Case Study #4

Herbalist's Comments and Suggestions for:
35 Year old woman with Abnormal Heavy Menstrual Bleeding, Candida Infection, and Chronic Urinary Tract Infections

Herbalist’s Comments and Suggestions:

Decrease use of Sugar, White Flour, Yeast Breads, Alcohol, Fruit Juices, Cheese, Mushrooms, Refined Carbohydrates, Salt, Saturated Fats, Stimulants, Excessive Meat consumption and Vinegar.

Add these foods to your diet for health: Oats,Whole non-gluten grains, Fresh Fruits especially Pineapple and it’s juice, and lightly cooked Vegetables especially broccoli, peas, celery, parsley, strawberries, avocados, tomatoes. Nuts and Seeds, Legumes, Yogurt (no sugar added) with live cultures, Garlic. Also add Salmon and Tuna which are heart healthy foods, rich in folic acid, B12, and essential fatty acids. Use organic eggs.

Increase fiber consumption through raw foods, high water content foods such as fruits and vegetables, or a fiber supplement such as 3g Glucomannan, 5g Konjac fiber or Psyllium, 1 tsp. powder to 8oz. juice or water 30 mins to 1 hr after other herbs or any current medications, for stool frequency, consistency, and improvement of pain or distension of abdomen.

Avoid foods including wheat, dairy products, alcohol (esp. yeast containing alcohol like wine), caffeine, carbonated drinks, fatty foods, artificial sweeteners, artificial fats, MSG, chocolate, dried fruits.

Other Suggestions: Try a “diet diary” record the foods that you eat and how you feel after. Record any cravings or reactions, try eliminating foods associated with symptoms/reactions as it is possible that an allergy exists, and/or candidiasis.

Recommended Herbs & Nutrients:
Multivitamin and Multimineral with at least 15mg Zinc, 50 mcg Selenium and 300mg Magnesium. Vitamins and minerals should be taken 15 mins. before or after a meal.

Antioxidant complex

B Vitamin Complex

Vitamin C 1000mg Twice per day, a natural anti-inflammatory, immune system booster, and antioxidant.

Caprylic acid 700mg Twice per day, an essential fatty acid which helps control cadidaisis

Cat’s Claw 500mg, Cat’s Claw has antiviral, immunostimulating, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Grapefruit seed extract 15 drops Twice per day, natural antibiotic, antifungal, antiviral.

Grape Seed Extract 100mg, In addition to antioxidant activity, Grape Seed Extract may also have anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic and anti-atherogenic activities

Acidophilus 10 billion cells, at bedtime; a beneficial bacteria also used to control candidaisis

Digestive Enzymes, Papaya or Bromelian 350mg; With each main meal; Digestive enzymes are proteins that are integral to the proper functioning of the digestive system

Dandelion, 10 drops, Three times daily for urinary & kidney health

Vitex 30mg, for menstrual irregularities and uterine pain.

Tea of Lady’s Mantle and Marigold (1-3 grams)between meals, for both candida and menstrual issues.

Shepard’s Purse tea may be used throughout the day, for excessive menstrual bleeding.

Other Suggestions: Have your physician check for Endometriosis, Consultation with a Nutritionist for extent of Candidiasis infection, and read The Optimum Nutrition Bible by Patrick Holford. You can try Echinacea, 10 drops, twice per day if you are not allergic, for general immune boost and treatment of candida.

Lifestyle Modification Changes:
It’s never too late to learn something new! Take a class, join a club, or develop a hobby to enrich your life, ease boredom and stress, and make new friends.

Clubs: Sierra Club, Meet new people, get exercise on guided hikes of varying activity levels.

Yoga, Most gyms offer some Yoga classes

Join a Gym, Gyms offer a wide variety of classes including kickboxing, strength training and Yoga; in addition to fitness equipment, swimming pool and personal trainers.

Relaxation Techniques and Exercise:
Increase aerobic activity to at least 3 times per week. Exercise improves digestion and relieves menstrual symptoms!

Add a strength training routine with weights, build muscle to burn fat!

Vary your workouts to prevent boredom

Qi Gong is a branch of Chinese Medicine that integrates physical movement and postures with breathing techniques and focused intention. Practicing Qi Gong (Chi Kung) means cultivating your body's capacity to heal, maintain wellness, and increase your vitality. Yoga and Meditation for stress relief and relaxation.

Regular Massage will aid in the elimination of toxins from the body, circulation, and relaxation. Reflexology may help balance and harmonize. Accupressure, similar to Accupuncture but without needles, using pressure points to alleviate symptoms.

Comments: Regular exercise increases metabolism for up to 15 hours after workout, reduces stress, suppresses appetite, and lifts the spirit!

Other Suggestions: Massage Referral

This consultation was based on a detailed health history, not revealed in this blog. Always consult your health care professional before you begin any treatment.