HERBS FOR FOOT HEALTH (INTERNAL)
The following are suggestions to look after your feet naturally. As
the foot is attached to the body what happens in the body can ultimately
affect the foot. For example hardening of the arteries , diabetes can affect
circulation to the foot. This causes coldness, tingling, discoloration,slow
healing etc.The following may be helpful to those wanting to take their
health into their own hands. You should still check with your doctor or
better still a reputable natural health practitioner if you are concerned.
The following comments are mostly limited to that pertaining to foot health.
The herbs, vitamins mentioned have other benefits also. More herbs etc
will be added to this section.
Gingko
This herb is used in chinese medicine for asthma, chilblains and was termed
good for the heart and lungs. Today in Europe physicians and natural health
practitioners prescribe over $500 million worth of sales of gingko a year.
The excitement started in 1972 where it was found to interfere with the
action of the substance producing the platelet activation factor(PAF).
By inhibiting PAF it has enormous healing potential especially in ageing.
The following conditions can benefit from gingko.
-
Intermittent claudication:- When arteries become clogged in the leg, walking
causes cramp,pain and weakness commonly in the calves. A year long study
of 36 people showed significantly greater pain relief than standard treatment.
Increasing blood flow to the leg will also increase circulation to the
foot. I do know someone who has been taking it for 3 years and says her
veins on her legs are not as pronounced now.
-
Stroke. Studies show it increases blood flow to the brain and may speed
recovery of strokes
-
Memory reaction time,heart attack,impotence, macular degeneration,cochlear
deafness, tinnitus, vertigo, asthma, high blood pressure, kidney problems,alzheimers
may all benefit from gingko.
Warnings
Those who are not pregnant, no clotting disorders or over 2 yrs can
use it.
Medicinal amounts should be under supervision of a doctor. High amounts
may cause irritability, restlessness, diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting. Recommended
dosages are considered safe. Those on warfarin definitely should not use
it.
Cayenne
Also known as hot pepper,capsicum.Externally it is useful for chronic joint
and muscle pains.It is a counter irritant.It has some analgesic properties
. It somehow interferes with substance P, a chemical in the peripheral
nerves that send pain messages to the brain. Two over the counter preparations
have won FDA approval for certain kinds of chronic pain. (Zostrix, Axasain).,Diabetic
foot pain:-Used in burning foot syndrome. In one study 71 diabetics reported
significant relief in 4 wks. The FDA have approved Axasain to be used to
treat this condition.
Vitamin C
Vit C is an antioxidant needed for tissue growth and repair. It protects
against infection and increases the immune system. It is essential in formation
of collagen and protects against blood clotting and bruising and promotes
healing of wounds. New evidence suggests that vitamin C and E have greater
effect when they work together. Ester C has naturally bonded minerals that
allow faster absorption and doesn't react with arthritic joints. Some use
it for their arthritis. New Zealand green mussel capsules also are beneficial
to many arthritics. Vit C is enhanced by bioflavanoids see below.
Warnings
Aspirin, alcohol, analgesics, antidepressants, anticoagulants, oral
contraceptives and steroids may reduce vit.C levels in the body. Diabetic
and sulfa drugs may not be as effective when taken with vitaminC. To have
any great effect 500-1000mg vitamin C should be taken daily. A buffered
form is preferred in persons who react to higher dosages in the form of
diarrhoea usually.
Bioflavonoids
The ultimate in antioxidants. Similar to a vitamin C they can't be made
in the body, Also called vitamin P , they are found in lemons, grapes,plums,
black currants, grapefruit, apricots etc. It keeps vitamin C from being
oxidised by copper contain gin enyzmes. Bioflavonoids increase the strength
of the capillaries and regulate their permeability. This helps prevent
haemorrhages and ruptures in capillaries and connective tissue and build
connective tissues. They are used athletic injuries as they relief bumps,
pain, bruises, swelling,. Also anti inflammatory relief in rheumatoids,
helpful in diabetics, for varicose veins, edema and many other conditions.
There are various combinations , all are helpful but some are better for
some conditions than others. E-mail me, include which country you are living
in mgh@voyager.co.nz.
Vitamin E
It improves circulation, repairs tissue, promotes normal clotting and healing,
improves athletic performance and aids leg cramps. The body needs zinc
to maintain proper levels of vit E. Do not take iron at the same time as
vit E. Those with rheumatic heart disease, diabetes, or overactive thyroid
should not take high doses.
Vitamin A
This is needed for epithelial tissue maintenance and repair.
Zinc
It is needed for protein synthesis and collagen formation and promotes
a healthy immune system and wound healing. Those with diarrhoea, kidney
disease, liver cirrhosis, diabetes and fiber have lowered zinc levels.
Do not take more than 100mg/day.
Muscle Cramps
This is commonly caused by a calcium and magnesium imbalance and /or vitamin
E deficiency.. Diuretics may also cause muscle cramps. Add potassium. Poor
circulation may also cause leg cramps. Take calcium 1500mg/day and magnesium
chelate/lactate 750mg/day, vitamin E 400-1000iu/day. Also important is
potassium, silicon, vitB,C,D,A zinc bioflavanoids, DMG,coenyzme Q10, lecithin.Gingko,dong
quai, silica and charparraal especially, is good for leg cramps.
If you wish to find good quality herbs at wholesale price, please e-mail
me at mgh@voyager.co.nz and
state which country you live and I will try to help you. Back
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Disclaimer: Any health related information is for
educational purposes only. None of the information is to be construed as
medical advice.Before applying any therapy, you should seek advice from
your health care professional. This information should not be interpreted
as a SUBSTITUTE for physician evaluation or treatment by a health care
professional, and isn't intended to provide or confirm a diagnosis.
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