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Thursday, 9 October 2008
Choices in Menopause
Mood:  on fire
Now Playing: "Freedom," by Richie Havens
Topic: Women's Health

FDA Asserts New Policy to Restrict Women’s Access to Bioidentical Hormones

Agency Warns Pharmacies Not to Compound Commonly Prescribed Hormone Treatments, Use the Term “Bio-identical”

MISSOURI CITY, Texas – In a series of warning letters to compounding pharmacies across the country, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has asserted a policy that would deny hundreds of thousands of women access to many commonly compounded bioidentical hormones, substituting its judgment for that of doctors. Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, the number one manufacturer of synthetic hormone products, petitioned the FDA to do so in October 2005. More than 70,000 doctors, patients, and pharmacists filed comments with the FDA opposing Wyeth’s petition, the vast majority of whom opposed the petition.

“Under this policy, patients will suffer while Wyeth profits,” said L.D. King, executive director of the International Academy of Compounding Pharmacists (IACP). “Thousands of doctors are making patient-by-patient decisions that compounded hormones are medically appropriate, sometimes because Wyeth’s products are found to be ineffective or produce side effects. This is a decision that should be left to doctors.”

In the letters, the FDA states that it will “halt” compounding of medications containing estriol, an estrogen produced by the human body. Estriol is one of the most widely prescribed hormones and is regularly compounded with other bio-identical hormones pursuant to doctors’ prescriptions for women suffering from symptoms of menopause. Like many commonly prescribed drugs, estriol has a monograph from the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP), but is not a component of an FDA-approved drug. When it passed the FDA Modernization Act in 1997, Congress clearly indicated that drugs with a USP monograph could be compounded.

The FDA also stated in its letters that pharmacies may not use the term “bio-identical” to characterize compounded hormone therapies, even though the chemicals used in such compounds are chemically identical to what is produced by the human body.

Furthermore, manufacturers of drugs containing the same bio-identical hormones commonly use the term to characterize their products. The chemical structure of these drugs is indisputable.

Pharmacy compounding is a long-standing, state-regulated and medically vital practice. Millions of Americans have unique health needs that off-the-shelf prescription medicines cannot meet. For them, customized, compounded medications prescribed or ordered by licensed physicians or veterinarians and mixed safely by trained, licensed compounding pharmacists are the only way to better health.

To file opposition to the the FDA's complaint, please visit www.savemymedicine.org.  With a few clicks you can personalize a form letter and send your message to your members of Congress, your U.S. Representative and Andrew Von Eschenbach, M.D., of the FDA.  Please act now to "choose women's health over Wyeth's wealth!"

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR MORE INFORMATION

January 9, 2008 Joshua Wenderoff

202-777-3502

jwenderoff@clsdc.com


To read what I've previously written about bio-identical hormones, CLICK HERE.   
 
Who should tell us as women that we have to use synthetic or nothing...after they've ripped out our organs?  
 
I'm fighting right now to save mine.  
 
This is a personal issue for me.  My first choice is to NOT have surgery...and I've pretty much decided I won't.  I believe with my whole heart that I can get through this time in my life (men-o-pause...ick!)...with my organis intact.  I actually had one doctor say to me when I was 50, that I was done having children so when did I want to schedule my surgery for....WHAT?!
 
Recently I had a big lesson...I almost put myself in a dangerous position regarding my health.  I had been experiencing problems, and I dealt with them naturally with good success for some time, but then I wore myself down working from the time I woke up before dawn, until I dropped way late at night, with no recreation or rest.  I also became inconsistent in my use of herbs and nutrition as well.  I'm here to tell you, that doesn't work!
 
It's so easy sometimes to assume that because we KNOW something we're DOING it.  I've noticed on and off throughout my life that such is not always the case.  It may be due to circumstances, or finances,  or complacancy, or forgetfulness...or thinking we're beyond all that now.  But to achieve proper results there must be action in the proper direction...or rather in my case, I needed some rest.
 
Sooooooo.....I had a crisis that almost killed me, but with God and the help of the medical doctors I'm fine.  It was very difficult for me to surrender myself to their care, but I was glad they were there at the time.  I needed a transfusion.  I hemorrhaged is what happened to me, and I lost 2/3 of my blood.
 
So I went through some hospital drama...don't get me wrong, I was very glad for the blood.  But my oh my the things they did that were absolutely totally wrong!  I won't get into it all, but I ended up calling the Patients Rights Advocate, and also the manager of the unit that I was on.
 
A lot of what happened boils down to this, in my opinion...I should have been in Intensive Care, but I was "just" a Medicare case.  (In the defense of Medicare, though...I was allowed to stay for five days.  Shoot!  Mammograms and so many other intensely serious procedures don't even get that!  Most of them don't even get to stay over night!  I think that's a terrible thing.)
 
Anyways....they were unprepared for someone like me on their floor, and it's lucky I got out alive!  God was with me, though.  Doctor after doctor and nurse after nurse kept saying they'd never seen anyone concious before with as little bit of blood left as I had, but yet when I called the ambulance to come and get me, I had been out mowing the lawn!  Hahaha!  THAT'S how determined I was to keep working! Ha Ha!  Actually, that's a testiment to God's power to keep someone even as stubborn as me alive.
 
What did I learn?  A LOT!  I have to DO it and DO it and KEEP DOING IT for as long as I am alive! There's never a time to stop taking care of our health, and it's never good to push, push, push all the time with no rest.
 
So that's what I'm doing now.  I'm resting and eating REALLY good foods (my good friend Brenda filled my fridge up for me!)...and I'm taking my herbs like I should.  I've got a really good formula that I made myself that I'm taking...I call it Figlyvimins...It's a whole food all around complete fiber, glyconutrient, vitamin, mineral blend...Fabulous, fabulous stuff.  I wish I could put it on the market, but wow does the FDA present some horrendous  hoops to go through.  (As evidenced from what's written above!!!)  I'm also taking some really good products from Nature's Sunshine, like cayenne to keep down the bleeding, chlorophyll to build up my blood, enzymes of course as always, and flax seed,  plus some herbs to balance my hormones and to clean the uterus out.  There are some other things I'm using, too, like some wonderful local raw bee pollen I got, for some added support in keeping me strong and to give lots of extra nutrients to me.
 
And I'm resting.  Resting.  Resssssssssssssting!  It's been so long I'm having to retrain myself!  Relaxing baths with essential oils and h2o2.. watching the same episodes of "Friends" over and over because it's the only thing there is to watch since I haven't had TV for years (workaholic type thinking again)...but wow!  I discovered I REALLY enjoy watching that show!  Again and again and again!  (You know how the pendulum swings!  Yep!  Workaholic turned potato right there on the couch!  Hahaha!)
 
So I'm recovering, and the herbs and the rest are doing their work.  I'm finding I'm sleeping a LOT.  I'm catching up for years of it lost.   The hardest part, though, is writing this entry, but I think it's something I need to write.
 
In doing the work that I do, a lot of people look up to me, and that's fine...I kind of like it sometimes!  But I can't like it toooo much or else I'll get in trouble, so I always try to periodically remind everyone in a public way that I'm VERY human and quite a bit subject to fallibilities and wow...does that make me humble to say!  
 
There are those, too, who do NOT look up to me  In fact, there are quite a few who think I'm the most ridiculous, scatter-brained, opinionated twit that they've ever known in their life...or something like that, I've gathered from a few over the years.  It's equally as hard to write something like this knowing that perhaps they will read what I'm saying, but that's part of what is keeping me humble, too.  (And heck!  Who am I kidding?!  Ha ha!  Why would they want to read anything written by someone they considered as nit-witted as what they think me to be, so they're probably not reading this!  Hahahaha!)
 
Ahem...the point is...well, there are many points I'm trying to make.  One of them is that if anyone who IS reading this has wondered where I've been at, I've been recovering from a quiet intense round of ignorance and the arrogance to behave as if my whole world depended upon my own efforts, forgetting to make adequate use of the gifts of herbs, rest, food and a few other things.  I guess I forgot to let go and let God.
 
Another point I'm trying to make is that it is MY choice how I want to take care of my body, and I should have the right to make whatever kind of choices it is that I'm wishing to make.  In my particular case, I am choosing to do what I teach and what I do with every other health condition with which I'm faced--I am choosing to cleanse, nourish and balance my system to health!  It's what I believe and what's ALWAYS worked for me in the past, and it's working this time as well....I just stopped working on it for what seemed like only a minute, because I was too busy working myself to death.  I had been making excellent progress for most of the way, and then I just slipped at the end, but I'm doing fabulous now, considering I was in critical condition two weeks ago.  And I'm doing it all without drugs.  That is MY choice to make!
 
In conclusion, please think about the choices each and every one of us make regarding our health.  Some women can't wait to have everything removed, and that's fine...that's THEIR choice...not mine, but it's theirs and they should be allowed.  Other women are presented no other choice, and that's sad.  I think ALL women should be presented choices, but the truth is that people really don't know.  The old ways are thought to be outdated, but they should still be a CHOICE, don't you think?  Anymore it's harder and harder for people to even have any true idea of the true extent of the choices they have.  Traditional ways have been pushed to the side....ways used for THOUSANDS of years.
 
I believe with all of my heart that every person should have the FREEDOM to choose whatever it is that they want when it comes to their health.  Whether to go the traditional route or to make the most of what modern medicine has, or whether they should do a comfortable combination of both. 
 
So why should the FDA outlaw the manufacture and even the termonology of bio-identical hormones?  I'm praying I don't have my organs removed, but gee whiz....if they take them out (which I repeat!  Is NOT what I'm aiming to let happen to me!  That is and should remain my choice to make, unless of course Life has other plans, but we'll see.  I believe strongly not only in the power of herbs, but also in the power of prayer and I am speaking the Truth of Life into my body each day and invoking the power of God!)
 
Anywayyyyyyyyyys.....IF something should ever happen and I would ever lose my uterus AND ovaries to the very competent surgeon I pray God would give me in such a case....I would not be able to produce my own hormones anymore and so I'd have to use SOMETHING to do the work that hormones do...so why not use hormones which are virtually identical...they're still artificial but they're the closest thing we've made in that way.  Only God, of course, can make a REAL hormone, and so that's why I'm trying real hard to keep what produces mine.  But in their absence I'd want something close, and bio-identical is as close as we've been able to get.  It should be OUR choice what to use....why should we be forced to use synthetic or go without?  It's not right!!!!!! 
 
Please Urge Your Members of Congress to Support H. Con. Res. 342 and S. Con. Res. 88 to Preserve Access to Estriol.
 
Even if this doesn't concern you...it does!  Even men and children are affected by this, because when freedom begins to erode for one, it begins to erode for us all.  DON'T LET THEM TAKE OUR CHOICES AWAY!  Please join me in demanding our freedom and the right to manage our personal health in the way we see fit!
 
Thank you,
"Vibraceous, ND"
 
Mary Jo Eshelman, ND, CTN, CNHP, D.D.
 
All Natural HealthWorks!
Holistic Education and Research Unlimited...
 
 

 

The information presented is the author's personal and professional opinion, and is intended for educational purposes only. Nothing printed here is designed to take the place of a physician's advice. If you are experiencing problems with your health, it is recommended that you consult with a licensed health care professional. All Natural HealthWorks! is not responsible for any damages or ill-effects resulting from the information presented herein, nor do we make any recommendations regarding your health. We are simply here as a resource for you in making your own choices for your health yourself.

 


Posted by super2/allnaturalhealth at 1:46 AM EDT
Updated: Saturday, 18 October 2008 2:37 PM EDT
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Wednesday, 1 March 2006
Balancing Female Sexual Hormones
Mood:  a-ok
Now Playing: "She's A Woman," by the Beatles
Topic: Women's Health
My previous blog entry regarding the various choices in hormonal replacement therapy discussed several options available to us. Generally speaking, our choices lie in three areas--synthetic, bioidentical, and natural.

It is good to note that choosing to use conventional hormone replacement therapy in which synthetic hormones are used, does not necessarily preclude the use of herbs. Herbs can still be used to compliment conventional treatment, and can help reduce side effects and prevent some of the problems which synthetic hormones may cause.

These three areas of choice face us in other areas of the female hormonal experience, not just in times of menopause, but throughout our entire experience of being a woman. Hormones are an issue from the time we first need a bra until the time we're wearing them hanging down close to our shoes!

Hormones regulate our whole entire sexual and reproductive function as women. (Men, of course, have hormones, too, and MUCH of what I will say, also pertains to men! However, in the not too distant future, I'll write an entry aimed spefically towards their concerns.)

Balancing hormones is a key factor in regulating periods, breast development, premenstrual tension, birth control, fertility issues, pregnancy, milk production, libedo...everything having to do with the entire reproductive process, right on up to and including desire!

Hormone secretion is controlled by the pituitary gland, so any herb which nourishes the pituitary, ultimately, is good for hormonal balance, because it enables the pituitary to better do what it is designed to do. Kelp, gotu kola and ginseng are three herbs that work to that end.

Hormonal function and balance are very complex in women, far moreso than in men. There are three phases to a woman's cycle...the follicular (before ovulation), luteal (brought on by ovulation), and menstrual (which is when menstruation occurs), and a different hormonal substance is secreted during each seperate phase.

There are numerous herbs which have been historically used to help balance the female sexual hormones. Vitex-Agnus Castus (Chaste tree berries) is my herb of choice for purposes of balancing hormones.

Phytoestrogens are chemicals found in some foods and herbs which reduce overall estrogen activity when estrogen levels are high, but increase estrogen activity when these levels are low. It is comming for this reason to find the same plant recommended for conditions pertaining to an excess of estrogen (like premenstrual tenstion) as well as to conditions of estrogen deficienciency (such as menopause and menstrual dysfunction).

There are some 250 plants known to be phytoestrogen plants, including such herbs as licorice, flax seed, black haw, black cohosh, pomegranate, fennel, alfalfa, red clover, and squaw vine. There are many, many more of these herbs.

Herbs work to nourish and balance the body. When this is accomplished, a myriad of good effects occur. These are "natural" effects. (Thus, the term "natural health.")

So when considering an herb like alfalfa, we have to take into account that alfalfa is one of the absolute most nourishing herbs that there is, because it's roots are so long. It picks almost all of the minerals up...all except for idodine, which is found in abundance in kelp, which was also mentioned above. Do you see what I'm getting at?

When the body is properly nourished and balanced, which is what herbs are geared to do, then everything in the body works better, and the overall state of the whole entire body's improved.

Take the example of licorice. Licorice root has long been used for many things. It is an antiinflammatory agent, for one. It also stimulates production of interferon which helps protect the immune system. Licorice has anti allergic properities, nourishes the adrenal glands, is a great detoxifier...it acts in many ways and is a very valuable herb, in addition to it's ability to treat menstrual problems and problems with menopause. It is a sexual stimulant, too.

Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis) is an herb more commonly known for use in balancing hormones, and has been used in this way for thousands of years. Dong Quai has been historically used to balance female hormones, restore menstrual regularity, reduce symptoms of PMS and menopause, dissolve blood clots, help with endometriosis, and is said to be an excellent blood cleanser and purifier, as well as helping with blood sugar and plood pressure problems, internal bleeding and bruising, muscle cramps, migrain headaches and calming the nerves, as well as to help prevent anemia.

Evidently, Angelica sinensis may not actually be a phytoestrogen plant as has been thought, but it does have a very long tradition as a being a female tonic, and is referred to as the "female ginseng," due to its balancing or adaptogenic effect on the female hormonal system. It is considered the herb of choice for female problems by many.

Probably the most well-known herb of recent years for balancing hormones is Wild yam root. The value of this herb was brought to the forefront by Dr. John R. Lee, who wrote a number of best-selling bookson the subect.

Many factors can affect hormone balance. Diet, level of stress, exercise, etc. Herbs can play a major role, and can be used in many ways besides having a direct effect on hormonal production. For instance, it can be beneficial to nourish and cleanse the liver, and to nourish the thyroid gland, for these play a role in hormone balance, as well. Milk thistle is an herb which has been used to benefit the liver historically, and kelp, with its high iodine content, is very good thyroid food.

Herbs can be helpful in preventing pregnancy, too, as a part of a natural plan.

One word of warning, however! When balancing hormones, your reproductive system just might do what it was designed to do! Many a couple using herbs to prevent pregnancy, or even those previously thought to be infertile, have been known to conceive!

One combination said to be useful for helping a woman conceive is equal parts black haw, squaw vine and heloniasis made into a tincture. The usual dose is one tablespoon of the tincture three times a day. This formula has been in use for years, and many babies can attest to its worth! (Of course, this only works if hormonal imbalance is what's causing the problem, and even then, there are no guarantees.)

Be careful when using herbs during pregnancy, however. Some herbs are used to abort. It is always best to seek professional guidance when using any kind of medicine...even natural...during that most delicate time.

Happy Hormonal Health!
Mary Jo Eshelman, ND, CTN, CNHP


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The information presented is the author's personal and professional opinion, and is intended for educational purposes only. Nothing printed here is designed to take the place of a physician's advice. If you are experiencing problems with your health, it is recommended that you consult with a licensed health care professional. All Natural HealthWorks! is not responsible for any damages or ill-effects resulting from the information presented herein, nor do we make any recommendations regarding your health. We are simply here as a resource for you in making your own choices for your health yourself.



Posted by super2/allnaturalhealth at 9:02 AM EST
Updated: Thursday, 2 March 2006 9:47 AM EST
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Friday, 24 February 2006
Synthetic, Bioidentical, or Natural - The Choice Should be YOURS!!!
Mood:  irritated
Now Playing: "Only Women Bleed," by the Rolling Stones
Topic: Women's Health
Hello!

I was just came across this letter from Dr. Christine Northrup in regards to an attempt by Wyeth Pharmaceutical Company to have the manufacture of bioidentical hormones completely banned. (See letter below.) The Food and Drug Administration is considering the proposal right now.

This is, indeed, an extremely important issue. It is important because it deals with a woman's right to choose for herself. This is happening so often to us.

It is important because it is one more instance of the most powerful industry in the whole world trying to take control of our health and seize a monopoly on the way that "God" cures.

It is important because for women who have had their organs removed, there is no longer the option of producing these hormones themselves, and therefore they are forced to replace them with something, and they are trying to limit the choices available to us.

This is a PLOY to make us dependent on them!!! Don't let them do it to US!

Using bioidentical hormones is indeed a much, much, MUCH better decision in my mind than using synthetic hormones. A person's health care choices should be their own, and as for myself, I would never consider any kind of drug therapy to be an option for me. I believe drugs are contrary to health, and hormones play too much of an important role in my bodily functions for me to want to directly apply side effects.

Every drug has side effects...all of them...everything synthetic entering into the natural realm has side effects of this kind of that. Only natural matches natural, vibrationally...In other words, on the level of LIFE.

However...While YES! I completely agree that it is extremely important for women to make whatever choice they prefer, and YES! I agree that the chemical drug industry is and has always done a terrible injustice to us with their harmful drugs. But as "bioidentical" as bioidentical hormones may be, they cannot identically duplicate LIFE.

That does not necessarily mean that they are not a good thing. But it does mean something important to us...It means:

THERE IS SOMETHING EVEN BETTER....
SOMETHING WHICH IS ACCESSIBLE TO EACH OF US NOW!

Nature alwaysprovides!


What? Okay. Let me try this again. Only God can make a tree.

Consider this for a moment please. Our medicine comes from the earth. Our bodies were designed and programmed to heal themselves, when not overly burdened with contaminants, and when given the proper tools.

What the body needs to be well is to be as free as it can possibly be of toxins and exposure to things that are detrimental to it, and to have proper nourishment, adequate sleep, fresh clean and pure water, clean air, and a number of other things that are basically free, like sunshine and laughter and love.

So even if the worst happens, which it very well might, and this proposal goes through and yet another natural door is closed to us once more...I refuse to be afraid. I think this issue is important because of choice, not because of the bioidenticalness of what is being refused.

I have a great deal of respect for Dr. Northrup, and there is incredible merit to what she is saying. But my opinion is different from hers when she says bioidentical replacement therapy is the best option there is.

In my opinion the very best option for balancing hormones is something that nature provides in a pure and natural form. There are a lot of herbs which work toward balancing hormones within the body, and also to promote the production of them by nourishing the organs involved. I believe in using herbs to support the body in producing its own hormones, unless of course that is impossible now, due to removal of organs. Then bioidentical, in my opinion, is the ABSOLUTE best!

Hmmmm...I guess they do have us there. This seems to happen so much.

Anytime a part is removed, there is something that the body can no longer do. I would MUCH prefer, if I had to find a way to work around the removal of organs and provide for the body what it can no longer provide for itself, to have something as close as I could possibly get...I would DEFINATELY want what I gave it to be bioidentical to what it would be producing itself!

BUT, for those of us who still do have our parts still intact...(They tried to take mine recently, quite insistently, too. I'm nearly healed from doing it my own way right now...with herbs and prayer. Had I done things their way, I'd be recovering from surgery at this very moment, and I don't even want to think about that. I don't do surgery so well, and so I've decided....I don't do it at all. Again, this is just for me...CHOICE is what it's all about!)

You may be thinking, "Well, sure she can do it, she's a doctor of naturopathy. I don't know about any of that." Well....

HEALING IS MEANT FOR US ALL AND GOD WOULD NEVER, NEVER, NEVER MAKE IT AS COMPLICATED AS THEY'RE TRYING TO MAKE US BELIEVE!?!?!?!

Are you starting to understand what I mean?

It is my belief, through faith and through evidence...whether personal, anecdotal, history, discovered through research or something I learned in a book...that the solution to any problem, INCLUDING ILLNESS, is always available and close at hand. We just don't always know what it is.

I also believe that there are many cures to any given condition in life, depending upon where and how the problem occurs and with whom. The solution to every problem is dependent on the exact nature of the problem, with various aspects concerned. The solution can't be exactly the same for everyone, but nature always provides. The particular situation is only relevant to what the cure is, not whether or not one exists. MULTIPLE cures exist for every problem in life. That's how good God is to us.

Herbs work to balance and nourish the body. The particular herb I favor the most over all other herbs for hormonal balance is Vitex angus-castus (Verbenaceao), or Chaste tree berries, as it is commonly called.

Chaste tree berries have a distinct hormonal effect upon the body, augmenting progesterone production. Progesterone production within the body itself is the ideal situation. That's what I'm explaining here. Bioidentical is only identical, but producing the real thing is real.

There are other herbs which are also progesterogenic in nature, including dong quai, wild yam, alfalfa, black cohosh, sarsparilla, and blessed thistle. But as I said, for this purpose, agnus castus, in my opinion, is the superior choice.

www.allnaturalhealthworks.comUsing herbs in this way will support the body in its natural attempt to do what it was meant to do. Unlike drugs, the herbs don't do it...they help the body to do it itself.

Chaste tree berry affects the pituitary glad and the hypothalamus, and the effects may take some time to take hold. Herbs do not usually produce an immediate action like drugs, but rather a gradual process of nourishing the body is what is taking place.

I like to illustrate this with the example of Popeye. Life isn't really quite like it is in cartoons, at least most of the time it is not!

My example is this: We all know spinach is good for us, right? But we cannot expect to just pour the contents of a can of spinach down us and expect muscles to pop out of our arms! Brutus looks like maybe he's been eating spinach for a very long time...That's a little more close to the truth. (I might have to wonder what's in Popeye's spinach, to make him get strong so fast!)

That's a funny example, but that will show you how it takes time. Herbs are food. Chaste tree berry is used to NOURISH the glands...It is not a hormone itself. It is an excellent herb for this purpose, and it can help regulate the menstrual cycle and alleviate problems associated with premenstrual syndrome. It can also effectively eliminate many of the symptoms of menopause, such as vaginal dryness, hot flashes, and mood swings. It's use has also been known to help women conceive in cases where infertility is due to low progesterone levels.

The preferred method of using this herb is in tincture. A tincture is a liquid herb remedy which results from extracting the plant's active constituents, making a relatively stronger concentration of herbs to that of infusions and even decoctions, plus they can be preserved for up 3-5 years when prepared in a glycerine base.

Pure Vegetable Glycerine is the extracting agent that I prefer to use. 100 Proof Vodka is another option, as is Apple Cider Vinegar. Alcohol is the universal extracting agent, but I still prefer glycerine, due to the fact that it is non-alcoholic, it tastes better, and it has fabulous healing powers in and of itself. (If using an alcohol based tincture, the alcohol content may be burned off by warming pryer to use and allowing it to evaporate.)

In using glycerine, the proportions are 1 part pure vegetable glycerine to 2 parts distilled water. Distilled water is the water of choice because it acts as an extractant, too.

The mixture of glycerine and water is what's known as the "menstruum," in naturopath talk!

Take one part of dry herb, or 2 parts of fresh herb, and mix it with 4 parts of menstruum. When putting herbs into a menstruum, make sure they are cut in very small parts prior to this, exposing more of the plants surface so that the constituents can more easily dissolve. Then place the mixture in a glass jar and put it on the windowsill where the sun's energy can do it's work. Different herbalists have different practices, but this is the way I do mine. It is the way I was taught, and it makes the most sense to me.

Then every day, for two weeks, shake the jar vigorously at least one or two times a day. At the end of two weeks, pour it into a blender and mix it some more to make it more potent. Strain it and bottle it then, and place it in a cool dark place. Refrigeration is not necessary, but it is best to keep it in there where it's nice and cool and dark. (Or at least I think it is dark. I don't really know, after I've closed the door!)

A dosage of one teaspoon of this formula two or three times should be enough to suffice. Your body will let you know how much is the right amount for you. Herbs do not tend to have side effects, but your body may feel different when taking them, and sometimes it might react in a most unpleasant way, depending on the herb and the dose. These effects are not side effects, though. They are do to different bodily responses which are signaling something to you. Remember, herbs are not drugs, they are food.

In the case of chaste tree berry, for instance, your body will let you know when you need to back off and lessen your dosage a bit by creating a sense of what's known as "formication," which is having the sensation as of insects running over or into the skin. This is not harmful, nor is the plant. It's just nature's way of sending an unmistakable signal to you.

Think of it as your assurance that you are taking the correct dose. Formication is not that common. and you shouldn't have any problems with these dosage recommendations. If you do, simply cut your dosage until this is not a problem for you.

Menopause is not meant to be hell, nor should be the remedy. The body just needs some support to get through this very normal time in the life of every woman. It is not a disease, it won't make you crazy, and it does not require drugs.

No disrespect intended to Dr. Northrup, nor to Dr. Erika Schwartz, who first alerted Dr. Northrup to this. In fact, I admire them both for the remarkable work they have done in making so many people aware of the benefits of natural health! I just prefer to get even closer to the source of where natural begins, and make my own remedies, simply, the way nature intended. It simply is not that hard!

Everyone does not hold the same opinions and values as everyone else, and so that's why it's so important to stand up for our right to free choice regarding our health care. We can make our own decisions, and our options should not be limited in such ways as banning products that are not drugs. I urge you to take action, please, and help protect everyone's choice! This is not just a women's issue, because when freedom starts eroding away, it erodes for us ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you and bless you in your quest for improved health and enhanced living through the principals of natural health! As long as there's breath in my body, I give thanks that God gave me so many choices in LIFE.

Make a Difference Today!"

Sincerly Yours in Good Health,

Image hosting by PhotobucketVibraceous, ND

Mary Jo Eshelman, ND, CTN, CNHP

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The information presented is the author's personal and professional opinion, and is intended for educational purposes only. Nothing printed here is designed to take the place of a physician's advice. If you are experiencing problems with your health, it is recommended that you consult with a licensed health care professional. All Natural HealthWorks! is not responsible for any damages or ill-effects resulting from the information presented herein, nor do we make any recommendations regarding your health. We are simply here as a resource for you in making your own choices for your health yourself.

Letter from Dr. Northrup:

Dear friend,

Recently, Dr. Erika Schwartz, author of several books including "The 30-Day
Natural Hormone Plan" sent an important message to her e-mail community
entitled "Your Right to Choose Bioidentical Hormones Is Under Attack!"

Currently, the FDA is reviewing a proposal submitted by Wyeth, a
pharmaceutical company trying to ban the production of bioidentical
hormones.

This is ridiculous!

Unlike synthetic hormones such as Premarin or Prempro (both manufactured by
Wyeth) which have been proven to be unsafe, bioidentical hormones are far
safer in individualized doses.

In addition, numerous studies have shown that they are effective at
relieving menopausal symptoms and providing the estrogen that many women
need to feel their best in the second half of life.

(Note: not all women need hormones. But for those who do, bioidentical
hormones are the best way to go-and I have recommended them for many years
with great results.)

Dr. Erika has made it easy for your voice to be heard.

Simply go to
http://drerikav2.metacanvas.com/EN/resource/wyeth_bioidentical_controversy.html
and complete a brief, electronic form. Please take two minutes to support
this important effort, so you can and others can get the benefit of
bioidentical hormones for years to come.

Warmly,

Christiane Northrup, M.D.

www.drnorthrup.com

Christiane Northrup
P.O. Box 199
Yarmouth, ME 04096

If you received this e-mail message from a friend and would like to receive
Dr. Northrup's e-letter on a regular basis, visit:
http://www.drnorthrup.com/user_new.php?f_action=new

http://www.drnorthrup.com/user_new.php?f_action=view
Dr. Christiane Northrup, Dr. Northrup, Christiane Northrup, M.D., and
Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom are all registered trademarks of Christiane
Northrup, Inc. All rights reserved.




Posted by super2/allnaturalhealth at 6:44 AM EST
Updated: Friday, 21 April 2006 1:36 PM EDT
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