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.


PianoMary:   Thanks!  



Sculptsc:   Can either ginko or oatstraw (tea) have numbness in hands and
feet as a side effect? 



Dr. Ellen Kamhi:   Any herb can cause an allergic side effect in some 
individuals.  Ginkgo actually stimulates circulation to the micro 
structures such as arterioles and tiny veins if they are congested with 
plaque or even energy blockages a person might experience tingling which 
may feel like numbness at first. 


Sculptsc:   How quickly? Allerigic reaction?


Dr. Ellen Kamhi:   This is dependent on whether the allergic reaction in a 
given individual is due to IGE- immediate type reaction, or IGG- delayed 
reaction.  So, it can range from minutes to 72 hours 


Dearest:    Dr. Kamhi, for people who are considering starting an herb 
regimen, how do you recommend they begin?  Some people may take five herbs 
at once and not know which might be causing an adverse reaction. 


Dr. Ellen Kamhi:   Its always best to visit a healthcare practitioner  who 
is knowledgeable about herbal medicine.  But, if someone wants to self-
experiment they can always choose one single herb to begin at a time, 
instead of a combination with many herbs 


Dearest:    How does one tell if an herbalist is reputable? 


Dr. Ellen Kamhi:   Reputable herbalists can be found a through The 
American Herbalists Guild.  Also fully licensed Naturopathic Physicians 
are highly trained in Botanical Pharmacology. Then some physicians and 
Chiropractors have taken many courses in herbal medicine. 


Dearest:    Thank you, Dr. Kamhi.  Vpslll, go ahead.


VpsIII:   I am a DES daughter, and estrogen dominant.  Is there a natural 
progesterone supplement, as miso is for estrogen? 


Dr. Ellen Kamhi:   Yes. you can use progesterone cream. It should contain  
at least 400-600mg of progesterone per ounce.  Also, Dong quai, the 
chinese herb is a phytoestrogen that has protective properties against 
aggressive cancer causing estrogens.  Also be sure all your food is organic 
to avoid exposure to xenoestrogens. 


Emoli:   What can be used to stop epileptic seizures without causing a 
recurrence of Breast Cancer? 


Dr. Ellen Kamhi:   Seizures can often be helped through many natural 
methods. One is the intravenous use of the amino acid Taurine, Also the 
mineral Magnesium.  You must work with a health care professional for this. 


RCHCTH:   Is there any reference source to find interactions between 
common prescriptionss and herbs? (like the PDR)


Dr. Ellen Kamhi:   I mention many of them in my book The Natural Medicine Chest. 
However other excellent sources for this information include the 
German Commisssion E.  The report available from The American Botanical 
Council in Austin Texas and the PDR for Herbs. 


Dearest:    Dr. Kamhi, what factors contribute to the sudden tremendous 
popularity of natural medicine (that's been around for thousands of 
years)?  


Dr. Ellen Kamhi:   Great question.  I think it is a return to self 
reliance and realizing the the one drug - one bug theory of a magic pill for 
all ills is a fantasy.  Also according to the Journal of the American 
Medical Association April 15, 1998 issue, article entitled Drug Adverse Reactions 
they state that prescription drugs used as indicated are the fourth 
leading cause of death in the US, so obviously we need to look for a 
better way.  However, I think the massive mania that started in 1996 was 
due to mainstream media exposure, that did not exist before. 


Dearest:    Thanks for that wonderful answer.  Sally, your turn.


Sally1019:   You mentioned earlier that natural progesterone is found in 
licorce root - any idea how much one would have to consume to notice any 
benefits, i.e. licorce root tea? 


Dr. Ellen Kamhi:   This is where standardization can come in handy. Again 
in herbal medicine you do not just use one isolated thing, but instead 
combine the use of an herb, like licorice root, with organic food, 
exercise, meditation and yoga.  Together , you will feel a difference in 
one to two months. 


Dearest:    Hasn't licorice been associated with elevated blood pressure? 


Dr. Ellen Kamhi:   Yes, there are some studies showing that it may raise 
blood pressure.  We use in sparingly in hypertensive patients - and have 
NEVER seen a problem with its use clinically. 


Dearest:    Thank you.  SMiller, go ahead.


SMillerCT:   How much soy is recommended for menopausal symptoms?  Can it 
interfere with estrogen patch?


Dr. Ellen Kamhi:   Use about 1-2 cups of soy milk per day.  Fermented soy 
products such as tempeh are preferred also.  No, it will not interfere 
with the estrogen patch, and may, in fact, be protective against Cancer. 


Sculptsc:   Can herbs have side effects start after you have been taking 
them for several months?


Dr. Ellen Kamhi:   Yes, that is possible.  That's why professional 
herbalists will often "pulse" herbs- use for 6 weeks, six days per week 
and then switch to another herb with a similar effect, then go off for a 
month, and then start the cycle again. 


Dearest:    One last question from me - can a woman treat her menopause 
issues naturally without the use of hormone replacement therapy and expect 
to live a long healthy life? 


Dr. Ellen Kamhi:   Absolutely.  In the clinic that I work at we see 
literally hundreds of women doing just that. Also, remember, the whole 
issue of hormone replacement is actually quite new. Women have been living 
long and healthy live without it since the dawn of time. 


Dearest:    But you did say that if a woman couldn't find relief from 
natural remedies, that naturally compounded low dose hormones are okay?


Dr. Ellen Kamhi:   That is what we use. First a change in diet and 
lifestyle then the use of herbs, amino acids, homeopathics, flower 
remedies, increased exercise, biofeedback, and if all of that does not 
bring relief then we will use compounded hormones. 


Dearest:    And finally, which foods should women avoid during this 
juncture of their lives for optimal health? 


Dr. Ellen Kamhi:   All food that is processed, fried, not organic, too 
much meat, baked goods that are made with hydrogenated oils, and aluminum 
baking powder.  All foods that are not totally natural, as much as 
possible. 


Dearest:    Thank you :) 

Dr. Kamhi, thanks so much for joining us in Power Surge tonight for a very 
informative and stimulating chat about natural remedies via your new book, 
"The Natural Medicine Chest: Natural Medicines to Keep You and Your Family 
Thriving Into the Next Millennium". (M. Evans & Co.)

Those interested in reading Dr. Kamhi's book can find it at amazon.com or on her Web site at: www.naturalnurse.com. 

Share with those of us in the NY and CT area when we can hear your radio show, please.

Dr. Ellen Kamhi:   Friday nights on 90.1fm, 6-7 pm, also on the net at www.VitalCast.com.


Dearest:    Oh, great!

Dr. Ellen Kamhi:   Tuesday night at 6:30pm on 90.3 fm 
Channel 12 News, Daytime Edition, Thursday 9-5.


Dearest:    Thanks so much. It was a pleasure having you. Please come back again soon :)



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Dearest
aka Alice Stamm
Power Surge
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