Many common health conditions can be remedied with a healthy lifestyle that is accompanied by the use of certain herbal remedies. While Western Medicine relies heavily on the use of prescription drugs, most practitioners of Eastern Medicine, as well as traditional naturopathic doctors and herbalists, consider natural herbs and plants to be much healthier choices. Using medicinal herbs to treat any number of ailments allows you to benefit from a synergy of complex chemical components such as antioxidants and phytonutrients,as they occur in nature. So what types of herbs contain powerful healing properties?

Ginger
Praised by Confucius, ginger has been considered the universal medicine for many years. It is gentle on the stomach and is commonly used to relieve symptoms of nausea, indigestion, fever, and infection. More advanced research suggests that it may even be used for heart health, digestive health, preventing colds and flu,and assisting in weight loss.

Thyme
This herb is considered one of nature's most powerful antiseptics and is commonly used in certain mouthwash and decongestant products. Thyme can be added to teas and herbal drinks, where it helps relieve sore throat, cough, bronchitis, and laryngitis.

Garlic
Garlic has a number of active components, including allicin, alliinase and sulfur compounds, which contribute to its potent antibiotic, anti-viral and fungicidal properties. These assets make garlic highly effective in lowering high blood pressure, maintaining healthy cholesterol levels, and boosting the immune system.

Mint
In addition to carrying a distinct fragrant quality, mint also has the ability to settle the digestive tract, thus decreasing the severity and length of stomach aches. The herb can be added to teas, salads or eaten by itself to relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and hinder the growth of toxic bacteria in the stomach.

Lavender
Lavender is another fragrant herb that is used in a variety of medicinal and cosmetic products. It is largely cultivated for its natural oils which can calm nerves, alleviate headaches, and help to reduce stress.

Turning to herbal remedies for safe and natural treatments is an affordable way to maintain your health and vitality, while building your immune system and preventing many common illnesses. Not to mention leaving just one small ecological footprint or two in your garden bed.

For more information on herbal remedies, visit www.dreliaz.org

A number of years ago I ran across an article in a medical journal by Burt Berkson, MD, in which he presented 3 case reports of patients who had Hepatitis C (HCV) induced end stage liver disease awaiting transplants. For one year Dr. Berkson used a triple antioxidant formula with important lifestyle changes and each was able to get off the transplant list and return to work.

Fascinated with the power of such a simple yet successful protocol, I offered it to three of my own HCV patients, two who had completed a conventional protocol and two who had not. In all four cases their outcomes were improved.

Dr. Berkson, from Las Cruces , New Mexico , has never seen anyone cured by conventional therapy. “Viral loads may drop, but they quickly bounce back when treatment is stopped.” We do know that interferon and ribavirin can reduce the viral load, but in less than half the patients with type 2 and 3 is it clinically meaningful. The percentage is far less with type 1. And when it comes to the side effects, treatment is often worse than the disease. It is also a fact that the viral load often has little to do with progression to frank cirrhosis. The person’s own inflammatory response generated by the immune system is the culprit.

The triple antioxidant protocol, which has been studied by the National Institutes of Health and is now being used by many holistic practitioners, is a combination of alpha lipoic acid 300 mg twice a day; selenium 200 mcg twice a day; and silymarin from milk thistle 300 mg a day. This is coupled with a B complex and a good antioxidant nutritional program.

In my own practice I utilize the NIH Berkson protocol along with Coenzyme Q-10, essential oil antivirals, frequency specific microcurrent (www.FSM4U.com), and sometimes IV nutrient therapy. Avoidance of tobacco and alcohol is strongly recommended. Aerobic exercise is important. I follow specific laboratory tests for a periodic look at how the liver is improving. The most important aspect is targeting the treatment to the person.

Like many different types of chronic viral infections, providing the body’s immune system with the proper nutrients while boosting its antiviral response will ultimately result in tissue and organ repair and a return to a person’s best level of functioning.

Raphael J. d’Angelo, MD

Center for Holistic & Integrative Medicine - Aurora , Colorado

303-690-9996