Archive for the ‘remedies’ category

EletroMagnetic Field Intolerance Syndrome

June 15th, 2011

To note – Since 1978 some states have had regulations covering employee exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) because of known hazard.
Clinical and biological description of the electromagnetic field intolerance syndrome (EMFIS)

Presentation of Prof. Dominique Belpomme at 8th National Congress on Electrosmog, Berne, 2011

Prof. Belpomme is Professor of Clinical Oncology, University Paris-Descartes. He practices medical Oncology and Environmental Medicine at the Alleray-Labrouste Clinic (Paris). He is also president of ARTAC (Association for Research and Treatment against Cancer) and Chairman of ISDE-France (International Society of Doctors for Environment). http://www.artac.info/

Clinical and biological description of the electromagnetic field intolerance syndrome (EMFIS)

Between May 2008 and March 2010, 425 patients reporting hypersensitivity to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) were examined in a clinical and biological setting. Ninety-five per cent of them clearly reported the repeated occurrence and disappearance of symptoms linked to the presence or absence of EMFs. Three clinical phases were distinguished: an initial stage during which EMF exposure can induce headaches, a sensation of heating in the ear and other parts of the body, especially the upper part of the body, tinnitus, ocular abnormalities, myalgia, and, in some cases, dermatitis and symptoms such as chest tightness, palpitations, tachycardia and nausea. A second phase is characterized by insomnia, chronic fatigue and depressive tendencies, attention deficit, troubles with concentration, immediate memory loss, behavioral problems, and anxiety, during which the initial symptoms may occur every time the patient is exposed to EMF sources.

In addition to the detection of brain vascular hypo-perfusion (decreased blood flow in certain areas of the brain), predominantly in the limbic area, blood tests revealed increased histamine levels in 36% of patients, an increase in heat shock proteins in 45%, a decreased level of melatonin in 33%, and vitamin D deficiency in 70% of patients.

Specific observations and tests were also included, proving that cerebral suffering was due to EMFs. There is a third phase, suggesting that an EMF intolerance syndrome may correspond to a pre-Alzheimer’s disease state. In a recent interview (September 2010), Pr Belpomme stated that ‘there is an important link between electromagnetic fields and neuro-degenerative diseases, notably Alzheimer s. The risk of Alzheimer s, which can arise in young persons from age 45, is moreover much more important than the risk of cancer.’ The therapy for treating persons suffering from EMFIS includes prescription of omega 3 s, anti-oxidants, vitamin D, and anti-histamines.

Excerpts from Metro-France interview with Prof. Dominique Belpomme, President, ARTAC, September 2010

There is a proven link between electromagnetic fields, cancer and leukemia. We (ARTAC and our Swedish colleagues) also studied an important link to neuro-degenerative diseases, notably Alzheimer s. The risk of Alzheimer s, which can appear in young persons from age 45, is much greater than the cancer risk.

Since last year, in my consultations in environmental medicine, I have been seeing between 10-20 sick persons every week. More and more parents are coming to see me for their children who have headaches, memory, concentration and language problems, and dyslexia.

This is a major public health risk. There is a neuro-generative pathology probably linked to the opening of the blood-brain barrier through EM waves and/or toxic substances. These troubles can be minor, such as headaches, or much more serious such as the beginning of Alzheimer s.

Based on the more than 400 persons who have consulted me, we have established a diagnostic test which rests essentially on a cerebral pulsed echodoppler technique and on blood tests. These permit us to see evidence of an increase in certain stress proteins which translate into the existence of brain pathology.

We have established treatment to make these symptoms regress, however this does not prevent a recurrence. Thus, there is the necessity of adding protective measures to this treatment: creation of ‘white zones’, notably in public establishments and in public transport. We must do as for smoking: forbid Wi-Fi in certain zones, as in libraries. We must forbid installation of relay antennas near nurseries and schools. These are urgent protective measures to be taken, but are unfortunately not being applied.

My discourse goes against financial and economic interests, but one should not sacrifice the well-being of these sick persons for the interests of political and public authorities.

A major public health risk exists. Studies show that from 10 to 50% of the population could be affected by intolerance to EM fields in the next 25-50 years. We will have to pay the consequences if we do not take precautionary and preventive measures now.

There are many doctors who do not recognize this pathology and thus, deny the evidence. But a growing number understand that something is happening and refer sick persons to me. It is they whom we should rely on and that is why I am organizing in April 2011, the Third Colloquium of the Paris Appeal at UNESCO, which will be followed by an intensive course to train professionals in environmental pathologies.

(Note: 300 doctors, researchers and health professionals attended the Colloquium on ‘Children’s Health and the Environment’ and 43 doctors and health professionals followed the course in environmental medicine.)

Regulations on herbal medicines come into force

April 3rd, 2011
What is so interesting about the ‘spin’ on this article is that there is a focus on some disturbing concerns -
On the one hand people are referred to their doctor or pharmacist for information.  Quite frankly too few doctors and pharmacists are educated in natural remedies and would not be the go to source of choice in my opinion.
The concept that the reason for licensing natural remedies is to protect people is specious. There is no mention of any rule to protect people from the oft deadly and serious side effect causing from pharmaceutical drugs.
Citing blood thinning drugs and blood thinning herbs says that there is little concern about the fact that consumers can get the benefit without drugs.  The profit motive again.
Many real health freedom fighters have been trying to fight this and educate the public about the issues for more than a decade as I have.
The concern is that this will happen in the US as we see the push to get you to accept “integrative medicine” and forgo hundreds of years of safety and efficacy of natural remedies.  These same natural remedies used for so long and the basis of the National Formulary and USP.
To date, the industry has been covered by the 1968 Medicines Act, drawn up when only a handful of herbal remedies were available and the number of herbal practitioners was very small.
But surveys show that around a quarter of all adults in the UK have used a herbal medicine in the past two years, mostly bought over the counter in health food shops and pharmacies.
The regulations will cover widely used products such as echinacea, St John’s Wort and valerian, as well as traditional Chinese and Indian medicines.
But safety concerns have focused on the powerful effects of some herbal remedies, as well as the way they interact with conventional drugs.
For example, St John’s Wort can interfere with the contraceptive pill, while ginkgo and ginseng are known to have a similar effect to the blood-thinning drug warfarin.
From now on only products that have been assessed by the Medicine and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) will be allowed to go on sale.
Manufacturers will have to prove that their products have been made to strict standards and contain a consistent and clearly marked dose.
And to count as a traditional medicine, products must have been in use for the past 30 years, including 15 years within the EU.
They will also only be approved for minor ailments like coughs and colds, muscular aches and pains, or sleep problems.
Remedies already on sale will be allowed to stay on the shelves until they reach their expiry date.

Free from contamination

Richard Woodfield, head of herbal medicine policy at the MHRA, says so far there have been 211 applications, of which 105 have been granted registration.
Continue reading the main story
“Crucially, this EU directive and the registration scheme puts consumers in the driving seat so they can identify that a product meets assured standards on safety, quality and information about safe use.
“Safety speaks for itself, but quality means, are they using the right part of the plant? Is it free from contamination? Is the claimed shelf life suitable?
“Product information will include possible side effects and interactions with other drugs, but above all it must make very clear that it is based on traditional use.”
And that is a key point for the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, which believes the new regime is a step forward in improving safety and quality.
But Prof Jayne Lawrence, chief science adviser to the society, says there are still some concerns about herbal products.
“They certainly haven’t been tested on the same basis as a conventional medicine and some of these compounds are very potent.
“Patients might not realise that in some cases they should not take other medicines with them, or if they’re going for surgery they should tell their doctors they are taking these particular medicines because there may be complications.
“So we’re very concerned that patients appreciate they must be very careful when they take these medicines and, ideally, should talk to their doctor or pharmacist.”
The manufacturers of herbal remedies have had seven years to prepare for the new rules after the European Directive on Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products was introduced in 2004.

Too onerous?

These regulations apply to over-the-counter sales, which form the bulk of herbal remedies sold in the UK.
But some manufacturers and herbal practitioners have expressed concern, arguing the new rules are too onerous for many small producers.
Michael McIntyre, chairman of the European Herbal and Traditional Medicines Practitioners Association, says there will be a significant impact on herbal medicine practitioners and their suppliers, but admits the rules do need bringing up to date.
“Products that go on the market now will definitely do what it says on the bottle, while we didn’t know how good they were in the past.
“But registration is expensive so perhaps there may be fewer products on the market and a smaller range.
“It’s difficult to argue that the market should stay as it is, without any regulation, but how many businesses will pack up and walk away? I can’t say.”  SOURCE

Some old news from the beginning of the decade –  I cannot speak for veracity of the information however it is interesting to consider -

Supreme Court bans medicinal use of aloe plant

Washington, D.C. — The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled Monday that people using the aloe vera plant for medicinal purposes are not exempt from federal laws prohibiting use of the naturally occurring herb, which medical experts say can ease the suffering of burn victims. » Read more: Regulations on herbal medicines come into force