Dioscorides.... The ancient Herbalist who wrote"De Materia Medica" in 55 A.D.....   claimed that CHASTEBERRY          "a decoction of the seeds"           (is for) inflammation of the womb." Dioscorides' words are exactly 2,000 years old, but still on target. Through the centuries, chasteberry has been used as an effective herbal remedy for women's homonal imbalances.

WOMAN TO WOMAN

Dysmenhorrhea (painful periods), Hypermenorrhea (heavy periods) Polymenorrhea (unusually frequent periods) Amenorrhea (Absence of periods) These conditions share a common denominator: an insufficient production of progesterone during the second phase of a woman's cycle, called the luteal phase. As a result, estrogen controls the second half of the menstrual cycle too. This is called a luteal phase defect. Another common factor in menstrual irregularities involves the pituitary gland. The pituitary detects elevated estrogen levels, and lets the ovaries know they can start producing less of it.   When the pituitary gland generates too much prolactin, a specific hormone, luteal phase defects may result. Too much Prolactin can lead to an imbalance in the female sex hormones.   Chasteberry promotes the proper estrogen-to-progesterone ratio, and helps regulate gland function. Chasteberry also has diuretic effects, which helps women who suffer from fluid retention. Chasteberry is recommended for infertile women who have a luteal phase defect and high prolactin levels. It appears to help regulate the ovulatory cycle.

Breast Tenderness Breast tenderness is associated with high prolactin levels during the second half of a woman's cycle. Chasteberry helps relieve this tenderness by regulating prolactin.Chasteberry may help to slow,stop, or reverse the development of lumps in the breast. It appears to work by increasing lymph vessel circulation in the breast tissue while promoting hormonal balance.

"Women's Unique        Challenges"

Today...there are an unprecedented number of chemicals all around us--- in our food, water and the very air we breathe! The EPA has estimated that 60,000 chemicals have been buried in the U.S. and are now penetrating our water supply! Our food has become a chemical feast that is sprayed with pesticides, injected with hormones, fed with antibiotics and adulterated with over 3,000 chemicals in the form of artificial colors, flavors, textures and preservatives! Many of the chemicals now in our environment have been proven to pose serious hazards to human health!

"XENOESTROGENS" are 'foreign' estrogens that are found in pesticides, herbicides, plastics, margarines, salad dressings, etc. Due  to these harmful estrogens many women are producing 50% less of the progesterone that their mothers did! These harmful estrogens contribute to estrogen dominance, damage the developing follicles of the fetus and cause breast cancer, osteoporosis and infertility! Xenoestrogens, like DDT and dioxins, can bond with estrogen receptors in your body and never leave!!!!!

FLAXSEED OIL is an excellent oil and contains the omega-3 fatty acid known as alpha linolenic acid. It is this specific acid that undergoes enzyme conversion in the body to the principle omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA. FISH OIL... How ever the reason we recommend fish as an important additon to our diet is that oily fish contain immediately available EPA and DHA that do not have to undergo the extensive metabolism and enzymatic breakdown that flaxseed oil does. If you don't like fish, I recommend fish oil capsules. I take both omega-3 fatty acids and eat fish. COLD-WATER FISH are high in the Omega-3s. Omega-3s, commonly referred to as "Essential Fatty Acids" protect our bodies from the ravages of disease. Because it stops "prostaglandins" from going into dangerous overdrive, fish oil helps alleviate illnesses that are triggered by the prostaglandins. Scientist believe that the promotion of cancer cells is somehow regulated by "prostaglandins". Animal studies show that squelching the overproduction of these "hormone-like" substances can reduce breast, pancreas, lung, prostate and colon cancer. In humans it has been observed that Japanese and Eskimo women who have high seafood diets experience 80% less breast cancer incidence than American women!

Pesticides have deleterious effects on immunity! They disrupt the function of the Thymus which produces T-Cells. T-Cells search out and destroy roaming cancer cells!

ISOFLAVONES tie up estrogen receptor sites so they can't cause cancer. Good sources of Isoflavones are Soy, Lentils, Legumes,Sprouts, Chickpeas and Beans. The digestive process releases chemicals from Beans, Lentils and Legumes called "Protease Inhibitors". These chemicals control abnormal cell division before it turns to cancer.

A Woman Is Physically Abused Every Nine seconds in America!

LICORICE Contains estrogen-balancing compounds. These compounds appear to decrease estrogen levels in women when they're too high, and increase the levels when they're too low.

Raspberry Many women herbalists recommend raspberry tea for easing menstrual cramps. One study showed that the herb also helps relax the uterus. Researchers don't know the active compound in Raspberry, but they speculate that it might be Pycnogenol (an oligomeric procyanidin, or OPC. In one study, taking 200 mgs or OPC caily over two cycles eliminated menstrual cramps in 60 percent of the women who took them. Among women who took OPCs for four cycles, the number who benefitted was even higher--60 to 80 percent. You can buy pure OPC in the form of Pycnogenol capsules.

Strawberry Strawberry and strawberry leaf may help relieve cramps, according to Germany's Komission E, the body of scientists that advises the country's government about herbs.It's leaves are rich in vitamins and minerals plus ellagic acid, a highly touted cancer preventive.

Bilberry Bilberry contains chemicals called anthocyanidins, which have muscle-relaxant properties, and it also contains OPCs. For menstrual cramps, some herbalists suggest taking 20 to 40 mgs of concentrated bilberry extract three times a day. If you can't find extracts, try a half cup of fresh bilberries or blueberries, which have similar properties.

GINGER With at least six pain-relieving compounds and another six anti-cramping compounds, ginger tea is a trustworthy remedy for menstruation.

Kava-Kava Contains two pain-relieving chemicals that are as effective as aspirin, according to pharmacognosist Albert Leung, Ph.D., and Askansas herbalist Steven Foster in their book, "The Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients. Although Kava-Kava has been described as narcotic and hypnotic, it is neither hallucinogenic nor stupefying. Furthermore, according to Dr Leung and Foster, it is nonaddictive and does not cause dependency. Some Europeans use kava kava extracts for its relaxant or anti-anxiety effects. Since the plant also helps relax the uterus, it is used to treat menstrual cramps.

CRAMPBARK Otherwise known as (Black Haw). This herb is recognized as a treatment for menstrual cramps in most pharmacology reference books through the nineteenth century. The bark contains at least nine substances that relax the uterus. Two (aesculetin and scopoletin) also help relieve muscle spasms. With so much folklore and science to recommend it, this is one of the very best for pain!

Clinical Applications:

ALFALFA Alfalfa sprouts contain phytoestrogens, so use them liberally on salads. Phytoestrogens are much less potent than the body's own estrogens. They actually block the body's own estrogen receptor sites, thereby reducing the detrimental effects of estrogen dominance.

GLA Borage oil and Black Currant oil are both excellent sources of gamma linoleic acid (GLA)., GLA is an effective anti-inflammatory agent that has no side effects. Both ot these oils are an effective treatment for PMS, but they don't work instantaneously. You must take one or the other treatment for six to eight weeks before it takes effect and you notice changes. Evening Primrose oil also contains an abundant amount of GLA. Mix a tsp. of Borage oil in juice and drink daily. Dr. Weil recommends 500 mg of black currant oil twice a day as the most economical form.

Endometriosis There are many theories about the possible causes of Endometriosis. According to some sources, evidence links it with immune-system damage caused by estrogen-like environmental pollutants, such as certain pesticides. Other immune-suppressing drugs and toxins may be equally suspect. Some experts also speculate that using tampons, IUDs or the contraceptive cap might contribute to the risk of developing endometriosis. Apparently no one knows for sure.

Why are so many women Estrogen Dominant? Today, many women over the age of 35 are producing only 50% of the progesterone their mother's produced! This is due to: Stress: Cortisol alters what message the brain sends to the ovaries. Diet: Highly processed "exhausted" food does not give the body the complex nutrients it needs to function optimally. Xenoestrogens: These are "foreign" estrogens that are found in pesticides, herbicides, plastics, salad dressings, etc. They damage the developing follicles of the fetus and cause problems in the future. Women produce less progesterone and men produce less sperm than they should. The worst side effects of estrogen dominance include: breast cancer, osteoporosis and infertility.

What is the best way to measure Hormone Levels?   Serum blood tests measure only the amount of progesterone that is bound to protein. Of this only 5% is usable by the body, so this is an inaccurate number. Progesterone is fat soluble, so it does not mix with serum. A saliva test will measure the amount of progesterone that is actually available to the body.

Uterine Fibroids They grow faster when a woman is Estrogen Dominant. If not too large and causing pressure on the bladder, use "natural progesterone". They will usually decrease 15-20% in six to twelve months. After menopause, they will atrophy. Fibrocystic Breast Disease/Painful Breasts Go off birth control pills! Take natural progesterone day 12-26 of your cycle. Start with a little dab and go higher (crescendo effect). Results occur in about 3 months. Cramping/Clotting Clotting is caused by blood that was not shed properly (not enough progesterone). The blood stays behind and comes out in the next cycle. Add natural progesterone. Cramping is due to Estrogen Dominance! This increases Endometrial cells which can work up into the wall of the uterus and become very painful because the blood stays in the muscle and has an inflammatory effect. Restore progesterone which keeps the endometrial build-up inside the uterus. Irregular Bleeding Younger women, you are probably making more estrogen (the hormone that builds up the bloody lining. Progesterone holds it in place). Either the progesterone quit too soon causing early bleeding or you were estrogen dominant which extends the time. Cycle progesterone from day 12-26 in regular rhythm. When you quit the progesterone your period follows. Older women, you many have hyperplasia. Check with your physician. Thyroid Thyroid function often improves when natural progesterone is used as progesterone works with the thyroid hormone. PMS You may be making enough progesterone but are under stress and making cortisol which actually causes a blockade of the progesterone. You become estrogen dominant. Breasts often swell (retaining water intracellularly). Augment with natural progesterone. Adrenal Fatigue Progesterone helps combat cortisol interference and can help restore energy levels.

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