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Health and Science Editor
Name
Editor
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Profession
Question
How can people discover herbal remedies suitable for their individual cases? What qualifications should be present in the healer so that people can be confident that he/she is giving them what they really need?
Answer
There are conditions and herbs that you only want to treat and use under the guidance of an herbalist. Cancer and black cumin seed are examples.
Most herbalists suggest growing the herbs that you use. As they grow and die, you will witness their growing cycle and discover a bit about them. Herbs are like people, they have personalities.
The safest herbs to begin with are kitchen herbs like lemon balm, cilantro, lavender etc . . . The goal of an herbalist is to master 10 herbs and be able to use each herb 50 or more ways.
An excellent beginner's book is Penelope Ody's "Healing with Herbs." You can also take a class. Kristie "Karima" Burns, ND offers various online classes.
When looking for herbalists, you want to see where they studied at or who they studied with. Many herbalist take on apprentices, so you will want to find out if that is how they studied. You may also check in your country if there is a certifying board.
There are also wonderful herbalist that did not go to a school, like my grandmother who learned from her mother. So it will be a matter of what you are looking for and also ask around to find out if you know anyone who has worked with an herbalists-seek a referral.
Name
Khadija
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Profession
Question
I have a question about herbs that help in losing weight and herbs that help in gaining weight.
Answer
Asalaam Alikum Sr. Khadija,
Herbs that help with weight loss may be similar to those that also work for weight gain if there is weight loss due to poor appetite.
When selecting an herb, there are many factors to be taken into account. Herbs can have 3, 4, 10 or more different uses. The herb will know which one of its uses is needed.
Herbs for weight loss may fall into the categories of:
Diuretics (aloe vera)
Digestive aids (chamomile)
Blood sugar stabilizers (cinnamon)
and so on. It depends on what the cause is.
Herbs are not a magic pill, you have to know how much, which one and for how long.
Weight gain is a bit more nuanced; bitter herbs like dandelion leaf will help stimulate digestion, if that is the cause.
Name
Mousa
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Profession
Question
My question is about exhaustion, I usually feel exhausted and I hate to take medics for that, is there an herbal remedy that can make me feel better? And are there herbs that can do the job of caffeine and keep us awake?
Answer
Asalaam Alikum Br. Mousa,
May Allah give you shifa (make you well).
Coffee is an herb and its action is due to the caffeine it contains.
It sounds like you may want to have your adrenal glands checked. You will want a saliva test. When the adrenal glands are over burdened with stress, infection, emotional trauma or physical stress, we can experience weight gain around the face and the abdomen. A saliva test is the best diagnostic test to determine the status of the adrenal glands.
A blood test is available, but it only measures if there is disease present (Addison's). There is also a 24-hour urine collection test. However, this test is not sensitive enough since it pools all urine during a 24 hour period and does not take into account that the adrenals produce different amounts of hormones during the day. When the urine is pooled together, the lab results may come back "normal," but there could have been a large drop in production at 4 P.M. and a rapid production at 3 A.M. for instance. As such, it tends not to be a very useful diagnostic tool.
Coffee, caffeine and sugar act by giving a ‘kick’ to the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands need vitamin C. Good sources are rosehips (use hot water) and hibiscus (do not use hot water to make the tea, use cold water, 1 tsp herb to 8 oz water.
Also, herbs that are termed adaptogens are good. I like the Chinese herb astragals, it looks like a popsicle stick and is sweet. You can eat it, use it to make a tea or add it to food as it cooks. There are excellent herbal supplements available as well.
A good book is by James Wilson, ND, DC, PhD "Adrenal Fatigue." You may also send me an email at anisa@womenshealingcircle.org for more references.
Name
Salbiah
- Malaysia
Profession
Lecturer
Question
My husband is suffering from motor neuron disease for almost 10 years. He has tried many alternative therapies and medication but it seems that his condition is getting worse. Is there any alternative treatment that you can recommend? Jazakillahi khairan kathira.
Answer
Asalaam Alikum Sister Salbiah,
May Allah give your husband shifa (make him well).
You could check into heavy metal toxicity by having a hair analysis done. If your doctor refuses, you can do it at home with a kit you can order at: www.doctormurray.com
Nutritional deficiencies of the B vitamins, folic acid and niacin are common causes. Also, if there is a lack of dopamine (a neurotransmitter), this can cause depression. SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine) and 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) are also used to help this. Lack of dietary fat can be a contributing factor as cells are lined with fat.
Antioxidants and vitamins E protect dietary fats from becoming rancid. Omega 3 oils as well as coconut oil are good sources.
Name
Sara
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Profession
Question
I wear a head scarf for long periods of time as I work for long hours. I recently noticed that my hair in the front has started to thin greatly. Is there any natural remedy for this and do you think it could be related to my wearing the head scarf for so long?
Answer
Asalaam Alikum Sister Sara,
I can say, with almost 100% certainty it is not the hijab. It has to do with your hormones, particularly the thyroid gland. Hair loss is associated with thyroid dysfunction.
This may just be a functional disorder, the thyroid gland does expand and contract as we are exposed to stress, so it may not be a permanent thing.
Some things that cause stress on the thyroid:
Emotional, environmental (pollution) and physical stress (too much exercise)
Wheat
Sugar
Pregnancy
Menstrual Cycle
Adrenal Fatigue
Unresolved Infection
Heavy Metal Toxicity
Poor Food Choices
Nutritional Deficiencies
You can try rubbing black cumin seed oil in your hair overnight (at the root) and washing it out in the morning. Make sure that you cover your pillow.
Name
Maryam
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Profession
Question
I would like to know if there is a natural thing that can help with tension headache. Thank you.
Answer
Asalaam Alikum Sr. Maryam,
You could have vertebrae out of alignment. You may want to see a Network Chiropractor. Worldwide referrals at: www.associationfornetworkcare.com
If they are worse during or before your menstrual cycle, it may be a hormone imbalance.
Essential oils work well with tension headaches. Aura Cacia and Simplers makes blends that could work ( I like Pillow Potion and Cool it Hottie). I like to rub lavender on my temples. A bath with an aromatherapy blend might help. Reflexology and acupressure can also work. Additionaly, the yoga stance, the Corpse Position may help.
To make your own lavender oil- take 1 ounce carrier oil (almond, apricot or grape seed) and add 2-8 drops of lavender or blend. Try the oil before you have a headache. If you do not like it, do not use it during a headache.
I have also used Earth Therapeutics Anti Stress mid repair, rub on
temples, shoulders and neck www.earththerapeutics.net/products.asp?dept=25
Name
JOJO
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Profession
Question
My menstruation is a complete hassle, in which I experience premenstrual symptoms, heavy periods, and I'm really helpless with it. Is there a cure for that or a way to decrease this suffering at least?
Answer
Asalaam Alikum Sr. JOJO,
May Allah give you shifa.
This can be caused by estrogen dominances. It has been found that estrogen dominance is associated with breast cancer. Coconut oil (Organic Only and unrefined) helps to pull excessive estrogen from the body. 3- 4 tablespoons a day. Changing your diet will also help. White flour, white rice, sugar, fast food, packaged foods, soy, plastic (is estrogenic).
Fiber in the form of green and red powders like Berry Green or Green magma (1 tsp. 1st week and build up to 1 tablespoon). The berries and greens in these powders also help with inflammation (PMS is an inflammatory condition).
For the pain, hot bottle pack, Simplers (essential oil company) makes a blend for cramps, chamomile tea, castor oil packs (http://www.earthclinic.com/Remedies/castor_oil.html).
It would be a wonderful investment in your long-term health to seek out a practitioner to work with.
