The holidays are upon us, gatherings of friends and family are eagerly anticipated with or without COVID-19. Hopefully, enough of your friends and family will be vaccinated and you can enjoy this season of light and hope.
With or without the specter of COVID-19 hanging over us, it is still cold and flu season. Handwashing, sanitizing and masks will help keep the spread of the usual cold and flu cases at a minimum. For immune boosting suggestions check last month’s column.
Below are some of the latest questions we’ve gotten here at the Herbarium:
Dear Jonathan,
I have been feeling really tired lately. I seem to be dragging all day. I just turned 50 and many people suggest I get my testosterone checked. Are there any herbs that can help as a booster?
— Gerry
Dear Gerry,
There are several supplements and herbs that can help.
First, do you take a multivitamin? Check the amount of B complex in the product. It should be at least a 50 mg level of the Bs. Perhaps upping your B vitamins could help with energy.
Are you getting enough sleep? That’s another big item.
If these check out you could look into vitamin D and zinc to help with testosterone. Some studies suggest Fenugreek, Tribulus, Ginger or Ashwagandha may help.
Fun fact: Studies have shown the easiest way to increase your testosterone levels is by thinking about sex. No kidding. The more men think about sex the higher the testosterone. Talk about cheap and easy...
— Jonathan
Dear Jonathan,
I saw on the Internet a doctor who says taking a couple of drops of fenugreek essential oil can help burn off belly fat. Is there any science behind this? It seems too good to be true.
— Elaine
Dear Elaine,
I saw the website. The doctor is a chiropractor and, in my opinion, is a good example of the Peter Principle - where one rises to their level of incompetency. To my knowledge he has no training in using essential oils and his suggestion of ingesting the oil is downright incorrect, and possibly dangerous. Something may burn, but it won’t be belly fat.
I have written about ingesting essential oils many times. Recently several people have been wanting essential oils for a variety of problems, all getting the suggestions from the Internet, and all saying they should ingest the oils.
Please, please ignore these recommendations. I cannot stress this enough. Some folks want to use essential oil of clove or cinnamon in their diffusers. I strongly suggest you do not. These oils can be very caustic and irritating when inhaled or on the skin. Using them in your potpourri is fine but not diffused.
— Jonathan
Dear Jonathan,
With the clocks turned back, I just feel blah. I get really down this time of year. Is there anything to get me out of the dumps
— Marie
Dear Marie,
Yes there are several things you can try. In some cases this condition could be called seasonal affective disorder - or SAD. Increasing your vitamin D is important, especially here in New England. Because of the lack of sunlight, we are not producing adequate amounts of vitamin D. The Vitamin D Council recommends 4-5000 ius daily. Using full spectrum light bulbs in your lamps works well. Full spectrum light mimics natural sunlight and can really help with the winter blues.
Increasing your protein intake is suggested by several experts, getting enough sleep, following a routine all contibute to better mental health this time of year. Extra vitamin B complex helps with energy, while herbal adaptagens such as Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea), and Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) do as well. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) can help with the blues and St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a natural anti-depresant. Essential oils such as citrus (lemon, lime, grapefruit, etc) are great mood elevators. If the condition persists, consult your health care professional as it may be more severe than expected.
— Jonathan
A healthful reason to toast the season
If you are hosting a party soon, might I suggest mulled cider or wine? Mulling spice recipes vary but they usually contain cinnamon sticks, allspice, star anise, and a citrus fruit such as orange peel.
Historically the spices were used as a preservative and to mask older wine that was going sour. Sneaky but effective.
There are health benefits to drinking mulled wine or cider for those of you feeling like you need a justification. The ingredients contain antioxidants, anti inflammatories and can help control blood sugar levels. Feel better now? Good. Just enjoy this seasonal drink and L’chaim, Skol, Prost, Slainte, Do Zdrowie!!!
I wish you all a happy, healthy, and peaceful holiday season.
Jonathan
Send questions on botanical remedies to: Nature’s Rx: Jonathan Evans at Herbarium258@gmail.com, or by regular mail to: The Herbarium, 254 Exchange St., Chicopee, MA 01013. If requesting info, include a stamped, self-addressed envelope.
