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Therapies

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Diet

Other items of interest
 

o Astragalus Jade Screen: the Best Formula to Prevent Colds and Flues

o Triphala: [NEW]A definitive article on the world's greatest herbal formula, first published by the Canadian journal of Herbalism, 2001, Vol 22, No 2, pp 16-44 by Alan Tillotson, Ph.D, AHG, Karta Purkh Singh Khalsa, CN, AHG, and Todd Caldecott, Cl.H, AHG also a research abstract from Indian J Exp Biol. 1999 Jul;37(7):676-80. Antioxidant activity of active tannoid principles of Emblica officinalis (amla) by Bhattacharya A, Chatterjee A, Ghosal S, Bhattacharya SK.

o [NEW]A Pilot Study on the Alleviation of Adverse Menopausal Symptoms by Asparagus racemosus –Shatavari -- Brenden Skudder: Ayurvedic Medicine Diploma student, Wellpark College of Natural Therapies, Auckland New Zealand

Arjuna(Terminalia Arjuna)
These are notes from a sales presentation about one of the most effective heart herbs I have ever used. I once described it as "herbal Co-Q10", but it is even more powerful. It increases the strength of the heart (heart qi) and increases blood circulation to the heart, and therefore all parts of the body. Thus, it powerfully enhances cellular metabolism of nutrients and oxygen in the heart and consequently the body generally.

o Special Traditional Chinese Ginseng Therapy
This exclusive short article presents a little known method in the West of detoxification practiced by traditional Chinese herbalists that is undertaken a week before consuming an entire root of the finest quality Chinese ginseng. It can be done with Planetary Formula's Rehmannia Endurance and an entire bottle of ginseng.

o Evaluating Blood Tests From a TCM Perspective
A valuable paper, probably by Santa Cruz acupuncturist and herbalist, Holly Guzman, who is an expert in both TCM theory and conventional Western medicine tests. This paper was from a seminar given some time ago and unfortunately the presenter's name was not on the paper. If anyone knows please let me know. I feel the information is so valuable that it should be available to TCM practitioners and students.


Processing Chinese Herbs: Basic Principles And Its Therapeutic Importance
by Dr. Michael Tierra L.Ac., O.M.D. The principles of processing Chinese herbs to alter their therapeutic effects  is often overlooked in clinical practice. Unfortunately, as this article shows, this may compromise the therapeutic intention so that both the patient and practitioner feels that perhaps they have the wrong formula. This article intimates with a few herbs how basic biochemical constituents are altered with the various methods of processing. It also tells how to  process herbs. For non-Chinese herbalists, this article should inspire thoughts of what could happen if similar processes were applied to non-Chinese herbs.
o Dosage of Chinese Herbs by Age and Weight  Provided by Acupuncture.com, a handy chart on herbal dosing guidelines.
o UK preliminary trial study of herbal formula to inhibit craving for alcoholic beverages. Kudzu recovery.
 By John Smith UK Herbalist
o Li Dong Yuan's Spleen & Stomach School
Commentary by Dr. Michael Tierra, L.Ac., O.M.D.
This represents one of the most important and advanced concepts for herbal treatment based on a single formula. It was first elucidated by Li Dong Yuan, who was one of the four great masters of the 12th century Jin/Yuan dynasty. 
o Integrating the Traditional Chinese Theory and Treatment of the Lungs with Western Physiology 
This is another in a series of articles that compares the traditional Chinese Medical theory of the meaning of an important internal organ function with modern western physiology. The others are the Kidney, spleen and the Liver. These articles are unique and should be useful for those who are trained in Western physiology and are interested in having a deeper understanding and appreciation of the profound scientific and physiological depth and relevance of this powerful ancient system of healing for our own times.
 o Integrating the Traditional Chinese Theory and Treatment of the Spleen with Western Physiology 
The Spleen organ function in Traditional Chinese Medicine means much more than the contemporary understanding based on Western physiology. It certainly includes the pancreas but also refers to metabolism and assimilation of nutrients at all levels of the body down to cellular metabolism. In this article Lesley Tierra, offers a cogent explanation of the definition of the TCM "Spleen' with that of western physiology.
 o Integrating the Traditional Chinese Theory and Treatment of the Liver with Western Physiology and Herbal Medicine  
The Liver represents the organ that regulates Qi, including elimination of toxins, maintaining a constant   level of energy, even emotions and moods. Along with the Kidneys, Spleen and Lungs, this unique essay offers a comparative view between the Traditional Chinese understanding and Western physiology and it also helps us to understand the deeper function of specific herbs and formulas for the liver.
 o Standardized Herbal Extracts An herbalist's perspective
This is the full article published in Natural Foods Merchandiser, February, 1999. This article is available freely for recirculation on other sites and for downloading and copying so long as the author is properly credited. A lengthier, unedited version Why Standardized Herbal Extracts? is available below.

Herbal Education

o Overview: Planetary Herbology  
o Accreditation for Herb Students
o Book Review: Chinese Herbal Medicines: Comparisons and Characteristics by Yifan Yang, published by Churchill Livingstone

Diagnosis

o Japanese Abdominal Diagnosis (11k)  
A summary of fukushin diagnostic techniques and analysis.
o Comparative Herbal Diagnosis (92k)  
A Comparative Evaluation of Diagnostic Systems used in Herbal medicine.
o Hara Diagnosis (12k)  
The first important written text on Chinese medicine written around 2674 B.C.

 Diet

o Basic Fat-Burning Soup (8k)  
A 7-day diet for getting rid of weight fast.
o Some Simple Food Tips (15k)  
Tips for increasing vitality and productivity by changing diet.
o Protein (18k)  
Integrating a wider variety of proteins into your diet for more balanced health.

History

o Jim Duke's Brief Overview (very brief!) History of Medicine (humour)
o Traditional Western Herbal Medicine Traditional Western Herbal Medicine evolved from the Greeks who were strongly influenced by the Egyptians and Middle Eastern civilizations.
o What is Eclecticism? (43k)  
A historical reprint on 19th Century Eclectic Medicine - The North American Herbal Tradition
o Herbal Medicine in Shakespeare's England (30k)  
From Dr. John Hall's Case Studies
o The Herbal Tradition (123k)  
The History of Herbalism.
o [NEW] Summary of Traditional Eclectic Organ Affinity Botanicals
Compiled by Richard L. Farr
Specific Herbs

o Lomatium dissectum historic herbal 'big medicine" for the 1917-18 Flu pandemic.
o GARLIC BETTER THAN STATIN DRUGS FOR PREVENTING HEART ATTACKS
 by Alan Tillotson, Ph.D., AHG
 o How to Cook a Chinese Herbal Formula 
 As is the case with many aspects of traditional Chinese medicine, there are many ways to get results. When it comes to the steeping of raw herbs for medicinal teas, there are many methods that all serve to draw out the therapeutic qualities from the herbs.
 o Preparation of Chinese Herbs
 Herbs should be processed before using or making into various forms. Because most Chinese herbs are used unprepared, besides general handling, quite a few should be specifically processed to meet demands for their clinical use. 
o Violet
An easily grown herb that is used for general detoxification and for cancer in traditional Chinese medicine. It has a rich history in the west dating back to the 13th century nun-musician-herbalist-
saint, Hildegard of Bingen. 
 o Ginseng: The effects of steaming (comparing the differences between red and white ginseng. Submitted by Alan Tillotson, AHG.  
 o Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): Wonder Herb of India
This is the most fabulous East Indian Ayurvedic herb. First introduced by Michael Tierra to the Western market approximately 20 years ago.  It has the virtues of being cheap, easy to grow, has ginseng-like properties, regenerates the nervous system and yet imparts strength, vitality, enhanced libido, relieves rheumatic pains. Read about it here. 
 o Mullein; The whole plant can be used root, leaves, flowers and seeds. A common, powerful, undervalued herb for many conditions. 
o Loquat Tree: A treatment for coughs, asthma, and other upper respiratory diseases but also a treatment for many types of cancers. 
o The Herbs of Croatia: Summer Travels Through Northern Italy and the Dalmatian Coast
o Rhodiola Rosea  Adaptogen from the the Siberian arctic
o Elder (Sambucus nigra)
o Kava: Powerful Anti-Stress Herb (21k)  
An herb useful for relieving stress, calming nerves, and a number of other uses.
o Asafoetida (12k)  
An herb useful for digestive weakness, food allergies, and candida.
o Contemporary History of the Escharotic Black Salve (12k)  
A narrative on one person's discovery and exploration this fabled cancer treatment.
o Nigella Sativa, A Beautiful Middle Eastern Herb With Many Uses (6k)  
A discussion of the uses for this varied and ancient herb.
o The Emmenagogues (25k)  
Herbs that move blood and relieve pain.
o Treating Depression with St. John's Wort (15k)
o The Wonders of Triphala (20k)  
An Ayurvedic formula which gently promotes internal cleansing of all conditions of stagnation and excess while at the same time improving digestion and assimilation.
o Flowers as Medicine (19k)
o Assembling an Herbal First Aid Kit (9k) One person's list of items to assemble in the creation of an all-natural first-aid kit.
o Near Forgotten Remedies (41k)
o Is Soy Richer in Isoflavones -- Jim Duke PHD Short comparison of the isoflavones in soy with other legumes and herbs. [NEW]

Case Studies

o Hepatitis C Cases treated by Michael Tierra, his students, either by mail or telephone consultation or at the East West Herb and Acupuncture Clinic
o Narcolepsy
o Hepatitis C: Case history 50 yr old male with hepatitis C and auto immune hepatitis, submitted by East West student -- Tom Morgan
o Story of how one man with the guidance of an East West Herb student cured himself of diagnosed terminal cancer. -- Submitted by Camille C. Pratt
o Case Study: Treatment and Mistreatment of an Externally contracted disease (cold and flu) by East West Student, Lynn Durst

Would you like to share your successful case story of describing the treatment of a serious disease such as cancer? Please submit them for consideration to herbcourse@planetherbs.com 

Theory

o Phytoestrogens in Plants by Sharol Tilgner N.D. [NEW]An excellent presentation on the concept of phytoestrogens found in different plants and their effect on the body, specifically women.
o Yorubic Medicine: The Art of divine Herbology (52k) Discusses the connections between Yorubic practices, and how they can be integrated with the concepts of Planetary herbology 
o Chinese Herbalism in America (50k) Discusses the Chinese Herbal tradition as practiced in America, including the herbs that are available here.
o Divergent Meridian Points (3k) A brief discussion of technique.
o Psychospiritual Aspects of Traditional Chinese Medicine (41k) Notes for a talk given by the British acupuncturist and herbalist Francesca Diebschlag, at the East West Seminar at Bore Farm, July, 1997
o Ayurveda: The Mother of Natural Healing(26k) The unique appeal of Ayurveda is the integration of a Universal spiritual philosophy used in Herbal medicine.
o Psychospiritual aspects of Herbal Medicine (30k)
o Chinese "Five Elements" (12k)
o The Five Stagnations: The Mother of all Diseases (146k)
o Integrating the Traditional Chinese Understanding of the Kidneys into Western Herbalism (116k)
 o Integrating the Traditional Chinese Theory and Treatment of the Lungs with that of Western Physiology
o Integrating the Traditional Chinese Theory and Treatment of the Spleen with Western Physiology
o Integrating the Traditional Chinese Theory and Treatment of the Liver with Western Physiology and Herbal Medicine
o Notes on Herb-Drug and Herb-Herb Contraindications Andrew Bentley

American Herbalists Guild

o Creating a Legal Profession

THERAPIES

AIDS
 o Herbal Treatment of AIDS Using Planetary Formulas (2k)
ALLERGIES
 o Spring Allergies (7k) A discussion of the causes and remedies for seasonal allergies.
ANKYLOSIS SPONDYLITIS
o ANKYLOSIS SPONDYLITIS by Camellia Pratt
Spinal and bone fusion? An analysis and treatment of this difficult condition with herbs. 
ARTHRITIS
 o Arthritis and Rheumatic Pains (43k) Herbal Treatment of Arthritis and Rheumatic Pains Called "B" (Blockage) Syndrome
BAREFOOT DOCTOR
 o Barefoot Doctor Healing Techniques (21k) A discussion of three traditional treatment methods. Instructions and uses for cupping, scraping, and moxibustion.
CANCER
 o Botanical Approach to the Treatment of Cancer (67k) Michael Tierra A reexamination of the changes necessary to treat this disease, with a focus on dietary changes and herbal treatments.
o Thoughts on the use of escharotic pastes for the treatment of cancer Michael Tierra (response to questions about the use of a controversial method for treating cancer)
o Dr. Miriam Lee's Bean soup for the prevention and treatment of cancer, Bone Marrow Broth for weakness and anemia and Mung Bean Broth for hypertension
o Moxabustion and Cancer
This is research from China that substantiates the positive value of the use of moxabustion directly on tumors
o Breast Cancer by Camellia C. Pratt
The alternative medicine and herbal approach to treating breast cancer 
 o Research Progress in the Prevention and the Treatment for Endotoxic Diseases
with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) by Deng Wenlong
Sichuan Provincial Institute of Chinese Materia Medica
(Proceedings of TCM Conference at West China University of Medical Science
1995)
o DIABETES MELLITUS -- Description, statistics, TCM herbal and dietary treatment approaches.
o DUPUYTREN'S DISEASE AND CONTRACTURES OF THE PALM AND FINGERS, Non-surgical treatment protocol 
Michael Tierra L.Ac., O.M.D., AHG (with help from Alan Tillotson)
 o Ayurvedic Treatment of Cancer
Based on the work of the distinguished Ayurvedic Dr. Mana of Kathmandu, Nepal
COMMON COLD
 o Treating the Common Cold (34k) Western, Chinese and Ayurvedic herbal remedies for the common cold.
FAMILY PLANNING
 o Ayurvedic Family Planning
INSOMNIA AND OTHER SLEEP DISOREDERS
 o Ayurvedic Treatment of Insomnia
LIVER
 o Treating Hepatitis C with Herbs -- Alan Tillotson AHG
This is a correspondence between Delaware herbalist, Alan Tillotson who works at Chrysalis clinic and Michael Tierra. This article questions the validity of Hep C as a real disease or a general sign of liver failure, possibly from many other possible causes. The good news is that both Alan and Michael have found outstanding success in treating this condition with herbs, diet and moderate lifestyle adjustment.
 o How To Do A Liver Flush Spring cleaning takes on new meaning with this simple method to remove accumulated stored toxins from the body. It is useful for many conditions as well as to adjunctively treat more chronic diseases that are often directly or indirectly associated with a congested liver. 
o TCM Treatment of Jaundice by Alan Tillotson, MA, AHG and Naixin Hu Tillotson, OMD, LAC, AHG
Multiple Sclerosis
 o Treatment Protocol for Multiple Sclerosis (M.S.)
By Herbalist, Alan Tillotson A.H.G. Professional member and current board member
NERVOUS SYSTEM
o Planetary Formulas and Herbs for the Nervous System (23k) Planetary Anti-Stress Formulas
THYROID
o Hypothyroidism - Candida - Obesity: The Same Condition? (7k) Possible herbal treatments for hypothyroidism.
o Botanicals for Thyroid Function and Dysfunction by Ryan Drum, PHD, A.H.G
This article is a definitive statement on the healing properties of different seaweeds by an herbalist who has dedicated much of his life to studying and wildcrafting these valuable mineral-rich botanicals. 
MAGNET THERAPY
 o Biomagnetic and Herbal Therapy (124k) Michael Tierra
MASSAGE
o Chinese Massage Therapy (13k) Combining herbal practices with Chinese massage techniques.
MISCELLANEOUS
o Counteracting the Adverse Side Effects of Glucorticoid Hormones with Chinese Herbs and Formulas [NEW]Michael Tierra AHG, L.AC., O.M.D. This article addresses one of the most common problems encountered clinically. Patients who are suffering from complex conditions that may require the use of steroids to manage the severity of their symptoms or who are already taking steroids and are concerned about the adverse side effects. It provides dramatic case histories from the author's clinical experience and discusses in detail the pivotal role traditional formulas containing Bupleurum falcatum have in the treatment of  of such condtions. It also gives a good presentation of the action and properties of Bupleurum and why some who take formulas with this herb may experience uncharacteristic bouts of anger.
o Santa Cruz Man Cures Himself of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

SPIRITUAL HEALING
THE SEVEN PRINCIPLES OF HUNA: A beautiful healing philosophy based on Hawaiian healing principles.

PHYTOTHERAPY

o European Phytotherapy: Some Selected Herbs and Supplements (57k) A selected catalog of herbs and supplements for treating and aiding a number of conditions.
o Why Standardized Herbal Extracts? An Herbalist's PerspectiveA thought provoking paper paper written by Michael Tierra
 o The War On Herbs by East West Herb School Graduate and AHG herbalist, Alan Tillotson 

OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST

Book: Free Land, Free Love, Tales of a Wilderness Commune written by former founders and members of the Black Bear commune, edited by Don Monkerud, Malcolm Terrence and Susan Keese, with humorous remembrances by Dr. Michael Tierra .  

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