In Good Health Blog

Remedies for Food Poisoning

Lana — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 16:49:20 +0000

Food poisoning can occur when one consumes spoiled food containing microbes that the belly is not used to. There are various remedies for food poisoning depending on the pathogenic cause. Some safe food-based remedies are listed below:

‘Ume-Shiso Maki’ is my favorite remedy for preventing or correcting poisoning from

'Ume-Shiso' maki rolls.

seafood. This is a sushi maki roll (’maki’ means ‘wrap’) made with two ingredients inside the rice and seaweed wrap. The two special additions are umeboshi plum paste and shiso (perilla) leaf, which are perfect compliments and together strongly correct belly imbalances. Manpuku sushi restaurant on College Avenue in Berkeley is the only local joint I know of that has this combo right on their menu. Upon request, many other sushi places will make it for you if they have the ingredients on hand.

Umeboshi Plum (called ‘Ume’ in Japanese, & ‘Wu Mei’ in Mandarin) has antibiotic effects against various bacteria including Staphylococcus, E. coli, Salmonella and Mycobacterium. Ume plum provides natural minerals such as potassium, phosphorus, sodium, magnesium, iron and calcium. Many medical studies have shown that ume plum markedly improves the fluidity of human blood, which is part of why is it so helpful at cleaning the body of toxins, improving the immunity and increasing metabolism.

Fresh Shiso Perilla Leaf ('Ze Su Ye')

Perilla leaf (called ‘Shiso’ leaf in Japanese, & ‘Zi Su Ye’ in Mandarin), has antibiotic effects that inhibit the activity of the Staphylococcus bacteria. It can stimulate the gastrointestinal tract by increasing stomach acid secretions and intestinal movement. Perilla leaf can relieve stomach flu, acute enteritis (inflammation of the small intestine) manifesting as abdominal pain & cramping, nausea and diarrhea. This leaf is commonly used to prevent and treat seafood poisoning and is traditionally included as a condiment when ordering sushi. This was the inspiration for the plastic leaf often included in the packaged sushi you find at supermarkets. The plastic substitute however seems to lack the taste and medicinal value of the fresh one!

Mung beans (called ‘Lu Dou’ in Mandarin) are a very valuable remedy for detoxification. They are commonly used for skin toxins such as carbuncles, pimples, sores and ulcers.

Store bought mung bean cookies

They are also an effective antidote for the intake and overdose of many toxic substances, in cases of pesticide poisoning, drug poisoning and food poisoning. Mung beans also prevent summer heat stroke, by reducing body temperature, relieving thirst and sweating. The beans can be powdered to make a ‘mung bean flour’ and used creatively in various recipes, such as for making shortbread type cookies. On a recent trip to India, several companions developed heat stroke and I was wishing I had planned ahead with mung bean remedies. Next time, I’ll be sure to bring plenty of mung bean cookies in my suitcase! Click here for a delicious mung bean cookie recipe.

Other Remedies

There are many other good herbal remedies for detoxification. Before selecting one of these, it is important to discuss with your herbalist whether or not the remedy matches your constitution. Here they are:

Purslane - can be eaten fresh in salads

Licorice – energetically neutral
Dandelion – energetically cold
Honeysuckle – energetically cold; works like a natural antibiotic
Chrysanthemum – energetically cold; works like a natural antibiotic
Common Purslane – energetically cold; antibiotic effect against Bacillus dysenteriae, E. coli, Salmonella typhi, & Staphylococcus aureus
Seaweed – energetically cold; can pull heavy metal toxins (mercury, lead, aluminum, etc.) out of the body; due to high iodine content, can be used to treat thyroid gland disorders when western medications are not used (hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism) – talk to your practitioner about the safest way to do this. Because seaweed also detoxifies the oceans, it is important to only ingest seaweed that has been harvested from clean waters.
Burdock Root – energetically cold; detoxifies the liver and the skin while nourishing the body

Tasty Detox with Mung Bean Cookies

Lana — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:24:09 +0000

Mung beans (called ‘Lu Dou’ in Mandarin) are a very valuable remedy for

Mung Beans and their Sprouts

detoxification. They are commonly used for skin toxins such as carbuncles, pimples, sores and ulcers.

Mung beans are an effective antidote for the intake and overdose of many toxic substances, such as pesticide poisoning, drug poisoning and food poisoning. Mung beans also prevent summer heat stroke, by reducing body temperature, relieving thirst and sweating. The beans can be powdered to make a ‘mung bean flour’ and used creatively in various recipes, such as for making shortbread type cookies.

Mung Bean Cookie Recipe

These cookies melt in your mouth and have a very similar taste to peanut cookies, minus the peanut.

Ingredients:

Mung Bean Cookies

1 cup butter (2 sticks)
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 Tbsp. cornflour
3/4 cup mung bean powder
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 egg yolk, for glazing

Method:

Cream butter, powdered sugar and salt until creamy.
Mix in sifted flours and hand knead until a dough is formed.
Scoop the dough with a teaspoon and roll into a ball.
Brush the top of each cookie with the yolk glaze.
Bake in preheated 300F oven for 20 minutes.

Are you using Dangerous Pesticides?

Lana — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 17:41:36 +0000

Pesticides have been a source of water pollution and health problems for decades. The runoff from rainfall, as well as from lawns and gardens, washes fertilizers and pesticides into local water. Pyrethrin is now one of the most popular classes of household pesticides, despite the fact that there are many effective pest control methods that are not nearly as toxic.

Check labels carefully and avoid using pesticides containing pyrethrin or pyrethroids (including permethrin, bifenthrin and deltamethrin). Popular brands that may include these pesticides are: Raid, Hotshot, Garden Safe, Fert-i-Lome, Bio Spot, Duocide, Happy Jack, Hartz, and K9 Advantix.

Less toxic pest control products and methods can be found here and here.

Your educated choices help keep our environment healthy. Thank you.

Facial Acupuncture

Lana — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 20:45:27 +0000

Health equals beauty. For thousands of years, Asian medicine has been used for longevity and the maintenance of the skin. Acupuncture and herbal therapies can boost both health and beauty. They increase circulation in the body and facial tissues. Herbal skin formulas go into organic herbal masks, poultices, and moisturizers. Cooling jade rollers massage the skin to remove fine lines and age spots associated with heat.

Asian facial rejuvenation can:

Reduce puffiness and dark circles
Smooth fine lines and wrinkles
Flesh out sunken areas
Tone sagging skin and address loss of elasticity
Activate facial muscles
Improve skin texture and color
Reduce blemishes and pimples
Soften and address scar tissue, adhesions (release old trauma)
Relax twitching and bell’s palsy

Lana Farson began studying facial acupuncture in 2000 and is now certified in advanced constitutional facial acupuncture. She graduated with a Master’s of Science degree in Asian medicine in 1999 and is a Professor at the Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine College. She serves as co-director of the Well-Balanced Center an integrative healing clinic in Lafayette, CA with practitioners from various health care systems.

The ‘New’ Water Bottle – Hip & Hot

Lana — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 23:04:29 +0000

I love hot water bottles for warming the muscles and encouraging good circulation, especially the german ones made of odorless thermoplastic. They are so helpful for healing imbalances that are worse with cold weather, particularly during the winter months. Who knew that you can now buy a hot water bottle with a protective and cozy cover!? I rarely make commercial recommendations, but will share a website where you can get these great hot water bottles along with a removable and washable cover (not shown in photo). Here’s the link.

Organic – To Buy or Not To Buy?

Lana — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 16:55:22 +0000

To avoid proliferation of toxic, chemical pesticides in the body, it’s a good idea to buy organic produce whenever possible. Since this is not always feasible either due to availability or price, it’s helpful to make some distinction. Which fruits and vegetables should you be sure to buy organically? Which are lowest in pesticides? Some of this information is based on how much spraying is typically done with a particular food. Other considerations are the shape of the produce and how much pesticides can enter or cover the edible parts. For example, pesticides easily lodge in foods with lots of little crevices such as spinach, lettuce, strawberries or raspberries. It is best to buy all berries organically. Conversely, it is less crucial to buy organic when it comes to foods with thick, protective, inedible rinds such as melons or bananas. However, choose organic if you plan on using the rind, as with citrus, since pesticides are concentrated on the outer surface.

Pesticides and the Brain

Repeated exposure to pesticides is associated with an increase in the risk for Alzheimer’s disease in later life, according to an observational study published in Neurology.

According to the study, commonly used pesticides (organophosphate and organochlorine) inhibit acetylcholinesterase—needed for learning, memory and concentration—at synapses in the somatic, autonomic and central nervous systems. There may be lasting effects on the nervous system. In the study, the most common route of exposure was farming. Here’s yet another reason to purchase organic foods. The more we eat organic, the fewer people will be forced to work in agricultural jobs that expose them to pesticides.

Highest in Pesticides (buy organic or unsprayed):

Apples
Bell peppers
Blueberries (domestic)
Carrots
Celery
Cherries
Collards
Grapes (imported)
Green Beans
Kale
Lettuce
Nectarines
Peaches
Pears
Potatoes
Red raspberries
Spinach
Strawberries

Lowest in Pesticides (less crucial to buy organically):

Asparagus
Avocados
Bananas
Cabbage
Cantaloupe
Cranberries
Eggplant
Grapefruit
Kiwi
Mangos
Melons (Honeydew, Watermelon)
Onions
Papaya
Pineapples
Plums
Peas (sweet)
Sweet Potatoes

Candles & Air Quality

Lana — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 03:03:53 +0000

Candles with lead-core wicks pose air quality hazard in the home, especially during winter months when windows and doors are kept closed. Here’s an easy test: rub the tip of an un-burnt wick on a plain piece of white paper. If the wick leaves a light gray pencil-like mark, it has a lead core. If there is no mark left on the paper, the candle is lead-free.

Good quality wax is important too. It appears that petroleum-based candles (which includes paraffin) and scented or aromatic candles are the worst offenders and can trigger allergic reactions or certain lung conditions. Paraffin is derived from petroleum which produces carcinogens in the air when burned. Beeswax, soy and carnauba wax based candles are three types of non-petroleum based wax candles to look for.

Here’s a link for more information: Environmental Health & Safety – Candles & Indoor Air Quality

What is acupuncture like and how does it work?

Lana — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 16:54:49 +0000

Acupuncture is one of the fastest growing fields in medicine right now as it provides real solutions to health issues, without the side effects of pharmaceuticals.

Here’s a link to an interesting article and video by The Wall Street Journal about acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. It’s pretty well done and gives some good information.

New research published in Nature Neuroscience in July of 2010 shows that acupuncture can increase the body’s levels of adenosine, which has the ability to reduce pain. Here’s a link to a BBC Health News article about that study. And, here’s the link to the study in Nature Neuroscience.

According to the University of Chicago Medical Center, attention has been focused on the following theories to further explain how acupuncture affects the body:

Conduction of electromagnetic signals
Evidence suggests that acupuncture points are strategic conductors of electromagnetic signals. Stimulating these points enables electromagnetic signals to be relayed at greater-than-normal rates. These signals may start the flow of pain-killing biochemicals, such as endorphins, or release immune system cells to specific body sites.
Activation of the body’s natural opioid system
Considerable research supports the claim that acupuncture releases opioids, synthetic or naturally-occurring chemicals in the brain that may reduce pain or induce sleep. These chemicals may explain acupuncture’s pain-relieving effects.
Stimulation of the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland
Joined at the base of the brain, the hypothalamus and pituitary glands are responsible for many body functions. The hypothalamus activates and controls part of the nervous system, the endocrine processes, and many bodily functions, such as sleep, regulation of temperature, and appetite. The pituitary gland supplies some of the body’s needed hormones. Stimulation of these glands can result in a broad spectrum of effects on various body systems.
Change in the secretion of neurotransmitters and neurohormones
Studies suggest that acupuncture may alter brain chemistry in a positive way. This is accomplished by changing the release of neurotransmitters (biochemical substances that stimulate or inhibit nerve impulses) and neurohormones (naturally-occurring chemical substances that can change the structure or function, or impact the activity of, a body organ).

Fibromyalgia Relief

Lana — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 18:54:58 +0000

I’ve been treating fibromyalgia since 2003, and have found that very good results come from a combination of acupuncture and a bodywork technique called ‘Gua Sha’. The ‘Gua Sha’ method stimulates the body’s circulation via rubbing of the skin and muscles with a special tool. I find that ‘Gua Sha’ dramatically boosts the pain relieving ability of acupuncture. Read more about ‘Gua Sha’ about halfway down on the treatments page here: link to ‘Gua Sha’ Rubbing

At In Good Health in Lafayette, CA, I choose ‘Gua Sha’ tools made out of various materials (metal, wood, horn, shell) depending on the case as well as the individual’s skin and muscle tone.

A Study from the New England Journal of Medicine confirms that the Asian exercise Tai Chi is also helpful for fibromyalgia. Here’s the link to that study: A Randomized Trial of Tai Chi for Fibromyalgia

Acupuncture and Herbs Treat a Wide Range of Symptoms

Lana — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 17:08:17 +0000

Acupuncture and herbs can help reduce the symptoms of many imbalances and illnesses by addressing the underlying causes. Both acupuncture and botanical medicine can work in conjunction with western forms of treatment to help you stay in good health. Here’s a review of some of the most common conditions we treat in Lafayette, CA:

Allergies:

Acupuncture and herbs can strengthen the immune system, which in turn helps the body defend against pollen and other pathogens. Symptoms of allergies can be greatly reduced through the use of acupuncture meridians and botanical medicines.

Arthritis

Acupuncture is a safe and natural method to help control joint pain for both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Asthma

Acupuncture and herbs can be very useful in reducing both the symptoms and root cause of asthma and other lung disorders.

Colds & Flus

Acupuncture can boost the immune system to prevent the body from succumbing to acute infection. Acupuncture treatment and herbal medicines can also help reduce the intensity of external pathogens.

Fibromyalgia

Acupuncture can be used in conjunction with gua-sha ‘tool sand massage’ to bring significant relief to the pain associated with fibromyalgia.

Headaches

Acupuncture and herbs can offer safe and effective approaches to relieving headaches without causing side effects.

Insomnia

Acupuncture and herbs are useful for improving sleep quality and duration.

Menopause & Menstrual Conditions

Symptoms of menopause and menstrual issues can be relieved with the use of acupuncture and botanical medicines. In both cases, there can be imbalances in the body that when not addressed will lead to uncomfortable symptoms that can be treated naturally without side effects.

Pain

Acupuncture and herbs can be a helpful form of treatment for both acute and chronic pain. It can help identify the underlying causes of the pain while making the body more comfortable.

Stress

Acupuncture and herbs can help people manage stress by addressing the root causes while reducing the signs and symptoms.