Cistus incanus – The Mediterranean Herb with Secrets

Also known as Mediterranean rock rose, this valuable herb grows wild on the rocky hillsides of the Mediterranean. It has pretty pink or white flowers, and also boasts an interesting history and powerful medicinal properties. It was traditionally used as a tea as early as the 4th century BC, offered to guests as a “wellness tea” throughout the Middle East, northern Africa and the Mediterranean. Moving forward, it was nominated as Europe’s “plant of the year” in 1999.

The plant is beautifully aromatic, producing a fragrant resin which intensifies in the midday sun. Historically the resin, known as labdanum, was harvested by combing the hair of goats that had brushed against the plants while grazing. It is also harvested using long leather straps which rake the resin in the heat of the day, and then allow it to dry for removal from the straps. The labdanum resin was widely used for incense and also perfume, being a base of the “Chypre” type of perfume (French for Cyprus, reflecting the trade that occurred in highly valued aromatics) created in the 13th century when labdanum was more expensive than gold. Its aroma is described as heavy, sweet and balsamic. Many authors believe labdanum to be the biblical Balm of Gilead, although there are others who do not agree.

I first became interested in cistus as a medicinal herb through the work of Dr. Dietrich Klinghardt, a medical doctor from Germany who specialises in chronic health issues and does a lot of work with Lyme Disease.

Dr. Klinghardt recommends cistus incanus as a central remedy for late stage Lyme Disease (and related tick borne infections), combined with whole leaf stevia drops, and he claims to get beneficial results with the most serious of patients. For people who are very depleted, the dosage is commenced at just a few drops of cistus tea. It is recommended that it be brewed in a closed pot (so the valuable aromatic components are maintained), simmered for several minutes, and consumed throughout the day. The same tea leaves are then brewed 2 more times, to further extract the medicinal components. A few drops of whole leaf stevia tincture should be to the tea.

Cistus has anti-inflamatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. It contains very high amounts of polyphenols (powerful anti-oxidants). It protects against cell damage and numerous diseases. It inhibits an inflammatory pathway called NF-kB. Overactivation of this regulatory response to infection has been linked to inflammatory and autoimmune diseases as well as cancer. Many viruses as well as allergic inflammatory reactions are triggered by NF-kB, so the benefit of cistus in damping down this pathway is valuable.

Traditionally cistus tea has been used in Mediterranean countries such as Greece for rheumatoid arthritis, infections, skin and kidney problems, as well as general immune system support. It is used for allergic skin itching, acne and fungal infections of the skin. Modern scientific research has shown it to be effective against HIV infection and Avian flu virus, with some patent applications in place for medicines made from the plant. So it clearly has powerful antiviral effects. I have long been fascinated by seeing that scientific research so consistently endorses traditional use of herbal medicines.

I find the cistus story fascinating, so I sourced some quality dried herb to make a range of cistus products. I have packets of cistus tea for sale in my clinic, and I made a tincture for my dispensary. The commercial brands can be very expensive, but mine is not. I also sourced labdanum resin which I transformed into a roll-on perfume. I love its warm earthy fragrance and can understand why it was so highly prized that people stealing it in Ancient Greece were put to death. Not that I would agree with this! But it is beautiful.

TYPE 2 DIABETES: HERBAL MEDICINE AND NATURAL HEALTH SUPPORT

HERBAL DISPENSARY IN MY CLINIC

This is a summary of information I use when supporting clinic clients with Type 2 Diabetes. Each person receives an individualised treatment program, depending on medical history, and specific requirements. 
This chart should be regarded as information only, not a prescription. Research shows there is a lot that can be done to support healthy outcomes for people suffering from Type 2 Diabetes. Natural medicines mentioned here are not intended to replace medical treatment. 

My clinic is in Lismore, Northern NSW. Appointments can be made by contacting me on 0452 219 502 or at trishclough@internode.net.au.                   

TREATMENT AIMS	DETAILS
Stimulate pancreatic cells to produce more insulin.	Herbs: Gymnema, Ginkgo Biloba, Fenugreek, Curcumin from Turmeric, Berberine-containing herbs. Nutrients: Vitamin D, Lipoic Acid. Diet: Green tea prevents injury to insulin-producing cells.
Lower blood glucose levels by improving glucose utilisation/ metabolism.	Herbs: Gymnema, Fenugreek, Cinnamon, Goats Rue. Nutrients: Vitamin C, Chromium, Selenium, Zinc. Diet: Mushrooms (especially shitake), low animal fat diet, low GI diet.
Reduce cardio-vascular risk associated with diabetes.	Herbs: Fenugreek, Gymnema. Nutrients: Purified Fish Oils, Vitamin B Complex.
Reduce micro-vascular (small blood vessel) damage associated with diabetes (kidneys, eyes, feet).	Herbs: Ginkgo Biloba, Fenugreek, Goats Rue, Bilberry. Nutrients: Zinc, Selenium, B Complex Vitamins. Diet: Anti-oxidant foods.
Keep blood glucose in healthy range to minimise risks.	Low carbohydrate high protein diet (low GI) plus herbs and supplements as indicated above.

 

WINTER WELLNESS

I was contemplating writing an article on herbs to treat winter illnesses but I thought instead that it might be more helpful to give information about staying healthy during the winter and the change of season. As a practising herbalist, I believe prevention is better than cure (although my herbal dispensary offers wonderful treatments as well). 

I am impressed that many people have a great working knowledge of natural health and lifestyle. Echinacea, Vitamin C, a generous intake of fresh foods and regular exercise will help keep away the winter ailments. This basic approach will work effectively for many people. However, despite the best attempts of healthy lifestyle, many people struggle to avoid getting very sick. This is because they have a weakened immune system and need an in-depth treatment. According to naturopathic philosophy the underlying cause needs to be treated. The Spring change of season is the traditional and ideal time to do an immune repair programme. 

It surprises most people when I tell them that at least 70% of the function of the immune system happens via healthy ‘gut flora’, the naturally occurring bacteria residing in the intestines. The immune system is a complex system involving white blood cells, T-helper cells, and the immune response that occurs within the gut. The lymphatic system and the liver are part of the package of immune response, working in close affiliation with the gut. Use of antibiotics, steroid medications, unhealthy diet, chemical exposure and stress are common causes of weakness. 

If someone suffers from frequent viral infections or allergy reactions (such as hayfever), his or her immune system is out of balance. Natural therapists knows that a gut repair and liver detoxification programme is the best starting point in restoring immunity. 

The first step is to start by treating the gut. Unfortunately many people do a liver detox without first restoring healthy gut function. This can have the opposite effect of overloading the bloodstream and the liver with toxins which are reabsorbed from the gut and recirculated instead of being eliminated.
The typical gut repair programme involves anti-microbial herbs to reduce pathogens (‘bad bugs’), natural remedies including glutamine, aloe vera and slippery elm bark to repair and restore the quality of the sensitive gut lining, and supplementing the healthy gut bacteria with a probiotic which includes acidophilus. Getting rid of bad bugs and introducing the good ones causes the gut-mediated immunity to do a better job. Restoring healthy gut lining prevents the re-absorption of harmful toxins or inadequately digested food fragments via the gut wall and into the circulation. 

Once this repair treatment has been achieved, which can take from three to six weeks, it is then time to do a liver detox. Guidelines for a healthy diet are recommended throughout, but I do not advocate fasting. Modern science has shown that nutrients such as certain amino acids in protein foods are essential for the liver to do its work in eliminating toxins. Anti-oxidants in fresh fruits and vegetables are also essential to this process. If these nutrients are not included, as can happen during a fast, the liver is unable to break down and eliminate toxins. 

The liver detox is done with the help of natural formulas containing herbal remedies and specific nutrients to support the functions of the liver. This process can take one to two weeks. Some people experience minor discomforts during the detox, but in general if it is done properly there are very few if any side effects.

There are many benefits from such an integrated gut and liver programme. Immune function will improve, but there can be enormous improvements also in energy and wellbeing, allergy symptoms and food intolerances.

Magnesium, the Body’s Powerhouse

The health benefits of magnesium make it one of the most important minerals in our diets. This vital mineral has many functions in the body. It is essential to the energy production in every cell in the body. Effective functioning of the muscles needs magnesium. It is the major regulator of the transport of electrolytes in and out of the body cells.

Research shows that between 48 to 59% of people don’t consume enough magnesium.  It is found in dark green leafy vegetables, nuts and seeds, bananas, soy beans, oats, lentils. Older people are more at risk of magnesium insufficiency. Magnesium can be lost from the body through some diuretic and antibiotic medications as well as some cancer medications. Poorly controlled blood sugar levels in diabetics will cause magnesium loss. Foods such as grains and silverbeet contain phytic and oxalic acids which bind with magnesium and excrete it from the body. Excessive consumption of alcohol depletes magnesium. Large losses occur in cooking, particularly in boiling of vegetables. It is better to lightly stir-fry or steam green vegetables to retain the magnesium content.

Symptoms associated with magnesium insufficiency include fatigue, muscle cramps ,muscle tension and  twitches, anxiety, insomnia, heart disease, neurological conditions, blood sugar regulation problems, and accelerated aging.

Because of the prevalence of deficiency symptoms and the difficulty of maintaining optimal dietary sources, many people can benefit from a magnesium supplement. It is particularly recommended for people experiencing any of the above symptoms. Magnesium comes in many forms, so it is important to understand which supplement is the most suitable. The best products are usually in a powder rather than tablet form. Ingredients such as magnesium amino acid chelate, diglycinate, and orotate are forms which I recommend. These types of magnesium are absorbed directly into the muscle cells where they are the most effective. They are supplied in a powder form because they are physically bulky, and therefore an effective dose in a tablet would be too large.

One of the most common forms of magnesium used in tablets is magnesium oxide. These supplements should be avoided. Magnesium oxide is not uptaken into the body cells. It has a tendency to loosen the bowels and goes to waste, literally. It is used in tablets because it is inexpensive, and because it is dense therefore a ‘therapeutic’ dose can fit in the size of a tablet.

Most good quality magnesium powders also contain some B vitamins and traces of other minerals which help with the uptake of the magnesium and enhance its action in cellular functioning.  The B complex vitamins create energy so are best taken in the morning. If magnesium is needed at night, for insomnia or cramps, there are quality supplements without the B vitamins and with sleep enhancing ingredients. For people with high blood pressure or heart problems, I recommend a magnesium powder containing taurine which helps reduce the body’s physiological reaction to stress.  It is advisable to discuss any health problems with a qualified natural health practitioner so the most suitable magnesium can be prescribed for your needs.

Spices as Medicine: Part 2: Saffron

Highly prized throughout history and used as a flavouring, perfume, medicine, colouring and in ceremonies, saffron is the most expensive spice in the world. This fact alone gives it an air of reverence and magic. The spice consists of the fine threadlike stigma of the Autumn Crocus (Crocus Sativus) flower. Each flower contains 3 or 4  threads, which to this day are harvested by hand, and it takes 150 flowers to produce just 1mg. of saffron. Because of its cost, it is frequently adulterated with cheaper substitutes, so one needs to be sure of its quality. This was such an issue that in the 15^th century people convicted of adulterating saffron were burned or buried alive.

Next  to cardamom, saffron is my favourite spice to use in cooking. I love its pungent earthy flavour and remarkable colour, for example in saffron rice. It lends itself to sweet as well as savoury dishes. Although traditionally used as a medicine in the Middle East, it is more recently being incorporated into the modern herbal dispensary in the West.

Traditionally saffron was used medicinally for menstrual disorders, fever, coughs and colds, fertility problems, teething pain, depression and ‘general weakness’. In recent years, scientific studies have confirmed its effectiveness in many of these ailments.  Impressive results were found in research published in 2005 demonstrating improvements in patients with mild to moderate depression.  The effectiveness was similar to that found with prescription medications Prozac and Tofranil.

Another interesting study was done with people suffering mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. People treated with saffron extract showed a significant improvement in cognitive function. The saffron extract gave similar benefit to prescription medicine Aricept over a 22 week period. The saffron extract was tolerated better, with fewer side-effects than the prescription medicine.

Similarly, research studies have found benefit in PMS and macular degeneration. Saffron in medicinal amounts is usually well tolerated, although should be avoided in pregnancy.

Along with its use in depression, in clinical practice I have seen saffron used effectively for people experiencing grief.  A colleague of mine prescribes it along with a tincture of rose petals with excellent results. The combination tends to be very emotionally comforting.

Recently introduced in a liquid tincture form, saffron can be easily administered as a single herb, or as is my preference, combined with other herbs such as lemon balm, St. John’s wort, and bacopa to support the nervous system and cognitive functions.

Spices as Medicine: Part 1: Nigella (Black Cumin)

Variously known as nigella, black cumin and kalonji, these aromatic black seeds are used in curries and sprinkled on breads before baking.  They are also revered as a medicine in the Middle East. My friend Mohamed, an Egyptian perfume merchant, tells me there is an Arabic belief that ‘in the black seed is the medicine for every disease except death’. He tells me the traditional way of using the seeds as medicine is to take some in a teaspoon in honey every morning. I have tried this, and can report they have a bitter astringency that I find challenging.

Since nigella is recommended as a medicine for every disease, there are countless claims to its therapeutic use, including indigestion, fatigue, chest congestion, diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis and asthma.

As a practicing herbalist, I like to look at the scientific research to see whether it validates traditional uses of herbal medicines. A controlled study published in 2006 showed effectiveness in reducing symptoms of allergic rhinitis (hay fever). It showed similar benefit to a pharmaceutical anti-histamine. A further study showed significant improvement in immune function as measured in white cell activity.

Another study showed a 39% reduction in blood sugar levels in Type 2 Diabetics, with improvement in insulin levels. In addition, research showed a significantly decreased body weight and waist circumference in men with central obesity. Preliminary research also showed  improvement in cholesterol and triglycerides with a tiny dose of .7 g of powdered seed per day (less than ¼ teaspoon). Anti-tumour activity has been found in one of the constituents of the seeds, but further research is needed.

In the clinic I have found wonderful results with nigella in a herbal mix when treating chronic and acute sinus problems. I combine it with other herbs to obtain the best results. I also include it in weight loss mixtures.  Nigella has only recently been manufactured in a liquid tincture form. This is a non-traditional form of an ancient medicine.  Tinctures are extracted in alcohol and water to get the maximum active ingredients from the plant. Alcohol is not used in the Middle East, even in perfumes, because of cultural beliefs.  However I love the benefit of the liquid tincture in combining it with herbs of my choice to get the best therapeutic outcome. Having said that, nigella is a safe general tonic taken traditionally in a teaspoon of honey every day.

 

CONCERNED ABOUT CONTAMINANTS IN YOUR FISH OILS? YOU SHOULD BE.

One of the most popular supplements on the market is unfortunately the least understood. The humble fish oil varies hugely in price, potency and purity, and it is almost impossible for the consumer to make a wise choice. It benefits many chronic conditions including heart disease, arthritis, auto-immune diseases and mood disorders.   

Fish oils, in capsule or liquid form, may contain heavy metals including mercury, cadmium, lead and arsenic. They can also contain dioxin, a carcinogen (cancer-causing agent) which is an industrial pollutant that finishes up in waterways.  A small number of fish oil products are purified to remove these contaminants, but most are not.  Supplements may state ‘mercury tested’ on the label which implies they are mercury-free when they are not. An analysis of one such brand shows it to contain 10 times more mercury than a purified product.  
The reality is that all fish oil supplements in Australia have to be ‘mercury tested’ before they can be marketed, and they must meet the Australian Government standard of mercury levels. This level is not stringent, and one well-known brand contains 100 times more mercury than a purified supplement. But this level is considered ‘acceptable’. One problem with ‘acceptable’ levels of heavy metals is that one person may benefit from one capsule daily, whereas another person with a particular health problem may need to take 6 to 10 capsules daily. The person needing the higher dose will automatically be someone who has more health problems and therefore mercury toxicity is even more of a concern.
There is no government requirement that fish oils be tested for levels of dioxins, leaving the possibility that high levels will not be detected.  A further problem with contaminants is that most capsules described as ‘reflux-free’ or ‘enteric coated’ contain traces of plastics in the coating.
How does the consumer find out about these sources of toxins? It can be difficult. As a Health Practitioner and retailer, I insist that suppliers give me the results of the product analysis.  Nothing on the container makes this information available to consumers. My advice is to follow the recommendation of a qualified practitioner as we are aware of the brands which are purified to remove heavy metals and dioxin, and manufactured free of plastics.

Supplement choice is also confusing because of variations in potency.  Different brands may contain 1000mg per capsule, but one brand may contain twice as much active ingredient per capsule as another.  The amount of EPA and DHA (active ingredients) added together may be only 300 mg per 1000mg, or it may be 500-600mg for the same size capsule. This at least will be shown on the label. If someone buys the lower potency capsules, they will need to take twice as many to get the same result.
High dosages are necessary for an anti-inflammatory action.  This applies when treating arthritis, allergies, auto-immune disease, and cardiovascular disease.  In adults, six (6) high-potency capsules per day are recommended for anti-inflammatory action, which brings much improved pain relief. Many people take only one or two capsules, which will not give adequate pain relief.
Treatment of ADD, ADHD, behavioural problems (children, teenagers and adults) and mood disorders also require high doses. It is crucial to avoid the toxic overload of mercury on the liver, brain and immune system when treating these conditions.
For many purposes smaller dosages are sufficient. One or two purified high potency capsules per day is the recommended dose for cardiovascular health and general wellbeing.
Unsurprisingly, the purer quality high potency capsules are more expensive. This can be offset by the fact that half the dosage is needed. Unfortunately price is usually an indicator of quality with fish oil supplements, because of the additional processing involved to ensure the purity. Quality brands are also ‘nitrogen-flushed’ to prevent oxidation, as all natural oils are at risk of going rancid with exposure to air.
With all these problems, you may well ask whether we should bother with fish oil supplements. My answer is a resounding YES, because the benefits are great, and all the toxicity issues can be avoided with careful choice of the product.  
Trish Clough has been a practising herbalist for more than 30 years. The information in the column is meant for general interest only and should not be considered as medical advice.