"Rice" designed to fight allergies

The Times of India
5 Jul 2009

Scientists in Japan have achieved a breakthrough in advancing towards the next generation of genetically modified rice, which will fight Rice bowl Now rice will fight allergies instead of causing them.

According to report in Live Science, the new transgenic rice has been designed to fight a common pollen allergy appears safe in animal studies.

Fumio Takaiwa and colleagues note that the first generation of genetically-modified crops was designed to help keep crops free of weeds and bugs.

The next generation of transgenic crops is being developed to directly benefit human health.

This includes vegetables and grains that produce higher levels of nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, or even medicines and vaccines.

Like the first generation of transgenic foods, however, researchers are anxiously trying to determine whether foods produced from these "biopharmaceutical" crops will be safe for humans and the environment.

The rice plant has been genetically engineered to fight allergies

to Japanese cedar pollen, a growing public health problem in Japan that affects about 20 percent of the population.

In laboratory studies, the researchers fed a steamed version of the transgenic rice and a non-transgenic version to a group of monkeys everyday for 26 weeks.

At the end of the study period, the test animals did not show any health problems, in an initial demonstration that the allergy-fighting rice may be safe for consumption, according to the researchers.

More research will be needed to bring the rice to market.

Herbs and Natural Remedies for Insomnia

© 1998 Christopher Hobbs

Sleep is one of the most deeply healing and revitalizing experiences known. When we can get enough restful sleep each night, the entire world looks brighter. Insomnia is a lack of healthful, restful sleep and is a common problem experienced by as many as 20% to 30% of American adults at various times in their lives. Statistics report a fifth of American adults and half of American seniors have difficulty falling asleep on any given night (Reiter and Robinson, 1995). The most prevalent sleeping disorder is chronic insomnia, which is experienced by 15% of adults.

Until recently (1993), when the US Congress mandated a National Center on Sleep Disorders, insomnia was not considered a significant or disabling medical condition. Today, it is recognized as a disease which is produced by a wide variety of causative factors, including emotional disorders and upset, physical imbalances, age, environmental factors, and a genetic component.

During my years of clinical experience as a practicing herbalist, I have worked with many patients suffering from sleep disorders most of whom have a lifestyle and/or emotional component accompanying their illness. These might include the loss of a loved one or a divorce, loud unaccustomed noises during the night such as barking dogs or sirens, biological rhythm upsets such as changing one's working schedule to the night shift, or stimulating drugs like coffee or amphetamines, all of which contribute to and intensify insomnia.

Insomnia can be based on or aggravated by a neurotransmitter imbalance. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that allow nerve impulses to travel from one nerve cell to another, and include serotonin, acetylcholine, GABA, and the sex hormones testosterone and estrogen. Sleep disorders and such symptoms as depression are especially linked with an imbalance in the neurotransmitter serotonin. Serotonin is manufactured by the body from the amino acid tryptophan. Herbs and foods high in tryptophan that help restore proper serotonin levels in the brain are St. John's wort, quinoa, spirulina, and soy products.

Holistic treatment for insomnia is multifaceted and incorporates many techniques including herbal medicine, vitamin and mineral supplements, lifestyle changes, improved sleep hygiene, massage therapy, behavioral therapy, meditation, diet, exercise, hypnosis, acupuncture, relaxation, guided imagery, and homeopathy. A treatment approach is aimed at precluding all the potential causes of insomnia rather than simply providing symptomatic relief. Table 1 reviews some important practical ways to improve sleep.

Sleep Hygiene

Maintain a regular sleep schedule. Arise at a specific hour each morning, regardless of the previous night's sleep to help set your biological clock. To consolidate and deepen sleep, restrict the amount of sleep to only as much as needed to feel refreshed during the following day. Exercising regularly helps deepen sleep; however, strenuous exercise should be completed three-four hours before going to bed. Arrange the bedroom so that it is a comfortable setting. Insulate it against sound and light by using carpets and curtains; ear plugs and eye masks may be helpful.

Keep the room at a cool to moderate temperature. Excessive heat disturbs sleep.

Avoid liquids before going to sleep to minimize nighttime trips to the bathroom. If liquids are not a problem, try drinking a small hot beverage (dairy, rice, or soy milk) at bedtime.

Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and caffeinated beverages (especially in the evening). Note: Although alcohol may help a person fall asleep, it causes subsequent sleep to be fragmented.

As far as possible, work out family or job related problems before going to sleep.

Use the bedroom for sleeping and sexual activity only. If you can't fall asleep, don't get angry at yourself; get up, leave the room, and engage in another activity like reading or stretching. Hide the clock if you find yourself waking up to see the time. Avoid napping longer than one-hour or after four pm. Turn off the telephone. Try a relaxation technique, such as, biofeedback, meditation, yoga, progressive muscle relaxation, or massage to prepare the mind and body for sleep.
(Adapted from Rakel, 1996)

Some of the major herbs for insomnia are discussed below.

Herbs for Insomnia

The following herbs can be used during the day, or try using 20-30 minutes before bedtime.

Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis): Chamomile is a time-honored sedative herb which can be safely used by children and adults alike. Chamomile tea is commonly used in Europe, South America, and Mexico for insomnia and restlessness combined with irritability, particularly in children. Chamomile oil can also be put in bath water (5-6 drops) to soothe overwrought nerves, diluted to 2% to make an excellent massage oil, or used as an inhalant.

• Dose: Tea, 1 cup 2-3 x daily; Tincture, 30 drops 3 x daily.

Hops (Humulus lupulus): In the early 1900s, Eclectic physicians used hops as a sedative specifically for insomnia due to worry or nerve weakness (Bell, 1925; Ellingwood, 1983). Hops, a major flavoring component of beer, has a long history of use for sleeplessness, nervousness, and restlessness. Hops pillows are sometimes used for mild insomnia.

• Dose: Tea, 1 cup 2-3 x daily; Tincture, 30-40 drops 2-3 x daily.

Lavender (Lavandula officinalis): Lavender is a gentle strengthening tonic for the nervous system. A few drops of lavender oil added to a bath before bedtime are recommended for persons with sleep disorders. Additionally, the oil may be used as a compress or massage oil or simply inhaled to alleviate insomnia.

• Dose: Tea, 1 cup 2-3 x daily; Essential oil--oil may be inhaled, massaged into the skin (use 10 drops essential oil per ounce of vegetable oil), or added to baths (3-10 drops).

Passion flower (Passiflora incarnata): Herbalists consider passion flower an important herb for insomnia caused by mental worry, overwork, or nervous exhaustion. In England it is an ingredient in forty different commonly-sold sedative preparations. Passion flower is used for minor sleep problems in both children and adults (Bruneton, 1995). It is an excellent sedative with no side effects even when used in large doses (Spaick, 1978).

• Dose: Tea, 1 cup 3 x daily; Tincture, 30-60 drops 3-4 x daily.

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis): In the United States, herbalists use valerian extensively for its sedative action against insomnia, nervousness, and restlessness. It is recommended for those type of people who have a hard time falling asleep, because it shortens sleep latency. It also reduces nighttime waking. Valerian is an excellent herbal sedative that has none of the negative side effects of Valium and other synthetic sedatives. It works well in combination with other sedative herbs, such as California poppy, skullcap, hops, and passion flower.

• Dose: Tea, 1 cup as needed; Tincture, 2-5 droppersful 2-3 x daily.

Wild lettuce (Lactuca virosa): Wild lettuce is a mild sedative and nervine used for restlessness and insomnia. It may be found in a variety of formulas for the treatment of acute and chronic insomnia. It is used homeopathically for restlessness and insomnia (Boericke, 1927). Because of its safety of use and calming effects, wild lettuce is a good children's remedy.

• Dose: Tincture, 2-3 drpfls 3-4 x daily.

California poppy (Eschscholzia californica): California poppy is my favorite sedative and sleep-promoting herb which can currently be found in a variety of herbal remedies sold in the United States for promoting sleep, helping one to relax, and easing mild anxiety. Because of its mild sedative and analgesic properties, it can be given safely to children. Clinical and laboratory work on California poppy has clearly demonstrated the plant's sedative and anti-anxiety properties; it has been shown to improve both sleep latency and quality (Bruneton, 1995).

• Dose: Tea, 1 cup 2-3 x daily; Tincture, 30-40 drops 2-3 x daily.
• Note: Since the tea is mild, a tincture is recommended when a stronger dose is desired.

Kava kava (Piper methysticum): Kava is the national drink of Fiji and is popular throughout the South Seas. It imparts a calm feeling, relaxes the body, and sometimes enhances communication and dreaming. This sedative herb is often used for sleeplessness and fatigue.

• Dose: Tea, 1 cup 2-3 x daily; Tincture, 3-4 droppersful 2-3 x daily.

St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum): This common yellow-flowered weedy herb from Europe is quickly becoming an important part of modern herbal therapeutics. It has a long history of use dating back to ancient Greek times. Modern scientific studies show that it can help relieve chronic insomnia and mild depression when related to certain brain chemistry imbalances. Because this herb can sensitize the skin to sunlight, if you are taking a full dose, avoid direct skin exposure to bright sunlight.

• Dose: Tincture, 1/2 to 1 teaspoon 2-3 x daily; powdered extract, 1-2 tablets or capsules 2-3 x daily. Allow 2-3 weeks for the full therapeutic effect to develop. If you experience light sensitivity or other unpleasant symptoms, reduce or discontinue the St. John's wort and consult a qualified herbalist for a total program.

Melatonin: Melatonin is a human hormone that is increasingly popular as a supplement to promote sound sleep, especially in people who travel between time zones or who work odd hours. People report mixed success with this product; some people find real benefit and others feel nothing from its use, while a smaller percentage of users experience side effects such as nervousness and increased insomnia. Whether you have benefited from the use of melatonin or not, one or more of the sleep hygiene tips, as well as safe and natural herbs and formulas covered in this article are likely to help you get a deep refreshing sleep, without side effects.

Herbal Formulas for Insomnia

A Calming Tea Blend: Linden flowers (1 part), Hawthorn flowers & leaves (1 part), Chamomile (2 parts), Catnip (1 part), Lemon balm (1 part), Wintergreen (1 part), Stevia herb (1/8 part).

Bedtime Tea: Valerian (30%), Linden (20%), Kava kava (20%), Chamomile (20%), Catnip (10%).

For either formula, blend the loose herbs, place in a quart jar for future use, and store out of the direct sunlight in a cool place. Use 1 tsp/cup to make a tea. Make 1 quart at a time, adding 1 extra tsp 'for the pot.' Add the herbs to boiled water and cover. Let steep for 20 minutes, strain and store in the quart jar in the refrigerator. This blend will keep for 3 days. Pour out 1 cup, warm it, and drink several times daily or before bedtime as needed.

A few drops of essential oil of lavender added to a foot bath or regular bath can have a nice, calming effect. Finally, sleep pillows made of equal parts of hops, lavender, and chamomile and bath salts containing relaxing essential oils both help promote sleep and are available in some health food stores

Bibliography

• Bell, V.L. 1925. A Glossary of Indicated Remedies and Disease Names and Definitions. Cincinnati: Lloyd Brothers Pharmacists.
• Boericke, W. 1927. Materia Medica with Repertory. 9th. Philadelphia: Boericke & Runyon.
• Bruneton, J. 1995. Pharmacognosy Phytochemistry Medicinal Plants. Paris: Lavoisier Publishing.
• Ellingwood, F. 1983. (1898). American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy. Portland: Eclectic Medical Publications.
• Rakel, R.E., ed. 1996. Conn's Current Therapy. Philadelphia: W. B. Saunders Co.
• Reiter, F. & J. Robinson. 1995. Your Body's Natural Wonder Drug, Melatonin. New York: Bantam Books.
• Spaich, W. 1978. Moderne Phytotherapie. Heidelberg: Karl F. Haug Verlag.

Like aspirin, garlic and fish oil are blood thinners

By LISA TSAKOS
Naturally Savvy

I wish to take garlic supplements as an immune booster. I read that you shouldn’t take garlic with aspirin or Omega3’s. Is this true?

Garlic, fish oil (omega 3) and aspirin are all blood thinners. Blood clots are far more dangerous than blood that is too thin. Warnings about blood thinners are mainly specific to Warfarin, a prescribed blood thinner. Warfarin has a narrow therapeutic index, meaning that the dosage must be precise. It does not combine well with any other blood thinner (including herbal or natural ones).

The primary danger in taking too many blood thinners is that, in the case of an accident, you may experience excessive bleeding. Garlic supplements taken with fish oil are safe and, as blood thinners, are equally as effective as aspirin.

LISA TSAKOS IS A REGULAR CONTRIBUTOR TO WWW.NATURALLYSAVVY.COM

Red clover helps with weight loss, high blood pressure

Deborah Mitchell, Examiner.com

Red clover has been used for centuries as a diuretic to lose weight, reduce swelling and inflammation, and ease joint pain. It can be an alternative to conventional medications, including statins and diuretics, for these and other purposes, such as the bloating and discomfort that often accompany menstruation and premenstrual syndrome.

What is red clover?
Red clover (Trifolium pretense) is a hardy perennial that grows throughout Europe, Asia, and the Mediterranean, as well as Australia and North America. The plant sports pink-purple flowers that make their appearance in late spring, and these colorful displays are the parts that are used for healing.

Benefits of red clover
This traditional herbal remedy stimulates the production of urine and helps remove water and waste materials from the kidneys and bladder. This increased flow of urine helps with weight loss, contributes to lowering elevated blood pressure, and relieves the swelling, inflammation, and pain associated with menopause, premenstrual syndrome, and menstruation.

Several studies have also pointed to the ability of red clover to protect against heart disease. A 2008 study also found that postmenopausal women experienced a significant improvement in total cholesterol and LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol after taking red clover supplements.

Red clover is also mentioned as a possible anticancer remedy, although evidence is still being collected. A 2008 British study of 401 women found that treatment with red clover isoflavones was safe and may possibly be considered to help prevent breast cancer.

How to take red clover
The recommended daily dose for adults is usually 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried flowering herb infused in 1 cup of boiling water for 30 minutes, taken three times daily. You can also use standardized powdered clover extract (standardized to isoflavone content) at 40 to 160 mg daily in capsules; 60 to 100 drops of tincture (1:5; 30% alcohol) three times daily; of 1 mL of the fluid extract (1:1) three times daily. Both the tincture and the fluid extract may be added to hot water to make a tea.

Because red clover has phytoestrogenic properties (estrogen-like abilities), it is not recommended for children or pregnant or breastfeeding women. Although there is no clear evidence that red clover is not safe for women who have current or a history of breast cancer, these women should avoid using it because of the phytoestrogenic traits.

As with any supplement, you should talk to your doctor before you begin taking it.

Poor Sleep Is Independently Associated With Depression In Postpartum Women

ScienceDaily (July 3, 2009) — A study in the journal Sleep suggests that postpartum depression may aggravate an already impaired sleep quality, as experiencing difficulties with sleep is a symptom of depression. Twenty-one percent of depressed postpartum women included in the study reported having also been depressed during pregnancy and 46 percent reported at least one previous depressive episode prior to conception, suggesting that new mothers diagnosed with postpartum depression are not merely reporting symptoms of chronic sleep deprivation.

Results indicate that two months after delivery, poor sleep was associated with depression when adjusted for other significant risk factors, such as poor partner relationship, previous depression, depression during pregnancy and stressful life events. Sleep disturbances and subjective sleep quality were the aspects of sleep most strongly associated with depression. Overall, nearly 60 percent of the postpartum women experienced poor global sleep quality, and 16.5 percent had depressive symptoms.

According to lead author Karen Dørheim, MD, PhD, psychiatrist at Stavanger University Hospital in Norway, depression after delivery is often not identified by new mothers, whereas tiredness and lack of sleep are common complaints. These symptoms may be attributed to poor sleep, but the tiredness could also be caused by depression.

"It is important to ask a new mother suffering from tiredness about how poor sleep affects her daytime functioning and whether there are other factors in her life that may contribute to her lack of energy," said Dørhei. "There are also helpful depression screening questionnaires that can be completed during a consultation. Doctors and other health workers should provide an opportunity for postpartum women to discuss difficult feelings."

Data were collected between October 2005 and September 2006 from 2,830 women who gave birth to a live child at Stavanger University Hospital in Norway. Sleep was measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and depressive symptoms using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). The mean self-reported nightly sleep duration was 6.5 hours, and sleep efficiency was 73 percent. The mean age of the mothers at the time of reply was 30 years, and the mean age of the infants was 8.4 weeks.

Depression, previous sleep problems, being a first time mother, not exclusively breastfeeding or having a younger or male infant were factors associated with poor postpartum sleep quality. Better maternal sleep was associated with the baby sleeping in a different room.

According to authors, the first three months after delivery are characterized by continually changing sleep parameters. Women who are tired during this period may attribute this to poor sleep, but the tiredness could alternatively be caused by depression; thus talking about sleep problems may provide an entry point for also discussing the woman's overall well-being. Individual women may react differently to shorter sleep duration and lower sleep efficiency during the postpartum period, and that the sleep of women with a history of depression may be more sensitive to the psychobiological (hormonal, immunological, psychological and social) changes associated with childbirth.

Journal reference:

1. . Sleep and Depression in Postpartum Women: A Population-Based Study. Sleep, July 1, 2009

Adapted from materials provided by American Academy of Sleep Medicine, via EurekAlert!, a service of AAAS.

Vitamin D deficiency a growing global problem

Nyon, Switzerland

June 30, 2009

Report shows that populations across the globe are suffering from the impact of low levels of vitamin D, with highest rates in South Asia and the Middle East

A new report issued by the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) and published in the scientific journal Osteoporosis International¹, shows that populations across the globe are suffering from the impact of low levels of vitamin D. The problem is widespread and on the increase, with potentially severe repercussions for overall health and fracture rates.
Compiled by IOF’s expert working group on nutrition, the report reviews the scope and causes of low vitamin D levels in six regions: Asia, Europe, Latin America, Middle East and Africa, North America and Oceania. Regional reports are available on the IOF website

Vitamin D is mainly produced in the skin upon exposure to sunlight, and, to a lesser extent, is derived from nutritional sources. It plays an important role, through its influence on calcium levels, in the maintenance of organ systems, and is needed for normal bone mineralization and growth. Suboptimal levels of vitamin D may lead to increased risk of osteoporosis and hip fracture and, in severe cases, to the development of rickets, a softening of bones in children that can lead to skeletal fractures and deformity.

Although there is ongoing debate as to what constitutes the optimal level of vitamin D, the report shows that regardless of whether it is defined at 50nmol/L or 75nmol/L, vitamin D status is seriously inadequate in large proportions of the population across the globe.

The main risk factors for low vitamin D levels include older age, female sex, lower latitudes, winter season, darker skin pigmentation, less sunlight exposure, dietary habits, and the absence of vitamin D fortification in common foods. Further factors include the increase in urbanization, where people tend to live and work indoors, as well as cultural practices that tend towards sun avoidance and the wearing of traditional clothing that covers the skin. The severity of the problem in Middle East and South Asia arises from the combination of several of these risk factors.

These findings suggest that prevention strategies must be initiated at the national level - especially given the increasing ageing of populations in many regions of the world. National plans of action should encourage safe, limited exposure to sunlight and improved dietary intake of vitamin D, whilst considering fortification of foods as well.

1. A. Mithal, D.A. Wahl, J-P. Bonjour et al. on behalf of the IOF Committee of Scientific Advisors (CSA) Nutrition Working Group. Global vitamin D status and determinants of hypovitaminosis D (2009) Osteoporosis International, in press.

2. Regional reports for Asia, Europe, Latin America, Middle East and Africa, North America and Oceania may be downloaded free of charge from the IOF website.

Oklahoma naturopaths offer natural therapies to aid in healing

BY JENNIFER PALMER

NEWSOK

Even though her business card reads "Naturopathic Doctor,” Cathy Hopkins doesn’t like to be called a doctor.

"I don’t diagnose, treat or cure,” she said. "I can only suggest ways to give their body what it needs.”
Sandy Taylor, owner of Sandy’s Herbs in Oklahoma City, also shuns the term doctor. "I have clients, not patients. I ask them to call me Sandy, not ‘Doctor,’” she said.
Naturopaths teach their clients to use diet, exercise, lifestyle changes and cutting-edge natural therapies to enhance their bodies’ abilities to ward off disease or ailments, according to the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians.
Many naturopaths choose to specialize in a particular type of natural therapy.
At Healthy Solutions in Moore, Hopkins and two other practitioners use reflexology, bio-energetic screening and other methods, whereas Taylor specializes in iridology, the study of the iris of the eye.
That may sound what Hopkins calls "Star Trek-y.” But a lot of what naturopaths do is just nutritional counseling.
"It’s nothing new. It’s new to us because we are not used to balancing our bodies naturally,” Hopkins said. "We’re used to that magic pill.”
What to expectWhen a new client visits a naturopath, they will typically spend 30 minutes to two hours discussing their ailments, lifestyle and eating habits.
The naturopath might then recommend a particular therapy, herbal supplement or lifestyle adjustment.
Initial consultations can cost $50 to $100 and follow-up appointments vary. Rarely is the expense covered by health insurance. Hopkins said naturopathic remedies can be used in conjunction with a physician’s treatment, and she wouldn’t ask a client to discontinue medication prescribed by a doctor.
There are just more than 3,000 naturopathic doctors practicing today, according to the Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges. That number has tripled over the past 10 years.
Taylor, who has been studying naturopathy for nearly 20 years, said the body’s ability to heal itself is amazing.
"It’s never too late to start being better to yourself,” she said.