RESCU: Which herbal remedies are best for relieving stress and anxiety?
Stephen Eddey: The best way to deal with stress is to get rid of the stress. Most of us can’t do that because the stress is often out of our control. The next best thing to do is increase your body’s health and wellness to help fight the stress. Thus, exercising and eating a diet full of veggies, fruit, salads, fish, meats, eggs, nut and seeds and avoiding grains and sugars will greatly reduce the burden of stress on the body.
Herbs to relieve general anxiety include Chamomile Teas and Lemon Balm. If the stress is keeping you awake, then taking herbs such as Valerian and Passionflower before bed are excellent sleep aids. If the stress is long term and wearing the person down mentally and physically then Korean Ginseng and Withania are excellent tonics for the body and mind.
RESCU: Are there any herbal treatments that can delay ageing?
Stephen Eddey: Accelerated ageing is driven by a number of factors. One of the more important factors that drive accelerated aging is inflammation. Long term ingestion of natural, non toxic anti-inflammatory agents are highly beneficial. Inflammation is raised in age related diseases such as heart disease, Alzheimer’s Disease, Arthritis and cancer.
We can certainly delay the effects of ‘inflammaging’, or the age related diseases that are driven by ageing such as heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease, using herbs. For example, as we age we tend to get more Cardiovascular Disease and regular consumption of Hawthorn Berries helps to support good Cardiovascular Health.
There is interesting research being done on an antioxidant found in some herbs called Resveratrol. Resveratrol activates the longevity genes in some animal species and may have a positive effect on ageing in humans also. Japanese Knotweed is claimed to be the highest known source of Resveratrol (containing 1,000 times the Resveratrol content of Grapes).
Probably the most exciting potential anti-ageing agent is Rosehip because of its anti-inflammatory activities and its non-toxic profile. It ticks all the boxes associated with ‘inflammaging’.
RESCU: What are some natural remedies for Arthritis and Achy joints?
Stephen Eddey: Arthritis and aching joints are a direct result of inflammation. Complementary therapies are increasingly playing a role in the fight to alleviate Arthritic pain and there are several that are supported by clinical trials.
One of those is Rosehip [Rosa Canina L.], which has been used for countless generations in European herbal medicine and more recently for the symptomatic relief of joint pain, Arthritis and Rheumatism. The deep-root system of the plant enables it to access and absorb a vast array of natural vitamins and minerals – making it one of the most natural forms of Vitamin C. Not only does it work as an anti-inflammatory, but recent research indicates that it may even help to slow down the disease process.
Rosehip Powder has also been the subject over 30 clinical and scientific studies for the natural relief of both Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis. This includes a recent study just published in the major medical journal Phytomedicine, which showed that Rosehip Powder may be effective for controlling some of the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Other common complementary therapies used for the relief of Arthritic pain include Fish Oil and herbal anti-inflammatories, such as Turmeric, Ginger and Boswellia.
RESCU: What are some things we have to be wary about when taking multiple herbal remedies?
Stephen Eddey: There can be numerous interactions between other common herbal medicines and many medications. As a result, it is always best to seek professional advice from the Herbalist or Naturopath before taking herbal medicines.
One common example is the herb Hypericum. It alters the rate of detoxification of drugs from the body, potentially increasing the amount of a drug in the system. Again, the golden rule is see your Healthcare Practitioner if you are taking medications and herbal medicines together to avoid overdosing.
Rescu. Recommends:
Rose-Hip Vital Powder ($52.95)
Exclusive to the Australian marketplace, it contains the patented Galactolipid (GOPO®) compound, which was discovered five years ago in Denmark and may temporarily relieve the pain of Arthritis, Osteoarthritis and Rheumatism. It may also increase joint mobility, relieve inflammation and joint swelling, and improve the symptoms of lower back pain. Rose-hip Vital tablets are also available.
For stockist information, call 1800 851 888, or go to www.rosehipvital.com.au