2009 October/November Newsletter
Welcome!
The 2009 October/November newsletter is our second newsletter to be published entirely online. The newsletter was emailed in late October, and includes a welcome message, four “teasers” for longer articles, product features, and upcoming events. The articles are on this page in their entirety. (Click titles to jump to articles.)
H1N1 “Swine Flu” Facts
Vitamin D 101
Therapeutic Uses of Mushrooms
Here’s the dirt about… Healing Clay
You can sign up to receive the newsletter (and coupons!) via email on our website: www.herbalpath.com.
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H1N1 “Swine Flu” Vaccine Facts
by Marci Kuegel
If there’s one thing people are passionate about this flu season, it’s vaccinations. Here at the Herbal Path, we’ve heard many facts, opinions, and speculations over the past weeks. We welcome them all — our goal is to be a safe place to start a conversation about vaccines in general, and the swine flu vaccine in particular. We respect everyone’s right to make choices about their own health, and we encourage you to educate yourself about your options.
There is a lot of information available on the internet, some of it more reliable than others. This article combines information from five sources:
1. The official website for the Center for Disease Control (CDC): www.cdc.gov
2. The websites of the four companies producing the swine flu vaccines available in the United States. The package inserts for each vaccine are available to view online (links below):
a. H1N1 Vaccine by CSL Limited (http://www.fda.gov/downloads/BiologicsBloodVaccines/Vaccines/ApprovedProducts/UCM182401.pdf)
b. H1N1 Vaccine by Novartis (http://www.fda.gov/downloads/BiologicsBloodVaccines/Vaccines/ApprovedProducts/UCM182242.pdf)
c. H1N1 Vaccine by Sanofi Pasteur (http://www.fda.gov/downloads/BiologicsBloodVaccines/Vaccines/ApprovedProducts/UCM182404.pdf)
d. H1N1 Vaccine by MedImmune, LLC (http://www.fda.gov/downloads/BiologicsBloodVaccines/Vaccines/ApprovedProducts/UCM182406.pdf)
The goal of this article is to educate and inform by offering legitimate facts from reliable sources, and contains direct quotes from the websites listed above. It addresses five main issues surrounding the H1N1 vaccine: safety, efficacy, ingredients, who should receive the vaccine, and the difference between the H1N1 vaccine and the seasonal flu vaccine.
Testing for Safety
All of the safety testing and adverse reaction information contained in the H1N1 vaccine package inserts is from studies performed using the seasonal flu vaccine.
“CSL’s Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine and seasonal trivalent Influenza Virus Vaccine (AFLURIA) are manufactured by the same process. The following sections summarize data obtained from clinical studies and postmarketing experience with AFLURIA.”2a
“Adverse Reaction information is based on studies conducted with seasonal trivalent Influenza Virus Vaccine manufactured by Novartis (FLUVIRIN).”2b
The clinical trials for flu vaccine safety measured a limited range of reactions and potential side effects, over a limited range of time.
“Local (injection-site) and systemic adverse events were solicited by completion of a symptom diary card for 5 days post-vaccination. Unsolicited local and systemic adverse events were collected for 21 days post-vaccination. These unsolicited adverse events were reported either spontaneously or when subjects were questioned about any changes in their health post-vaccination.”2a
“Neither Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine nor AFLURIA has been evaluated for carcinogenic or mutagenic potential or for impairment of fertility.”2a
“The 2003-2004 formulation of Fluzone vaccine was studied in 19 children 6 to 23 months of age and in 12 children 24 to 36 months of age, given in 2 doses one month apart. Local reactions and systemic events were solicited for 3 days after each dose.”2c
The three injectable H1N1 vaccines contain inactivated virus (not live). The nasal spray vaccine contains live H1N1 virus that has been weakened.
“Vaccine recipients or their parents/guardians should be informed by the health care provider that Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine Live, Intranasal is an attenuated live virus vaccine and has the potential for transmission to immunocompromised household contacts.”2d
Testing for Efficacy
Similar to safety testing, the assumption of efficacy for the swine flu vaccine is based on studies done on the seasonal flu vaccine.
“This indication is based on the immune response elicited by the seasonal trivalent Influenza Virus Vaccine manufactured by CSL (AFLURIA®). CSL’s Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine and AFLURIA are manufactured by the same process.”2a
A vaccine’s efficacy is determined by measuring the concentration of antibodies in a person’s blood before and after vaccination. However, vaccination is not a guarantee that a person will not contract the H1N1 virus.
“Specific levels of hemagglutination inhibition (HI) antibody titers post-vaccination with inactivated influenza virus vaccine have not been correlated with protection from influenza illness. In some human studies, antibody titer of ≥1:40 have been associated with protection from influenza illness in up to 50% of subjects.”2b
“Vaccination with Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine may not protect all individuals.”2a
“There have been no controlled clinical studies demonstrating a decrease in influenza disease after vaccination with AFLURIA.”2a
Ingredients
Many people are curious and/or concerned about the ingredients in the swine flu vaccine.
Thimerosal: In the single dose vials of injectable vaccine, the thimerosal is removed. The nasal spray is also thimerosal-free. The multi-dose vials do include thimerosal.
“Thimerosal, a mercury derivative, is added as a preservative; each 0.5 mL dose contains 24.5 mcg of mercury.”2a
Animal Products: All of the vaccines contain egg protein. The nasal spray also includes porcine (pig) gelatin. (bold formatting added)
“Anaphylaxis has been reported after administration of influenza vaccines. Although Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine contains only a limited quantity of egg protein, this protein can induce immediate hypersensitivity reactions among persons who have severe egg allergy. Allergic reactions include hives, angioedema, allergic asthma, and systemic anaphylaxis.”2c
“Each 0.2 mL dose contains 106.5-7.5 FFU of the live attenuated influenza virus reassortant of the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus: A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)v. Each 0.2 mL dose also contains 0.188 mg/dose monosodium glutamate, 2.00 mg/dose hydrolyzed porcine gelatin, 2.42 mg/dose arginine, 13.68 mg/dose sucrose, 2.26 mg/dose dibasic potassium phosphate, 0.96 mg/dose monobasic potassium phosphate, and <0.015 mcg/mL gentamicin sulfate. The vaccine contains no preservatives.”2d
Adjuvants (including squalene): It was widely rumored that the H1N1 vaccine would include an adjuvant, possibly squalene. (Adjuvants are ingredients added to vaccines to make them more potent.) According to the CDC:
“There are no adjuvants (such as squalene) in either the 2009 H1N1 or seasonal flu shot used in the United States.”1
Other Chemicals: The vaccine produced by Sanofi Pasteur Inc. does include formaldehyde, which is considered a carcinogen by the National Cancer Institute (www.cancer.gov).
“Each 0.5 mL dose may contain residual amounts of formaldehyde (not more than 100 mcg), polyethylene glycol p-isooctylphenyl ether (not more than 0.02%), and sucrose (not more than 2.0%).”2c
Who the Vaccines Have Been Approved For
The CDC states that: “The flu shot is approved for use in people 6 months of age and older, including healthy people, people with chronic medical conditions and pregnant women.”1
According to the package inserts, only one of the vaccines is approved for children as young as 6 months. (bold formatting added)
“Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine is an inactivated influenza virus vaccine indicated for active immunization of persons ages 18 years of age and older against influenza disease caused by pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus.”2a
“Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine is an inactivated influenza virus vaccine indicated for active immunization of persons 4 years of age and older against influenza disease caused by pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus.”2b
“Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine is an inactivated influenza virus vaccine indicated for active immunization of persons 6 months of age and older against influenza disease caused by pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus.”2c
“Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine Live, Intranasal is indicated for the active immunization of individuals 2-49 years of age against influenza disease caused by pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus.”2d
Pregnant women are the number one “at risk” group according to the CDC, with a very strong recommendation to be vaccinated. Each of the four package inserts contains the same information regarding pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding.
“Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine or AFLURIA. It is also not known whether these vaccines can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.”2a
“Neither Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine nor AFLURIA has been evaluated in nursing mothers. It is not known whether Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine or AFLURIA is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine is administered to a nursing woman.”2a
One of the “chronic medical conditions” of particular note in regards to the H1N1 virus is asthma (as well as other respiratory conditions). This is because asthma creates a greater danger of developing a potentially life-threatening secondary infection (bacterial pneumonia).
The nasal spray vaccine package insert includes this warning: ”Do not administer Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine Live, Intranasal or FluMist to individuals with severe asthma or active wheezing because these individuals have not been studied in clinical trials.”2d
(Note: the injectable vaccines do not contain this warning.)
“Swine Flu” vs. Seasonal Flu
The CDC recommends that most people receive both the regular seasonal flu vaccine and the H1N1 “swine flu” vaccine. However, no clinical trials have been conducted on the effects of receiving both the H1N1 vaccine and the seasonal flu vaccine.
“There are no data to assess the concomitant administration of Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine with other vaccines.”2a
Receiving the seasonal flu vaccine will not keep you from getting the H1N1 virus. Conversely, receiving the H1N1 vaccine will not keep you from getting the seasonal flu.
“Antibody against one influenza virus type or subtype confers limited or no protection against another.”1
The largest concern with the current H1N1 virus is that the strain will mutate into something more deadly — if a mutation occurs, the current vaccine will not be effective. Overuse of anti-viral drugs such as Tamiflu can cause a virus to become more drug-resistant, making the anti-virals less effective in the future.
Protecting Yourself
The CDC is offering three main pieces of advice regarding the swine flu: wash your hands, cover your cough, and get vaccinated. At the Herbal Path, we believe there are many other things you can do to promote health and wellness at any time of year. We have held two immunity forums so far, and are planning a third for November. Both the Portsmouth and Dover stores will hold health and immunity forums in November. (Portsmouth on November 10, Dover on November 17.)
If you would like more information about what was discussed at the forums, I highly recommend reading the discussion summary written by our pharmacy intern, Allison. (Click here to read the summary.) I also recommend discussing any questions or concerns with your primary care physician.
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by Allison Lauze, Pharmacy Intern
What if I told you that you and your family are most likely deficient in one of the most important vitamins necessary for a healthy immune system, for healthy bones and muscles, and potentially for fighting off cancer? Well, if you’ve been to the doctor lately, you’ve most likely been recommended a Vitamin D supplement ranging from at least 1000 IU to often 4000 IU daily. Unfortunately there is a lot of confusion out there concerning this vitamin, its sources, and the recommended intake for adults and children. After reviewing some current research, I’m happy to say that doctors are on the right track with their Vitamin D recommendations – and here’s why.
As you may or may not know, human beings, as well as most vertebrates, synthesize Vitamin D when cholesterol-based precursors located in the skin are exposed to ultraviolet light from the sun. Due to increased awareness of skin cancer in the last decade or so, most people are slathering on sunscreen and/or staying out of the sun entirely during the peak hours when we can manufacture Vitamin D. Studies indicate that appropriate application of an SPF 15 sunscreen blocks 99% of Vitamin D production. In addition, those of us that live in northern climates receive little if any sunrays during the winter to produce any Vitamin D, due to the tilt of the Earth and our location here in the Northeast.
Vitamin D was first recognized as essential to physiologic functioning when children in the 1930’s began developing rickets. After discovering that exposure to UV light cured and/or prevented rickets, the US and Europe started supplementing milk and other dairy products with Vitamin D. Up until recently, Vitamin D was always considered important for calcium absorption and bone function, yet wasn’t known to be an important supplement on its own. After much research, Vitamin D deficiency is considered to increase chances of certain cancers, to reduce immune function, and to play an important role in many musculoskeletal disorders and diseases.
Currently the FDA’s daily recommended value of Vitamin D is 400 IU, which is found in most multivitamin supplements on the market today. Although the FDA has not revised its 400 IU recommendation, clinical studies (and doctors alike) are recommending 1000 to 4000 IU per day for most people and even up to 10,000 IU per day in certain situations. Many are being told after blood tests that they are deficient; so what is deficient and how is this measured?
Blood levels of Vitamin D are determined by measuring the presence of a circulating form of Vitamin D, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D, and are generally expressed in terms of ng/mL (nanograms of vitamin D per milliliter of blood). Sufficient Vitamin D levels by this determination are 50-80ng/ml; below 50ng/ml indicated starvation, meaning the body is using up the Vitamin D as soon as you can make it, while below 25-30ng/ml is considered flat out deficient. Many folks coming into the pharmacy in the Dover area that have been tested for Vitamin D levels are indicating they have levels around 17-20ng/mL.
Although Vitamin D is found supplemented in various dairy products, juices, and other drinks, getting 1000 to 2000 IU per day would require a whole lot of dairy. For example, an 8 ounce glass of Vitamin D supplemented milk contains roughly 100 IU, and supplemented orange juice contains about 200 IU per 8 ounces. The best food sources of Vitamin D are fatty fishes, such as mackerel (around 250 IU per 3 ounce serving) and salmon (around 530 IU per 3 ounce serving). Despite these fairly decent statistics for fatty fish, these aren’t foods recommended on a daily basis due to potential pollutants and toxins present. So, as we have been aware of throughout the Fall season based on our customers’ requests – Vitamin D supplementation is the easiest way to go in keeping your health at its optimum level.
Although clinical trials concerning Vitamin D deficiency haven’t been conducted on children, the recommendations are considered to be the same for children as for adults. Some sources recommend children below 2 be supplemented with 1000 IU per day and children and adults over 2 receive 2000 units per day. As research continues on Vitamin D, it is becoming clear that it isn’t only people in northern climates that are at risk for deficiency – those with darker skin tones, the obese, the elderly, and infants are also estimated to be deficient in the majority of the population.
Darker skin tones contain higher amounts of melanin (the pigment that colors our skin), which absorbs UV light, thus reducing Vitamin D synthesis. Those with very dark skin have a natural SPF of 15, meaning they synthesize very little Vitamin D when not exposed to strong sunlight. As for the obese, since Vitamin D is fat soluble, it is often sequestered into fatty tissue and thus isn’t available in the circulation and isn’t available for its required functions. In the elderly, it has been found that the amount of precursor to Vitamin D in the skin decreases with age. An elderly person is expected to have 25% of the Vitamin D synthesizing capacity as a young person in the same conditions due solely to the amount of precursor naturally available in the skin. Finally, infants are at risk of deficiency due to the lack of sunlight they experience (think baby sunscreen, SPF 50) and a lack of Vitamin D in breast milk. Even if a nursing mother is not deficient, sources indicate that Vitamin D is not passed through the breast milk and thus many children are ending up deficient at a very young age.
So how much is too much Vitamin D? Considering pharmaceutical grade Vitamin D is available as 50,000IU per capsule and is generally prescribed as one tablet per week for 8 weeks, taking even 4,000+ per day will not cause acute toxicity. Although it’s always good to be aware of not overdoing it with Vitamin D, it is actually quite difficult to raise someone from a deficient level of less than 25ng/ml up to a potentially toxic level of 80ng/ml. Raising your level of Vitamin D even by 5ng/ml is a slow process that requires daily intake of 1000-2000 IU supplements (or as directed by your practitioner) for at least a few months. Over the counter strength formulas rarely exceed 2000 IU per day due to the potential risk of ingestion of too much.
Staff pick: Rainbow Light Sunny Gummies, 1000 IU
MegaFood Vitamin D 1000 & 2000 IU
Carlson Ddrops 400 & 1000 IU
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Therapeutic Uses of Mushrooms
By Greg McCrone
Mushrooms have been a favorite subject and a fascination of mine for as long as I can remember. In fact, mushrooms were revered, worshiped and used extensively by our ancestors as far back as the late Paleolithic era.
Otzi, the late Stone Age ice man recovered from the melting glaciers in the Alps along the Austrian-Italian border, has opened our eyes to early human relations with the fungi kingdom. This 45-year-old man who died well over 5000 years ago was carrying two medicinal mushrooms. One was a necklace of birch polypore (Piptoporus betulinus); the other, a tinder polypore (Fomes fomentarius), was in a fire-starting pouch.
The birch polypore found on the Ice Man (who was wounded prior to his demise), was used to stop bleeding and has been proven to have antibiotic properties in modern testing. It has anti-parasitic effects as well, which would have made it desirable medicine for most humans 5300 years ago. Crude extracts of this rubbery hard mushroom have been shown to inhibit tumors in test tubes. Betulinic acid, a triterpene in this familiar and most common of birch mushrooms, has been shown to stimulate apoptosis (cell death) in melanoma cells.
The Tinder Conk, another common birch mushroom, looks a lot like a hoof and some refer to it as “Ice Man Polypore”. Modern testing has revealed that extracts of this mushroom have strong antiviral properties, and the complex sugar molecules (polysaccharides) from the mycelium (roots) exhibit anti-tumor activity. A little research also reveals humans have had a relationship with this particular mushroom dating back to 11,600BP. It was used for arthritis, to stop bleeding, for bladder infections, as an antimicrobial, for incense and for making clothing. Hippocrates was the first to write about it, 2400 years ago, referring to its topical application on wounds.
For Otzi, at 45 years old and recently wounded by an arrow in his back, these mushrooms may not have saved his life but they revel a keen understanding of nature’s magic.
Polypore mushrooms are often referred to as bracket fungi, and appear on trees throughout our forests. Like the name implies, these mushrooms have uniform undersides with “many pores” by which they propagate themselves. The spores attach themselves to dead or aging trees and spread their mycelia (roots) deep into the matrix of the tree, gobbling up nutrients and polysaccharides. Paul Stamets, a mushroom expert from the Pacific Northwest, states, “Amazingly, all polypores, as far as we know, are edible, if you can consume them.” Indeed, “if” is the key word here. The large shelf mushroom most of us are familiar with, the Artist Conk (Ganoderma applanatum), is a wood eating fungi and is about as hard as a piece of wood. The underside is lily white and will stain brown when etched. I have seen mammoth 3-foot specimens, probably 40 years old, either carved or painted with beautiful scenes.
What may seem even more remarkable to some people are the promising studies that have been done on these fungi and many of their cousins that have shown them to have potent anti-tumor, immune-potentiating and anti-bacterial properties.
In order to unlock these precious compounds, the mushrooms need to be tenderized, pounded, ground up, and extracted — sometimes in alcohol and more often under low heat in water for up to 12-16 hours. The rewards for all this hard work are a dazzling array of medicinal chemicals: polysaccharides, triterpenes, B-Glucans, steroidals, antibiotics, glycopeptides and ergosterol (provitamin D2). These chemicals can and do have profound effects on the ability of our nervous, endocrine and immune systems to do battle against chemicals, bacteria, viruses and the ravages of our own cells that have turned wildcat and cancerous. Unlike pharmaceuticals, mushrooms act as tonics — healing agents with extraordinarily low toxicity. This means they are beneficial not only for the sick and compromised patient but also as a supplement to prevent aging and cancer.
“Fungi are central to host defense of the planet and the people, ancient guardians of the forest and forest-peoples. They deserve our respect as allies for human survival.” (Stamets)
Luckily, the hard work of growing, extracting and preparing medicinal mushrooms in this country has been done for us by a number of talented and gifted artisans of natural medicine. Let’s take a look at a few of the polypores and their relatives.
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum or Ling Zhi) is a well known by most herbalists as an adaptogen. Like most adaptogens, it is an extremely safe supplement to take, even for long periods of time. Reishi is one of my favorite supplements and I have been taking it on a daily basis for more than a dozen years. Reishi is an immune modulator. It stimulates release of the chemical messengers (Interleukins), increasing macrophage and T-cell activity, and activates natural killer cells and tumor necrosis factors. A relative of reishi, Ganoderma Tsugae, grows on hemlocks in our woodlands and if prepared correctly can be consumed like coffee, though with slightly less medicinal value than Reishi.
Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor) often grows in large colonies on downed hardwoods in the forest. These 2-3 inch mushrooms do resemble the colorful fantails of our wild turkeys. When they are fruiting and fresh I like to pick a few and chew on them like a stick of gum when I’m hiking in the woods.
Extracts of this mushroom have anti-tumor, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant and immune enhancing effects. It has been approved as an anti-cancer drug in Asia and appears to protect healthy cells from chemotherapy while sensitizing the cancerous cells to Chemo.
Chaga, or Clinker Polypore (Inonotus obliquus), another mushroom mostly found on birches, looks to me like an old crenulated rhino horn left on a smoldering camp fire. Back in the 1950’s it was approved as an anti-cancer drug in Russia. Two of the best know herbalists in the States and friends of mine, Chris Hobbs and David Winston, recommend this mushroom for multiple types of cancer. Chaga can be consumed as coffee-like beverage and has been referred to as a national drink in Russia. I recently decided to stock a double extracted tincture of Chaga from Mushroom Harvest of Ohio.
Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus), is a representative of the teethed mushroom family, and tastes a lot like lobster. The Japanese have isolated five polysaccharides that have shown potent anti-tumor activity and were shown to extend life spans of patients. Further research has revealed compounds that appear to simulate nerve growth factor. This may open the door to treatments for dementia, Parkinson’s, and neurological trauma.
Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis) is a caterpillar parasitizing fungus that has its origin in the mountain meadows of Tibet above 10,000 feet. It too has adaptogenic properties and has historical use in Chinese medicine as an aphrodisiac, appearing in written records in the second century. It has profound effects on our immune system as well, inhibiting tumors and the proliferation of leukemia cells. It has cholesterol-reducing action, and like reishi is considered a cardio tonic. It has been shown to increase blood flow and improve our physical endurance. Chinese runners who broke numerous records in the mid-1990s gave cordyceps ample credit.
With so many mushrooms and choices of products it may be a little daunting trying to choose the right supplemental mushroom. Let us help you find the right products and combinations. George Vaughn from Mushroom Harvest and Paul Stamets of Fungi Perfecti (originator of Host Defense) grow, produce, and sell a wide variety of mushroom products. More importantly they educate and spread the spores of knowledge. We hope to be working closely with them and other harvesters and herbal producers to bring you good health and well being.
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Here’s the dirt about… Healing Clay
By Barbara King
The practice of using clay and eating clay for healing purposes is not new. Arab physician and teacher Avincenna (980 to 1037) taught the healing qualities of clay. The first proof of the therapeutic qualities of clays is found written on clay tablets from Mesopotamia dating around 2500 BC. In the 2nd century AD, Greek philosopher and physician Galen wrote a treatise on clay therapy for internal and external healing. Many people claim that clay improves their health when suffering from certain ailments, especially having to do with gastric system, although not limited to it. Constipation and diarrhea, chronic infections, eczema, acne, psoriasis, stress, and even arthritis have all been greatly improved by eating clay.
Clay is loaded with minerals: calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, sulfur, zinc, silica, manganese, and trace minerals. These are basic minerals that are necessary for the body to live, and, since the body cannot manufacture its own minerals, it must get them from outside sources. Clay is excellent for putting back those minerals the body has lost.
Externally, the right clay can reduce swelling and inflammation, drain infection, and cleanse the skin. It is used for facials, masks, poultices, body wraps, and baths. Internally, clay cleanses, detoxifies, and balances pH and intestinal flora. It is not absorbed by the body, but works with the body to remove toxins, rebuild tissues, and rejuvenate tired or damaged organs.
Clays come in varying shades of white, pink, red, orange, yellow, green and brown. Among native Indian tribes, different clays were used for different ailments. The variety of colors is due to the variations in mineral compounds.
Did you know that The Herbal Path has many clay products to choose from? The evanhealy cosmetic line offers both rose and green clay. The rose clay has a bit of exfoliating grains which is great for oilier skin types while the green clay is used when you would like a silky smooth treatment with additional antioxidant properties of powdered green tea. Both clays are appropriate for all types of skin without fear of drying or harming the skin in any way.
Now Foods has several clay products as well. Their Moroccan red clay is an all-natural powdered clay that is highly absorbable and mixes easily with water or other moisturizing products. It serves as an excellent facial and purifying masque, especially for sensitive skin. Now Foods also has European clay, which is good for all skin types.
We also sell Aztec Healing Clay Powder, Sea Algae Clay by Aubrey and Pore Refining Clay with Herbs by Burt’s Bees. Aztec Healing Clay Powder is bentonite clay. (The name “Bentonite” is not its mineral name, but rather a trade name for commercial type of clay, however, it has become well known by this name.) Bentonite is a soft, volcanic clay mined from various places around the world. It is also known as montmorillonite clay.
At The Herbal Path, you can also find many clay products by Zion Health. These are my personal favorites. I especially love their energy clay tablets and powder. They stimulate the body to do its own healing. These clay tablets not only absorb toxins but also activate the immune system, soothe ulcers and stomach pain, replenish lost nutrients counteract poisoning, heal constipation, control weight, relieve nausea, treat diarrhea, and have been known to treat allergies.
Zion Health uses calcium montmorillonite clay known as Kanwa. Since the clay also includes 30 trace minerals, it is a valuable source of nutrients and holds a powerful healing agent for the skin. I have used all o f their products and have found such a difference in how I feel. When I use their shampoo and conditioner, I feel it heals any damage, balances the pH and gives a nice shine. Their ClayBrite toothpaste is brown yet helps to whiten teeth. It helps to prevent cavities and receding gums. After brushing it feels like getting your teeth cleaned and polished at the dentist. They also make an Ageless Clay Anti-Wrinkle Cream, Hydrating Moisturizing Cream, Skin exfoliating Face Wash, Face Clay Mask, Acne Terminator, Foot Mask, Clay Bath, lotions and soaps.
Well there you have it. The dirt on the benefits of adding a little clay into your day. So, what do you think? How about eating some dirt; trying some healing clay that is. See for yourself how a little bit of clay can go along way in healing you!
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8 Responses
This is a very interesting news letter.
I have a friend the has Rosacea. It really flares up when she is stressed. Is there any natural products that will help her?
Hi Janet,
Thanks for writing! There are definitely some things your friend could try for rosacea. With any kind of skin condition, we usually recommend treating both internally and externally (working from both directions). Internally, you could look at digestive support (enzymes, probiotics, teas) and anti-inflammatory products such as Zyflamend or Pycnogenol. Topically, there are many great products to choose from. Derma-e makes a pycnogenol line specifically targeted at rosacea. Grateful Body also has a rosacea serum called Ciao Rosacea which we hear great feedback about. Feel free to call or stop by the store anytime to take a look at things or if you have more questions.
Thank you!
Marci
This is a very interesting news letter.
I have a friend the has Rosacea. It really flares up when she is stressed. Is there any natural products that will help her?
After a recommendation from one of the Herbal Path staff, I’ve been using the Zion Health Adama Ancient Clay Face Wash. It is amazing! My skin is so sensitive, and this clay wash helps to calm it down. Thanks for your recommendation!
Hi Ellen,
I’m so glad to hear that the clay face wash is working for you! It’s always wonderful to hear positive feedback — thanks for commenting!
Marci
After a recommendation from one of the Herbal Path staff, I’ve been using the Zion Health Adama Ancient Clay Face Wash. It is amazing! My skin is so sensitive, and this clay wash helps to calm it down. Thanks for your recommendation!
Excellent information. Informative and useful and, important to me, presents useful information that can be incorporated into a modern lifestyle.
Hi Laurel,
Thank you! We’re always glad to hear that the newsletter is relevant and valuable to people. Thanks for commenting!
Marci
Excellent information. Informative and useful and, important to me, presents useful information that can be incorporated into a modern lifestyle.
Thank you. I found this newsletter exciting and very relevant. Every article is well researched, factual, and interesting to read. Thank you for this very valuable resource.
Thanks Joanne!
We all work hard to make the newsletter valuable and interesting — I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Marci
Thank you. I found this newsletter exciting and very relevant. Every article is well researched, factual, and interesting to read. Thank you for this very valuable resource.
Comments are closed for this entry.