Based on the symptoms that you are sharing with me, I believe it is excess. There is a very good herbal supplement that will alleviate the discomfort, benefit digestion, harmonize and nourish the stomach, it is called Shu Gan Wan. It is generally in the form of tiny tea pills, taken 10 to 12 pills three to four times a day on an empty stomach w/ room temperature water or tea. This only needs to be taken as needed with onset of discomfort until the pain has subsided. Make sure she has a heating pad, chamomile, mint, 999 or a digestive tea ( Traditional Medicine) in her room for times that she is having pain to comfort her.
But her stress levels raise other concerns to me, part of growing up is learning how to better manage our lives. The basics for staying healthy, happy and dis-ease free is to create a schedule in our world that works, it is important to stress that adequate sleep, fresh air, exercise, for girls and women especially, eating every 3 hours a small healthy diet consisting of protein, fresh vegetables and fruits are an absolute MUST!! It keeps our blood sugar up and gives us energy. Exercise is a healthy way to have a release, it benefits us on so many levels. Perhaps suggest that she takes up a sport, swim, go to the university gym, dance or yoga classes……. But do something outside of just studying and socializing.
If you feel that she is too overwhelmed to be able to break this pattern, than perhaps it is best to suggest that she lessens her load at school for one quarter, see an acupuncturist or therapist, try and slow her world down a notch until she is able to manage her day to day life, and increase accordingly. We have all had moments where we have had to slow down our world in order to make sense of things, there is absolutely, nothing wrong with this, in fact it is better than the alternative,“Crash and Burn” scenario. We will discover a lot about ourselves in the process that will benefit us a lifetime.
Q. I have recently been diagnosed with IBS, I have read that this could turn into cancer. Is there anything that you could recommend that I do naturally?
Diane Rosemont, Dallas, Texas
A. The pathology of IBS is the combination of the Liver over attacking the pancreas, as well as involving the physiological response of the body to prolonged, repeated or severe emotional and psychological stress. This constant overexcitement affects the vagus nerve and digestion by severe cramping with explosive diarrhea, after which the pain generally subsides.
I would recommend the following; an herbal supplement that will deal with the smooth muscle spasm in the GI tract, while gently harmonizing the relationship between the liver and pancreas, called Tong Xie Yao Fang Wan; 10 to 12 tiny tea pills taken 3 to 4 times a day, on an empty stomach with room temperature water or tea. Acupuncture is extremely successful in treating this condition and preventing any further deterioration in the digestive tract, it is a must on your to do list! An old Edgar Casey remedy that I have found helpful is heating up a cup full of cold pressed castor oil, soaking a 12 x 12 flannel cotton or wool cloth applying it to the belly, cover with saran wrap and a heating pad for 20 minutes two times a day.
Other helpful recommendations would be to drink aloe vera, as it is very healing to the digestive tract. Chlorophyll and Alfalfa (Vit K) are healing to the digestive tract, builds healthy flora and cleanses the bloodstream. Drink teas that contain balm, chamomile, fenugreek, ginger, marshmallow, pau d’arco, rose hips and slippery elm. It will be very important to work with an acupuncturist that has a fairly comprehensible nutritional background as this would expedite your healing. It is important to avoid animal fats, caffeine, carbonated beverages, sugar, processed, spicy, fried and dairy foods, additives of mannitol and sorbitol, margarine, nuts, oranges and grapefruits during times of inflammation and flare-ups. Suggested readings; What to Eat, Luise Light; Healing Digestive Disorders, Andrew Gaeddert; Eating for IBS, Heather Van Vorous; Dangerous Grains, James Braly MD and Patient Heal Thyself, Jordan Rubin NMD.
Q. I have been having problems with constipation for the past five years. I am 42 years old. Could you recommend something natural to help me?
Shirley K. Irvine, California
A. In most cases, constipation arises from insufficient amounts of fiber and fluids in the diet. Fiber is found in plant foods; such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Fiber that is soluble in water takes on a soft texture and helps soften stools. Insoluble fiber passes through the intestines largely unchanged and adds bulk to the stools, which in turn helps to stimulate bowel contractions.
Other factors that can contribute to constipation include inadequate exercise, advanced age, muscle disorders, structural abnormalities, bowel diseases, neurogenic disorders, spinal injuries, pregnancy or consuming too much junk food.
Medications that can contribute to constipation are the following; iron supplements, pain killers that contain codeine, antidepressants, cough syrups, antihistamines, calcium supplements, blood pressure and heart medication.
Regular bowel movements are essential for removing waste products and toxins from the body. Foods that contain high levels of soluble fiber are; adzuki beans, barley, dried beans, oats, fruits, especially; apples, apricots, bananas, blackberries, cranberries, figs, grapes, peaches and prunes; seeds, wheat bran, whole grains and cereals containing flax. Foods that contain high levels of pectin will assist in flushing out toxins; apples, carrots, beets, bananas, cabbage, citrus fruits, dried peas and okra.
Recommended organic vegetable juice combination for constipation; 4 carrots, 3 large stalks celery, 1 bunch spinach, 1 green apple, 1 bunch parsley and a large handful of red grapes.
Rinse vegetables well or spray with a mix of apple cider vinegar and water, process the vegetables through the juicer, one vegetable at a time. The fiber will shoot out of the juicer into one of the containers, while the spout will eject the fresh juice into another container. Pour into a large glass or thermos and enjoy the healthy benefits.
Recommended supplements; Psyllium husk capsule taken with a large glass of water and a tablespoon of flaxseed oil about one hour before bedtime.
An herbal supplement that does not contain a purgative that can be very good for constipation is Wu Ren Wan. If one is also suffering from dizziness, thirst with dry mouth, following pregnancy or elderly, Run Chang Wan would be a better choice for excess dryness with blood deficiencies.
Apex makes some wonderful homeopathic tinctures for constipation; Digestive Drainage for constipation, bloating and indigestion, Regenen Rx – Large intestine for chronic constipation which should be taken with their Intestinal Mucosa. |
Beauty 
