This newsletter will serve two purposes: To provide timely and accurate information regarding Lyme Disease and Lyme related issues, and to serve as a means by which members of the Lyme community can voice their opinions and concerns.
This is the monthly issue. You will receive weekly updates. If you choose not to receive the weekly issues click here.
We welcome your comments and we'll do our best to accommodate any suggestions that you may have.
Rome did not create a great empire by having meetings, they did it by killing all those who opposed them.
If you can stay calm, while all those around you are in chaos... then you probably haven't completely understood the seriousness of the situation.
Doing the paperwork RIGHT the first time gets the job done. Losing the paperwork fourteen times gives you job security.
Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines.
Artificial Intelligence is no match for Natural Stupidity.
A person who smiles in the face of adversity...probably has a scapegoat.
If at first you don't succeed, try managed care.
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Never put off until tomorrow what you can avoid altogether.
TEAMWORK...means never having to take all the blame yourself.
The beatings will continue until morale improves.
Never underestimate the power of very stupid people in large groups.
(For providers) We waste time, so you don't have to.
Hang in there, retirement is only thirty years away!
Go the extra mile. It makes your boss look like an incompetent slacker.
INDECISION is the key to FLEXIBILITY. Succeed in spite of management.
I am a thirty-one year old woman with Lyme disease. I was diagnosed in August of 1993, it seems as if it was a lot longer. I, too, went to numerous doctors in the Philadelphia area, which they all told me it was a nervous tick.
My symptoms in the beginning were flu like, I just did not know it. At the time I was working full-time and going to school part-time. I thought it was because I was doing so much. I felt tired, but continued to push myself.
Well, on my boyfriend's, now husband, graduation of college (in May), it hit hard. I could barely walk, my neck and arm were extremely sore. All I wanted to do was sleep. My hand started to shake and eventually progressed into my shoulder and then on the other arm and shoulder. As the weeks went by, undiagnosed, more and more symptoms started.
Finally, in August, a small town doctor told me I had Lyme disease and started IV antibiotics right away. Slowly the symptoms started to decrease. The shaking of my arm and shoulder took the longest to slow down.
For seven years, I have been treated on and off IV antibiotics and oral antibiotics. The shaking is usually the first sign of the Lyme reoccurring.
I had a baby in October 1999. The pregnancy went well, but after the symptoms slowly began again. I have been battling with fatigue and shaking since December. I was on oral antibiotics twice, they helped for a while. Now, my daughter is not sleeping through the night and I am having a hard time getting myself up to par.
I will never be 100%, but the days that are OK seem to be less and less. I have not been working since September. I am a teacher and am worried I will not be able to go back next year to teach. Unfortunately, we need the money, so somehow I am going to have to try.
Some days I just want to crawl into bed and sleep the days away, but when I look at my daughter I press on. I have to be strong for her no matter how difficult it may be.
I will continue to battle this disease in hope of a cure. If there is not I will manage somehow to get through each day.
A good July to all of you! I hope that this summer's been good for you thus far and that you've found ways of staying cool. This month we'll be discussing the following supplements: maitake mushroom and
kombuchu tea. In The Herb Corner we'll be covering the following herbs: panax ginseng, boneset, lady's mantle and oat fiber. As always, if you have any questions regarding any of the information contained within this column, please feel free to E-mail me.
Natural Food Supplements
Maitake Mushroom
Maitake is one of two herbs that we'll be discussing in this issue which are known as adaptogens; the other is panax ginseng. Adaptogens help to normalize the functions of the body by enabling it to better adapt to stress. Maitake has long been a popular remedy for many illnesses in Japan and
China.
However, it's only recently that this herb has become better known in the United States for its healing properties, which are associated with a substance known as beta-1.6 glucan. This polysaccharide is reported to have many benefits to the body, including killing the HIV virus and inhibiting the growth of malignant tumors. In addition, it is also said to be an immune system enhancer in that it appears to stimulate the activity of CD4 cells (these cells help keep the immune system functioning properly).
Maitake has been used in the treatment of many different illnesses ranging from chronic fatigue syndrome to diabetes. Among its many benefits is that it is more readily absorbed by the body then other types of mushrooms. This herb can be eaten as a food or taken supplementally. Supplemental
forms include extract, capsule and tea. When taking it supplementally, studies have shown that using 500 milligrams of vitamin C simultaneously with maitake can aid the body's absorption of this herb.
*Caution -- While there are no warnings regarding this supplement, people using it should be aware that they may have, or may develop an allergy to maitake. Should you develop a rash or experience any other odd symptoms while using this this supplement, discontinue use of it immediate
Kombuchu Tea
Kombuchu tea is made from the Manchurian mushroom. However, unlike maitake (which can be eaten), this mushroom is not consumed, but rather combined with a number ingredients to make a very nutritious tea. Like maitake, kombuchu tea has numerous benefits. It is a powerful antioxidant and because of its ability to stimulate the immune system, has been used in the treatment of many chronic illnesses including AIDS and cancer.
It's also becoming better recognized in this country as an "energy tonic" because of its usefulness in boosting one's energy levels. Kombuchu tea preparations can be difficult to find because of of the time it takes to manufacture them. However, if you persevere, you should be able to find them at some of the better known healthfood stores.
*Caution -- While there are no warnings regarding this supplement, people using it should be aware that they may have, or may develop an allergy to kombuchu tea. Should you develop a rash or experience any other odd symptoms while using this this supplement, discontinue use of it immediately.
Panax Ginseng
Several issues back we discussed Siberian ginseng. Panax ginseng (panax, which in greek means panacea) is a distant relative of this ginseng--like herb, yet more closely related to American ginseng (which we'll be discussing in the August issue of Natural Alternatives). Panax ginseng is grown in China and has been used by the Chinese for thousands of years to combat numerous maladies.
Like the maitake mushroom discussed earlier, research has also shown this herb to be an adaptogen (a substance which helps the body to better deal with stress). Consequently, taking panax ginseng can help to keep the body functioning normally, by correcting certain abnormalities as they occur.
Among its many benefits, panax ginseng can help to lower elevated LDL cholesterol levels (yet raise HDL levels -- the good cholesterol ), while regulating blood pressure, which in turn helps to prevent heart disease. In addition, this herb also acts as a "stress buster" by helping to calm the body during stressful times. Menopausal women have also found benefits in using this herb, as it's very helpful in easing several of the side effects associated with menopause, by increasing the estrogen levels in the body (many of these symptoms are believed to be caused by a drop in estrogen levels).
Some athletes have even reported an improvement in their performance levels after taking this herb, and because ginseng appears to improve blood circulation throughout the body (including the brain) it has also been associated with improvements in mental acuity. Another important benefit in taking this herb is that it may help to prevent different forms of cancer.
A substance contained within ginseng known as saponins, has been shown to not only inhibit cancer cell growth, but amazingly enough, to actually convert the diseased cells to normal.
Panax ginseng can be taken in several different forms: Powder -- mix up to 10 grams in 8 ounces of water; As a tea -- mix a teaspoon of the herb in one cup of boiling water; Capsule -- take up to 3 capsules daily.
*Caution -- Panax ginseng can have a stimulating effect on the body. Consequently, one should use it cautiously, and those suffering from hypertension should consult with a physician before taking it.
It should also be noted that vitamin C can inhibit the body's ability to absorb this herb, and thus should be taken at least two hours before or after ginseng.
Also, women may experience vaginal bleeding while
taking this herb. While this in itself should not be cause for concern, consistent vaginal bleeding can be symptomatic of uterine cancer, and should be brought to your physician's attention. Remember to tell him/her if you are using ginseng.
Boneset
This herb (which is also known as white snakeroot) received its name because of its ability to relieve the symptoms associated with a virulent strain of flu known as "break bone fever." It's also one of the best herbs that one can take when suffering with upper respiratory congestion as it makes an excellent expectorant which helps loosen phlegm. Not only can boneset help break a fever, but it's also useful as an anti-inflammatory.
Moreover, it has a calming effect on the body which can be very helpful in times of stress, and because it can function as a laxative also helps to relieve constipation.
Boneset is available as an extract: for relief from symptoms mix up to 40 drops in 8 ounces of water once a day.
*Caution -- This herb should not be used for long periods as it can be toxic. Also, people using it should be aware that they may have, or may develop an allergy to boneset. Should you develop a rash or experience any other odd symptoms while using this herb, discontinue use of it immediately.
Lady's Mantle
Lady's mantle offers several healing benefits. When used externally, this herb can be applied to wounds to stop them from bleeding, as it functions as a coagulant. When taken internally, it can (as its name suggests) be useful to women, as it not only helps to regulate menstruation, but can also be used as a douche to relieve vaginal irritation.
Lady's mantle has also been rumored to be of use in stimulating the appetite. It can be taken orally by mixing a tablespoon of the herb in boiling water. For use as a douche or on skin wounds, mix up to 10 drops of the extract in one pint of water.
*Caution -- While there are no warnings regarding this herb, people using it should be aware that they may have, or may develop an allergy to lady's mantle. Should you develop a rash or experience any other odd symptoms while using this herb, discontinue use of it immediately.
Oat fiber
The grain from the oat plant is an excellent source of nutrition and serves some important functions. Perhaps the most important of these is that because it contains a substance known as beta glucam (which when used on a regular basis, can dramatically lower the level of serum cholesterol in the body), it can help prevent heart disease.
Oat extract is also quite useful as a digestive aid, and helps to promote a relaxing effect on the body. And, the straw from this plant can be used when bathing to relieve the soreness associated with hemorrhoids. In addition, this herb is fine source of some of the B vitamins.
One of the best ways to enjoy the benefits of this plant is through whole grain cereals such as oatmeal and bran flakes.
Oat fiber can be taken in extract form as well: mix from 5 to 20 drops in 8 ounces of water from 1 - 3 times a day. Remember to gradually increase your intake of oat bran, to prevent digestive disturbances.
*Caution -- While there are no warnings regarding this herb, people using it should be aware that they may have, or may develop an allergy to oat fiber. Should you develop a rash or experience any other odd symptoms while using this herb, discontinue use of it immediately.
***Caution should be taken when using herbal supplements. Many of these while harmless at their recommended dosages, can become dangerous when taken in larger amounts. In addition, some people may have or may develop allergies to an herb that has had no prior reputation for causing allergic reactions. If you feel that you need to increase your daily intake of a particular supplement, please speak with either your physician or someone who is knowledgeable with regard to pharmacognosy (the study of drugs derived from plants).
Until next month!
Jim : )
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Personal Foot Notes from ME to YOU!
Three months of "Neuropsychiatric" definitions can make most of us .....well a "little-bit-un-easy??" The initial word, Psychiatrist, years ago used to frighten me, because of my "ignorance" in understanding such a word. That is, all the jokes, miss-understanding about a very important matter!
