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FAQ - Archives

Q. My husband and I have been married for almost 20 years and have 6 living children (4 in heaven). Our children are very seldom sick or get the flu. I have done several things for quite a few years which must be helping. I give them the Basic Shaklee food supplements faithfully all year round. I think it is important to always keep the immune system at an optimal level, so it can handle times when "bugs" need to be fought off. If someone gets sick, I diligently use the Basic G which is a very effective disinfectant. It is safe to use, so I wash towels and spray doorknobs etc. with it. My husband always thinks opening all the windows (even in Western NY in the winter) helps to air out the germs. When someone does catch something I make up a drink with Echinacea and have them chew extra Vitamin C and sip on small amounts of Instant Protein throughout the day.

I am just beginning to learn about herbs and love gleaning the information from you experts. How do you know a source is a safe and good one? I am sort of paranoid about this since we use supplements from a company that does extensive amounts of testing and operates by the Golden Rule. I would like to incorporate herbs, but I am uneasy about just taking them when I don't what a good source is or how I know if a company if reputable.

I have one more question. First of all, the post from the gal who is expecting at age 43 was a real encouragement! I am almost 44 and have recently had 2 miscarriages. This has been a real emotional downer since we would love to have another child. I am using the Progesterone Cream and doing everything I can in the supplement area. Any other suggestions? What is Vitex and where do you get it? Also, can it several months to become pregnant after a miscarriage? Where can you find the cramp bark and the ingredients for the Pregnancy tea?

Thanks for all the info! Nancy

A. I consider many sources safe, but not all those source’s products are necessarily “good ones” in my opinion. Even the best of companies have products that are “not all that great.” I have my favorite products from a variety of companies, and the list is ever increasing or changing according to new companies or new products processed. I usually look for a company that has been around awhile or one that has someone with herbal knowledge as a consultant for them and/or their customers. I also look into their processing techniques. In addition, I try to find companies that emulate the processing that has been used in successful herbal research studies abroad. I used to hear that Nature’s Way products were from an inferior company with inferior products; however, upon closer examination, I found that NW’s mother company is one of the “elite” herb companies providing herbal products for research studies in Europe. What a boon to have herbs in the form that studies have definitely shown to be effective for illness! Several companies work very hard to bring to the U.S. those products from Europe, Enzymatic Therapy and Natural Factors are two of those I can think of off the top of my head. One good online source to find out about how supplements are “standing up” to testing is www.consumerlab.com .

Vitex agnus-castus, or chasteberry, is an herb used to balance hormone function in women. You can find it in any health food store or co-op these days. For balancing purposes, you take one to two capsules each morning. This herb can take up to six months to be effective. I personally prefer to take the standardized vitex products without any other additional herbs during the childbearing years when pregnancy is possible, as some of those additional herbs are not compatible with pregnancy.

Yes, it can take several months for the body to recover after a miscarriage. Your body only knows that it’s been pregnant and has given birth, no matter how early the miscarriage; therefore, it takes time to get back into “fertility” mode sometimes.

Cramp bark and the ingredients for pregnancy tea can be ordered from several mail-order or health food store sources. Check your co-op, Frontier Cooperative Herbs, San Francisco Herb Company, Blessed Herbs, etc for bulk sources.

Hormonal Imbalance and PCOS

Q. I have been diagnosed with a hormonal imbalance (PCOS). I am trying to resolve it naturally, if I can. I understand that Vitex is very helpful in balancing FSH and LH levels. However, I am still nursing my youngest. I probably won't be weaning her for at least six months. In addition to my concerns about the safety of Vitex while nursing, I have also read that Vitex decreases prolactin levels. Do you have any recommendations on this? Could you recommend another herb that would be better? Thanks so much for your input.

God Bless,
Kim

A. Vitex is the best herb for balancing hormone levels. It has been well-studied and shown to be effective for conditions with insufficiencies or overproduction of estrogen and progesterone. We would call vitex’s action on the female hormone levels adaptogenic. While it does decrease prolactin levels in those with elevated levels that result in a luteal phase defect, it is also used to increase breast milk production, thus not being a problem at all in nursing. In fact, I put vitex in my MegaMam formula by Mother’s Choice (Tri-Light Herbs) because it is so excellent for increasing breast milk production. I would presume the adaptogenic effect would apply to its action on prolactin as well. In terms of the PCOS, you might also want to consider addressing the glucose intolerance issues associated with that condition as well as the excess testosterone levels. Saw palmetto has been successfully studied to reduce excess testosterone levels.

Hypothyroidism

Q. My Sister-in-Law is 23 and has myriad health problems, including hypothyroidism and hip/joint pain and problems. She was visiting me in February and we looked up natural remedies for her hypothyroidism. We are ecstatic and delighted with the Lord's provision, and report that since she started using kelp and
following dietary recommendations in "The Prescription for Nutritional Healing" that she was able to lose some excess weight, without changing her lifestyle (she had been eating so healthfully for a year, and exercising aerobically 3-5x/week, and not losing a #). She is feeling more energetic, as well. Her symptoms have improved so much. She would love to stop taking her synthroid, as she did experiment with going off it for a couple of weeks and felt so much better than she had in a year. She also knows that hypothyroidism and pregnancy are not a great mix. She would love any advice and recommendations and resources to get her temple built up in the way that would most glorify God.

Thank you...

Amy

A. Is your Sister in-Law using organic thyroid supplements made from New Zealand cattle or sheep? One tablet daily can make a world of difference, or she could consider using a natural thyroid replacement drug such as Amour Thyroid. I wouldn’t suggest she stop the synthroid without having blood tests performed by her physician to determine how well her body copes without the medication. While she may be able to wean down or off the medication with supplementation or a different drug, she should not abruptly stop the medication. Hypothyroidism and pregnancy are not a good mix at all; in fact, pregnancy is not a time at all to consider weaning off of or discontinuing any thyroid medication as it could result in damage or retardation in baby if mom does not have enough thyroid hormone in her system.

Miscarriage

Q. I have had 2 unexplained miscarriages (6/87 & 11/97) , but I also just turned 44. My question is 2-part. If I am definitely ovulating and my basal temperature rises nice & high after ovulation and the cervical mucus is good, then do I still have a good chance of becoming pregnant? My next question is this: my husband has been using a prescription cream on the palms of his hands since it was severely cracked and sore after he zip -stripped some furniture. We tried every home remedy I knew of and added extra essential oil supplements (EPA & lecithin) to his diet. It did not help. What he is using has Fluocinonide .05% in it. Could this have anything to do with the miscarriages and now me not being pregnant again yet? I realize my age is probably a factor, but I was wondering about the effect of this cream on him.

Also, do you know of any herbal remedies that may help his hands? They split right open when he does not use the cream. Before using the cream, the skin actually looked green and kind of dead.

Thanks so much. Nancy

A. To the first part of your question: Yes, you can still become pregnant if all the factors you describe are occurring. In fact, even during menopausal years, you can still become pregnant until all periods have ceased for a long period of time.

I know of nothing about that cream that could be a definitive factor in your miscarriages. Perhaps he could take some supplemental precautions just in case it is lowering his vitamin C or zinc levels which are extremely important for healthy sperm production. A few natural options for skin that is cracked and sore: Health-e-Skin’s Pure Emu Oil ( www.health-e-skin.com ) – simply fantastic in terms of quick healing results; Soothing Salve by Tri-Light Herbs ( www.trilightherbs.com ) – natural herbal liquid salve that works quickly and effectively to heal and fight infection; SimiCort cream by Enzymatic Therapy ( www.enzy.com ). I have found these to be very helpful in the kinds of situations you describe. Personally, I have been combining my Soothing Salve with the Emu Oil from Health-e-Skin for maximum healing and anti-infection purposes around our home.

Natural Progesterone Cream

Q. I do have a question for you regarding progesterone. I have heard that natural progesterone does not cause heart defects in infants, only synthetic progesterone. Could you clarify this? Where is there information stating that natural progesterone can also cause heart defects if, in fact, there is information in writing. Thank you for your response.

Blessings,
Sue

A. The confusion in the natural/synthetic, progesterone debate may be over understanding of what natural progesterone is: Natural progesterone is synthetically-produced progesterone produced from diosgenin, which is found naturally-occurring in wild yam. Wild yam’s diosgenin will not convert to progesterone in the body. The conversion must be done in the laboratory. Synthetic progesterone is entirely synthetically produced, not from an original plant source, as is the natural progesterone. Synthetic progesterone is definitely associated with increased risk of heart defects, while natural progesterone is not. Even as I say that, we must all remember that natural progesterone is still a drug, albeit manufactured from a natural source (like penicillin from mold). This means that we should not use it indiscriminately if there is no need. I am incredibly uncomfortable with the idea of thousands of women using this drug for any and all women’s health concerns without long-term evaluation of risk factors. I am not discriminating towards drugs here, I don’t believe we should use herbs daily without need, either. Medicine is medicine, and we should be careful how we choose to use it.

Natural Progesterone Cream and Anxiety Attacks

Q. Do you know anything about natural progesterone cremes? A couple of folks have recommended that I give them a try. I've been having panic/anxiety attacks, some mental confusion, some joint pain, especially first thing in the morning, night sweats, sensitivity to noise, weepiness, etc. I've had three miscarriages, including one just last November. I'm 35 and have two sons, 4 years and 21 months. I'm still
nursing the 'little' one. Two doctors say I should try anti-anxiety meds. One says that since I have some episodes of depression in the past, all this *'can't* be physical, so I should see a psychologist. We're having my thyroid checked, and one doctor says that this isn't related to any hormones that she can think of.
(This doesn't sound right to me and dear husband, so we're checking everything we can think of!)

TIA, Heather

SHONDA’S COMMENTS: I think natural progesterone creams are great for those who need them and use them appropriately. Our Naturally Healthy magazine (2000 and 2002) back issues have information regarding natural progesterone crèmes, as do some of the other question/answers here on the website. If you choose the anti-anxiety route, perhaps some occasional use of kava kava may be sufficient for you. Be cautious while nursing, as the herb is contraindicated during breastfeeding, and it is definitely contraindicated during pregnancy. St. John’s Wort may also be indicated if depression is part of the overall syndrome. Are you taking a multi-vitamin like Opti-Vite, which is formulated just for women with PMS difficulties? The books, The Naturally Healthy Pregnancy and Naturally Healthy Woman, both have a section on hormonal difficulties women experience in the childbearing years with specific recommendations for each. Thyroid hormone highs or lows definitely affect the menstrual cycle and mood, so checking thyroid function is a good plan.

Natural Progesterone Creams

Q. I would appreciate any information you could give me. I am reading Dr Lee's book "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause", and according to the symptoms, I believe I have been dealing with estrogen dominance. As instructed in the book, for peri-menopausal women who wish to preserve fertility, I will be using the cream on days 12-26 of my cycle. My questions are:

1) If I conceive during the time I am using the cream, but do not know if I am pregnant, and I stop the cream on day 27 as instructed to stimulate a normal menstrual cycle....will this act as an abortifacient?

2) If I suspect that I am pregnant and follow the instructions for pregnancy, which is to continue the cream for 3 months then taper off, and I am NOT pregnant, will this inhibit ovulation and thus be a birth control method?

I have already started the cream, but am concerned about whether to stop on day 27, not knowing if I am expecting or not, and it's too early for testing. Also, since we are not *trying * to conceive, this will be a monthly question, and I will be unable to get a pregnancy test every month.

Thank you for sharing any info you might have.

In Messiah,
Vickilynn

A. In answer to your questions:
1) If you stop using the natural progesterone cream on day 27 in the presence of a pregnancy, this could precipitate a miscarriage in a woman who has a progesterone level too low to sustain pregnancy. Doctors who prescribe natural progesterone to their patients typically test for pregnancy prior to instructing the patient to discontinue use of the cream at the end of the last menstrual cycle. Use of the cream beyond 28 days in a woman who is not pregnant could delay the normal onset of the next menstrual cycle, however. There really is no way to gauge this without a pregnancy test. You might consider buying them in bulk online, rather than purchasing tests individually each month, which can be quite costly. The other alternative is to have a progesterone blood test drawn on day 21 of your menstrual cycle (when you are not using the natural progesterone cream) to determine if you truly have a deficiency prior to using the cream. The natural progesterone creams are not inexpensive and, in my opinion, should not be used if there is no deficiency in the body. It would be much safer and less expensive to use an herb to naturally support the body’s own production of progesterone, such as vitex agnus-castus (chasteberry).

2) Continued use of the cream throughout the entire cycle (from onset of menses through the onset of next month’s menses) can, on the other hand, act as an abortifacient, just as the “mini-pill” or progesterone-only pill can.

Taking the basal temperature will not serve as a definitive guide to pregnancy or not, as it would apart from natural progesterone use, as natural progesterone can raise the basal temperature above your normal values.

PMS and Fatigue

Q. I have had PMS and fatigue for several years. I have read much, and experimented much, with only some success. A year ago I went to a nutritionist in town. He asked quite a few questions and then said that he thought I had severe adrenal gland exhaustion. He started me on a slew of vitamins/minerals, which seemed to help some, but they became too expensive to continue. He tried me on Siberian Ginseng to help the adrenals, but I had to discontinue it since it made me very "hyper." I have also used progesterone cream (several different brands, all of which promise at least 800mg./2 oz. jar) , which helped a little with PMS/perimenopause symptoms (I'm 46 yrs. old), but the nutritionist explained that the progesterone was probably being converted into other hormones by the adrenals since they were more of a priority than the female organs. I have also used Remifemin, which helped with hot flashes. At present I am taking Barley Green, which has helped with the fatigue and many of the hormonal symptoms, but I still feel quite tense, don't sleep well and have other annoying PMS symptoms, which seem to be intensifying as I get older. We eat pretty healthfully I think--whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts and some lean meat and occasionally sweets and dairy products. I brisk-walk 30 minutes 3 times a week, most of the time. I have read Dr. George Malkmus' books and tried to do the extreme vegetarian routine he prescribes, but it is too severe for me--my blood sugar drops. Can you think of anything else I might try? Please continue to send your magazine. I like your balanced view of health.

Sincerely, Rebecca Turner

A. Adrenal gland exhaustion is one of those natural health ideas that doesn’t find much acceptance outside our field. It’s sort of like the “Your bowels are filled with really gross toxic build-up,” but physicians doing very regular screening of people for bowel cancer, GI symptoms, find none of that sludge. Hmmm. Anyway, I personally believe that we do over-stimulate our bodies with many substances and behaviors, thus I’m still thinking that perhaps there is some validity to the adrenal exhaustion argument at present. Siberian Ginseng or Panax Ginseng are the best herbs known to treat fatigue and exhaustion of any kind. It is unfortunate that it “wired” you. Were you also using caffeine beverages, etc. at the time? Just curious. Wild yam root, not in cream form, rather in crude herb form (just powdered root or liquid extract of the root) provides excellent adrenal support as does change in lifestyle habits that cause more stress and tension and avoiding stimulating beverages and foods that deplete the adrenals, such as an excess of refined, processed foods or sugars.

The best herb for PMS/perimenopausal symptoms is vitex agnus-castus. Taking 1-2 standardized capsules each morning has been shown in studies to reduce PMS symptoms through balancing the hormonal levels. I would also recommend reading in Mommy Diagnostics and/or The Naturally Healthy Pregnancy the pages on Adrenal Support and PMS symptoms. Our Summer/Fall issue of 2000 of Naturally Healthy dealt with this in more detail as well (available as a back issue eMag). If you feel you have excess estrogen, then a product such as DIM-Plus (several brands carry this patented formula) can help reduce excess estrogens in the body, while taking a daily supplement such as Equilibrium (by NF Formulas, Inc.) might also aid with this problem as it contains phytoestrogens that bind to estrogen receptor sites in the body, thereby reducing excess estrogens that can cause PMS symptoms. Just for symptomatic relief of insomnia or poor sleep, I use a combination of valerian root and lemon balm as needed to obtain a restful, full nights’ sleep.

Progesterone and Wild Yam

Q. Does wild yam supply a natural form of progesterone to the body?
Mary

A. Wild yam is an herb that has proved quite useful for relieving intestinal colic, soothing diverticulitis, easing dysmenorrheal (painful menstruation) and ovarian and uterine pains through its excellent antispasmodic activity. The herb has also been used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, especially in the acute phase where there is intense inflammation. Since wild yam contains natural precursors to the adrenal hormones, the herb is useful for adrenal support in very stressful situations or for those who have been on steroid drug therapy. The standard dosage of the TincTract is 2-4ml of wild yam daily. Much hoopla has occurred over wild yam being used as a natural progesterone agent or as natural DHEA. The facts are incontrovertible. Wild yam must be processed in a lab for the diosgenin to be converted to progesterone or for the other steroidal precursors to be converted to DHEA. After saying this , let me reiterate that the steroidal precursors in wild yam still make it quite useful for adrenal support, as well as use as an anti-inflammatory. The relaxant, or antispasmodic, action makes it quite useful for digestive colic or uterine cramps. Women of childbearing age should only use natural progesterone creams during the luteal phase (second half of the menstrual cycle when progesterone is rising) and only during pregnancy for specifically-indicated conditions, such as a history of early miscarriage. Wild yam may be used at any point in the cycle.

Promoting Conception

Q. I had my last baby at the age of 42-43 (my 7th). Things have taken a VERY long time in "normalizing," but now seem to have. She was also a preemie, and I had undergone many invasive procedures in the first two years after her birth. I am very interested in filling out the quiver some more, and wonder, with your experience, how many other women my age (now am 45) are able to have babies. And just what are the chances? I would think that having had my last two babies in my 40's, my chances would be good. However, the fact that I've had some difficulties since her birth and my body has undergone extreme stressors, might it not lessen the possibilities? Is there anything nutritionally, or herbally, that I can do to enhance my chances? We grind all our own grains, use only honey, a lot of legumes, brown rice, very little (organic) meat.... Anything you could shed light on would help. I am also an RN, but the allopathic medics are loathe to help an "old" lady like me :)
In Christ Jesus,
Diane
thank you, ahead of time, for your reply

A. You’re not such an old lady at 45. As I have told another list subscriber, I grew up with a girl who was born to her mother at the mother’s age of 54, when the mom had not been cycling for a couple years or so. I’ve been reading about this for another woman, also desiring more in the quiver, and have found that the very best thing to try would be vitex agnus-castus, taken 1-2 capsules every morning during the whole cycle. The normalizing effect on the hormones tends to increase fertility quite naturally. The other fertility enhancers in the Naturally Healthy Pregnancy or Naturally Healthy Woman book would be quite useful as well, such as B-Fruitful formula from Tri-Light Herbs ( www.trilightherbs.com ), Evening Primrose Oil for Omega-6 fatty acids, liver supports such as dandelion or milk thistle are important as well to overall hormonal health. It sounds as though your diet is quite good. If you have any lingering health issues, post the last birth, I would encourage you to “fix” them now, to enhance your fertility and health later. I always do this myself, doing tests I might have put off because I don’t want to do them nursing or pregnant.

St. John’s wort and Hormonal Fluctuations

Q. My neighbor wanted to know about taking St. Johns wort for her "moodiness" during her cycle. She wants to know what's in it? Are there any herbs she could take instead?
TIA, In Christ, Cinnamon

A. St. John’s Wort, Hypericum perforatum, is an herb. It has been studied for use treating depression and performed quite successfully in those studies. I don’t know that I would necessarily use it for “moodiness” during a cycle. The herb is generally used more for treating mild to moderate depression than hormonal fluctuations, although it can be used in conjunction with other herbs to reduce PMS symptoms (such as Vitex agnus-castus) or with herbs to treat symptoms of menopause (such as black cohosh).

Vitex and Dong Quai

Q. Why do you recommend vitex instead of dong quai for regulating estrogen production, particularly for too much estrogen levels? I have read Christopher Hobbs' book on Vitex, and he discusses its use for this, but he seems to indicate that its action is primarily in reference to progesterone. Hobbs says the two herbs work well together, but I am curious how you would feel about using dong quai for this? Here is a quote from Herbal Tonic Therapies by Daniel B. Mowrey: "Dong quai contains estrogenic substances that may exert some regulating effect on estrogen levels and on estrogenic biological mechanisms. They seem to enhance estrogenic effects when estrogen levels are too low, and compete when levels are too high. This would be in keeping with the idea of a menstrual tonic." I have always been under the impression that dong quai worked primarily on estrogen, while vitex worked primarily on progesterone, although vitex seems to play a supporting role in estrogen balancing too. Now I am wondering if I have been mistaken about that! I would love to hear your opinion on this.

Second question: I have used a drop or two of essential oil of Peppermint in water as a decongestant for my children, even the baby. It seems to work very well, but I am wondering if there is any problem with using peppermint this way on a baby.
Sandra

A. Vitex works more on balancing the estrogen/progesterone balance rather than simply increasing progesterone, although it does seem to have a positive effect on progesterone production in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. I would have no problem with someone using dong quai, in the first half of the cycle (follicular phase), which does increase estrogen (in fact, I have recommended this for women in the first half of their cycle for a number of years).

As far as the peppermint oil is concerned, One to two drops in water is okay, if it indeed is well-diluted in the water, not on a baby less than six weeks old, though. I usually try not to give anything other than breast milk or herbal baths to my babies under 3 months of age. In fact, I prefer spearmint or other milder mints over peppermint oil for use in children under the age of 3.

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