Clinical Pearls

Reduce Hot Flashes, Decrease Inflammation and Treat Chronic Fatigue Syndrome!

St. John's Wort and Hot Flashes

A few years ago, St. John's Wort was a media darling. Touted as a natural treatment for mild depression, it helped thousands, with no side effects or long term contraindications. Now we can add another medicinal benefit. It reduces the frequency of hot flashes! In a study conducted at the Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran, researchers found that women aged 50 and older taking St. John's Wort extract for 8 weeks, had significantly lower numbers of hot flashes, especially in the 4 - 8 week period.

This once again shows us that natural remedies have a synergistic affect on the body, helping not just one area, but the whole body. It also demonstrates the importance of allowing herbs the time to take affect. Some patients see immediate results from therapeutic doses of natural remedies, while others, find it takes more time. St. John's Wort, when used for depression, usually takes three months for patients to recognize they are feeling better. This is a good point to keep in mind when using natural therapies (therapeutic doses, recommended by a naturopathic physician, may act faster).

Antioxidants Reduce Oxidative Stress and Inflammation

As you will see in the article on Glutathione, antioxidants are vital to healthy living. Here is further proof. At Emory University, scientists found antioxidants, over a period of 4 months, significantly lowered levels of Tumour Necrosis Factor (TNF), a biomarker for inflammation and the disease process.

We cannot stress enough the importance of taking adequate antioxidants. We are assaulted daily by heavy metals, pollutants, and toxins. Antioxidants help our body neutralize and eliminate the deleterious effects from these noxious compounds. Therapeutic, standardized antioxidants are a must for anyone interested in living long and living well!

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Vitamin D Supplementation

Researchers at the Royal London Homeopathic Hospital measured levels of vitamin D in a large sample of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) patients and found a high prevalence of low levels of this vital nutrient. Because of this study, these researchers and medical personnel are recommending, "...that all patients with moderate to severe CFS should be encouraged to obtain adequate sun exposure and eat foods high in vitamin D. Oral or intramuscular vitamin D supplementation should be considered for those whose levels remain suboptimal."