Dearest: In her latest book, "The Natural Medicine Chest," D R. E L L E N K A M H I provides an illustrated guide including the history, descriptions and uses of more than 50 healing herbs, foods and nutrients to "Keep You and Your Family Thriving Into The Next Millennium." Dr. Kamhi has 30 years of experience in natural medicine and herbology, a doctorate in public health and a degree in nursing. She and her co-author, Dr. Eugene Zampieron, are hosts on New York City and Connecticut radio as well as America's Health Network on cable TV. Dr. Kamhi, welcome to Power Surge. Seeing as how Power Surge is a group interested In midlife women's health issues, especially menopause, please share with us the fascinating story in your book about how natural plant estrogens (phytoestrogens) were discovered by farmers. Dr. Ellen Kamhi: Hi. Natural plant estrogens acted as natural birth control -- much to the farmer's chagrin! Dearest: From what source were the natural plant estrogens? Did they graze the fields eating red clover? Or were they derived from soy beans? Dr. Ellen Kamhi: There are natural plant estrogens found throughout the herbal kingdom. For instance licorice. Licorice root is one herb that actually contains progesterone. Also other animal products. Dearest: So it was in what the livestock ate that provided the natural plant estrogens? Dr. Ellen Kamhi: No definitive research has been done on that. Dearest: Emoli, go ahead. Emoli: From what sources can I get vitamin D? Dr. Ellen Kamhi: Vitamin D is manufactured in our bodies by the skin. Sun exposure of 20 minutes is required. Dearest: Ellen, what about food sources? Dr. Ellen Kamhi: Also fish oils and some vegetable sources- like avocado and sesame seeds. Dearest: Isn't milk supposed to provide vitamin D? Dr. Ellen Kamhi: Milk is FORTIFIED with Vitamin D, but in a very hard to absorb form. Emoli: I can not go into the sun because of medications. Dr. Ellen Kamhi: Then increase use of foods as mentioned. All should be ORGANIC. Sja4home: What are some natural herbs or alternatives we can take/use as we reach post menopause, to help us as we move away from hot flash relief toward osteoporosis and heart maintenance? Dr. Ellen Kamhi: The best approach is to have complete blood tests. Looking at all hormones- estrogens, progesterones, testosterones, DHEA and IGF-1 G. Sja4home: Yes, once that has been done - what are some natural herbs or alternatives? Dr. Ellen Kamhi: Then a complete natural hormone replacement program can be stared. Here are some herbs that can really help: Dong Quai, Agnus Castus (Vitex/chasteberry), Licorice, Siberian Ginseng. Dearest: Dr. Kamhi, is it true that when you buy a brand name herb, such as one manufactured by a leading vitamin manufacturer, Enzymatic Therapy, or some other well known manufacturer that you're getting more quality herbs? And what's the importance of standardization? Dr. Ellen Kamhi: Standardization is a new buzz word that is really a double-edged sword. Dearest: Can you elaborate, please? Dr. Ellen Kamhi: Yes. Herbs have been used for thousands of years before standardization was invented. However, it can be useful in terms of having a similar dose for each person. Even if an herb is standardized it does not mean it is of high quality. For instance, many of the large drug manufacturers are now offering standardized products. However, they are also adding many contaminants along with the standard herbs like dyes, colorings, titanium dioxide, etc. Dearest: I see. It is my impression that, especially where herbs are concerned, it's best to stick with respected companies such as I mentioned above, to be sure you're there's some manner of quality control being conducted. RCH, go ahead, please :) RCHCTH: What can you tell us about Ipriflavone and it's safety? Dr. Ellen Kamhi: Ipriflavone has some great research showing its usefulness for osteoporosis. In fact, it has rivaled Fosimax in terms of effectiveness. I am not aware of any side effects associated with its use. Sally1019: You note 50 healing herbs in your book but what are the dangers in taking combinations of these herbs together at the same time? Dr. Ellen Kamhi: There are specific combinations of herbs that have been use safely for thousands of years. In fact, most traditional medical systems such as the Chinese, Tibeten Ayurvedic and Western Herbalism ALL use combinations of herbs effectively. Herbs are not drugs- used for only one isolated symptom but, are more like eating a salad. That is not to say that ALL herbs are without side effects. Dearest: Excellent point, Dr. Kamhi. There are herbs that shouldn't be combined with certain medications such as St John's Wort and antidepressants, yes? Dr. Ellen Kamhi: The mixing of pharmaceutical drugs and herbs is a new phenomena with no history behind it. We are actually the first generation of guinea pigs right now, in terms of using both together. I have been in practice for over 30 years and have seen only a few serious side effects due to these combinations. Dearest: I understand. However, it's a fairly well known fact that anyone using MAO inhibitors, for example, should avoid using St. John's Wort at the same time because of the similar effects on the body. Have you heard that they're touting the combination of traditional hormone replacement therapy with soy isoflavones - the phytoestrogens acting in an anti-estrogenic manner to provide protection against breast cancer? <to offset the risk of the HRT, that is> Dr. Ellen Kamhi: Yes, this may in fact be useful. However in Natural Medicine we prefer to stay away from drug hormones or to use a safer combination such a combination of estron, estriole and estradiol only in very small amounts - since this is the type of estrogen that carries a cancer risk. Dearest: Thank you :) Mary, go ahead :) PianoMary: Before the chat officially started, we were talking about libido and lack of it. Is there anything natural we can take to help our libidos other than testosterone? Dr. Ellen Kamhi: Yes there are many herbal aphrodisiacs for both men and women. The aroma therapy oil ylang ylang can be useful. Also KAVA KAVA puts many people in "The Mood" sometimes Kava is not great as a sexual stimulant for men because it may interfere with an erection, but for women it can heighten an orgasm. Vitamin E used intravaginally, along with progesterone cream can also heighten libido. In Chinese medicine they may recommend pills which contain human placenta. by Power Surge. All Rights Reserved.