THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2013
45
NATURAL HEALTH THE NATION
E-mail:- health@thenationonlineng.net
Valerian root is a natural remedy for sleeping disorder. It relaxes one and does not weaken the body the next day. OYEYEMI GBENGA-MUSTAPHA reports. 123456789012345678901234 123456789012345678901234 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456 OMETIMES after a busy day, emptying 123456789012345678901234 your head of all your thoughts and worries, 123456789012345678901234 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456 and drifting off into a restful sleep can be 123456789012345678901234 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456 tricky. But what do you do if you don’t want to 123456789012345678901234 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456 take sleeping pills (with all the attendant health 123456789012345678901234 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456 concerns) that can leave you bleary-eyed and tired 123456789012345678901234 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456 123456789012345678901234 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456 the next morning? 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456 According to Mr Yinka Fashipe of Rodwell 123456789012345678901234 123456789012345678901234 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456 Health Care Services, people who find it difficult 123456789012345678901234 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456 going to sleep should try Valerian roots. He said 123456789012345678901234 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456 scientists believe that it works by increasing the 123456789012345678901234 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456 amount of the neurotransmitter gamma 123456789012345678901234 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456 aminobutyric acid in the brain – GABA for short. 123456789012345678901234 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456 This chemical is involved in the feelings of anxiety 123456789012345678901234 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456 and relaxation, and the more this is present in the 123456789012345678901234 123456789012345678901234 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456 brain, the more it works with the nerve cells to 123456789012345678901234 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456 produce a calming effect. 123456789012345678901234 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456 “This calming, sedative effect allows the body 123456789012345678901234 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456 to prepare for sleep; studies show that the time it 123456789012345678901234 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456 takes for a person to fall asleep is shortened once 123456789012345678901234 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456 they have been administered with valerian root. 123456789012345678901234 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456 Studies also seem to suggest that valerian becomes 123456789012345678901234 123456789012345678901234 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456 more effective the more regularly one takes it; 123456789012345678901234 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456 after a few weeks, the effects are more prominent,” 123456789012345678901234 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456
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he said. Describing valerian, Fashipe said:“It is a pink or white flowering plant that is native to the grasslands of Europe. Although the plant is thought to have been used medicinally since the second century AD, it came to popularity in Europe in the 17th century, where it was widely used as a treatment for restlessness, headaches and anxiety.Today, it is still used for the same purpose, and is sold mainly in capsule or tea bag form. The tea version does have a rather potent flavour that some people do struggle with. But this can be improved very easily by the addition of mint to the tea.” On how to use it, Fashipe said: “Herbal practitioners claim that valerian root or extract can lessen anxiety and nervous tension, promote sleep, helps people quit smoking, ease congestion, and relieve muscle spasms. The plant’s root is chopped and made into a tea or extract to be used primarily as a sedative. Although the fresh root has little odor, the dried root has an odor. Valerian seems to be most effective after you take it regularly for two or more weeks. Since there have been relatively few rigorous studies involving valerian, it’s not clear what dose is most effective or for how long you should take a particular dose. “Supplements are available in tablets, capsules, or tinctures, and it can also be brewed as a tea. When taken as a sleep aid, the usual dosage of valerian extract in tablet form is 300 to 900 milligrams to be taken an hour or two before bedtime. For stress and anxiety, the usual dose is 50 to 100 milligrammes taken two to three times a day, although some practitioners recommend doses of 200 milligrams or even 400
12345678901234567890123 12345678901234567890123 12345678901234567890123 12345678901234567890123 12345678901234567890123 12345678901234567890123 12345678901234567890123 12345678901234567890123 12345678901234567890123 12345678901234567890123 12345678901234567890123 12345678901234567890123 12345678901234567890123 12345678901234567890123 12345678901234567890123 12345678901234567890123 12345678901234567890123 12345678901234567890123 12345678901234567890123 12345678901234567890123 12345678901234567890123 12345678901234567890123 12345678901234567890123 12345678901234567890123 12345678901234567890123 12345678901234567890123 12345678901234567890123 12345678901234567890123 •Mrs Filani
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OMEN in their reproductive age have been called upon to use supplements to prepare for having well-formed and developed children. The Director, Benjamin Michaels Pharmaceuticals Limited,Mrs Folashade Filani, said in many cases, there was inadequate micro-nutrients status in
• Fashipe
• Valerian
Valerian root: Natural remedy for sleeplessness
milligrammes. “Valerian seems to be most effective after you take it regularly for two or more weeks. Since there have been relatively few rigorous studies involving valerian, it’s not clear what dose is most effective or for how long you should take a particular dose. Valerian is considered relatively safe when used in recommended doses during four to six week periods.” He warned: “However, some people may notice restlessness and heart palpitations, especially with long-term use of valerian. Longterm or excessive use is not advised because of possible side effects, which include headaches, blurred vision, heart palpitations, and nausea. A few people become excitable and unable to sleep when they take valerian. Rarely, liver damage has been linked to valerian. Those who take valerian should tell their doctors so that their liver function can be monitored. Allergic reactions may also be possible. “Valerian should not be taken with alcohol, antihistamines, muscle relaxants, sedatives, antiseizure drugs, narcotics, or any drugs used in
treatment of mental illnesses. People on cancer treatment medicines, anti-fungal drugs, allergy drugs, or medicines for high cholesterol should talk with their doctors or pharmacists or healthcare provider about possible drug interactions before taking valerian. Because valerian may interact with anesthetics, people who are going to have surgery should not use valerian. However, suddenly stopping the herb has caused withdrawal symptoms in some people, so the dose of valerian should be tapered slowly, starting several weeks before surgery. Always tell your doctor and pharmacist or healthcare provider about any herbs you are taking.” He explained further that people with liver or kidney disease should talk to their doctors before taking valerian. “In very high doses, the herb may weaken the heartbeat and cause paralysis. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should not take valerian. Valerian may increase the effects of other sleep aids. It also increases the sedative effect of other depressants, such as alcohol and diazepam (Valium). Check with your doctor if you’re thinking of taking a valerian supplement to make
By Oyeyemi Gbenga-Mustapha
Pharmaton Matruelle which contains omega 3 Docosahexanoic acid (DHA) , vital vitamins, minerals and trace element such as folic acid, Iron, Zinc, Iodine, Vitamin C and E required by women of child bearing age. “It is recommended for planning pregnant and lactating mothers and it is in the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA). The dosage is convenient. You only need to take one capsule a day and you have the entire daily requirement. The presence of omega 3 DHA in Pharmaton Matruelle is important in the development of the baby’s brain resulting in improved cognitive function; the development of the baby’s retinas enhancing the visual acuity; the development of the baby’s nervous system and the prevention of postpartum depression in the mother. “Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) is found mostly in cold-water fish (salmon, sardines, herring, mackerel, and tuna), fish oil, algae, and specialty eggs. Omega 3 which is 100 per cent free of mercury can be gotten from supplements such as Pharmaton Matruelle. Seafood can also contain organic mercury and other harmful toxins (e.g, polychlorinated biphenyls [PCBs]), which could be harmful to the growing fetus. For this reason, the FDA/EPA recommends limiting fish consumption to two servings (approximately 340 g or 12 oz of seafood) per week.”
How to prevent deformed babies
women of child-bearing age for various reasons. For example, use of oral contraceptives may deplete the body‘s store of vitamins B1, B2, B6, B12, nicotinamide and folic acid. “The need for supplementation before pregnancy is important. It is to prevent spontaneous abortion due to folic acid and zinc deficiency; helps prevent premature delivery and reduces the risk of preeclampsia. Pre-conception deficiencies are critical as folic acid deficiency can enhance the risk of foetal neural tube defects. Previous pregnancies may have depleted body stores of micro-nutrients and these must be replaced (e.g. DHA). “Also there is the need for supplementation during pregnancy, lactation, during deficiency states and anaemias during prenatal periods. The need for supplementation during Lactation is important. It is to replenish maternal micro-nutrients stores depleted during pregnancy; to increase concentration of key micro-nutrients in maternal milk (e.g. DHA is present in small amounts in breast milk). Works on the mammary glands to produce more milk as breast-feeding increases the need for micro-nutrients. Unmet nutritional needs due to rush to loose excessive weight gained during pregnancy. In case of pathological events and convalescence.” Expectant mothers can also benefit from
sure that it won’t interact with any other medications you’re taking. Possible side effects are possible with Valerian. Although valerian is thought to be fairly safe, headache, dizziness, gastrointestinal problems and sleeplessness can occur. Valerian may not be safe if you’re pregnant or breast-feeding. If you have liver disease, avoid taking it.”
‘Fruits vital to sickle cell management’
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By Wale Adepoju
NATUROPATH, Dr Solomon Abutoh, has suggested the regular consumption of fruits such as pineapple, grape and banana, and dark levy vegetables for the management of sickle cell disorder (SCD). According to him, the condition has to do with blood and once the haemoglobin level is increased the patient can enjoy stability of health. He said a good diet minimises the number of crises being experienced by the sufferer. Abutoh described SCD as a genetic disorder because it is inherited by the patient from his or her parents. “When a man whose genotype is AS marries a woman of the same genotype there is the possibility of the couple having an SS. There are three classifications of genotype AA, AS and SS,” he added. He said SCD has many symptoms such as malaria-related symptoms especially during wet season. “Also there is dehydration which often times is accompanied by weakness and exhausion after straineous activity or exercise,” he said. Other symptoms are hardening of the liver known as hepatomegali, stunted growth and jaundice, which can be treated with paw paw (carica papaye). Abutoh said the condition is best prevented when intending couples are advised about genotype to determine their compatibility. This, he noted is the best line of defense. “But once there is a child born with the condition, that child should be encouraged to drink a lot of fluid to counter dehydration”, he added. He advised patients to avoid exposing themselves to too much of sunlight. They should wear warm clothes during wet or cold season, he added. “Patients should live in clean environment devoid of mosquitoes because a single mosquito bite can affect the immune system,” Abutoh said.