Category: Health/Natural

Q. I have had polycystic ovaries now for over 10 years, and as I get older (I am 30) the symptoms seem to be getting worse. I have been on Metformin for 5 months, without success. I am now turning to the more natural approaches to see if they can help me. I have bought some DIM and vitex, as I have read they are good for balancing hormone levels. Can you take both of these tablets together, and how many mg's per day should I start on? I also take a multi B tablet, and until a few weeks ago evening primrose oil, but read that EPO can exacerbate acne. Many thanks, J Wheeler.

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I was wondering if it is possible to use progesterone cream and vitex agnus castus at the same time for PMS, tender breasts, etc? I am 35, have no kids and have been struggling with this problem for some years. My gynecologist did blood tests and found nothing significantly wrong. I do drink a lot of coffee, which I know is a contributing factor.

I tried to search for answers on the internet, but found no conclusive answers. I also saw the two (vitex & progesterone) combined in capsule form on a website, although I would use the vitex drops and progesterone in cream form.

I would appreciate your advice.

Usually in this space we speak positively of alternative approaches to health and healing. In the past we’ve told you about using techniques like herbalism, homeopathic medicine, therapeutic massage and meditation to heal diseases and to maintain good health. All of these procedures work if used properly, with appropriate guidance. Sometimes, however, alternative medical procedures must be used in conjunction with modern medicine, especially in the case of life threatening illness.

Here in the south, where I live, we used to know how to cope with the heat and humidity that are always a part of our summer weather. Until relatively recently, our homemakers knew what foods to prepare to help keep family members cool under blistering temperatures. Those were the days before central air, when every afternoon the adults would sit outside on the porch where it was cool, reading the afternoon paper or making small talk, while the children ran around half-naked in the yard, spraying each other with the garden hose. Those were our ways of coping with summer. These days we spend most of the summer inside, making friends with our air conditioners while eating hamburgers and french fries.

Q. I have been having recurring colds and viruses. My doctor gives me antibiotics and meds for my symptoms, but I am not comfortable taking antibiotics all the time. What is your opinion of using echinacea or astragalus, and at what dosage? Thank you - Renee

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Everyone in my family has been suffering with colds and flu over the past four weeks. In order to keep myself healthy, I have added additional zinc and echinacea to my daily supplements . I have noticed that after three weeks, my mouth feels "raw," especially around my gums. Could this be a side effect of taking these supplements for this long a period of time? My family is still in the flu cycle and I don't want to catch it from my children, but I feel like I have to stop taking the only two things standing between me and the germs. Any suggestions? Signed - Healthy but at what cost?

Q. Thank you for taking the time to read my question. For the past three months my tongue burns everytime I eat and/or drink, but only when I eat and/or drink. I have looked almost everywhere on the internet and the only thing I can find is something called BMS or "burning mouth syndrome." I am only 31 years old, younger then what is the norm. If there is anything you know that can shed light on this, please help. Thank You, Melissa

My throat is constantly swolen but doesn't hurt. This doesn't bother me that much except that it causes my ears to pop and feel plugged for no reason. I have seasonal allergies and I live in a town with extremely bad air quality. Could my swolen throat be caused by these things? I'm thinking of moving but what can I do in the meantime? Thanks for your help. -Ruby

I have stopped consumption of dairy foods, but this has not eliminated the tendency I have toward congestion and stuffy sinus. Are there other foods that may be contributing? -Yvonne

I have been having post nasal drip for the last nine years. The only thing I found that worked was when I was on antibiotics for something else. Would kali bichromium work? I want something that will dry it up.

Q. I have fibroids on my uterus and looking at the MRI they are covering my uterus. What do you recommend for treatment? I'm 38 and still would like to have children.

For as long as I can remember I've suffered from back pain. Although I have experienced some relief using heat, cold, massage, chiropractic and acupuncture, invariably the pain has always returned. Until one day I visited a friend in California who had similar back problems. She told me she had some body work done called Bowen. Her back and hip pain were gone after just one session!

Several friends around me are greatly challenged now with illness and are embarking on various pathways for treatment and wellness, from conventional medical treatment through the whole range of alternative and complimentary therapies. In contemplation and support for them, and for all those challenged with illness no matter how minor, I would like to offer my thoughts on the philosophy of healing and the nature of wellness.

Question: We have two young children, ages three years and five months. Our three year old boy seems to get ear infections all the time, and today our pediatrician told us that he has childhood asthma. He also seems to get colds very frequently.

In a world with so many different techniques, modalities and practices in Natural Medicine, the question often comes up about what Naturopathy is exactly. How do we define our philosophy and technique of practice and what are the goals of Naturopathy?