January 2014

Acid Reflux

Q.: I have heart burn, a mysterious cough and hoarness of voice. My doctor said I have acid reflux and put me on Nexeum which seems to be controlling the symptoms. Is there any herbal medicine that can help the healing? A.: GastroEase Plus (Biomed) contains DGL (deglycyrrhinated licorice) and mastic gum that are known to fight excessive stomach acid.
Man holding stomach Image courtesy of marin / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

January 2014

Electric Spark Derma Machines

Our body is made of numerous atoms. Each atom is made of electrons circulating around a nucleus. Electrons are negatively charged particles circulating around the nucleus that is positively charged. This system creates electro-magnetic forces radiating around the atom. Our body in turn is made of multiple systems of these electro-magnetic forces. These systems are being utilized in both diagnostic and therapeutic devices. An electrocardiogram (EKG) reflects the condition of our heart through recordings of the electro-magnetic waves of our heart. Electro-encephalogram (EEG) records brain waves and offers invaluable diagnostic information to neurologists. TENS machines are widely used by physiotherapists to help relieve musculo-skeletal pains. Electro-magnetic resonance machines utilize the same principle. Magnetic bracelets, copper bracelets, even gem stone therapy utilize the same principle. Who knows, may be homeopathic medicine also work on this principle.

December 2013

Vinceel Mouth Spray

Q: Is there a good healing spray for sore throat, mouth ulcers and cold sores? A: Vinceel (Heel) is a homeopathic spray designed for symptom control and healing. It can be used for canker sores, mouth ulcers, cuts, blsiters, burns, sore throat and gingivitis.

December 2013

Don't Hang Up Your Stockings this Christmas (Circulation: Part 2)

Good circulation is essential for good health. Yet, millions of people around the world suffer from poor circulation without even knowing it. The “circulatory system” is made up of the pipes or VESSELS that carry blood throughout our body and the PUMP (ie. the heart) which creates the tidal flow of blood through these vessels. The purpose is to be able to get the necessary fuel and nutrients to various parts of the body, and take away any waste materials. There is always much focus on HEART health, but many of us neglect VESSEL health. Why is that important? Without free-flowing, healthy blood vessels, our blood will not reach parts of our body, meaning that those parts may suffer from lack of essential nutrients as well as lack of toxin removal. In the worst cases, the body parts not getting this attention actually can die away. Symptoms of poor circulation include swelling of the legs, cold hands and feet, varicose veins, and numbness, aching, and tiredness in feet. Get a proper diagnosis from your doctor. But read on to see how easy it is to maintain healthy vessels and circulation.

November 2013

Integrative Approach to Flu Prevention

The most reliable way to prevent the flu is to take the flu shot together with adopting a healthy life style. The flu vaccine is manufactured with the current year’s viral strains and is designed to fight the current year’s flu virus. In order to obtain the appropriate strains the manufacturer needs to wait till the fall when the current virus can be identified and isolated before the vaccine can be produced. It is for this reason that the flu shot is available only in mid-October.
Sick Woman Image courtesy of Michal Marcol / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

November 2013

Cold Sores

Q: Is there anything natural I can use for my stubborn Cold Sores? A: Before you develop blisters, take Cold Sore #1 homeopathic complex. When there are blisters, take Cold Sore #2.
Woman holding chin Image courtesy of Michal Marcol / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

November 2013

Fuel Your Brain

Sometimes it feels like the more candles we have on our birthday cake, the fewer brain cells we have. Unfortunately, this is probably true. Once the neurons (or brain nerve cells responsible for transmitting information in the brain) are damaged or killed, it is not likely they will regenerate. Although neurons are typically the longest living cells in the body, they do die in the natural course of life. Additionally, neuronal death in the brain can also be caused by brain diseases (e.g., Parkinson’s Disease, Huntington’s Disease, Alzheimer’s Disease), physical damage to the brain, stroke, or spinal cord injury.

October 2013

Varicose Veins and Haemorrhoids

Q: Are there herbal products that may help my varicose veins and my husband’s haemorrhoids? A: Flora makes a herbal supplement called CircuVein® that has been clinically proven to reduce varicose or spider veins in just 2 months.

October 2013

Echinacea Immunity Boost

Old Man Winter is just around the corner and people are gearing up for flu and cold prevention. Despite the advent of many other herbal immune stimulants, Echinacea is still the king of all herbs for flu and cold. Canadians spend over 20 million a year on this immune stimulator. Taken at an early stage of a cold or flu, most people find it very effective in shortening the illness and lessening symptoms. Taken intermittently during health, it seems to help cut down the incidence of getting sick. Combinations with Golden Seal, Vitamin C, Zinc, Thymus extract, Baptisia, Thuya and other herbs seem to work even better. Recently the use of Echinacea has been broadened to include repeated chest and skin infections, as well as in sports medicine to prevent exertion-induced immuno-suppression. A special preparation of Echinacea Angustifolia called Anz Ease® has been found to be very effective for relieving stress especially panic attacks.
Echinacea Image © Amdiederich | Dreamstime Stock Photos & Stock Free Images

October 2013

Avoid the Flu: Update Your Mug-Shots

Undoubtedly, a flu shot is the most effective way to prevent yourself from getting the flu this season. Yet, there are many misconceptions out there that keep some people away from getting their annual flu shots. Select BC Pharmacists, such as ourselves (Fred and Christine), have been trained to provide injection services as of 2009; we can give you shots ranging from the flu, shingles, pneumonia, hepatitis, MMR (measles/mumps/rubella), etc. What exactly are you getting with a “flu shot”? Is it safe? Is it for me? Read on for the necessary info to make a responsible, informed decision about the flu vaccine, as well as the next most viable alternatives.
Sick Woman Image courtesy of Michal Marcol / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

September 2013

When you gotta go, you gotta go!

Don’t you find it annoying to be woken up from a wonderful dream by the urge to…pee? Having a poor night’s sleep can literally ruin your day, not to mention sleep deprivation could have severe consequences, be it stress, irritability, cognitive impairment, memory lapses, compromised immunity, or a strain on personal relationships. NOCTURIA refers to the need to wake up and void at least once a night. This affects many of us, no matter our sex or race, but as we age, we become more prone to this bothersome trend. POLYURIA (frequent urination) and nocturia can be related to various medical conditions which must be investigated by your physician (eg. overactive bladder, benign prostate enlargement, renal failure, diabetes mellitus, heart failure, peripheral edema, liver diseases, sleep disorders, etc.). As part of our series on sleep, we will look at a few supplements that could help you combat nocturia.

September 2013

Red Reishi, the "Heavenly Herb"

There are two categories of mushrooms, namely culinary mushrooms used for food and medicinal mushrooms used for promoting health. Medicinal mushrooms include Maitake mushroom (Grifola frondosa), Shitake mushroom (Lentinus edodes), Cloud mushroom (Coriolus versicolor), Cordycept (Cordyceps sinensis), and Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum). These mushrooms contain polysaccharides, beta-glucans, triterpenes, ganoderic acid, amino acids, and other phytonutrients that have many effects such as antioxidant, antitumor, immune-modulation, cardiovascular, antiviral, and antibacterial effects. Some of these have been used in the Orient for 4000 years. Among the medicinal mushrooms, Reishi mushroom is regarded by the Chinese and the Japanese as the king of herbs. In fact the Chinese call it “Ling Zhi” which translates to “Miraculous herb from Heaven”.