Lemon Balm – Melissa Officinalis

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Lemon Balm: Scientific Evidence

Randomized Clinical Trials (RCTs) are considered the highest form of scientific evidence.  A group of people with the same condition are divided into two groups, and randomly assigned to receive the medicine or a placebo.  Neither the patient nor the doctors know which group they are in until the results are assessed.

The following are RCTs in the National Library of Medicine listed when you search “Melissa Officinalis double blind.”

BMC Complement Med Ther. July 2020.  Results: Our study showed that Lemon Balm and Lavender effect similar to fluoxetine (Prozac) in mild to moderate depression. (1)

J Complement Integr Med. Jan 2019.  Results: Safe and significant effects in terms of decreasing the serum level of triglyceride (TG), and blood pressure in Diabetic patients.  (2)

Integr Med Res Dec 2018.  The primary outcomes were insomnia, depression and anxiety. Results: All primary outcomes of herbal treatment were significantly improved compared with placebo after four weeks’ treatment. (3)

Phytother Res Mar 2019.  Results: It seems that M. officinalis is safe and effective in improvement of lipid profile, glycemic control, and reduction of inflammation. (4)

Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2018. Conclusion: Oral Lemon Balm supplementation improves the lipid profile, inflammation, and oxidative stress in patients with Chronic Stable Angina over 8 weeks. (5)

Clin Nutr ESPEN Aug 2018. Conclusions: The results showed that 8-week supplementation with Lemon Balm can decrease depression, anxiety, stress, and sleep disorder in patients with Chronic Stable Angina. (6)

Iran J Pharm Res. Winter 2018.  Results: The increase in desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and Female Sexual Function Index total score in the M. officinalis group was significantly more than that of the placebo group. The willingness to continue treatment was significantly higher in the M. officinalis as compared to the placebo group.  M. officinalis may be a safe and effective herbal medicine for the improvement of Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder in women. (7)

Phytomedicine Jan 2018.  Conclusion: The results show that Lemon Balm, Passion Flower, Valerian and Butterbur significantly attenuated the subjective emotional stress response during an acute stress situation, without affecting biological stress responses. (8)

Arch Gerontol Geriatr Ap 2018. Conclusion: The Frankincense and Lemon Balm tablet in older adults can be beneficial on improvement of memory. (9)

Iran J Pharm Res. 2018.  Results: The present study demonstrated that Melissa officinalis decreases the severity of the systemic signs associated with menstruation. (10)

Iran J Pharm Res 2017.  Results: M. officinalis may decrease dysmenorrhea, which may be related to antispasmodic effects of this herb. (11)

Complement Ther Med Jun 2016. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrated that M. officinalis supplementation as a rich source of antioxidants and bioactive compounds can be effective in remission of LDL cholesterol and AST (Liver enzymes) levels in patients with borderline hyperlipidemia. (12)

Nurs Midwifery Stud. Jun 2015. Conclusions: M. officinalis capsules were effective in reduction of the PMS symptoms. (13)

J Ethnopharmacol. Ap 2015. Results: M. officinalis leaves reduced frequency of heart palpitation episodes and significantly reduced the number of anxious patients in comparison to the placebo. (14)

Dig Dis Sci. Aug 2006. The results showed that the severity and frequency of IBS abdominal pain/discomfort were significantly lower in the Lemon Balm group than the placebo group at the end of the treatment. (15)

Phytother Res. Feb 2006. Conclusions: These results suggest that a combination of Melissa officinalis and Valeriana officinalis possesses anxiolytic properties that deserve further investigation. (16)

Phytother Res Apr 2005. Conclusion: The present study shows that colic in breastfed infant improves within 1 week of treatment with an extract based on Chamomile, Fennel and Melissa officinalis. (17)

Eur J Med Res. Sep 2004. Results: The changes (in brain waves) as observed after the application of this herbal composition (Lemon Balm, Oats, Hops, Lavender) are therefore in line with the idea of having induced a state of relaxation and regeneration. T his interpretation suggests that one could expect from the ingestion of this medicine to better cope with psychological and emotional stress. (18)

Psychosom Med Aug 2004. Results: The results showed that the 600-mg dose of Melissa ameliorated the negative mood effects of the DISS (Stress Simulation), with significantly increased self-ratings of calmness and reduced self-ratings of alertness. In addition, a significant increase in the speed of mathematical processing, with no reduction in accuracy, was observed after ingestion of the 300-mg dose. (19)

Neuropsychopharmacology Oct 2003.  Results: These results suggest that doses of Melissa officinalis can improve cognitive performance and mood and may therefore be a valuable adjunct in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. (20)

Phytomedicine 1999.  Results:  Lemon Balm is effective for the treatment of herpes simplex labialis. (21)

Phytomedicine 1994.  Results: The studies provided the proof that Lemon Balm gave protection against herpes simplex infections. The initiation of the treatment in the very early stages of the infection revealed itself as most effective. (22)

True Health and Gaia Arise Farmacy feature Lemon Balm in True Mood Lift, True Calm, Calm Feminine Vitality, and True Viral Defense.

 

Ashwagandha – Withania Somnifera

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Ashwagandha: Scientific Evidence

alzheimerRandomized Clinical Trials are considered the highest form of scientific evidence.  A group of people with the same condition are divided into two groups, and randomly assigned to receive the medicine or a placebo.  Neither the patient nor the doctors know which group they are in until the results are assessed.

When you search “Ashwagandha Double Blind” on the National Library of Medicine database, you get 34 results.

Sleep Med. Mar 2020:  Results: A total of 144 subjects completed the study, with no dropouts due to adverse events.  A 72% increase in self-reported sleep quality was found for the treatment group, compared with 29% in the placebo group.  Based on activity monitoring data, the treatment group showed significant improvement in sleep efficiency, total sleep time, and wake after sleep onset versus placebo after six weeks. In the Ashwagandha group quality of life scores showed significant improvement in physical, psychological, and environment domains. (1)

Curr. Clin. Pharmacol. Ap 13, 2020. Results: Comparison of the Anxiety scores during the course of the trial revealed a significant amelioration of Anxiety score in the treatment group versus placebo. Moreover, there was a significant difference in the reduction of General Anxiety score between the second and sixth week in the treatment group.  Ashwagandha was safe and no adverse effect was observed during the trial. (2)

Cureus Feb 23, 2020.  Conclusion: The study outcomes suggest that Ashwagandha root extract was efficient in improving the Quality of Life, sleep quality, and mental alertness as self-assessed by the elderly participants. (3)

Pharmaceuticals Mar 2020. Results: Ashwagandha (and Andrographis) significantly improved cognitive performance in the d2-Test for attention and the concentration performance test after four weeks’ treatment. (4)

Cureus Dec 25, 2019  Results: Compared to the placebo group participants, the participants receiving Ashwagandha had significant improvement in sleep quality. Conclusion Ashwagandha root aqueous extract was beneficial in reducing stress and anxiety. (5)

Phytotherapy Res. Mar 2020.  Results: Ashwagandha extract improved performance on cognitive tasks, executive function, attention, and reaction time. It also appears to be well tolerated, with good adherence and minimal side effects. (6)

Cureus Sept 28 2019. Conclusion: Ashwagandha root extract is a natural compound with sleep-inducing potential, well tolerated and improves sleep quality and sleep onset latency in patients with insomnia. (7)

Medicine Sept 2019.  Results: All participants completed the trial with no adverse events reported. In comparison with the placebo, ashwagandha supplementation was associated with a statistically significant reduction in the Anxiety.  Ashwagandha intake was also associated with greater reductions in morning cortisol, and DHEA-S compared with the placebo. (8)

Ann. Clin. Psychiatry May 2019. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that Ashwagandha may hold promise in the treatment of depression and anxiety symptoms in schizophrenia. (9)

Am J Mens Health Mar-Ap 2019.  Conclusion: Ashwagandha intake was associated with an 18% greater increase in DHEA-S and 14.7% greater increase in testosterone compared to the placebo. (10)

Nutrients Nov 2018.  Conclusions: A 500 mg dose of an aqueous extract of Ashwagandha improves upper and lower-body strength, supports a favorable distribution of body mass, and was well tolerated clinically in recreationally active men over a 12-week resistance training and supplementation period. (11)

J Clin Psychiatry July 2018. Conclusions: This early study suggests that adjunctive treatment with a standardized extract of Ashwagandha provides significant benefits, with minimal side effects, for negative, general, and total symptoms and stress in patients with recent exacerbation of schizophrenia. (12)

Indian J Tuberc. July 2018.  Conclusion: Use of W. somnifera as an adjuvant in conjunction with anti-TB drugs used as DOTS showed a favorable effect on symptoms and immunological parameters in patients with pulmonary TB. (13)

J Altern Complement Med Mar 2018.  Results: Ashwagandha treatment effectively normalized the serum thyroid indices during the 8-week treatment period in a significant manner. (14)

Thats how Real Doctors treat a thyroid problem.  Give thyroid hormone until the “numbers are right.”  You can do that with Ashwagandha, according to this study!

J Diet Suppl. 2017 Nov. Results: Results: After eight weeks of study, the Ashwagandha treatment group demonstrated significant improvements compared with the placebo group in both immediate and general memory, and demonstrated significantly greater improvement in executive function, sustained attention, and information-processing speed. (in patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment). (15)

J Ayurveda Integ. Med Jul-Sep 2016.  Results: At the end of 12 weeks, compared to baseline and placebo, significant reductions were observed in mean knee pain in the Ashwagandha groups. VAS scores for pain, stiffness and disability were significantly reduced with Ashwagandha. (16)

Complement Ther Med. Aug 2016. Conclusion: Aswagandha extract may be beneficial as a safe and effective adjunct to SSRIs in the treatment of OCD. (17)

J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med. Jan 2017. Results: The outcome of this study suggests that Ashwagandha root extract can be used for body weight management in adults under chronic stress.  The treatment group significantly improved in perceived stress and happiness, food cravings, cortisol levels, and body composition. (18)

Ayu Jan-Mar 2015. Conclusion: The findings suggest that Ashwagandha root extract enhances the cardiorespiratory endurance and improves Quality Of Life in healthy athletic adults. (19)

J Int Soc Sports Nut. Nov 2015. Conclusion: This study reports that Ashwagandha supplementation is associated with significant increases in muscle mass and strength and suggests that Ashwagandha supplementation may be useful in conjunction with a resistance training program. (20)

Biomed Res Int 2015. Results: The analysis indicates that treatment with Ashwagandha leads to significantly higher improvement, relative to placebo, in the Female Sexual Function Index Total score for “arousal”, “lubrication”, “orgasm”, and “satisfaction”, and also Female Sexual Distress Scale score and the number of successful sexual encounters at the end of the treatment. (21)

Pharmacognosy Res. Jan 2014. Conclusion: These results suggest that Ashwagandha extract can improve cognitive and psychomotor performance and may, therefore, be a valuable adjunct in the treatment of diseases associated with cognitive impairment. (22)

J Clin Psychiatry Nov 2013. Conclusions: Although results are preliminary, Ashwagandha appears to improve auditory-verbal working memory (digit span backward), a measure of reaction time, and a measure of social cognition in bipolar disorder.  Given the paucity of data for improving cognitive capacity in bipolar disorder, Ashwagandha offers promise, appears to have a benign side-effects profile, and merits further study. (23)

Indian J of Pharmacol. July-Aug 2013.  Summary: Antipsychotics meds, used in Schizophrenia, are associated with significant increases in blood sugar abnormalities.  Ashwagandha significantly improved blood sugar metabolism in Schizophrenic patients prescribed antipsychotics in 30 days. (24)

Indian J of Psychol Med July 2012.  Results: The treatment group that was given the high-concentration full-spectrum Ashwagandha root extract exhibited a significant reduction in scores on all the stress-assessment scales on Day 60, relative to the placebo group. The serum cortisol levels were substantially reduced in the Ashwagandha group, relative to the placebo group. The adverse effects were mild in nature and were comparable in both the groups. AKA no more harmful than a placebo.  (25)

Int J Ayurveda Res Oct 2010. Conclusions: Livwin (a chinese herbal medicine that includes Ashwagandha) is found effective in uncomplicated patients of acute viral hepatitis. (26)

J Atten Disorder Nov 2010. Conclusions: The well-tolerated Chinese herbal medicine (including Ashwagandha) demonstrated improved attention, cognition, and impulse control in the intervention group, indicating promise for ADHD treatment in children.  (27)

J Clin Rheumatol. Oct 2004. Conclusion: This controlled drug trial demonstrates the potential efficacy and safety of Ashwagandha, Turmeric, Ginger and Frankincense in the symptomatic treatment of OsteoArthritic knees over 32 weeks of therapy. (28)

Indian J Psychiatry July 2000. It is concluded that this ethanolic extract of Withania somnifera has useful anxiolytic potential and merits further investigation. (29)

Our products with Ashwagandha are True Calm, and True Thyroid Repair, and True Focus.

 

Andrographis Paniculata

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Andrographis: Scientific Evidence

andrographisRandomized Clinical Trials are considered the highest form of scientific evidence.  A group of people with the same condition are divided into two groups, and randomly assigned to receive the medicine or a placebo.  Neither the patient nor the doctors know which group they are in until the results are assessed.

When you search Andrographis Double Blind on the National Library of Medicine database, you get 19 results.

Pharmaceuticals March 14, 2020. Results: Andrographis and Ashwagandha significantly improved cognitive performance in the d2-Test for attention and the concentration performance test after four weeks’ treatment, and was positively correlated with increases in brain activity in the quantitative EEG compared with placebo during cognitive challenges. (1)

I think of Andrographis more for immune conditions, but Alzheimers is considered and inflammatory condition.  I think of Ashwagandha more for stress and cognition.  Doctors in Germany thought of putting these two together for mild cognitive impairment, which is precursor to Dementia.  They improved in just 4 weeks!  It was only 16 people, but with no side effects, why wouldn’t you TRY it!?

Phytotherapy Research May 2019.  Results: Patients (103) treated with Andrographis showed a significant reduction in pain at days 28, 56, and 84 compared with a placebo group. WOMAC stiffness scores, physical function score, and the fatigue score showed a significant improvement compared with the placebo group.  At the end of the study, the quality of life (SF-36 questionnaire) and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACIT) scores showed significant improvements compared with the placebo group.  Overall, it can be concluded that Andrographis was found to be effective and safe in reducing pain in individuals suffering from mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis. (2)

BMC Neurology May 23, 2016. Results: MS Patients treated with Andrographis paniculata showed a significant reduction in their Fatigue score as compared to the placebo, equivalent to a 44 % reduction at 12 months. (3)

Annals of Gastroenterology April-June 2015 -Large, double-blind clinical studies assessing the most commonly used natural substances should urgently be conducted. (4)

That is a literature review, and what they reviewed was so promising that they felt it urgent to get the studies done!  But no money in Nature, so nobody is willing to spend money to do the studies.  A culture guided by the feminine wouldn’t be so concerned about profit.  They would do anything to help their fellow man.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease:  Conclusions: Andrographis inhibits the development of chronic colitis by affecting early T-cell proliferation, and immune responses in a T-cell-driven model of colitis, presenting a unique mechanism of action. Our data suggest that Andrographis could be an attractive herbal therapeutic for inflammatory bowel disease.  (5)

This was in animal models (mice) but with no side effects, why are we holding back healing!?

Ailment Pharmacol Ther: Results: One hundred and twenty patients at five centres in China were randomised and dosed.  Clinical remission and response were seen in 21% and 76% of Andrographis treated patients, and 16% and 82% of mesalazine-treated patients. By colonoscopy, remission and response were seen in 28% and 74% of Andrographis treated patients and 24% and 71% of mesalazine-treated patients, respectively. There was no significant difference between the two treatment groups. (6)

Mesalazine is a pharmaceutical the earns 30-ish million per year, and retails for around $400 for a one month supply.  It runs the risk of liver and kidney failure.  You can get Andrographis for around $30 for a one month supply, and your side effects include a stronger immune system and better memory and focus.  And it works JUST AS WELL as mesalazine, an FDA approved treatment for colitis, in 120 Chinese patients.

Phytomedicine March 2010: Results: On between groups analysis, the Andrographis group showed significant reduction in overall symptom scores as compared to placebo group.  In both placebo and Andrographis treated groups, there were only a few minor adverse effects with no significant difference in occurrence (No more “side effects” than a placebo). The comparison of overall efficacy of Andrographis over placebo was found to be significant, and it was 2.1 times (52.7%) higher than placebo. The findings of this study revealed that Andrographis was effective in reducing symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection. (7)

Clinical Rheumatology August 2009:  Results: In Rheumatoid Arthritis patients, a significant improvement in joint tenderness, number of tender or swollen joints, total grade of tender or swollen joints, and quality of life health questionnaires was observed within the group with the active drug (Andrographis).  Moreover, it was associated with a reduction of rheumatoid factor, IgA, and C4.  (Inflammatory lab markers).  (8)

Planta Med. April 2004: Results: Collectively, the data suggest that Andrographis paniculata is superior to placebo in alleviating the subjective symptoms of uncomplicated upper respiratory tract infection. There is also preliminary evidence of a preventative effect. (9). Proof it works as a preventative. (9.5)

Phytomedicine May 2003: It works for Familial Mediterranean Fever too! (10)

Phytomedicine Oct. 2002: Huh? We already knew it worked for Upper Respiratory Infections including sinus infection. (11)

Phytomedicine Feb. 1996: Results: From the results evaluated it is quite clear that Andrographis decreases the subjective symptoms of common cold as well as shortening of the period of sick leave significantly. (12)

Journal of Med. Assoc. Thai. Oct 1991: Andrographis worked just as well as Tylenol for strep-throat pain relief.  (13)

True Health features Andrographis in True Cold/Flu Relief.

Reconnect to Mother

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**Photo Credit:  WiccaMagazine.com

When I was a little boy, and all through high school, I was allergic to Nature.  Pollen, dust, mold, and cats would leave me feeling miserable.  Irritated eyes, runny nose, sneezing dozens of times in a row!

I was Disconnected from Mother Nature.

I preferred to stay in the safety of my home and watch movies or play video games!

My symptoms and disconnection from Nature were created by Modern Medicine.  In the first year of my life, I caught a cold.  My mother brought me to a doctor, who prescribed antibiotics.  It is common knowledge in medical circles, that antibiotics weaken your immune system and even one round has a 25-40% risk of an opportunistic infection, the most common being Candida (a type of fungus).  Or worse, a lower percentage get the antibiotic resistant killer bacteria C.Diff.

I was sick again in a couple months.  More antibiotics.  And again, and again.  I don’t know how many rounds I was given in my first year of life, but it was multiple.  By the time I completed a year, my immune system was so un-balanced and unhealthy that I developed Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia (ITP).  ITP is an autoimmune disease that attacks platelets, the clotting part of blood.  Leaving you very fragile and breakable.  Just my Moms holding hands would bruise my body.  She was accused of child abuse, so she tried not to pick me up.

Thankfully, I don’t recall how long she left me crying, wanting some Nurturing caregiving, to relieve my pain and heal my body.  There’s a part of me that wonders if my little body was trying to leave this hurtful planet, where my Mom was kicked out of church for getting a divorce and then accused her of abuse, when this woman needed the support of a community.  IDK.

If it was a suicide attempt, Modern Medicine messed that up too.  They removed my Spleen to stop the autoimmune attack, forcing me to keep living.

Modern Medicine wrecked my immune system, removed the organ that makes white blood cells, and left me allergic to Mother.  Nature.  Too Sensitive.

I tried anti-histamines, and I preferred the allergy symptoms to the side effects of anti-histamines.

But I kept testing.  I found an inhaler called Nasal-Crom.  It actually made me feel better without any noticeable side effects!  And as a college graduate, I was a life time customer, of Nasal-Crom.

I mean, I had allergies, and I was too sensitive, so I’d have to manage that with my medicine for the rest of my life, and put up with the worst times, when even my medicine wouldn’t help.

Now a doctor, I took my medicine.  Then the dumbest thing…I decided a patient needed Echinacea, so I ordered a bottle.  I ordered a bottle that this company sells in bulk for mixing medicines.

Put a bit into the allergy mix, and some in the infection blend, because it boosts your immune defenses.

Allergy

Echinacea

Only I didn’t know that.  I sold her what the medicine company sold me.  It retailed over $100.  She pushed it back toward me and said, “no thanks.”  Humira is the top selling pharmaceutical drug, earning Abbvie Pharmaceuticals 14 Billion per year.  It retails for $1400 per month.  A $100 bottle of Echinacea lasted me all winter.  Not knowing what to do with a tincture, I just took it myself.

When spring arrived, I noticed that my allergies were considerably better!  Like 40-50% improved from the previous spring!  What a relief!!

Albizia

As I continued exploring plant medicines, I found Albizia.  Albizia has traditionally been used for depression and allergies.  Doctors in India tested it on animals and said…

Results and conclusion: Results support the conclusion that Albizia lebbeck at different concentrations has got potent mast cell stabilizing property. (Mast cells release histamine) This inhibitory potential  from Albizia is perhaps due to modulation of two important effector’s functions, histamine release and cytokine expression of antigen -IgE activated mast cells.

Yes, I know.  Doctors are difficult to understand.  What it says is that Albizia is a very potent medicine as an antihistamine and immune regulator.  (1). Caution, you may experience less depression when you take your allergy medicine.  (2). But no harmful side effects were noted.

When I added Albizia to Echinacea, the next spring, I walked out to my car for work, noticing the yellow pollen covering my car.  Something was wrong.  I didn’t have any itchy, sneezy, runny nose or irritated eyes.  ZERO.  I sniffed a couple times to assure that my nose was still working.  Yup, working peacefully.  Not too sensitive or irritable!

I’ve had some relapses since.

A fungal sinus infection set everything back for a couple years, but I could use True Allergy Relief now, instead of Nasal Crom, with better symptomatic relief, but not “resolved” like the previous year.  I had added Nettles to the Allergy Blend because I read it was helpful.  In fact, a “safe, natural therapy that may be used as primary therapy” for allergies.  (3)

After a couple years, I made it back to “resolved.”  No allergy symptoms.  Then the forest fires and smoke in Asheville brought them back, and my Allergy Relief wasn’t working!  I added Goldenrod and Eyebright, which resolved the irritation of the smoke filled air.

It is still my achilles heal.  Allergies and sensitivities.  If life brings it (stress) hard, it will be my first symptom of not handling it well, or taking on more than I can handle.  I actually had winter allergies when my wife requested a divorce.  My insurance reimbursement (our income) was taken away for helping a woman with a medical condition, and she was sick of a sensitive man who doesn’t take criticism well.  I know, sensitivity is terribly annoying to a masculine, critical, controlling, hurtful world!

“Too Sensitive” tends to hide in this world.  Just stay away from the harshness.  I like movies.  The helpful, sensitive men are frequently the heroes.

Our Allergy Relief is the bomb for treating environmental sensitivity.  Add Digest-Ease for food allergies.  I’ve only had one person not able to return to Gluten with that combo, so celiac disease does exist, but it is very rare.

I also have a medicine for People Sensitivity.  Too sensitive to hurtfulness.  They call sensitivity to hurtfulness a disease.  Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD).  This medicine is proven to help by the highest form of scientific validation, the double blind, placebo controlled randomized clinical trial.

Doctors talk funny.  Lol.

-DrStone… with unconditional love.  I’d never judge your choice, but if you want results with allergies, I’d choose True Allergy Relief!  And a reconnection with Mother Nature.  Ironic.  Allergic to Nature from Medicines helping me.  Resolved by Mothers medicine.

**Photo Credit:  WiccaMagazine.com