In this Issue: 

Featured Herb:  Reishi Mushroom 
Ancient longevity tonic, modern-day adaptogen, immune benefits and more       

The Krill “Kure” 
A super powered Omega 3 with a wide range of health benefits and no fishy aftertaste

The High Cost of Pain Relief
New approaches to consider for relieving pain without the side effects of NSAIDs

Who Benefits From Cholesterol Drugs? 
Interesting article appeared in Business Week  +  an herbal cure that shows promise

Food, Inc.  – the must see move this summer 
You won’t look at that pork chop on your plate the same way again

Poison Ivy Comes a Creeping Around
Some helpful hints for treating rashes 

Health Bullets 

* About 90 percent of American food dollars are spent on processed food.
Surprised?   See info in this issue about the new film Food, Inc. premiering in local theaters this summer

* Reduce Brain Fog:   In a recent study, older adults who reduced their calorie intake by about 30 percent performed better on memory tests.

* Soaking Brown Rice Increases Its Nutritional Value
Japanese researchers found that soaking rice for a day triggers germination, which activates enzymes beneficial to humans.  The soaked rice had three times the amount of lysine and 10 times more gamma-amino butyric acid. White rice, which contains fewer nutrients than brown rice varieties, will not germinate after any amount of soaking.

* Are you still using throw-away plastic water bottles? 
This power point presentation contains information and memorable
pictures to help you make the switch to a reusable and safe water bottle –
for your health and the health of the planet!  
http://www.scribd.com/doc/14523210/Water-Disaster   

* Ordering Herbs  From Elementals On-Line Pharmacy
As I mentioned in the last newsletter, Emerson Ecologics has a new format and an access code is required . The code for everyone is 00HERB – those are zeroes not the letter “o.”  Ordering directly from the website is the fastest way to receive your herbs –  next day delivery for most of you.  Call me if you have problems accessing the pharmacy.

Greetings,      
Is it Summer yet?   I am writing this newsletter on the summer solstice and in the midst of one of the rainiest June’s on record -  with more to come.  My yard looks like a rain forest and sun-loving plants  are struggling to hang in there for those summer days sure to come.  This is a very interesting weather pattern, especially when my children who live in Seattle tell me they have not had any rain for weeks!  How can some people still question climate change and have doubts that global warming is real?                       Summer Blessings,   Pam Leahy

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Featured Herb:  REISHI MUSHROOM
Ganaderma Lucidum  Ling Zi 
The Herb of Spiritual Potency and Wonder  
Reishi has been revered by Asian cultures for over 4,000 years when this mushroom was discovered by Taoist monks searching for the secret to eternal life.  Today, scientific research confirms many of the traditional uses of Reishi plus the discovery of new treatments for cancer and immune function. You can check out some of the 273 studies listed at www.pub.med.gov.   

In Chinese medicine. Ganaderma Lucidum is considered a supreme tonic benefiting the heart, lungs, liver and kidneys and is often used for age related diseases.  Traditionally Reishi is known as the herb of spiritual potency and wonder as it helps relax the mind without any feeling of sedation and has been used for nervous problems such as insomnia and paranoia.  Reishi calms the spirit while revitalizing it at the same time, increasing inner stamina and strength.  Recently, research has confirmed the use of Reishi as an adaptogen – one of a select group of herbs that help moderate the effects of stress.  

Reishi contains powerful antioxidants plus calcium, iron, phosphorus as well as C, D, and B vitamins (although it is not edible).  Concentrated extracts of Reishi are beneficial for a long list of health conditions including:  cancer (inhibits tumor growth), Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), fibromyalgia, asthma and bronchitis, insomnia, HIV, allergies, heart disease, and auto-immune conditions.  It has been referred to as a 24 hour nautilus program for the immune system because it enhances immune function yet will moderate immune response in auto immune diseases.  As part of a treatment for heart disease, Reishi reduces cholesterol and lowers blood pressure. Recent studies in China and Japan have found that reishi acts synergistically with prescription drugs to combat high blood pressure in subjects with moderate hypertension. This is one example of herbs and pharmaceuticals working together to allow patients to use less medication.  

Reishi is the Japanese name for this mushroom that comes in shades of black and red.
In clinical practice, I use Reishi as both a single and combined in formulas with other medicinal mushrooms and tonic herbs. The best way to take a tonic is a small dosage every day for long periods of time.   Look for it in your local health food store and select a formula developed by a reputable company.
Note:  In my next issue the featured herbs will be Cordyceps and Shitake Mushrooms, two more medicinal mushrooms with wide ranging health benefits. 
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THE KRILL “KURE”:  Krill oil is made from krill, a small,
shrimp-like crustacean that inhabits the oceans. Despite their small size, krill form the largest animal biomass on the planet and are rich in EPA and EHA omega-3 fatty acids.  Unlike fish oil, krill oil doesn't cause fishy burps or an aftertaste, a common side effect for many when taking fish oil.   

Research published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that people with cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis benefited by taking 300 mg of krill oil per day, causing their CRP levels to drop 30.9 percent. Also their LDL (“bad” cholesterol) decreased by 34% while HDL (“good) cholesterol increased by 43.5%.   Other benefits of krill oil found in this same study included marked improvements in pain, stiffness, and functional impairment. The suggested dose is 300 – 500 mg per day.  

The omega-3 fatty acids in krill are in phospholipids (vs. triglyceride in fish) and can easily penetrate the cells and cross the blood brain barrier. For this reason, krill oil is being studied as a supplement that may improve concentration and memory skills, particularly for children and adults diagnosed with ADHD.   Note:   People with allergies to seafood shouldn't use krill oil.

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In this MUST SEE film, FOOD, INC., documentary filmmaker Robert Kenner lifts the veil on our nation's food industry, exposing the politics of our nation's food supply influenced by a handful of corporations that often put profit ahead of consumer health, the livelihood of the American farmer, the safety of workers and our own environment.  Food, Inc. opened this month in theater’s around the country. Please take time this summer to see this movie. 

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THE HIGH COST OF PAIN RELIEF:   A common misconception that many people have about treating pain is that the drugs they take are correcting the problem while relieving their pain:  Not so.   Pain medications do not heal or repair a problem – they only offer temporary relief -  with side effects.  Arthritis patients who take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) regularly are not aware that they may interfere with cartilage repair.  NSAIDS are linked to high blood pressure, kidney failure, heart failure, and ulcerations of the GI tract.  Keep in mind that occasional use of over-the-counter NSAID’s  are not a problem;  it is the daily use and sometimes abuse that accounts for most major problems.
According to research appearing in the American Journal of Medicine – “Conservative calculations estimate that approximately 107,000 patients are hospitalized annually for NSAID  related gastrointestinal complications and at least 16,500 NSAID related deaths occur each year among arthritis patients alone.”    
Source: NSAID Use and Progression of Chronic Kidney Disease
The American Journal of Medicine, Volume 120, Issue 3, Pages 280.e1-280.e7

So What Can Be Done For Pain?  There are lots of options and no one solution for every person or type of pain:  Physical therapy, acupuncture, massage, stress management and shedding excess pounds are all possible solutions.  In addition, there are excellent patented herb and supplement formulas that are anti-inflammatory and reduce or eliminate the need for NSAIDS.  Some of my favorites are Zyflamed (New Chapter), Asalixx (Bionorica), Univestin, Scullacia (Biotics Research), InflamAway (Natura Health Products), Chinese Herb Formulas, quality fish oils (including Krill Oil – see article in this issue),  turmeric, ginger, MSM and white willow bark.   Consult with your health care practitioner to create a pain relief program and to help you determine what treatment or combination of treatments will be most helpful for your type of pain. 

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Do Cholesterol Drugs Do Any Good?  This is the title of an article about statin drugs that appeared in a recent issue of Business Week.  The article discusses the use of statins to reduce cholesterol and treat cardiovascular disease and concludes that  "research suggests that, except among high-risk heart patients, the benefits of statins such as Lipitor are overstated."  
The article also includes material about side effects from statins and debunks the myth that statins can help treat Alzheimer’s Disease. 

http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/08_04/b4068052092994.htm 

Cholesterol lowering drugs are among the most prescribed drugs in this country. It should be no surprise that there are side effects. Those most frequently reported include: gastrointestinal problems, rashes, blurred vision, fatigue and muscle weakness.  A major concern of many health care professionals is the belief that statins deplete the body’s production of CoQ10, one of the most important compounds for maintaining the proper functioning of the heart.

Newly Re-Discovered -  RED YEAST RICE –   Lowers Cholesterol Naturally
Recently there was a report about Red Yeast Rice on Eye Witness News reporting current research showing Red Yeast Rice as effective as statin drugs for lowering cholesterol without the side effects. 
In one study cited, UCLA School of Medicine conducted an eight week study involving  446 people with high cholesterol levels. Those who received red yeast rice experienced a significant drop in cholesterol levels compared to those who received placebo. Total cholesterol fell by 22.7%, LDL by 31%, and triglycerides by 34% in the red yeast rice group. HDL (good cholesterol) increased by 20% in the red yeast rice group as well.

Background Info 
Red yeast rice is the product of yeast ( Monascus  purpureus ) grown on rice, and is served as a dietary staple in some Asian countries. It contains several compounds collectively known as monacolins, substances known to inhibit cholesterol synthesis.

The use of red yeast rice in China was first documented in the Tang Dynasty in 800 A.D. A detailed description of its manufacture is found in the ancient Chinese pharmacopoeia, Ben Cao Gang Mu-Dan Shi Bu Yi, published during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).
Since the 1970s, human studies have reported that red yeast lowers blood levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein/LDL ("bad cholesterol"), and triglyceride levels. There were legal and industrial disputes in the past  concerning whether red yeast rice is a drug or a dietary supplement, and for sometime red yeast rice was unavailable while until these disputes were settled.
Consult with your health care professional before taking Red Yeast Rice.  It has NOT been approved by the FDA as yet; however, many physicians are familiar with the research and can offer you guidance.  Currently, there are several reputable manufacturers of Red Yeast Rice including Cholestin™ by Pharmanex and Red Yeast Rice by Xymogen. This article is already long, yet I would be remiss if I did not mention exercise and diet as the first choice of “drugs” to lower cholesterol.  J 
 (Bonovich, K, Colfer H, Davidson M, Dujovne C, Greenspan M, Karlberg R, et al. A Multi-Center, Self-Controlled Study of Cholestin In Subjects With Elevated Cholesterol. American Heart Association. 39th Annual Conference on Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology and Prevention, Orlando, Fl. March 1999).
(MedLine Plus: Red yeast rice (Monascus purpureus)

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From The Summer Files of Elementals  

POISON IVY COMES A CREEPING AROUND:   The question of how to treat a poison ivy rash generates several emails each summer. Here are a few helpful hints:   

First, Avoid Exposure:  Wear long sleeves, long pants, boots and gloves; apply ivy block if too hot for long sleeves; You have 30 minutes to prevent a rash from erupting by washing exposed skn with soap and water.  You can also minimize rash by scrubbing the area with rubbing alcohol – or beer, spirits, etc. 

For treatment if a rash erupts – there are two different approaches:

Hot water: Put yourself in a hot water bath to ease an itchy rash; add baking soda or Aveeno oatmeal  to help relieve discomfort.  Note:  while many practitioners advocate hot water bathes; I would not recommend this if there is swelling with the rash. 
Do not scratch the “itch.”  This may cause it to ooze and spread. 

Cool water: Take a cool shower, dry and  then apply witch hazel or alcohol.  These astringents soothe, cool and relieve itching.  And/or try calamine lotion with 15-20 drops of essential oil of peppermint added.  I learned this treatment from herbalist, Christopher Hobbs and it works well in our house.    I also wash exposed skin areas with brown soap when I come in from digging outside near poison ivy and have been successful in avoiding a rash.    

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Pam Leahy,  RH (AHG)  HHC  
Health consultations by appointment
Offices in Norwalk and Ridgefield, CT
(203)  438 1848   www.elementalsherbs.com 

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