December 2010 Newsletter

 Dear Friends,

Several weeks ago a customer ordered from us over 200 different herbs. Thank you, we really do appreciate the business.  However, as I reviewed this order, it became apparent to me what this customer was trying to accomplish.  The order was for our bulk herbs and consisted of 4 ounces each of many, many herbs.  I applaud the effort to stock up and be prepared.  And while I may be wrong, I envisioned them going through our list of herbs with either a reference book or a friend coaching them on what to purchase.  “Oh yeah, I heard Blue Flag herb is good, get that one, and get some Sheep Sorrel and Usnea.”  And while this person now has a supply of a lot of different herbs, I wonder if they really know what to do with all of them. Additionally, all herbs are not the same, some are powerhouses and others minor players.  It would make more sense to me, if you are purchasing herbs to make your own formulations, to have more of some (get 10 pounds of Echinacea) and less of others.

            As I thought about this, I asked myself and a few others, if you had a decent chunk of change to spend on herbs, would you spend it on a small amounts of a whole bunch of different herbs or would you rather concentrate on fifteen or twenty different ones in greater quantities.  For me, my family and friends the issue really is not whether you will stock a supply of herbal necessities but which ones and how much. 

            This morning I received a report from AHPA (the American Herbal Products Association) of which we are members.  They are a very reputable organization in the herbal industry.  The newsletter was in essence a warning of climbing and even skyrocketing food prices in the coming weeks and months.  It contained a detailed reckoning of specific foods and also herbs that are expected to dramatically drive up prices in the marketplace.  These changes are due to a multiplicity of factors, some political, some due to nature (flooding and crop failures) and some due to the evolving of third world diets (mainly China and India) demanding foods enjoyed by the more affluent countries of the world.  (http://www.china.org.cn/business/2010-11/22/content_21392465.htm)

            And while prices in the market have been steadily rising, they have not yet spiraled out of control as some prognosticators are anticipating.  Some in the media have been pounding the drum of preparedness long and hard and personally I feel more secure with an extra bag or two of beans and rice in my pantry than I would feel otherwise.  While no one can accurately predict whether or not truly harder times are imminent, we would better serve those we shelter and love by preparing ‘just-in-case’.

            So back to my earlier question?  From an herbal perspective, what (in my humble opinion) should you have in your pantry?  I look at this issue from a functional standpoint – namely what should I have on hand for this problem or for that problem.  Also, if I had to live off beans, rice and oatmeal, what herbs and spices would I want for flavoring – a little oregano or cinnamon can do wonders.

I have written much about this in my recommendations for an Herbal First Aid List.  Here are a few suggestions you may want to consider.

Herbal Formulas

1.   Immune Boost – used for infectious illness, feverish illness or a general immune system boost.

2.   Colon Cleanse – an excellent herbal laxative that assists with elimination while building tone and strengthening the colon.

3.   Colon Detox – used to deeply cleanse the colon, to control diarrhea, used as a drawing poultice, for stings and bites.  Used internally for food poisoning to absorb toxins.

4.  CTR Ointment (Complete Tissue Repair Ointment) – use to speed the healing of cuts, wounds, abrasions, bruises.  Any type of wound healing.

5.  Lungs Plus Formula – for asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis, and most respiratory problems.

6.   Deep Heat oil or ointment – for sprains, strains and muscular pain.  Also relieves earache (only use if eardrum is NOT ruptured).

7.   CTR Syrup – used internally to speed the healing of any injury where tissue has been disrupted or damaged.

8.   Kidney-Bladder Formula and Kidney Bladder Tea– for urinary tract infection, incontinence, general edema (swelling) or kidney and bladder concerns.

9.   Liver-Gallbladder Formula and Liver Detox Tea– for any liver condition (infectious or toxic), for digestive complaints.

10. Nerve Calm Formula – for nervous tension, irritation, insomnia or panic attacks.

11. Herbal Ear Drops – used for earaches inside the ears as well as around the ears.  Used also for external glandular swelling or cysts.

12. Anti-Plague Syrup – for any infectious condition that can result in death

(“the plague”).  Use to boost and stimulate the immune system.

13. Earth Nutrition and/or Bountiful Blend – for powerful concentrated nutrition to supplement any diet. 

In the Kitchen, we recommend buying herbs in bulk. It is amazing the amount you can save when you purchase in bulk instead of buying little bottles of herbs and spices at the grocery store.  Hippocrates taught that our food should be our medicine and our medicine our food.  Herbs and spices do have medicinal properties as well as taste oh so good.  Considers purchasing a pound or two of the following:  Black Pepper, Celtic Sea Salt, Oregano, Basil, Thyme, Sage, Cumin, Coriander, Clove, Nutmeg, Cinnamon, Cayenne, Garlic and Ginger.  Don’t see what you’re looking for on our website?  Chances are we have just give us a call.

Take advantage of our December 20% off an order Sale.  Not only have we NOT raised our prices, but you can get 20% savings off all Western Botanicals’ produced products. (not included in sale are Essential oils and bulk herbs)

We live in uncertain times.  We know that the world is changing.  As we prepare, as best we can, for the continued and coming turbulence, we will be better equipped to bless and help ourselves and others.  Become part of the solution as you anticipate and prepare for come what may. 

Blessings to you all,

Kyle Christensen DC and Western Botanicals

Herbal First Aid List

Herbal First Aid Kit

A list to get you started

It is important that each of us has access to a good first aid kit and that you know how to use it. Use a book such as Herbal First Aid and Health Care (by Kyle Christensen, DC, MH) or another good reference book as part of your first aid kit.  Assemble your kit now, before you need it.  Get a box or plastic tote and begin throwing things in.  You will be surprised how much you can find around the house before you need to make a run to the drug stroe. Tailor the contents to fit your family’s particular needs and lifestyle. Assemble them in a backpack or tool chest. Any bottle or container that is not labeled should be discarded.  “If in doubt, throw it out.” Check your kit periodically to restock.  Start using it now for any of your health needs.

Herbal Formulas

1.    Immune Boost – used for infectious illness, feverish illness or a general immune system boost.

2.   Colon Cleanse – an excellent herbal laxative that assists with elimination while building tone and strengthening the colon.

3.   Colon Detox – used to deeply cleanse the colon, for diarrhea, used as a drawing poultice, for stings and bites.  Use internally for food poisoning.

4.    Digestion Aid Formula – for indigestion, upset stomach or gastritis.

5.   CTR Ointment (Complete Tissue Repair Ointment) – use to speed the healing of cuts, wounds, abrasions, bruises.  Any type of wound healing.

6.   Lungs Plus formula – for asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis, any respiratory problem.

7.   Deep Heat oil or ointment – for sprains, strains and muscular pain.  Also relieves earache (only use if eardrum is NOT ruptured).

8.   CTR Syrup – used internally to speed the healing of any injury where tissue has been disrupted or damaged.

9.   Kidney-Bladder Formula – for urinary tract infection, incontinence, general edema (swelling) or kidney and bladder concerns.

10. Liver-Gallbladder Formula – for any liver condition (infectious or toxic), for digestive complaints.

11. Nerve Calm Formula – for nervous tension, irritation, insomnia or panic attacks.

12. Herbal Anti-Septic Formula – to cleanse and disinfect wounds

13. Herbal Tooth Powder – for any teeth or gum infection or weakness.  Tightens loose teeth.

14. Herbal Ear Drops – used for earaches inside the ears as well as around the ears.  Used also for external glandular swelling or cysts.

15. Herbal Mouthwash – for gingivitis, pyorrhea, and mouth sores.

16. Female Balance Formula – for any hormonally related female condition.

17. Anti-Plague Syrup – for any infectious condition that can result in death (the plague).  Use to boost and stimulate the immune system.

Single Herbs

1.   Cayenne tincture – used to stop bleeding, for shock and to increase circulation

2.   Cayenne powder – for bleeding, shock and circulation

3.   Lobelia tincture – relaxant, anti-spasmodic, for asthma (bronchial dilator), an emetic.

4.   Peppermint essential oil – for digestion, opens the lungs and sinuses.

5.   Tea Tree essential oil – topical anti-fungal, anti-bacterial

6.   Oregano infused oil – sublingually used for anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, immune builder.

7.   Clove essential oil – topical pain reliever for teeth or mouth sores.

8.    Lavender essential oil – topical anti-bacterial, for insect bites.

9.   Garlic infused oil – for ear infections, topical anti-bacterial, anti-fungal.

10.  Slippery Elm bark powder – soothes digestive upsets, for colitis and irritable bowel.

11. Castor oil – used topically as a fomentation to relieve and reduce pain, inflammation, growths and swellings.

12. Shepherd’s Purse tincture – stops excessive bleeding, especially menstrual or related to childbirth.

13. Crystalized Ginger or Ginger capsules – used for motion sickness, dizziness, nausea, indigestion or taken for cold hands and feet.

14. Yarrow tincture – for fevers

15.  Plantain tincture – for bites, stings, or skin irritations

16. Mullein tincture – calms and soothes digestion

17. Fennel tincture – for gas or bloating.

Miscellaneous

1.   Sea Salt – for mineral replacement in dehydration (Celtic Sea Salt, Redmond Real Salt)

2.   Soap – liquid anti-bacterial or castile soap – to clean wounds and skin.

3.   Epsom Salt or Dead Sea Salt  – used to draw out toxins and radiation.  Used 1 –2 cups per bath.

4.   Apple Cider Vinegar – for arthritis (internally) and to wash the skin.

5.   Baking Soda – used to neutralize acids burns, for re-hydration, and insect bites.

6.   Miso – used nutritionally to ward off the effects of radiation.  Made into a soup.

7.   Rubbing Alcohol or alcohol preps – used to clean around wounds.

8.   Potassium Iodide – Potassium Iodate-  for thyroid protection against radiation

Tools

1.   Tweezers – for removal of splinters or debris from skin or tissues.

2.   Scissors – to cut bandages, cloth, etc.

3.   Thermometer – for taking temperatures.

4.   Tongue Depressors – for finger splints.

5.   Tape – to adhere bandages.

6.   Snake Bite Kit – in addition to snake bites, use for spider or insect bites.  A portable suction devise is good to have on hand.

7.   Cotton Applicator (Q-tips) – to apply herbs in small areas or to scrub and clean tissue.

8.   Splinter removers – more customized than general tweezers.

9.   Instant Ice Pack – for sprains, strains, contusions when a freezer and ice is not available.  The I. in R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate)

10. Epi-Pen – epinephrine injection, if there is a history of severe allergic reactions.

11. Otoscope – this tool can be purchased inexpensively to view the ear canal.

12. Stethoscope & Blood Pressure Cuff – to monitor blood pressure and to listen to the heart and the lungs.

13. Nail Clippers – specialized tool for nails (ingrown toenails)

14. Bulb Syringe – to forcefully rinse wounds, for small enemas, to extract mucus.  Sterilize after every use.

15. Hot Water Bottle/Enema/Douche.

16.   Dental Mirror – to view mouth and teeth.

Bandages

1.   16-36 each Band-Aids – 1/2” x 3”, 3/4” x 4”, knuckles

2.   Ace Bandages - 2”, 3” and 6”

3.   Flannel – 11” x 14” – an old nightgown or shirt

4.   Gauze – many sizes of both pads and rolls

5.   Waterproof tape

6.   Vinyl examination gloves – one box – multiple sizes if necessary for your family.

7.    Feminine Napkins – Maxi-pads– for heavy bleeding (not just female concerns)

8.    Moleskin – for blisters or to protect skin from wear.

9.   SAM Splint – use for arms, legs, ankle or neck immobilization.

10.  Butterfly bandages and Super Glue for wound closure.

11.  Triangular bandages to make a sling or wrap.

12.  Bandaging strips – cut or tear an old clean sheet into 4” strips that can be used for gauze, to wrap or bind injuries. 

 

Emergency and Other Items to Consider

1.   Cell phone and recharger that utilizes the accessory plug in your car dash

2.   Emergency phone numbers of all family, friends andcontact information for your family doctor and pediatrician, local emergency services, emergency road service providers and the regional poison control center

3.   Small, waterproof flashlight and extra batteries

4.   Candles and matches for cold climates

5.   Sunscreen and lotion

6.   Mylar emergency blanket

7.   First-aid instruction manual - such as Herbal First Aid and Health Care, by Christensen - personally I have several that cover many different aspects of health and first aid.

8.   Plastic bags for the disposal of contaminated materials

9.   Safety pins in assorted sizes

10. Save-A-Tooth storage device containing salt solution and a travel case &/or emergency dental kit

11.Aluminum finger splints

12.Water purifying - chlorine bleach and/or hand water filter

13. Copies of important family documents

14. Dust masks/mirco filter masks (95N)

15.  Whistle

16.  Maps of the area

17.  Bug Out Bag - 72 hour kit

18.  Clear Plastic sheeting to cover windows (if they break in an earthquake) and Duct tape

19.  Matches

20.  Garbage bags

21. Writing paper/pencils/pens

22.  Tarps/stakes/twine/nails/rope/spikes

23.  Good multipurpose knife and Scissors

24.  Siphon & hand pumps

25.  Boy Scout Handbook

26.  Work Gloves

27.  Glue

28.  Extra Reading Glasses

29.  Repair tools

30.  Wrenches/pliers to turn of water and gas to home

31.  Etc.

There are many OTC medications that you may want to include in your kit.  The purpose of this list was to emphasize herbs and herbal preparations that can be used in first aid applications. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any diseases, or replaces the services of a competent health care provider.  This program has not been evaluate or approved by the FDA.  By all means listen to your body and use common sense.

Prepared and provided by Kyle D. Christensen, DC, ND, MH and Western Botanicals, Inc.              Copyright© April 2009

Tired of Being Tired?!

How long has it been since you have gotten up in the morning feeling refreshed and ready to take on the challenges of a new day?  For most of us, this is the norm, but for some fatigue that is not relieved by sleep and dragging through the day is their reality.  Adrenal fatigue results when the adrenal glands become tired and worn out after intense or prolonged stress.  We have all heard of adrenaline or have experienced an ‘adrenal rush’.  This is a basic or primary response of the body to help us deal with stress.  The adrenal response is referred to as ‘the fight or flight’ response.   When there is real physical danger, a strong sympathetic nervous system response is triggered or initiated by the adrenal glands.  These small triangular cap-shaped glands (weighing less than a grape) sit atop each kidney secrete hormones such as cortisol into the bloodstream.  Changes in chemistry and physiology occur instantaneously causing the heart rate to increase, blood flow increases to your arms and legs (so that you can engage in battle or run away), pupils dilate increasing your visual focus, mental acuity sharpens, and the liver releases sugar to be burned as energy.  The whole body sharpens and focuses to deal with the stress or conflict at hand.  This is a powerful and necessary physiologic response designed to ensure our survival.

    However, we are not designed to cope with intense stress continually.  Imagine for a moment that you are walking through the forest.  Suddenly you catch a glimpse of a mountain lion.  Soon you realize that you are being stalked.  You go into a full blown sympathetic adrenaline response.  You raise your pack above your head (making you looker larger than you are) and begin shouting aggressive threatening tones as you carefully make it back to your car.  Once you are safe, your heart begins to settle down, but you are exhausted and justifiably so.  You notice something interesting though.  As you recount your adventure to friends, you find your heart again begins to pound and the adrenaline begins to flow.  Retelling your tale is exhausting.  While few of us experience threatening episodes with mountain lions, we do experience stress.  Whether the stress is a real physical danger, a perceived threat or something imagined, the body responds the same.  You may be working with a supervisor or with deadlines that your body interprets the same as physical danger.  Couple your daily stress with inadequate sleep, a poor diet and then a few episodes of intense or prolonged stress or an illness and your adrenal glands can become fatigued or exhausted.  The paramount symptom is fatigue that is not relieved by sleep.  You may look and act relatively normal with Adrenal Fatigue, yet you live with a general sense of unwellness, tiredness or ‘gray’ feelings.  People suffering from Adrenal Fatigue often have to use coffee, colas and other stimulants to get going in the morning and to prop themselves up during the day. 

    Adrenal fatigue can wreak havoc with your life.  Adrenal Fatigue can lead to conditions such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or Fibromyalgia but often begins as a growing sense of tiredness or lack of enthusiasm for life.  With each increment of reduction in adrenal function, every organ and system in your body is more profoundly affected.  Changes occur in your carbohydrates, proteins and fat metabolism, fluid and electrolyte balance, heart and cardiovascular system, and even your sex drive.  Your body does its best to make up for under-functioning adrenal glands, but it does so at a price. 

The main purpose of the adrenal glands is to enable your body to deal with stress from every possible source, ranging from injury and disease to work and relationship problems.  These glands largely determine the energy of your body’s responses to every change in your internal or external environment.  Whether they signal attack, retreat or surrender, every cell responds accordingly, and you feel the results.  It is through the actions of the adrenal hormones that your body is able to mobilize its resources to escape or fight off danger (stress) and survive.  In a more primitive society, that could mean being able to run away quickly, fight or pursue an enemy or game, endure long periods of physical challenge and deprivation.  In modern society, these same responses are triggered by such circumstances such as a difficult boss, air pollution, family quarrels, financial problems, too little sleep, illness or overindulgence in or sensitivities to food or drugs. 

If your adrenal function is low, your body cannot respond and adapt properly to these stresses, which leads to a variety of physical and psychological health problems.  And sadly our current system of medical healthcare is designed more to treat and manage symptoms, rather than rebuild and correct the underlying problems.  Adrenal fatigue is often at the beginning of a domino effect of health issues and leads to hypothyroidism, weight gain, constipation and digestive problems, and chronic candida yeast infections

    The adrenal glands secrete many hormones that affect how we use carbohydrates, fats and proteins in our diet.  Often the person with adrenal fatigue will store fat rather than burn it.  Blood sugar regulation will be off resulting in hypoglycemia.  Heart and digestive problems can result from low adrenal hormone output.  The adrenal glands become the primary source of sex hormones after mid-life in men and women, as such, adrenal fatigue often results in a diminished sex drive.  Weight gain and a under active thyroid are very often the secondary result of Adrenal Fatigue.

Signs of Adrenal Fatigue

• Fatigue that is not relieved by sleep
• Tired for no reason
• Trouble getting up in the morning even when you go to bed at a reasonable hour
• Feeling rundown or overwhelmed
• Can’t bounce back from stress or illness
• Crave salty and sweet snacks
• Need coffee, cola, sweets or salty snacks to get moving or keep going
• Trouble sleeping
• Feeling best only after 6 PM
• Oscillating Pupil – shine a flashlight in your eye (in a mirror).  The pupil should constrict.  If it constricts but then dilates (while the light is still in the eye).  Constricts – dilates – constricts – dilates.  This is a sign of adrenal fatigue.

Adrenal Fatigue affects 80% of Americans at some point in their lives.  Sometimes it is temporary and lasts only a few days.  At other times it can be debilitating and last for years.  The key to recovery is to focus on supporting, strengthening and rebuilding the body and the adrenal glands rather than further stimulating the body and trying to manage your symptoms.  The good news is that by supporting and rebuilding, we can dramatically improve your tiredness and fatigue as you are restored to health.


Recommendations for Adrenal Recovery
Diet/Nutrition: 
Avoid:    

•        All processed foods. – Foods with chemical sounding names on the label
•        Foods high is carbohydrates (sweets, treats  - anything with white sugar or white flour)
•        Foods containing hydrogenated fats – avoid soy oil, canola oil and any other processed oil.
•        Caffeine (coffee, tea, cocoa, chocolate, soft drinks)

Emphasize:    

•         Fresh and fermented vegetables and fruits
•         Raw local honey
•         Celtic Sea Salt
•         Organic healthy meats and Fish
•         Organic dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese) – preferably fermented like yogurt or kefir
•         Organic butter and cream – These healthy fats are necessary for rebuilding adrenal function
•         Organic free-range eggs

Your diet must be nutrient dense and free from toxins and impurities.  Your weight will stabilize by eating nutrient dense fats such as butter, coconut oil, olive oil, and organic eggs.  Always purchase the best quality organic foods from local sources, if you can.  This is the time to nourish your body and stay off of deprivation, nutrient restrictive diets.  Now is not the time to adhere to a strict vegetarian diet.

Supplements:   

• Earth Nutrition by Western Botanicals – 1 or 2 scoops daily – as a whole food supplement.  We prefer Earth Nutrition over our Bountiful Blend because it is very high in the B-vitamins because of the nutritional yeast
• Super Adrenal Support by Western Botanicals – 1 dropperful 2 to 4 times daily or as need when you feel a sudden drop in energy.  – This combination of herbs will help to rebuild your adrenal glands as well as provide you with energy when you need it
• Cod Liver, Krill or Salmon Oil–For Omega 3 Fatty Acids and Vitamins A, D & E – Carlson Norwegian Cod Liver Oil is the best in both taste and quality.
• Nature’s ‘C’ Complex by Western Botanicals – This is a whole food herbal vitamin C complex that contains everything nature intended in vitamin C, not just ascorbic acid or one of its derivatives.
• Celtic Sea Salt – one good healthy pinch in water daily for mineral/electrolyte support
• Glandular Adrenal Supplement – take 6 tablets daily divided into 2 or 3 doses.  This will provide your adrenal glands with real adrenal tissue to use to rebuild your own adrenals.  We like using Drenatrophin PMG by Standard Process.

Support for Associated Conditions that are often secondary to Adrenal Fatigue:
Hypothyroidism (under active Thyroid gland)
Thyroid Formula by Western Botanicals – if you have symptoms of an underactive thyroid gland.
Thyroid Glandular -Thytrophin PMG by Standard Process is a good choice.  Take 1-2 tablets
3 times daily.

Constipation        
Colon Cleanse™- by Western Botanicals – if you are not having 2 to 3 bowel movements each day.  You cannot get well and stay constipated.

Candida/Yeast Infection
Oregano oil – 3 to 4 drops under the tongue twice daily.  You must use an infused oregano oil, NOT an essential oil.  This will treat any kind of fungal or yeast infection from the inside out.
Probiotics – We recommend getting the good bacteria into your gut by eating yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, fermented vegetables, sourdough as well as through probiotic supplements.
Pau d’arco tea – drink 2 to 3 cups daily of this anti-fungal immune boosting tea
Coconut oil – strongly anti-fungal can be taken internally, 1 Tbs. 4 times daily.  You may use coconut oil in cooking, baking or mixed with warm water. And NO, coconut oil will not make you fat.  In fact, many use coconut oil as the key to their weight loss plan.  See Dr. Mary Enig’s book, Eat Fat, Lose Fat.
Olive Leaf capsules – 2 capsules three times daily

Exercise
You must exercise – walk or ride a bike but never to exhaustion.  You should always feel like you could have done more.  Stretching and yoga are also important as well as deep breathing exercises.

Meditation 
This must be a time for reflection and introspection.  Make long term plans and goals.  Live according to your inner voice.  Let your spirit be your guide. Listen to and obey your conscience.
   
Adrenal Fatigue is a condition that often is months or years in the making, and as such usually takes at least two to six months to fully recover.  I often have patients who perk up within a couple of weeks but then crash back down with fatigue when they discontinue their supplements.  Please understand that you will be feeling a lot better before you are completely recovered.  Continue taking the supplements.  Continue with a healthy nourishing diet. An excellent cookbook you may want to pick up is Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon.

This information is for educational purposes only.  It is not intended to diagnose, treat or prescribe.  We strongly recommend consultation with a competent health care provider before you begin any new treatment program or alter an existing treatment program.

Why Whole Herbs?

It doesn’t matter how you try, vitamin supplements cannot match the combinations of compounds, which are found naturally in whole foods.  Nutrients that are taken together as whole foods (minimally processed), contain substances that are synergistic, producing a stronger effect than any of the individual nutrients do on their own, states Dr. Rui Hai Liu, a Cornell University Food Scientist.

Dr. Liu and his colleagues came to their conclusion after years of studying more than 8,000 antioxidants and other chemicals found in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.  They found that because the nutrients (antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, etc.) differ in their molecular size, polarity and solubility, they produce a powerful natural combination that is more biologically available to human cells, organs and tissues than any single or combination of nutrients in the form of a pill.

For example, one medium apple has only 6 milligrams (mg) of vitamin C, but it has enough other antioxidants (quercetin, procyanidins, carcchin and epicatcchin, etc.) to produce as much antioxidant activity as 1,500 mg of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) supplement.  It would appear that nature knows what it’s doing.  And it also appears that food and supplement manufacturers who boast of their scientific acuity and prowess haven’t a clue.  They refine and process foods stripping away the enzymes, vitamins, minerals, co-factors, buffers, synergists, fiber and antioxidants until they end up with a sterile white powder, then they add a dozen vitamins and minerals and call their product “enriched”.  So if ‘Wonder Bread’ is enriched with 12 vitamins and minerals, what happened to the other 7,988 that they stripped away? 

I am convinced that most people take vitamins and supplements out of fear.  They take them because they are afraid not to.  Afraid they might be missing something.  You read an article or watch the News and hear of the latest scientific discovery of some chemical that is found in your body or your food that can now been synthesized so that it can be taken as a pill.  You’ve got to have it.  And of course, after two or three weeks, it gets relegated to the cupboard along with the other half used bottles.  Too many of us spend far too much money on supplements that just don’t live up to their promises.  The issue here is that the nutrients we ingest as food were never meant to be taken in isolation.  Our physical bodies are designed to eat food.  Whole food – not fragmented, isolated compounds that have been manipulated, processed and sterilized.  This is not to say that all of the non-whole food supplements are of no value.  Many do help.  But I will say that no supplement (vitamin, mineral, herbal or chemical) can make up for a poor diet.  Too many people eat junk and think you can be forgiven by drinking a chocolate shake laden with megadoses of synthesized nutrients? Don’t fool yourself into thinking this results in better health.  You really can’t fool Mother Nature.  Science, technology and medicine will continue to try to find the magic pill, the elusive gene, or that medical procedure that will reverse the consequences of our poor choices, but there will never be a shortcut to health.

Several years ago, I had a company boast that their supplements were made and formulated by 75 scientists balancing all of the vitamins and minerals perfectly.  They asserted they were the best supplements anywhere.  I disagreed with them and told them that my vitamin/mineral supplement was designed and perfected by Nature and contained nothing but whole foods with all of the vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, including everything science has discovered and many nutrients science has not yet discovered.  In addition, these nutrients are in perfect balance, in the precise ratio and form to be best absorbed and assimilated by the body.  Herbs are nothing more that natural whole foods in forms that are perfectly designed for the inhabitants of this planet.

Western Botanicals' Earth’s Nutrition and our antioxidant drink, Bountiful Blend are rich sources of whole foods commonly referred to as superfoods because of their dense nutrient content.  Both of these products are naturally high in nutrients and in perfect balance with nature and our needs in both absorbing and utilizing.

Another beast that has perked up his head in the herbal industry is standardized extracts.  This concept began in the food industry.  Here’s how it works.  You begin with the perfect orange.  From the most fertile soil, the most idyllic conditions and tree sweetened in the glowing Californian or Floridian Sun.  I mean this orange is so ripened to perfection, it drops off the tree into the farmers hand as he reaches for it.  This most glorious of all oranges is then tested for sugar content, tartness, etc.  This most perfect of oranges is then held as the standard.  Because this is the standard, if a farmer produces oranges whose juice when squeezed is a little tart or bitter, he is now justified in adding sugar or whatever else to bring it up to the idyllic standard.  And because the manufacturer is not adding anything that shouldn’t be there already, legally it does not need to be added to the label.  It’s a political kind of thing.  This same process is true for the dairy industry and many other things.  Now the pharmeceutical companies are doing the same thing with herbs.  They establish standard parameters for the active ingredient of the herb and then supplement or add to any inferior herb bringing it up to “standard”.  Of course, the end result is that you have a product that is out of balance – the co-factors, synergists, buffers, etc.  were not added and so you take a lop-sided herbal product that is supercharged with what limited research has decided the active ingredient was.

It is interesting that so many of the new designs in technology strive to mimic the designs of nature.  So much of food science tries to mimic nutrients and combinations of nutrients found in nature.  It is also ironic that research is now validating the healthiness of the diets of many of our ancesters, namely whole natural foods.  Foods that have been naturally fermented (such as sauerkraut and yogurt). 

Fragmented vitamins (the ones with chemcial names) do stimulate the body and cause reactions, but the benefits are usually short lived and if taken too long create imbalances.  Also beware of additives and fillers that are put in many of the multi-vitamins and mineral supplements.  If you suffer from headaches, fatigue, unclear thinking or digestive upset, you need to suspect the vitamin supplement you may be taking.  Go off it for a week and observe how you feel.

So here is my point.  Eat whole foods.  Use whole herbal medicines.  Science and technology cannot improve on nature.  That is not to say there isn’t a time and place for drugs, medicines or emergency procedures.  But we have experienced time again that getting back to basics really is the way to go.


In Vibrant Health,  -  Dr. Kyle Christensen, DC, ND, MH

Welcome to Western Botanicals

Dissatisfied with the quality of herbs my patients were purchasing at the local health food stores, I began seeking out high quality herbs and teaching my chiropractic patients and friends how to make their own herbal remedies.  Within a short time, my living room was packed with people learning how to uses these wonderful herbs and up to their elbows with aromas, powder and herbs.  I remember one night with over 70 people in the house, stuffing money in a jar for what they would take home and my good friend and running buddy, Randy, looking at me and saying we've got to do something about this.  Organization and management is not a strong point for me.  But production and organization is his forte.

So in August of 1996, we formally organized Western Botanicals (we would add the Inc. a few years later).  We determined that attention to detail and quality would provide us with the caliber of herbal remedies and product we demanded.  After all between the two of us (Kyle and Randy), we had our wives and 13 kids who use this stuff.  Compromise was not then nor is now an option. 

We have grown from humble beginnings and are proud that through the years our products have gotten even better.  (We've learn quite a bit as we have become immersed in the business).

Anyway, please feel free to comment.  Let us know what you think and how we can help.


Blessings - Dr. Kyle Christensen co-founder and partner (with Randy Giboney) of Western Botanicals, Inc.