Q. I am under a lot of stress. Is there an herbal medicine that you use to help people cope with stress?

A. Siberian ginseng has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries to help strengthen the body.

Traditionally, it was thought to increase longevity and improve health. Modern science has proven what has long been known in Asia — that Siberian ginseng contains substances that can help your body adapt to stress. I often prescribe Siberian ginseng to help my patients handle stress and enhance their immunity. An extremely safe herb, in numerous studies, Siberian ginseng has demonstrated very few adverse side effects. According to traditional Chinese medicine, it helps to build your qi (vital force). A review of the literature finds the following beneficial effects of Siberian ginseng:
If you are under a lot of stress, it can help you cope by decreasing the release of stress hormones from your adrenal glands. The herb can also help your immune system fight infections because it can increase both the quantity and the activity of your immune cells. 

A study published in 1995 by the International Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that Siberian ginseng significantly decreased the frequency, duration and severity of herpes outbreaks. 

Siberian ginseng also is an excellent herb for those who suffer from either low blood sugar or low blood pressure. According to naturopathic physician, author and educator Dr. Michael Murray, the herb can increase energy, mental alertness and a sense of well-being. Athletes have begun using Siberian ginseng, as reports show that it can increase recovery time after workouts and may also improve overall performance. 

Be sure to check with your doctor before taking any supplement; I also recommend that you consult with a qualified physician specifically licensed in the study of herbs and natural remedies.

 A note of caution: If you have uncontrolled high blood pressure, or if you are taking the pharmaceutical drug digoxin or barbiturates, do not use Siberian ginseng. Some people have reported insomnia if they take the herb too close to bedtime, and mild diarrhea if they take too much of it. Siberian ginseng is safe for lactating women. 

The recommended dose is 100-200 milligrams two to three time per day, containing a standardized extract of 0.5 percent eleutheroside.

Article was originally printed in the Honolulu Advertiser, honoluluadvertiser.com

For more information about natural healing please visit steelsmithhealth.com.

Thinking about the long season of bites and stings that lies ahead of us made me particularly interested in a recent Australian lab study that found that simple clove oil is a match for those nasty little demons known as scabies mites (Sarcoptes scabiei). These “itch mites” burrow into human skin, causing an allergic reaction and severe itching. There has been a recent wave of scabies infestations in the US, typically in nursing homes, day-care centers and other institutions. Lesions formed by scratching can lead to infections.

Yikes. I perked up when I saw that Australian study, because it found that essential clove oil kills scabies mites within 15 minutes. Until now, treatment has included medications such as lindane, whose side effects include swelling of the mouth and tongue… difficulty breathing… dizziness… and vomiting. Superceding lindane, premethrin currently is the most widely prescribed medication for the mites. It has fewer side effects, though it also can cause allergic reactions, and an application of the ointment must be left on for eight to 14 hours. Against such a backdrop, whatever help simple clove oil may be able to provide sounds like something of a miracle! Researchers are looking into incorporating clove oil into a new topical medication, though that still is in the works. This would be a welcome relief because the mites are becoming increasingly resistant to the medications currently available.

To discuss what one can do right now, I contacted Laurie Steelsmith, ND, who practices naturopathic and Chinese medicines in Honolulu. Dr. Steelsmith says that clove oil does indeed dispatch mites and that you can find clove oil in some mosquito repellents as well. As a bonus, the oil helps soothe the pain and itch of bites, and with its antimicrobial properties, it also sanitizes the skin. But before using, she cautions that it is crucial to make a modification to the oil.

Dilute First

Clove oil is very strong and much too irritating to put on skin undiluted, says Dr. Steelsmith. Here is how to dilute:

* Get a second oil for diluting. Dr. Steelsmith likes almond, olive or coconut oil.
* Place two drops of essential clove oil into one tablespoon of the second oil and mix.
* If you have particularly sensitive skin, slightly increase the amount of the diluting oil.

To apply the diluted clove oil, dampen a cotton ball with it and dab or hold the cotton ball against your bite. Reapply daily for three weeks to the affected areas. Wash your hands thoroughly afterward to prevent getting any oil in or near your eyes. Some people may find even diluted clove oil irritating, so it’s a good idea first to test a very small amount on the inside of one arm to see if there is a reaction before applying it to larger areas of your body.

In my mind’s eye, I am still 27 years old. Then I look in the mirror, and I am momentarily shocked. That can’t be me! Although I know that I’ve earned every wrinkle, age spot and sag while experiencing life to the fullest, sometimes I yearn to look a little (or a lot) younger. Don’t you, too?

Well, we can—and we can do it without much effort, expense or Real Housewives-like scary plastic surgery. Honolulu-based naturopathic physician Laurie Steelsmith, ND, author of Natural Choices for Women’s Health, offered an abundance of creative suggestions. Some take just minutes, others take almost no time at all… yet they can take as much as 10 years off a woman’s appearance.

Youth-restoring options for when you have only 1.3 seconds to spare…

Project your “love glow.” A new study from Syracuse University shows that falling in love takes only one-fifth of a second! Remember how new love could light you up from the inside, projecting youth and vitality? OK, maybe it’s not possible to fall in love just now. But you can think a loving thought and give a big smile, Dr. Steelsmith said, which will bring a youthful sparkle to your face.

Check your posture. Nothing reads old like slumping. For an instantly improved figure, stand up straight, raise your chin, throw those shoulders back and pull in your tummy.

Do a facial exercise. Open your mouth and eyes wide… then scrunch up your face… then release. This gets the blood flowing, putting roses in your cheeks.

Brighten your eyes. Use two drops of homeopathic Similasan eyedrops in each eye every three hours, as needed. This remedy, which is generally safe for everyone, reduces redness and soothes dryness and irritation, Dr. Steelsmith noted.

De-stress with instant aromatherapy. The scent of lavender makes you feel—and look—more relaxed and rejuvenated. Lightly spritz yourself with a lavender product designed for use on the skin, such as Aura Cacia Lavender Harvest Aromatherapy Mist ($7.99 for four ounces at www.AuraCacia.com)… or rub a drop of lavender essential oil onto the pulse point on your wrist… or swirl four drops of lavender oil into your bathwater.

Dash on the right lipstick—a light-colored one. Dark lipstick seems old-ladyish and actually emphasizes tiny lip lines.

Take a pass on heavy makeup. Pancake foundation and too-bright blush look unnatural and make wrinkles more noticeable.

What to try when you have three minutes…

Exfoliate your face. Getting rid of dead cells with a facial scrub makes your complexion glow. Natural option: Combine a spoonful of ground oatmeal with enough honey to make a paste, then gently rub it onto your clean face. Rinse.

Use contrast hydrotherapy. To rinse your face, use two splashes of medium-hot water followed by two splashes of cold water. The hot/cold contrast increases circulation and tones skin, Dr. Steelsmith explained. Next: Moisten a cotton ball with a natural astringent, such as rose water, aloe vera juice or green tea, and stroke it across your face to remove lingering residue and restore the skin’s proper pH.

Combat sun damage. Smooth a dab of vitamin C serum over your face—its antioxidants protect against ultraviolet rays and environmental toxins. Dr. Steelsmith recommended the brands Obagi (www.Obagi.com) and SkinCeuticals (www.SkinCeuticals.com).

Counteract saggy eyelids. Curling your eyelashes is a simple beauty technique that makes eyes appear larger.

Eat some blueberries. Berries won’t restore youthful comeliness instantly, of course—but they take just a moment to eat, and their vitamin C and bioflavanoids promote skin health and strengthen connective tissues.

If you can indulge yourself for 10 minutes…

Make your hair shine. Rosemary essential oil gives tresses an extra sheen and a scent that’s light and clean. It is particularly helpful for dry, brittle or frizzy hair. After shampooing: Add a few drops of rosemary oil to your conditioner, work through your hair for a few minutes, then rinse… or towel-dry your hair, rub a dab of rosemary oil between your palms and stroke it onto your damp hair. Then style as usual. Repeat after each shampoo (as Dr. Steelsmith does to keep her long hair frizz-free despite the Hawaiian humidity) or as often as desired.

Clear up blemishes. Even if pimples remind you of being a teen, they don’t make you look any younger. The fix: Use your fingertips to spread honey over your face, avoiding the eye area. Leave on for five minutes… rinse off with water… then cleanse your face as usual. “For people prone to acne, this works like a charm if used every day,” Dr. Steelsmith said.

Give yourself a steam facial. Steam cleans pores, boosts circulation and promotes a rosy complexion. Dr. Steelsmith’s method: Fill a sink or bowl with steaming hot water. If desired, add a few drops of stimulating peppermint essential oil and/or anti-inflammatory lavender essential oil. Drape a towel over your head to trap the steam. Then bend over the water for several minutes, keeping eyes closed and taking care not to burn yourself.

Ease eye puffiness. Dampen cotton balls with diluted witch hazel, then lie down with eyes closed and place the cotton balls over your eyes for five minutes (be careful not to let the witch hazel get into your eyes). Witch hazel contains catechol tannin, which reduces puffiness by constricting tiny capillaries just below the skin’s surface.

Do some quickie aerobics. Just 10 minutes of dancing or brisk walking increases circulation and reduces puffiness in the face, hands, ankles and elsewhere.

Drink a cleansing shake. “I put many of my patients on a ‘magic smoothie.’ It is chock-full of vital nutrients and supports regular elimination, promoting the health and vitality of the whole body. And the healthier you are, the more youthful you tend to look,” said Dr. Steelsmith. To prepare two servings: In a blender, combine one cup of chopped parsley or spinach… one chopped carrot… one-half chopped, peeled cucumber… one-half chopped, peeled apple… one banana… one-half cup blueberries… one heaping tablespoon of whey or rice protein powder… and two cups of water. Blend well. Enjoy immediately or refrigerate and drink later in the day.

News stories about concussions have brought this brain injury to the top of our minds — their number has doubled between 1997 and 2007 among young athletes (according to a recent study published in Pediatrics), and researchers are looking closely at a pattern of deadly brain disease in former NFL players, trying to discern whether a history of concussions plays a role in its development.

But don’t make the mistake of thinking this is a problem only for those playing sports. The truth is that a concussion can be the result of banging your head on a piece of furniture, being in a minor car accident or even tripping over your dog in a dark hallway and bumping your head against the wall. About one million concussions occur in the US each year, according to reports of hospital admissions, and there are likely many more people who have them and don’t seek help — in short, we’re all at risk.

I’ve been thinking about this recently because my daughter had a concussion a few months back. Her doctor told us she needed “stimulus deprivation” for a week (basically, total brain rest — no computer, no music, not even lying on the couch and watching TV) in order to recover fully. Also, I saw some fascinating new research based on work done with soldiers who had suffered brain injuries. It concluded that one of the most important things to do for someone who has suffered a concussion (or a far more serious traumatic brain injury) is to feed him or her as soon as possible. It seems that making sure patients get at least 50% of their usual calorie intake within 24 hours — including a higher-than-usual amount of protein, which should be continued for two weeks — is vital to healing. Wondering what other natural treatments might be helpful, I set out to do some research.

What You Need to Know:

First, it’s important to review what we should know about concussion, which is like a bruise that results from your brain colliding with your skull. Anyone who has had a blow to the head should consider himself at risk, most especially if there was even a momentary loss of consciousness. Other signs of concussion: Headache, nausea, difficulty concentrating and/or short-term memory loss. One or more of these symptoms should trigger a call to your doctor, who will determine if further testing is required.

I called Laurie Steelsmith, ND, a naturopathic doctor and acupuncturist based in Honolulu, who told me that naturopathic medicine can offer natural ways to help the tissues heal after a concussion. Here’s what Dr. Steelsmith shared with me during our conversation…

• Load up on antioxidants. Eat a healthy diet with abundant protein (as mentioned above) and also eat lots of blueberries during the two weeks following the injury. The reason: Blueberries contain potent flavonoid antioxidants that help to strengthen blood vessel walls, including in the brain. Supplement the fruit’s antioxidants by taking up to 3,000 mg a day of vitamin C, which also helps reduce the oxidative stress in the brain associated with head trauma. According to Dr. Steelsmith, buffered powder (vitamin C combined with small amounts of calcium, magnesium and potassium) is most easily absorbed — she suggested mixing the powder with juice.

• Drink fluids. Make sure the body is well-hydrated, as that allows the brain to heal more quickly. How much to drink: Dr. Steelsmith said to drink one ounce of fluid (nonalcoholic and preferably noncaffeinated — water is best) per day per two pounds of body weight, so a person who weighs 100 pounds should drink 50 ounces over the course of the day for the critical two weeks.

• Take arnica (Arnica montana). You are probably familiar with arnica cream, made from a plant that has served medicinal purposes for more than 500 years and used for sore muscles, sprains and bruises. But arnica also comes in the form of homeopathic pellets, which help to expedite healing of bruised brain tissue, Dr. Steelsmith told me. Place three homeopathic arnica 30c pellets (available at health stores and online) under your tongue within 15 minutes of the trauma or as soon as you can get them. Continue this dosage every hour for the rest of the day, reducing frequency on the second, third and fourth days to three doses — one in the morning, one at lunch and one in the evening, says Dr. Steelsmith.

• Double dose of fish oil — fast. While the general recommendation for most people is to take one to two grams daily of high-potency fish oil, Dr. Steelsmith said that it is a good idea for people who have suffered head injuries to take up to four grams as quickly as possible after the injury and to continue taking four grams once daily for up to seven days afterward. This advice is based on a recent animal study from West Virginia University School of Medicine reported in the Journal of Neurosurgery, which demonstrated that taking high-potency fish oil that contained large amounts of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA (such as Nordic Naturals Omega-3D, which contains 825 mg EPA and 550 mg DHA per one-teaspoon serving), can assist in healing concussion. This will help decrease brain inflammation and with it the fogginess, memory loss and headaches that are often a part of concussion. Note: If there is evidence of bleeding in your brain (see below), do not take fish oil.

Danger Zone:

It is important to realize that the danger zone following a concussion can last up to 48 hours, with the first 24 hours being the most critical. The danger is that bleeding will occur in the brain (especially likely if a person is taking an anticoagulant medication such as warfarin) or that a blood clot can form. The following symptoms should be seen as a medical emergency, warranting a call to 9-1-1 and a visit to the emergency department of the nearest hospital:

• A headache that gets continually worse
• Vomiting
• Slurred speech
• One pupil larger than the other or other visual disturbances
• Change in sleeping pattern — such as sleeping more than normal
• Seizure
• Confusion and restlessness
• Amnesia

Luckily, severe problems are quite rare. Most concussions are much less threatening, and most people can heal safely and completely at home by following these wise, helpful instructions.

: I have infertility, and I’ve been told that I may have PCOS. Can you explain what PCOS is, and tell me if there are any natural treatments for it?

PCOS is an abbreviation for “polycystic ovarian syndrome”. This syndrome is associated with female infertility as well as other conditions that include abnormal menstrual cycles, increased body weight, insulin resistance, and excessive testosterone in the body (also known as hyperandrogenism). PCOS affects five to ten percent of reproductive-age women. Typically, women with PCOS have an imbalance in the amount of testosterone in their bodies because they don’t convert testosterone to estrogen efficiently. According to the 2003 Rotterdam PCOS Consensus Workshop, in order to diagnose a woman with PCOS she must have two of the following three symptoms: irregular (or lack of) ovulation, signs of hyperandrogenism (such as increased facial hair, hair loss, or acne), and more than 12 cysts on her ovaries.

Natural medicine has a lot to offer women with PCOS and infertility. Certain foods and dietary substances that naturally increase SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin) can help to lower the excessive levels of testosterone associated with PCOS. These include nettle root, flax seeds, soy, and caffeine. Saw palmetto, an herb often used by men to prevent prostate enlargement, can be effective in helping women who suffer from PCOS associated hair loss and acne.

Spearmint tea can also help women with PCOS. A study published in Phytotherapy Research in May of 2007 found that when women with PCOS drank spearmint tea twice a day for five days during the follicular phase of their menstrual cycles (that is, days 1 to 14 of their cycles), there was a significant decrease in their testosterone levels, an increase in estrogen, and an increase in other key hormones important for reversing PCOS.

Lifestyle and dietary changes can be helpful to women with PCOS, especially if they also suffer from insulin resistance. One hour of aerobic exercise a day, combined with a low-carbohydrate diet (less than 80 milligrams a day of low-glycemic carbohydrates), can significantly decrease some of the long-term effects of PCOS associated with insulin resistance, which include heart disease and diabetes. The mineral chromium can also help to decrease insulin resistance in women with PCOS. The recommended dose of chromium is 500 micrograms a day.

Acupuncture has also been found to help women with PCOS and infertility. According to a recent research study conducted by the University of Virginia Health System, acupuncture can help to regulate women’s menstrual cycles and increase the rate of pregnancies in women with PCOS.
Dr. Laurie Steelsmith is a naturopathic physician and licensed acupuncturist in Honolulu, as well as author of the new book Natural Choices for Women’s Health, published by Random House. You can reach her and read her past columns (origionaly published in the Honolulu Advertiser) at www.DrSteelsmith.com. This column is for information only. Consult your health provider for medical advice.

SEX BOOSTER –CORDYCEPS (CORDYCEPS SINENSIS)

POWER BENEFIT Enhances sexual function; increases energy and endurance; may boost immunity.
THE SCIENCE Also called caterpillar fungus, this rare mushroom has been used by practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries to treat fatigue, cough, and sexual dysfunction. Research suggests that cordyceps has antioxidant properties and increases blood flow to the organs. Cordyceps is highly valued in China for building sexual energy over time by enhancing kidney yang and replenishing kidney yin; its considered a potent sexual tonic, says Laurie Steelsmith, N.D., a Honolulu-based naturopathic physician, and author of Natural Choices for Womens Health. Cordyceps was essentially unknown in the West until 1993, when a group of Chinese runners broke several world records and attributed their stellar performance to a cordyceps-based tonic. Recent studies suggest that it may boost oxygen uptake during exercise, helping the body work more efficiently.

HOW TO TAKE IT Two 400 mg pills once or twice a day; Steelsmith recommends the hot-water extract made by JHS Natural Products (jhsnp.com).
CAVEATS Do not use while nursing or pregnant or when running a fever. Cordyceps may affect glucose metabolism, so people with diabetes should be sure to monitor their blood glucose levels.

Article originally published at Natural Health Magazine Online

Dr. Laurie Steelsmith is a naturopathic physician and licensed acupuncturist in Honolulu, as well as author of the new book Natural Choices for Women’s Health, published by Random House. You can reach her and read her past columns at www.DrSteelsmith.com. This column is for information only. Consult your health provider for medical advice.

Q. Every month I take over-the-counter drugs such as Midol for menstrual cramps. What causes menstrual cramps, and can natural medicine offer me any alternative?

A. Menstrual cramps don’t have to be a part of every woman’s monthly experience.

Most women with painful menstruation can significantly affect the intensity and duration of pain with simple natural methods.

Painful menstruation is dysmenorrhea. With primary dysmenorrhea, there is no observable cause, whereas secondary dysmenorrhea is due to some kind of pelvic pathology such as endometriosis. Primary dysmenorrhea, the most common type, is limited to the first 48 to 72 hours of a woman’s period.

In Western medicine, most women experience cramps with their periods because of changes in their hormones and the production of hormone-like substances called prostaglandins, and pro-inflammatory substances called leukotrienes.

In Chinese medicine, menstrual cramps are most often caused by what is known as “qi and blood stagnation.” This condition is usually associated with feelings of frustration and stress.

The following can help women treat menstrual cramps naturally.

• Western herbs that decrease menstrual pain include cramp bark and ginger. The recommend dose of cramp bark is 300 milligrams three times a day. Ginger is best taken as a warm tea; drink one cup four times a day.

• Chinese herbal formulas and acupuncture can help decrease menstrual cramps. For qi and blood stagnation, one of the best formulas is Free & Easy Wanderer. See your Chinese medicine practitioner for the formula.

• Although scientific research is inconclusive as to whether exercise is beneficial or not, my personal experience, and that of many of my patients, is that it can have a major impact on decreasing menstrual pain. If cramps are due to qi and blood stagnation, then increasing circulation before and during your period may help solve the underlying problem.

• The omega-3 fatty acids found in walnuts, fish oil, and flax oil can help relieve menstrual cramps. These fatty acids have the ability to help your body make more of the “friendly” prostaglandins that decrease inflammation and pain.

• According to the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, magnesium is a promising treatment for menstrual cramps. I’ve found the following dose most effective: Take 600 milligrams of magnesium citrate a few days before your period starts, and continue for the first 72 hours. (Too much magnesium can cause diarrhea.)

Dr. Laurie Steelsmith is a naturopathic physician and licensed acupuncturist in Honolulu, as well as author of the new book Natural Choices for Women’s Health, published by Random House. You can reach her and read her past columns (originally printed in the Honolulu Advertiser) at www.DrSteelsmith.com. This column is for information only. Consult your health provider for medical advice.

What is fibromyalgia? I’ve been diagnosed with this condition, and I want to know why I have it and what I can do to treat it. Are there any natural treatments, or do I have to resort to taking drugs?

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a painful muscle condition characterized by widespread pain and multiple tender points on the body that have lasted for longer than three months. Other common symptoms of FM include disturbed sleep, fatigue, and abnormal pain sensitivity. In many cases people who suffer from this condition can also have morning stiffness, tingling or numbness in their hands and feet, headaches, including migraines, difficulty with memory (which some FM sufferers refer to as “fibro fog”), irritable bowel syndrome, unusual temperature sensitivity, restless legs syndrome, and painful menstrual periods. According to the American Academy of Rheumatology, FM affects between three and six million people in the United States—or roughly about one in 50 Americans—and 80 to 90 percent of those who have the condition are women. FM is most prevalent in women between the ages of 30 and 50.

There is no known cause of FM. According to the National Institutes of Health, many factors seem to be involved in the onset of the condition. The early stages of FM have been associated with stressful or traumatic events such as a car accident or a viral infection. Chronic repetitive injuries have also been linked to the onset of FM.

The conventional Western medicine approach to treating FM includes the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics (pain killers), antidepressants, and sleeping pills or tranquilizers.

If you want to treat FM with natural medicine, you have many alternatives drawing from both Eastern and Western traditions. Many people with FM have been able to manage the pain and other symptoms associated with the condition through acupuncture, spinal adjustments, and shiatsu or other forms of massage therapy.

A number of recent studies have shown promising results in the treatment of FM with nutritional supplementation. In a study published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in 2006, FM patients took five grams of D-ribose, a naturally-occurring carbohydrate, three times daily. After 18 days, participants showed significant improvements in well-being, energy, sleep, and mental clarity, and their pain intensity had decreased. In another study, published in Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology in 2007, FM patients were given the dietary supplement acetyl-L-carnitine for ten weeks. After taking 1,000 mg orally and 500 mg intramuscularly for two weeks, followed by 1,500 mg orally for eight weeks, they showed significant improvements in depression, muscle pain, and tender points compared to the placebo group.

Dr. Laurie Steelsmith is a naturopathic physician and licensed acupuncturist in Honolulu, as well as author of the new book Natural Choices for Women’s Health, published by Random House. You can reach her and read her past columns (originally published in the Honolulu Advertiser) at www.DrSteelsmith.com. This column is for information only. Consult your health provider for medical advice.

Article on Bio-identical hormones printed in the Honolulu Advertiser December 31, 2009

Q: Lately I’ve been hearing a lot about bio-identical natural hormone replacement therapy for women. What is it? Is it safer than conventional hormones? And why would women want to take it?

For at least 20 years, naturopathic physicians have prescribed bio-identical natural hormones to help women with a number of different hormone imbalances. “Bio-identical” means that the chemical structure of the hormones is exactly like the hormones that women make in their own bodies; “natural” means that the hormones come from a natural source, such as a plant or an animal.

Many physicians now recommend bio-identical natural hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) rather than synthetic non-bio-identical hormones for a number of reasons. BHRT appears to be safer than synthetic non-bio-identical hormones such as those found in many prescription hormone regimes, including Provera and Premarin. (Premarin could be considered “natural” by some because it is derived from the urine of pregnant horses, but it is not bio-identical because it contains many different hormones – including horse hormones!). It is important to note that in 2002 the landmark hormone study called The Women’s Health Initiative was abruptly halted because it was found that Premarin and Provera increased the risk of breast cancer, heart disease, and strokes. In contrast, bio-identical hormones appear to be a much healthier option. According to a 2009 article by Kent Holtorf, MD, published in the journalPostgraduate Medicine, “Physiological data and clinical outcomes demonstrate that bio-identical hormones are associated with lower risks, including the risk of breast cancer and cardiovascular disease, and are more efficacious than their synthetic and animal-derived counterparts. Until evidence is found to the contrary, bio-identical hormones remain the preferred method of hormone replacement therapy. Further randomized controlled trials are needed to delineate these differences more clearly.”

Why would women want to take BHRT? As a naturopathic doctor specializing in women’s health, and with many of my patients going through mid-life changes associated with perimenopause, I can tell you that using very low-dose natural bio-identical hormones can enhance quality of life and improve libido. Natural hormones such as progesterone can also help women who suffer from PMS, heavy menstrual periods, and insomnia associated with low progesterone. Low-dose estrogen can help reduce midlife changes including hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, and vaginal dryness. There are contraindications to using BHRT; for example, women who have had an estrogen- or progesterone-related cancer, or a history of blood clots, should not use any hormones. Every woman should be carefully evaluated by a doctor experienced in prescribing BHRT before beginning therapy, and she will need to have an annual pelvic exam, including a pap smear, and mammogram.

Dr. Laurie Steelsmith is a naturopathic physician and licensed acupuncturist in Honolulu, as well as author of the new book Natural Choices for Women’s Health, published by Random House. You can reach her and read her past columns at www.DrSteelsmith.com. This column is for information only. Consult your health provider for medical advice.

Q: I’m taking the drug Tamoxifen, and I’m having bad hot flashes. What does natural medicine have to offer for this?

There is good news for women who suffer from hot flashes due to taking Tamoxifen or similar drugs: acupuncture can be effective at relieving your symptoms. Although this has long been known to practitioners of alternative medicine, it has not always been acknowledged by the conventional medical establishment. However, a study reported in December 2009 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology has confirmed acupuncture to be a “safe, effective, and durable treatment for vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes) secondary to long-term antiestrogen hormone therapy (i.e., caused by drugs like Tamoxifen) in breast cancer patients.” This is an exciting development, because it indicates a willingness on the part of conventional oncology to accept the validity of the ancient Chinese system of stimulating Qi, or the vital force, for health benefits. The acupuncture points chosen for the study are commonly used to treat hot flashes in menopausal women.

Hot flashes are an uncomfortable side effect for many women who take medications like Tamoxifen or Arimidex for treating and preventing breast cancer. Often the hot flashes are much worse for women on these medications than for women going through menopause naturally. Some women discontinue their medications because the side effects drastically lower the quality of their lives. Considering the large number of women prescribed Tamoxifen or Arimidex for at least five years, an effective non-toxic alternative for treating their side effects can be highly beneficial.

The study was a randomized controlled trial that compared acupuncture with standard pharmaceutical drug treatment for hot flashes in breast cancer patients. The women chosen to participate had 14 or more hot flashes per week. One group received acupuncture treatments twice weekly; the other group received Effexor (also known as venlafaxine) for their hot flashes. The study found that acupuncture was just as effective as Effexor in relieving hot flashes, and that acupuncture had added benefits that the drug did not: it boosted libido, improved mental clarity, increased energy, and enhanced well-being. It also found that acupuncture did not result in any adverse effects—but the authors noted that those who took Effexor reported side effects that included nausea, headaches, dizziness, and difficulty sleeping. In addition, those who received acupuncture had reduced hot flashes for longer periods of time than those who took the drug.

Other studies are now underway to see if acupuncture could also help men who have hot flashes and pain associated with prostate cancer therapies.

Dr. Laurie Steelsmith is a naturopathic physician and licensed acupuncturist in Honolulu, as well as author of the new book Natural Choices for Women’s Health, published by Random House. You can reach her and read her past columns (which first appeared in the Honolulu Advertiser) at www.DrSteelsmith.com. This column is for information only. Consult your health provider for medical advice.