taking these medications for long periods is more likely to lead to side effects and with time it becomes harder to stop taking the drugs. Dr Porter quotes figures from a recent report on the high numbers of hospital admissions resulting from the adverse effects of drug treatment.

Treatment with Herbal Medicine offers a much safer alternative to both replace the therapeutic action required by the drug and to help in stopping the drug treatment. There are herbal alternatives for all the ten types of medication identified by Dr Porter but I will select five that could be effectively replaced with Herbal Medicine.

In the treatment of osteoporosis, bisphosphonates have been shown to do more harm than good if taken for longer than three to five years although many women are taking them for much longer periods. Recent evidence has identified a number of herbs containing phyto-oestrogens which may be beneficial in increasing bone density and preventing bone loss. These include soya, hops, sage and black cohosh.

Sleeping tablets such as zopiclone should only be prescribed for short periods of a couple of weeks to overcome acute insomnia yet many people take them for much longer periods. They then become less effective, cause side effects and lead to addiction. There are a number of effective sedative herbs such as passion flower, valerian, hops, wild lettuce and California poppy . These can be taken  to treat insomnia and to help overcome addiction to zopilcone. They can also be combined with other herbs to help treat the underlying causes of insomnia. The herbs selected vary for each individual patient.

Antidepressants should also not be taken for long periods of time but some people take them for many years. This makes it very difficult to stop the antidepressant treatment. Herbal medicines can help and there are a number which are effective for mild to moderate depression such as St John’s Wort, skullcap and rhodiola.

Anti-acid drugs such as the proton pump inhibitors omeprazole and lansoprazole are very widely prescribed for acid reflux and indigestion and there is growing concern about the millions of people who take them continually. Often the cause of acid reflux is not full identified and may not be the result of too much acid. If taken for long periods the symptoms can return with a vengeance if they are stopped. Long term use has been linked with weakened bones, heart problems and vitamin B12 and magnesium deficiency. There are number of herbs that can be used for treatment to reduce acid production, reduce inflammation, improve mucosal resistance, tone the lower oesophageal spincter and improve digestion.

There is much controversy over the prescribing of statins to reduce cholesterol and decrease the risk of heart disease. These drugs are taken for long periods and in some the side effects can out way any possible benefit. Herbal medicine should be considered as there are herbs such as artichoke which can reduce blood cholesterol levels and herbs such as hawthorn which can improve heart function.

Much more consideration needs to be given as to the benefit of the continued prescribing of these drugs and the possibility of using herbal medicines as a safe, effective alternative.
 

We are enjoying tremendous advances in the detection and treatment of cancer but receiving a diagnosis remains traumatic and the necessary toxicity of treatment often means short and long-term side effects. The lion's share of treatment is done by Oncology Consultant prescribed treatments but herbs and improved nutrition can play an important part too.

This integrated approach can enhance both the quality and quantity of life for those living with cancer. It combines orthodox treatment with herbal treatment, nutritional supplements, healthy diet and exercise. It can reduce the side effects of surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, boost the ability of the immune system to fight cancer and strengthen the body’s resistance to stress and increase energy levels and well being.

Dr Chris Etheridge, an Integrated Cancer Specialist, works with Oncology Consultants to provide the best integrated approach for cancer patients. His lecturers also provide a wealth of evidence-based information for other Medical Herbalists treating cancer patients.

He advocates a 14 step plan of general dietary modifications to create a cancer-unfriendly environment. This includes avoiding carbohydrates, decreasing saturated fatty acids while increasing anti-inflammatory omega 3 fatty acids, and increasing the intake of vegetables and fruit to give alkaline conditions. Cancer prefers an acidic environment.

Dr Etheridge promotes a 10 step plan of general life style modifications which include eating food slowly, sleeping for 6 to 8 hours, gentle exercise, and meditation to reduce stress levels. He then prescribes a range of herbal medicines and nutritional supplements which will vary for each individual patient. Each type of cancer is different and each patient will respond differently to treatment.

A group of herbs particularly beneficial in the treatment of patients undergoing cancer treatment are the adaptogens.  These herbs enable the body to cope with treatment and withstand many side effects. They are anticancer, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory. Adaptogens used to effectively support cancer patients include Astragalus, Siberian Ginseng, Gotu Kola, Rhodiola and Ashwaghanda. Other herbs with beneficial actions include Boswelia, Echinacea, Turmeric and ginger.

Make an appointment to find out how this integrated approach can help you and how herbal medicines can support you during and after cancer treatment.

Many of the germs in our guts are good for us according to Professor Tim Spector's fascinating new book, ‘The Diet Myth,’ which highlights the importance of bacteria in our gut - the gut microbiome. 

The human gut contains 100 trillion bacteria composed of up to 1,000 different species. Our bacteria are acquired during birth and the first few months of life. The numbers of microbes that grow best in our guts are partly controlled by our genes but also by the food we eat, exercise and other environmental factors.

The diversity of this microbial population has been progressively declining, which is likely to be a major factor in causing the modern epidemics of allergy, auto-immune disease, obesity, and diabetes. Significantly, high rates of antibiotic use, which have an adverse effect on gut bacteria, coincide with increased rates of obesity.

The bacteria in our gut communicate with our immune system via T Regulatory cells and the nervous system via nerve cells in the brain-gut axis. Communication between the brain and gut is vital in controlling the amount we eat, digesting food, and can also influence our mood. The gut microbes are, therefore, vital for optimal gut, and immune and brain functions.

Several studies demonstrate that food high in sugar, low in fibre, chemicals, as well as saturated fats, causes a loss of up to fifty percent of the species of gut bacteria. This is not only associated with an increase in weight but also increases in inflammation and leakiness of the gut wall, which allows bacteria and chemicals to pass into the blood. Low level inflammation affects fat cells which produce more inflammatory signals causing increased insulin release and more storage of fat particularly around the abdomen.

A Mediterranean style diet is very beneficial for gut bacteria. Of particular value are polyphenol compounds found in brightly coloured vegetables and fruit, and in extra virgin olive oil. Polyphenols can also be found in chocolate, green tea and red wine. Polyphenols and fatty acids are broken by bacteria to short-chain fatty acids which promote the activity of good bacteria which can bind lipid particles, clear them from the blood and prevent unwanted bacteria from colonising the gut. Diet is therefore crucial in maintaining a health gut microbiome.

Herbs can also play a crucial part in ensuring diversity of gut bacteria and gut health. Herbs and spices added to food such as turmeric, garlic, ginger, rosemary, and oregano are high in polyphenols.   Treatment with herbal medicines can be used to promote healthy bacteria and prevent a leaky gut wall. Of particular value are herbs such as Barberry, Goldenseal and Oregon grape which contain berberine that has been shown to inhibit inflammation promoting bacteria and shift the balance towards beneficial bacteria. Herbs with healing and protective effects on the gut wall, such as meadowsweet, chamomile and marshmallow root can help reduce a leaky gut.

Evidence is mounting that a diverse balanced population of bacteria in the gut is vital for maintaining optimal health and well being. A Medical Herbalist can prescribe herbal medicines and give dietary advice that will allow you to achieve the best population of bacteria for your gut.

Do you have a “Leaky Gut”? A Leaky Gut is when the tight junctions which connect the cells lining the intestine become   loose and porous and no longer form an effective barrier. This allows toxins, undigested food molecules and pathogenic bacteria to pass unchallenged into the blood stream. This can then trigger chronic low level inflammation resulting in IBS, depression, autoimmune conditions, allergies and food intolerance.

Recent Blogs have identified the role of Leaky Gut as one of the causes of the unpleasant symptoms of IBS  (http://boundaryherbs.co.uk/irritable-bowel-syndrome )  and a possible cause of other symptoms you might be experiencing including (http://avivaromm.com/10-signs-leaky-gut):

• food intolerances or food sensitivities.
• seasonal allergies.
• eczema, skin rashes, acne, or other chronic skin problems.
• tired all the time.
• chronic fatigue syndrome or fibromyalgia.
• anxiety, depression, or erratic moods.
• yeast (Candida) overgrowth or SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth).
• Inability to lose weight in spite of an excellent diet.
• trouble concentrating, with your memory, or notice other cognitive changes.

There are several herbs that can be very beneficial in treating a Leaky Gut and repairing the tight junctions.
Key herbs which are demulcent and healing are:

• Slippery
• Marshmallow
• Liquorice
• Yarrow
• Plantain
• Tumeric
• Aloe vera
  

Herbal treatment should be combined with inoculation of healthy bacteria by a probiotic and taking other supplements including glutamine, zinc, fish oils and an antioxidant multivitamin to aid healing.

Visiting a Medical Herbalist will ensure selection of the best herbs and supplements to treat your Leaky Gut.