Written by Katolen Yardley, MNIMH, Medical Herbalist

Herbal medicine offers invaluable aid for chronic digestive disorders as well as common symptoms of overeating including heart burn, indigestion, cramping and bloating. As most herbal medicines are taken orally, they come into direct contact with the mucous membranes lining the digestive tract, offering quick relief. Herbal medicines offer gentle, non-habit forming alternatives to over-the-counter and prescription medications and are suitable for long term aid. The medical actions of herbs are often categorized into groups according to their therapeutic action.

Digestive stimulants help to increase or improve digestive activities. Two of the main categories of stimulant herbs are bitters and hepatics (herbs which support the liver). Bitters have been used traditionally, sipped before meals. Herbal bitters act to stimulate the release of gastric juice and digestive enzymes for optimal digestion. They also help to increase appetite. Bitters have a general tonic action on digestion, stimulating the body’s self repair mechanisms. Some bitter herbs include wormwood, centaury, yarrow and gentian. Bitter herbs are consumed in small amounts and should not be ingested in conditions of excess stomach acid or ulcers. Hepatics are herbs that strengthen tone and support the liver. The liver is our primary organ for cleansing and detoxification, facilitating the deactivation of hormones, drugs, food additives and pollutants. The liver is involved in carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism and helps to maintain stable blood sugar levels. It is also involved in both the synthesis of cholesterol and its breakdown into bile salts. In addition, the liver provided storage for fat soluble vitamins. Examples of Hepatic herbs include: dandelion root, wild yam root, yellow dock root.

Digestive Relaxants, in contrast, help to reduce over-activity and relax tissues. These herbs are used in a clinic environment to reduce bloating and stomach distension. Carminative herbs are plants that contain volatile oils, the component of the plant that imparts the familiar fragrant/aromatic scent associated with many dried herbs. Their main action in digestion is to soothe and settle the gut wall, ease cramping and expel wind from the stomach and intestines, while providing gentle anti spasmodic properties. Some common carminative herbs containing a characteristic scent include caraway seed, fennel seed, peppermint leaf, ginger root and anise seed.

Herbal medicines are gentle and ideal for incorporating into one’s daily routine. Digestive herbs can be used in either tea or tincture form. An adult general dosage for herbal teas is 1 tsp. of the herb for every cup of boiled water, steeped for 15 minutes; 3-4 cups daily will provide a medicinal dose. When using tinctures, the dosage varies depending upon the herbs used. A standard adult dose is generally 2-3 ml taken 2-3 times daily.

Katolen Yardley, MNIMH is a Medical Herbalist in private practice at Alchemy & Elixir Health Group in Vancouver, BC. www.alchemyelixir.com or www.katolenyardley.com 

We will cover a general overview of digestive function, coupled with learning the actions and application of key digestive aids including: herbal astringents, bitters, carminatives, digestive relaxants and demulcent herbs in terms of supporting common digestive complaints (from indigestion, irritable bowel, gas and bloating, to stimulating a poor appetite).

An interactive evening, combined with herb tasting and fun!

Taught by Katolen Yardley, MNIMH, Medical Herbalist.

Date: Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Time: 6:00- 7:30 pm

Cost: $ 10 cash or cheque at the door. Space is limited. Pre registration and prepayment required. All materials and handouts provided.

Location: Alchemy & Elixir Health Group # 320-1026 Davie St. Vancouver, BC. V6E 1M3

To register call 604-683-2298 or email at info@alchemyelixir.com

Taught by Julia McKinley, EFT- Adv

Time: 6:00-7:30, Wednesday, April 7th, 2010

DETAILS: Tap away food cravings with Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), an energy based therapy that uses simple tapping on acupressure points along with focused thought and visualization. Learn how cravings and negative emotions are linked to energy blockages within our energy meridian system. Bring your favourite “problem food” that you would like to eliminate cravings for. You will learn how to use EFT and gain an understanding of how our mind and body’s connect to create cravings and overeating. We will address underlying emotional connections to food and working in a supportive, relaxed and fun group environment we will learn and practise using EFT for our food cravings and related Weight loss issues.

Julia McKinley is a certified EFT practitioner practising from Alchemy & Elixir Health Group in the West End of Vancouver. Julia assists clients in working with their energy and emotions to eliminate pain, problems and negative emotions from their lives. With EFT, the focus is on whole person and on reducing, stress, anxiety, limiting beliefs and painful memories that may be underlying the client’s problems and holding them back from fully realizing their potential for health, happiness and success in life.

LOCATION: Alchemy & Elixir Health Group, 320-1026 Davie Street, Vancouver

TIME: 6:00-7:30 pm on Wednesday, April 7th, 2010

PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED as space is limited. Please call (778)-846-2176 and speak to Julia at Healing Flower Therapy or call (604)-683-2298 for Alchemy & Elixir Health Group, please leave a message if you reach our voice mail.

PRICE: 10$ will be collected at the door, cash or cheque only. Julia can be contacted either through the website www.alchemyelixir.com or e-mail julia.mckinley@healingflowertherapy.com 

Taught by Sharon Green, Registered Holistic Nutritionist (RHN)

Time: 6:00-7:30, Wednesday, January 20, 2010

DETAILS: Quinoa, Kamut, Buckwheat, Millet, Barley, Wheat Berries, Kasha…. we have all heard these names before, however what are they and what do I do with them?

Learn what these ancient grains are, instructions on how to cook them and how to use them.

One of the integral ingredients to a wholesome diet is including complex carbohydrates into our dietary practices. Whole grains possess a significant nutritional impact and are a considerable source of insoluble fibre, which balances blood sugar levels and aid in digestion.

Sharon Green is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist (RHN) practicing from Alchemy & Elixir Health Group in the West End of Vancouver. As a RHN, She assists clients in determining, altering and executing healthful choices in their lives. The focus is on whole foods, their importance for optimum health cannot be understated and with a consorted effort to ultimately eliminate refined, processed foods.Mindful, well managed food practices may also aid in the prevention of diseases.

LOCATION: Alchemy & Elixir Health Group, 320-1026 Davie Street, Vancouver

PRE-REGISTERATION REQUIRED as space is limited. Please call (604)-729-3844 ~ Being Well Nutritional Consulting or (604)-683-2298 for Alchemy & Elixir Health Group, please leave message if reach voice mail.

PRICE: 10$ will be collected at the door, cash or cheque only.

Sharon can be contacted either through the website www.alchemyelixir.com or e-mail beingwell@shaw.ca

LEARN A FRESH FOUNDATION, RAW FOOD HEALTH SECRETS & tips to help increase energy, mental focus, sleep well, release weight, save money, the environment and look & feel fantastic!

TASTE delicious, easy recipes the whole family (&your body) will love!

EXPERIENCE healthy, organic, gourmet, nutrient-dense meals

RAW FOOD TO LIVE FOR – INTRO TO LIVE FOODS

You will leave this class, inspired, motivated & with the knowledge of how to begin eating raw & make delicious meals for yourself others.

Experience: breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks & desserts. Bring your appetite!

9 gourmet dishes provided!

WHEN: Sunday, February 7th, 2010 from 2-6 pm

WHERE: Alchemy & Elixir Health Group, # 320- 1026 Davie St , Vancouver, BC, V6E 1M3

INVESTMENT: reg.$150/person *EARLY BIRDS Just $100/person + GST

REGISTER BEFORE DEC 31, 2009 & SAVE $50/person! (all prices exclusive of GST)

REGISTER TODAY: http://www.rawfoundation.ca/Classes_Events_BDXT.html 

OR CALL Janice at 778.839.8424

Nationally recognized Live-Foods Health Chef & owner of RAW Foundation Culinary Arts Institute, Janice Skoreyko inspires & motivates, people to build a solid foundation of sound nutrition principles & the healthiest eating habits with fast, easy, delicious recipes from the vibrant world of living foods. Come, learn to prepare gourmet recipes quickly, simply, & bursting with flavor! Space is limited. Preregistration and prepayment required. Register today!

~written by Katolen Yardley, MNIMH, Medical Herbalist

L’ glutamine is the most widely used amino acid within our bodies, found with in both the bloodstream and in muscle tissue. When the body is under extended stress, levels of glutamine can become depleted, resulting in needed supplementation from external sources.

Glutamine is used to produce protein, used for energy and as fuel for the mucous membranes lining the digestive tract and for most cells in the body.

In the digestive tract glutamine is used to promote the healing of damaged cells by stimulating regeneration and growth for new healthy cell turnover, to minimise the effects of food sensitivities and allergies and to protect and help heal a leaky gut. Quality of glutamine is important. The best sources of glutamine are from fermented beets. Lower quality glutamine products are sourced from crab shells and by-products of glucosamine.

L’glutamine can offer the best health enhancement with taken during times of increased intestinal permeability (antibiotic use, leaky gut syndrome and times of extended stress). L’ glutamine can assist with enhancing energy levels, and an improved sense of wellbeing,

Dosage varies depending upon the reason used, although 500 mg taken 3-4 times daily is often a standard, recommended dosage. This supplement can be taken during the day or at night to support further healing during the sleep cycle.

For athletes, glutamine can help enhance recovery after a workout, healing due to overtraining. L’ glutamine helps to enhance immune system function, used as a fuel for white blood cell function, and studies show that glutamine helps to enhance the lymphocytes cells which fight illness.

For individuals working with balancing the bodies PH, glutamine acts as a buffer for acidic conditions and plays a role in the maintenance of a healthy acid/ alkaline balance.

~ written by Katolen Yardley, MNIMH, Medical Herbalist

Alfalfa leaves, the latin name being Medicago sativa, is a plant origionally native to asia, but now is found growing abundantly throughout the world. Alfalfa is rich in isoflavone properties, coumarins, sterols, rich in enzymes including amylase, lipase and protase, containing Vitamin A, C, D, B6, and vitamin K and is said to contain 10 times more mineral value than the average grain.

Used traditionally as a tonic herb, meaning an herb which can be used long term to help build and strengthen the whole body and has often been used for conditions of wasting (anorexia) and a lack of vitality. Known as a support for both mental and physical wellbeing.

Traditionally used as a tea to promote strong bones and help rebuild decaying teeth. Rich in chlorophyll, alfalfa can be combined with the herbs: horsetail, nettle leaf and red clover for connective tissue support and is often used in conditions of arthritis. 

Known as a galactagogue, Alfalfa can be drunk as a tea to help increase the flow of breast milk in new mothers.

A gentle cleanser, Alfalfa has gentle diuretic and laxative properties and holds healing properties for digestive distress.

Due to its blood thinning properties, consult an herbal practitioner prior to using Alfalfa if using Statin medications or are taking blood thinners.

The dried herb, or leaves of alfalfa can be prepared as a tea through making an infusion and ingested, or used as a poultice or skin wash externally for the healing of wounds and abscesses.

 ~ written by Katolen Yardley, MNIMH, Medical Herbalist

After the festive holidays and an excess consumption of sugar and rich food, January and February are excellent times to focus on cleansing both internally and by reducing contact with environmental toxins.

1. Start your morning by drinking a large glass of room temperature water with 1 freshly squeezed organic lemon to activate the digestive juices.
2. Eat your greens! Vegetables are packed with anti cancer nutrients, their vitamin and antioxidant content are essential for immune system function, detoxification and the high fiber content will assist in lowering cholesterol and help keep the colon clean. Make it a goal to consume 4 -5 half cup servings of fresh vegetables daily.
3. Herbal Teas such as Red Clover, Nettle Leaf, Burdock Root, and Dandelion Leaf are known as alteratives or blood cleansers, which assist in the removal of waste matter from the bloodstream, kidneys and liver. Our herbal blend, Clean Green Herbal Tea is specially blended to support the function or the liver, kidneys and lymphatic system in removing impurities from the body.
4. Green tea assists the liver with detoxification, and helps to prevent the formation of carcinogens in the body, (such as the cancer promoting toxins from pesticides, nitrates in processed deli meats and benzopyrenes found in diesel fuel). To purchase organic green tea, click here.
5. Munch on seaweeds. Seaweeds help remove heavy metals from the body and assist in preventing damage from chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
6. Raise your body temperature. A lowered body temperature can contribute to lowered immunity and an inability to overthrow viruses and bacteria. Regular use of Epsom salts added to bath water for a heating, relaxing soak. Epsom salts encourage sweating and subsequent elimination of waste matter through the skin. Hot yoga and seasoning your food with fresh ginger or cayenne pepper powder can also improve circulation.
7. Dry skin brushing: a natural vegetable bristle brush (avoid synthetic fibers or animal bristles), for use on dry skin, before showering. Skin brushing helps to remove dead skin cells and promotes detoxification by encouraging lymphatic drainage, accelerates the removal of waste matter from the body, and increases blood flow through the veins and back to the heart. How to skin brush: Begin brushing the extremities first, starting with the arms and feet, moving to the legs, hips and buttocks, and brush in a circular motion always moving towards the heart. Avoid brushing areas of varicose veins, rashes, open wounds, infection and over thin sensitive skin. Skin brushing is an invigorating way to begin the day and can be followed with a cool shower, or Epsom salt bath.
8. Populate main living areas with plants known to cleanse the air and detoxify the environment: aloe, spider plants, boston ferns, banana plants, english ivy, philodendrons are greens which specifically help to remove benzene and formaldehyde from a living space.
9. Decrease the use of plastics in your home and avoid using saran wrap or plastic containers in the microwave (instead use a glass plate), - or better yet, do not use the microwave at all. Plastics are constantly ‘gassing off’ emitting chemicals known as xenoestrogens, a group of toxic chemicals that mimic estrogen and are known to disrupt endocrine function. For more information, I recommend a well referenced article “Get Plastic Out Of Your Diet” written by Paul Goettlich, Nov 2003. which can be read through the clicking on the link.

 ~ written by Katolen Yardley, MNIMH, Medical Herbalist

Organic Apple Cider Vinegar offers numerous health benefits and has been used in traditional home remedies both topically and internally. After the fermentation and extraction process using organic apples, the end result is a vinegar loaded with trace minerals, beneficial enzymes, healthy bacteria and pectin.

Over time, it is common for the vinegar to form a “mother” ~ the name for the natural protein which forms from enzymatic activity on the natural bacteria in the unpasteurized vinegar. The presence of a “mother” in the vinegar ensures that the vinegar contains the live enzymes needed to aid various ailments. Shaking the bottle will help disperse the mother and it is safe to use and drink.

As non organic apples are heavily sprayed, ensure that the brand of Apple Cider Vinegar chosen uses only organic apples and is bottled in a dark container, as the presence of bright light causes the vinegar to oxidize and breaks down vital nutrients.

Some traditionally home remedies using Apple Cider Vinegar

• Used as a hair rinse after shampooing for healthy shiny hair, to help minimise dandruff and also used as a hair soak overnight to remove nits or lice from the hair shaft (shampoo out in the morning).
• Cold and flu prevention: 1-2 teaspoons of Apple Cider Vinegar diluted in warm water and ingested daily. Honey can be added to aid the bitter taste.
• Sore throat and an irritated cough: 1 teaspoon of Vinegar in 1 cup of water. Gargle and swallow. Repeat frequently throughout the day.
• Sinus congestion: Boil apple cider vinegar and use as a steam.
• The antiseptic properties makes this vinegar an excellent disinfectant wash for scrapes and wounds.
• May provide some relief from poison ivy and shingles when applied as a liniment or an external soak.
• Reputed to provide some relief from arthritis and bursitis and traditionally used long term to provide some relief from calcium deposits. It is thought that the acidic nature of the vinegar can help dissolve calcium deposited around the joints. Use as a topical application, soak a tea towel in apple cider vinegar and apply to the affected joint and dilute in water and drink internally.
• Sip, diluted in water before a meal to stimulate the digestive juices and enhance digestion.
• A delicious salad dressing, when combined with lemon, olive oil, garlic and fresh herbs.

Apple cider vinegar should not be ingested by persons dealing with digestive conditions casued from overacididity, ulcers or heartburn.

Making delicious herbal Chai Tea at home is quite straight forward, you will only need some basic ingredients and creativity. Ensure that the herbs you are using are potent and relatively fresh, they should possess their characteristic aromatic scent before blending them into the tea and not be faded in color.

In a sauce pan with a tight fitting lid combine the following:

• 4 cups water
• 6-8 slices of fresh ginger root or 1 heaping teaspoon of dried ginger root
• 1/3 tsp dried cardamom seeds
• 1 tsp dried cinnamon bark chopped
• A dash of nutmeg powder
• 1 teaspoon of dried fennel seeds (or/and anise seeds)
• 6-9 dried cloves
• 1 teaspoon of dried orange peel
• 1 teaspoon of chopped licorice root
• 4-5 black peppercorns

Bring water to a boil. Reduce heat, to a low temperature. Add all ingredients and simmer, covered for at least 20 minutes. The herbs can be simmered longer for a stronger, more spicy flavor. This tea can be sweetened with stevia or honey.

Options: For a creamy smooth drink you can also add in almond milk or coconut milk. Adding in 1 teaspoon of green tea to the mixture will produce a stronger variation.   Or for a completely different spicy fruit flavor, add in hibiscus flowers.