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  • 30 edible herbs winking in the 2025 sky-line

    30 edible herbs winking in the 2025 sky-line

    Every New Year, I look out for good news in Alternative Medicine and Traditional Medicine in Nigeria. So, what are the good cheers today? EDMARK, a great player in the market until its court cases began a few years ago, is still under lock and key. Ubiqinol, that energiser and elixir for sagging hearts, is still selling for about eighty-something thousand Naira, up from about twenty-something under two years ago.

    Milnapath, a Nigerian herbs producer and marketer which is trying to fill the gaps created by the departure of foreign plant medicines, is still bubbling with life.

    My first tickle in 2025 was the story that a Nigerian in the United States who was said to have been practising medicine there for 40 years wound up his clinic and returned home to die when his doctors said he had just about three more weeks to live.

    He was a terminal stage 4 prostate gland cancer patient, the story went. Who in that circumstance will not wish to end it all where his life had all begun? As I write, nine months after, he was to have died in the judgement of his doctors, this man is said to still be alive somewhere in Akwa Ibom State, and wishing to share the secrets of his survival with prostate cancer challenged persons.

    I sought an encounter with him, careful to not be dealing with a crank.  I trusted him not all the way, irrespective of the clean reputation of an avid reader of this column who introduced us.

    We chatted on the telephone for one or two days, but I had not enough information to press ahead..

     Every-one who had the story of this man’s impending dead felt sorry for him, I learned.  Nevertheless, this doctor had a strong will to live.

    Such persons are always connected with helpful forces in the Universe.  Some-one gave this sinking and seemingly helpless doctor a herbal medicine life-line.

    Who is that man whose body is dying but whose spirit is alive who will not hold on to a last straw,whatever it would bring?

    This man consumed the three herbal medicines introduced to him. His PSA( Prostate sensitive Antigen), a marker for prostate gland health which rages from ZERO to FOUR but had climbed to 148, crashed to 1.8! It was one of the Nigerian health miracles of 2024 if it really happened.

    This doctor’s story of hope for prostate gland challenged persons world-wide is stuck for now somewhere in the works. Next, my search for sharing news led me to Edible  Herbs, a whopping 30 of them in a struggling multi-level marketing business. Edilbe Herbs gave me jioy because it fulfils an old dream that Nigeria rub shoulders one day with Euro-American and Asian countries in the global herbs market.

    When some of us flagged off campaigns for MLM business in this sector in 1990s, and Nigeria became bombarded with herbs from abroad, we were accused of encouraging a swamping of Nigeria.

     Not many persons realised then that the inflows would cause such pressure in the Nigerian market that would lead to an awakening and that this would generate movement from which, under THE LAW OF MOTION, a law of Nature, all sorts of activities and actions would ensue.

    We may not have arrived at the point of plantation farming of herbs, or of their industrial processing or of their merchandising their marketing or of mass consumption not to talk of large scale exports, which may create millions of jobs in their value chains, we have, nevertheless, are now speaking of a couple of home grown networks with their own well packaged and effective products. As I welcomed Milnapath to the market last year, here is saying welcome as well to Edible Herbs.. Thirty is a  commendable number  What are these 30 herbs formulas from Edible  Herbs, and against some of which older products will they be competing?

    Thirty proprietary formulas in one stable is commendable for a young company like Edible.  Its shows the company wishes to impact as many sub market as possible in the ever growing global Nigerian Alternative Medicine market. STD CARE Sexual transmitted diseases ( STDs) are still a market gold mine in Nigeria, especially among women.

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    Any-one on a good Zinc food supplement can easily pick the fishy, cheese and oven bread odour because this minerals improves the sense of smell, one of it about 200 functions in the body.

    There is no hiding place for these odours either after sexual intercourse or during menstruation.  The woman so challenged suffers from either bacterial infection known as Bacterial Vaginosis(BV) or Trichomoniasis or candiasis. BV produces a fishy smell or rotten egg smell often likened to hydrogen sulfide gas(H2S) given off by decaying egg. In Trichomoniasis, which is caused by the trichomonia Vaginalis Parasite, the following odours can occur, according to a literature review: “…The odour is often fishy,strong, unpleasant similar to rotten fish, Musty, damp and earthy,Musky, strong and pungent. This odour is usually accompanied by other symptoms, such as thin, greenish-yellow or grayish discharge,itching, burning, or redness in the vagina and vulva, abnormal vaginal bleeding and pain during urination or sex”. Candiasis is a hard nut to crack because it is sugar driven and many women love sugar.It is caused by Candida Albicans, a fungus which can devolve into a yeast form. A literature review says: “…The smell is bread-like, a sweet, yeasty aroma, similar to freshly baked bread or sour, a tangy, acidic smell, fermented or a pungent, beer-like odour.

    This odour is usually accompanied by other symptoms, such as..thick, white, cottage cheese-like discharge, itching, burning, or redness in the vagina and vulva and pain during urination or sex”. The woman’s secret place is an easy target for bacteria, candida, fungi and other yeast forms. In several articles, I have explained how they find their ways there outside mating.

    Lack of adequate aeration maybe one of them. Aeration introduces oxygen into this region.Germs hate oxygenation because its kills them.  The gown appears to no longer be in fashion.

    Many wear pairs of trousers from sunrise to sunset and do not sleep like Mother Eve at night, wearing nothing under and keeping their legs ajar for aeration.

    During the day, many wear nylon pants which cause heat and sweating. However, the trend now is cotton and net pants.

     Some do not iron their briefs before they wear them to kill germs. Many do not wash their briefs clean of their own discharges on them or wear protective panty liners.

     Some hang their briefs to dry in the toilets.

     When the water closets is flushed, air displaced by the pressure of in-flowing water may lift out some germs which may be deposit on such underwear.

     The Nigerian STD herbal medicine market is supportive of challenge for women.  My favorite recipe is Golden Seal  Root  Powder added to Egg White to form a paste which is massaged deep into the secret place. Golden seal will kill the germs. Egg white is a power house of proteins, minerals and vitamins to nourish damaged cells.

    It is better done before bed and a panty liner worn over brief to catch any outflow. Golden seal is one of nature’s most effective antibiotics. It may be used for not longer than about seven days because it could be dehydrating. This is a quality which, like its capacity to prevent adherence to tissue wall, causes germ to die. For they are weakened when they cannot adhere to cell wall to suck nutrients, are malnourished and die. After this therapy, vitamin E softgel or aloe vera softgel may be inserted over another week to feed the cells with nutrients.

    Thereafter, probiotics or friendly bacterial may be inserted to reactivate the friendly bacteria population. From Dr H.K Bakhur, in his Herbs That Heal, I learned that Indian women paste their vagina with mango seed kernel powder to kill sperm during sex. What kills sperm will kill germs.

    This product, too, kill vagina germs and systemic germs. Thus, I ate the kernel with food or used it as tea in the mango season. Before I got lost in a woman’s world, it is better I quickly re-trace my steps, and, literally, return to town. BEFORE STD CARE… Before STD CARE came on the scene, there were various recipes from several MLM companies. Forever Living Products(FLP) had Alo Gelly from Aloe vera and, Propolis tablets and Aloe Berry Nectar, a liquid formula of Aloe Vera gel and Cranberry, for a good urogenital tract cleans.

     Aloe Gelly and Propolis tablets may be used as vagina paste. Pearls Bloom came from Shine Way. Cleans Woman is a device inserted into the vagina like Tempax two days after the period and left on for about three days to literally speaking, funmigate all the way to the tubes.

    It is similar to a device from FOHOW. Last year, MILNAPATH ( Millennium Nature Pathway) added Gynocare to a seemingly endless list of these remedies.

     What has STD CARE brought to the market? It is presented as an antiviral, antibacterial and for addressing diseases such as painful conditions, syphilis, candidiasis (whites), Gonorrhoea, painful urination, staphylococcus aurea and skin infections.

    How would STD care achieve these goals? The possibilities is the ingredients…Golden seal root, Red clover, sesaparila, Burdock root, chick weed, Pau d’ arco and chappral.

    These, no doubt, are powerful anti- microbials. GINKGOBILOBA Any herbal medicine company worth its salt cannot ignore this herb. It promotes circulation to the brain and eyes in particular. With the brain under increasing pressure nowadays, it is well recommended for mental illnesses and vision challenges. This is why, along with Bilberry, another vision herb, ginkgobiloba is present in reputable vision formulations. Black  Seed Oil with Ginger Oil and Garlic Oil

    These three oils independent of one another became popular in Nigeria during COVID- 19 era. I took Black seed oil as a carrier for oregano oil and other oils to rid myself of symptoms. I said my experiences on Facebook (at John Olufemi Kusa)under the article Corona Virus: LOOK- ALIKE SYMPTOM JOIN THE LEXICON.

    This oil combinations may improve heart health, digestive system health, immune system activity, reduce Inflammation, provide anti-oxidant and anti-cancer properties and offer neuro-protective benefits.

    They may be benefit, also, for skin and hair health. Edible Herbs presents this oil combination in addition as helping conditions such as asthma and of having blood thinning effects. EDIPIAN, this product is presented for another health market…osteo arthritis, Rhematoid arthritis ( RA), pain, spondylitis, frozen shoulder, Gout, Sciatic nerve problems and neuritis.

     In other words, it may be seen as a remedy for bone and nerves challenges. Magnesium. This mineral needs no introduction on this page.

    The readers are well advised of its value in bone health,blood sugar metabolism, brain health, especially in depression and insomnia, for example, energy production and heart health, especially during palpitation. As a matter of fact, MAG PHO(magnesium phosphate) in the family of BIOCHEMIC CELL or TISSUE SALTS is among the fastest acting remedies against palpitation of the heart , according to many Naturopaths. Edible Herb Magnesium brand is not a biochemic salt. Nevertheless, it is thoughtful of Edible Herbs to include it in its stable.

     I am not comfortable when Zinc is complexed to a Magnesium salt. This is because, Magnesium being higher than Zinc in the electrochemical series,may crowd Zinc out of absorption by the cells.

    My suggestion for Zinc intake as a food supplement, based on clinical advice, is that it be taken on empty stomach first thing in the morning or last thing at night or three hours after a meal or at least one hour before the next meal. POTASSIUM IODIDE, Dr Max Gerson and his disciples theorised that tumours and cancer cannot develop or thrive in tissue well suffused with Potassium. Therefore, high dietary potassium intake is one of the recommended treatment for uterine fibroids, which is very rampant among Nigerian women today. Watch what Nigerian women eat. There is little Potassium in it.

    They consume more Sodium through Mono Sodium Glutamate (MSG), to add food seasoning taste to their cuisine. Yet, more Sodium in the diet pushes away more Potassium from the body. How would they not be Potassium deficient and prone to uterine fibroids and cancer? OIDIDE, the second component of Potassium iodide (KI), is a reduced form of oidine and is more biologically active in the body and readily absorbed.

    It protects the thyroid gland against radiation incidents and accident. It helps the thyroid to produce its hormones, without which the body cannot run well. For example, iodine defficiency causes goiter, and enlargement of the thyroid gland and may cause hypothyroidism, that is under active thyroid gland, which may cause excessive weight gain, lethargy, sleepiness, fatty and even uterine fibroids, as research has linked subnormal thyroid activity to this condition and several others, including hypotension.

    Potassium,iodide partner in KI, is important for heart, muscle and nerve functions and, hence,should be useful also in the uterus, a bundle of muscles. Some eye doctors prescribed KI eye drops to stimulate metabolism in the treatment of cataract of the eye lens. Many physicians believe KI can prevent replication of viruses, which should make it good for HIV therapy. In the thyroid gland, iodine support production of T3 and T4 hormones.

     Iodine is noted also for skin and wound healing, fight against bacteria, break down of mucus for easier expectoration. These views,which probably justify the introduction of Potassium iodide Product into Nigerian market by edible herbs, are supported in some ways by the fellowing internet reports on problems of iodine defficiency and subnormal thyroid gland: “… Hypothyroidism can slow down metabolic rate, leading to weight gain, fatigue, and decreased energy levels….Negative nitrogen balance can cause muscle wasting and decreased protein synthesis….. Some studies suggest a link between hypothyroidism and cataract formation, possibly due to oxidative stress and inflammation… Hypothyroidism may increase the risk of glaucoma, although the exact mechanism is unclear…Hypothyroidism can increase levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, potentially leading to atherosclerosis….Some hypothyroidics may experience low blood pressure,dizziness and fainting(hypotension)…Some research suggests a link between hypothyroidism and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), although the exact mechanism is unclear….Hypothyroidism may increase the risk of sinus infections, possibly due to impaired immune function….Hypothyroidism can lead to chronic inflammation, including cardiovascular disease and cancer…Hypothyroidism can cause muscle weakness, aches, and stiffnes,cognitive impairment, memory problems and decreased concentration..Not every hypothyroidic will experience these issues, and the severity of symptoms can vary widely”.

    I would add that you check your metabolic rate through a personal home test available on the internet from Dr Broda James titled Dr Boda James basal metabolism home test. EDIBLE EYE CARE, this product may be of interest, especially to cataract and glaucoma challenge person or those persons who wish to prevent them.

    Its ingredients  include red eye bright, bilbery, ginkgobiloba, milk thistle, carrot extract and chappral. If you know that MILK THISTLE is a liver herb and wonder what it is doing among eye herbs, it is because the company believe that a weak liver,like weak kidneys, can be a cause of eye problems. In the 1990s, one of my favorite eye products was the original maxi vision. It came with about 24 ingredients in low dosages.

    They included the fabulous Lutein, Zezanthin and Astazanthin. We compensated for the low dosages by reinforcing them, in alternations, with smaller products with fewer ingredients but higher dosages. As Lutein, Zezanthin and Astazanthin are carotenoids, it may be assumed that Beta carotene, a carotenoid in this product, can yield them as well as it convert to Retinol,a precursor of Vitamin A. However, this is false. I would have like zinc and copper to be included, because Vitamin A needs zinc for activation in the eye and zinc without enough copper may cause anemia, unless the copper can come from other dietary sources.

     KIDNEY CARE: This product promises that , literally speaking, it can move mountains in the kidney .This promise is founded on…Golden rod, corn silk, yellow dead nettle and Dandelion. Golden rod is anti inflammatory and diuretic. Yellow nettle,too, is anti-inflammatory ,anti-bacteria and diuretic. Corn silk, among its other health benefits, clears kidney infections, inflamation in the urinary system and the prostate gland,breaks kidney stonesand stops bed wetting. MORE PRODUCTS: Here are some more ….VIGINAL DETOX PEARLS, ADISAMIN/VADETOX PAD( anti inflammatory, anti- itching, deodorising, detoxification of vaginal parasites, eliminates dryness, fights leucorrhea, frequent urination and uterine prolapse)/HERBAL FOR HYPERTENSION/HERBAL FOR DIABETES/ COQ10/ STOP PILE/MACO POWER/EDIBLE CALCIUM/MEN’s FORMULA /INTERNAL DETOX (it is formulated against liver and kidney disorders,Hepatitis A and B, Hypertensions/ stroke, diabetes, weight problems and urinary infections/ OMEGA-3/GINSENG OOLONG(improves mental alertness, boots immunity, prevents tooth-decacy e.t.c), PROSTATE CARE, MALAPHOID( for malaria and tyhoid, related questions). Space does not permit mention and discusion of other products, including a herbal soap formulated to relax nerves and muscles,calm the mind and improve sleep. As I do with every Nigerian network entrant into this column,I filled my wine glass.

    May I request that you, too, fill yours and we clink glasses,toast and drink to health of EDIBLE HERBS.

  • Eight herbs that aid rapid hair growth

    Eight herbs that aid rapid hair growth

    Ever wonder why your hair is not growing even after all the different mixtures and concoctions you apply? 

    The combination of the eight herbs will give you a recipe that will help boost and strengthen your hair, fostering healthy growth.

    Here are eight herbs that aid rapid hair growth  

    1. Hibiscus: Hibiscus is a herb that improves the build-up of keratin, which contains amino acids that can help stimulate blood circulation in the scalp and boost hair growth. It is high in vitamin A, C and E which are necessary for proper hair growth. You can create a DIY hair treatment using hibiscus powder, hibiscus-infused oils or dried hibiscus flowers. The consistent use of hibiscus will promote healthier, stronger, thicker and rapid growth of hair over time.

     2. Cloves: Although, many see cloves as just an ingredient we add in our zobo drinks. Cloves, serves many benefits than just being an ingredient. It is rich in essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and fiber that can nourish the hair follicles and support overall hair health. The adequate use of cloves, cloves water or cloves infused-oils can promote the rapid growth and repair hair plus adding a healthy shine. 

     3. Moringa: Moringa also known as miracle tree has many potential health benefits. It is rich in vitamins and minerals like Vitamin A, B, C, E, iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc. It’s is also rich in amino acid and as a source of biotin. Moringa can be applied as an oil diluting with coconut oil, jojoba oil or castor oil. Continuous use of moringa either it’s the moringa powder or oil increases hair growth.

     4. RoseMary Leaf: Rosemary leaf as been used by many to promote hair growth successfully. This herb improves circulation in the scalp, which can stimulate hair follicles and promote hair growth. The nutrients in rosemary leaf such as calcium, antioxidants and iron, helps to strengthen hair and prevents breakage of hair. Incorporating rosemary leaf into your daily hair care routine whether through rosemary oil, rinse or hair masks, it helps support hair growth and improves the overall condition of the hair. 

     5. Neem: Neem is a herb which as properties that can make hair smoother, shiner and more manageable. It is a strong anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help treat various scalp conditions like dandruff, scalp, infections and psoriasis. This natural insecticide is effective in treating head lice without causing harm to the scalp or hair. Neem can be used in various forms, such as neem oil, neem powder, or neem-infused water, and can also be incorporated into hair masks, shampoos and scalp treatments. 

    Read Also: What’s new in the hair growth industry (Continued)

    6. Fenugreek: Fenugreek are seeds, rich in protein and nicotinic acid. They foster hair growth, strengthen hair shaft and stimulate hair follicles. This seeds contains lecithin, which hydrates the hair and strengthens the roots. Fenugreek can be used in various forms, such as fenugreek seed paste, powder or oil. The regular use of fenugreek in hair care routines can enhance the natural shine and luster of the hair, making it look healthier and more vibrant.  

    7. Amla: Amla is an Indian gooseberry, a well-known fruit in the traditional Indian medicine used for numerous benefits especially for hair growth. Amla is rich in Vitamin C, which strengthens hair follicles and promotes hair growth. It adds moisture to the hair, reducing split ends and preventing damage. Amla can be used in various forms including amla powder, amla oil or amla juice Amla is also known to enhance the natural shine of the hair, giving it a healthy and glossy appearance. 

     8. Chebe: Chebe is a traditional hair care ingredient used by most women in Chad and Africa. It promotes hair growth, maintaining long and healthy hair. The ingredients in Chebe such as herbs and natural oils, helps to improve the elasticity of the hair there by, making it more resilient to damage and reducing the risk of damage. Chebe is used as a powder, mixed with oils which is then applied to the hair and left on for an extended period.  

    RECIPE. 

    1. Blend 1/8 cup or 2tbsp of hibiscus, cloves,rosemary leaf, neem powder, fenugreek, amla, chebe and 1/4 cup or 4tbsp of Moringa. 

    2. Get a container with cover. 

    3. Put your mixture into the container.

    4. Pour 1/2 cup or 125ml of olive oil.

    5. Pour 1/2 cup or 125ml of coconut oil 

    6. Mix together properly and leave for 2 to 3weeks to settle. 

    There you have it your hair growth oil is ready.

  • Indiscriminate mixture of herbs adverse to health- Expert

    Mr Bukle Zukum, an entrepreneur from the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) Jos centre says indiscriminate mixture of herbal remedies can adversely affect the wellbeing of citizens.
    Zukum made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Tuesday.
    According to him, many people just mix herbs together without due consultation thereby causing harm to themselves.
    Zukum an expert in the production of herbal remedies using local spices such as turmeric, cinnamon seeds and honey said that people should adhere strictly to the direction and usage of medicines as directed by the producer.
    “Most of the problems people encounter after using herbal remedies come mostly from the misuse of such remedies.
    “In my work, I have come to notice that most people in the bid to get quick relief from their pain go and mix all sorts of remedies together with the hope of getting fast result.
    “But these things don’t work that way, each remedy has the ailment for which it is produced, in fact the patient ends up aggravating his situation because most agents in one remedy might be an anti-agent in another remedy.
    “So instead of helping the patient to get better, it rather adds to his discomfort and even in some situations may even lead to a life threatening circumstance,’’ he said.
    Zukum therefore advised citizens to always adhere to prescriptions and dosage written on the leaflets of all remedies before taking them in order not to endanger their lives.
    He further said that people should desist from mixing together remedies that they do not know the compositions and ingesting them without proper consultation.
    On the standards of local remedies, the entrepreneur said that most Nigerian remedies were now standardised, adding that all of the remedies in NBTI undergo the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) safety specifications before they are allowed to be released.
    He appealed to the government to provide funding for entrepreneurs to be able to commercialise their products and also go into further research to improve their innovations
    “Most entrepreneurs products can compete favourably with all these GNLD or Tianshi products what we need is funding to be able to showcase our products to the world.
    “With adequate funding, we can produce highest quality of materials that are locally sourced, produce enmass and export outside the country thereby bringing in the much needed foreign exchange for the country,’’ Zukum said.

  • Monkey virus, polio vaccine, cancer, immunity, herbs

    Monkey virus and monkey pox are the latest health issues in Nigeria. Ebola fever, with its potential to depopulate nations as the Black plague which wiped out about 30-60 percent (75-200 million) of Europe’s population between 1346 and 1353, is long forgotten now. So is HIV/AIDS which once caused a stir. Cancer is still on the ravage, with breast and prostate cancers being major causes of cancer deaths. But few people, doctors and patients alike, link a cancer with fungi, candida, bacteria, viruses and even heavy metals, which are regularly found in cancer tumours.

    Until 1994, monkey virus was not linked to a cancer in humans. This monkey virus, known to researchers as SV 40, was before 1994 known to cause cancer in animals. In 1994, Dr. Michelle Carbone, a Loyola University researcher, found the Monkey virus in half of the lung tumour he was studying. Dr. Carbone thought his discovery was a mistake. But it was not, as 60 laboratory studies other than his found Monkey virus in other human tumours that were investigated in Britain, New Zealand, France, Switzerland and Belgium.

    Acrimony among researchers, as in the case of HIV/AIDS, has hindered research progress, with some investigators challenging Dr. Carbone’s finding’s and saying the virus could have been induced by polio vaccine.

    Dr. Janet Butel, a virologist at Baylor College of Medicine, United States, agrees humans may have picked up Monkey virus from polio vaccine because the vaccine is made from monkey kidney cells. Thus, between 1955 and 1963, an estimated 20 million Americans may have been contaminated with Monkey virus SV 40 from polio vaccine. Nigerian data are not easy to come by. But a United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) campaign in 2016 aimed to vaccinate 41 million children in 18 Nigerian northern states, Chad Republic, Niger Republic, the Cameroon and Central African Republic, according to a report by Anna MacSwan. Last year, just when it was thought that polio had been eradicated in all countries except Afghanistan and Pakistan, some attacks in North-east Nigeria brought UNICEF back there to vaccinate 25 million children. Last month, polio vaccination raised the political temperature in two states in Nigeria’s South-east where the Army had just put down a social protest to balkanize Nigeria into independent nations. The army had joined other organisations which, for good community relations, were offering free polio vaccination for children. The army’s olive branch was ill timed, however, as its antagonists waged a social media campaign against the drive, claiming it was designed to depopulate the region.

    The antagonists of the Nigerian Army in the south-eastern states of Nigeria may be wrong or simply waging an ethnic war against a President they did not elect to power in 2015. But their reactions may have been instinctive or even intuitive at other levels if, indeed, Monkey virus SV 40 causes cancer, and the vaccine against it, derived from the monkey kidney, may have been contaminated by this virus, with the potential of contaminating vaccinated children and, some day, exposing them to cancer. Thus, the Monkey virus may be a cancer-causing agent in the bodies of everyone who has taken the polio vaccination derived from monkey kidneys. That may explain why adults of my age or younger, or even children under 10years of age, are now falling prey to cancer in today’s Nigeria, and we wonder: why children? Yet the answer is simple. If today’s children habour monkey virus in their bodies, but their immunity still being strong fends off a cancer, it may be only a question of time before the ugly bear raises its head because of the anti-health diet this children are expose to. What may mark the difference between the person who took the vaccination as a child and did not suffer from cancer till death from other cause(s) in ripe, old age, and the one who died of cancer at any age may be the quality of the immune function, diet and other factors.

    This column wishes to suggest that, in the treatment of Monkey virus, the immune system should be given priority attention as should the use of anti-viral herbs, some of which are presented below. It is interesting and helpful to note that the black plague which killed 200 million people did not kill four thieves in Marseilles, who picked pockets of the dead and ransacked their graves and homes but were not infected by this highly contagious disease. They protected themselves with herbs given to them by the mother of one of them who was a herbalist. There are many accounts of this story and herbal protocol. One of them came from Dr. John Christopher, a popular American herbalist.

    According to www.kitchendoctor.com: “Dr. John Christopher had a slightly different story and a variation of the formula that is clearly American, not French. His “Four Thieves” story is that there was a man named Richard Forthave who developed a remedy for the plague that was marketed under his name, a name which was corrupted to “Four Thieves.” There might indeed have been grave robbers who used this remedy to protect themselves while they divested corpses of treasures they would no longer need. The King of France had the thieves arrested and they bought their freedom with the remedy they had been using. Thus, the remedy did not fall into obscurity and has been used for centuries since to protect against contagion.

    “DR. JOHN CHRISTOPHER PLAGUE FORMULA

    • 8 parts apple cider vinegar, •5 parts glycerine U.S.P.
    • 5 parts honey, •2 parts garlic juice, fresh, • 2 parts comfrey root concentrate •1 part wormwood concentrate, •1 part lobelia leaf and/or seed concentrate, •1 part marshmallow root concentrate, •1 part oak bark concentrate •1 part black walnut bark concentrate, •1 part mullein leaf concentrate, •1 part skullcap leaf concentrate •1 part uva ursi, hydrangea, or gravel root concentrate.”

     

    Monkey virus

     As the name of this disease suggests, it is caused by a virus. To prevent or dislodge it, a therapy may follow two directions. Viruses strike when the immunity is low. So, the immune system must be addressed. Secondly, anti-viral herbs should not be too far from reach.

    Some useful immune boosting and anti-viral herbs are Red Marine Algae, Astragalus, Cat’s claw, Cranberry, Olive leaf, Oregano leaf, Echinacea, Calendula (Marigold), Garlic and Cinnamon.

     

    Astragalus

    Like Burdock root and Dandelion, Astragalus tea, tincture, capsule or powder added to stew, for example, improves immune defences against viruses.

     

    Cat’s claw

    Loaded with antifungal, antiviral and anti-bacterial substances the tea may be taken regularly in place of beverage drinks which add little or no value to immune function or combat viruses.

    While some authorities believe more studies are required to confirm folklore claims that cat’s claw can fight cancer and boost immunity, some studies say it actually does. In one animal study, water soluble extract of Cat’s claw was given for eight weeks to the subjects. The white blood cell count rose significantly in all of them. The researchers found that the supplement repaired damage to single and double DNA strands. No acute or chronic toxicity was observed in the experimental animals. In a human study, human subjects took cat’s claw supplement for two months before they were vaccinated against pneumonia. The report of the study speaks of “statistically significant immune enhancement” in the individuals taking the cat’s claw supplement compared with the untreated control group.

     

    Olive leaf

    This herb has the outlook of a broad spectrum fighter of diseases. We take it for granted. Yet scientists have found that one of its constituents, oleuropein has the potential to lower blood pressure, curb elevated blood sugar, lower total cholesterol and, in addition, destroy fungi, bacteria and viruses. Oleuropein and other compounds in Olive leaf have been shown to prevent viruses from reproducing by inhibiting their ability to produce amino acids. This is an advantage over antibiotics, which lack “a targeted attack of the problem” rather than attack the viruses and the host human cells.

    Traditionally, olive leaf has been used to boost immunity and provide antioxidant protection against free radical ravage. One study suggested that a liquid extract of olive leaf has four times more antioxidant than Vitamin C and twice as that of Green tea. Some of the viruses which have been shown to yield to Olive leaf extract are those of common cold, herpes and flu.

     

    Shark liver oil

    This oil helps in cold and flu which are known to be caused by viruses. Its leading chemical factors are Alkylglycerol and Squalene. Squalene helps the sharks to survive low oxygen environment in deep water. Squalene is present in human skin, but its production and availability there reduce with age. Alkylglycerol have been used in northern Europe to prevent and treat cancer. In other European countries, it is widely used for making the immune system more efficient. It is prescribed for conditions such as asthma, and other respiratory conditions. It is finding new uses in anti-aging therapies, particularly for immune cells and the cardiovascular system.

    An Italian study in the flu season of 2009/2010 experimented with 100mg of Alkylglycerol two times a day at the peak of the season. The study involved 52 participants. The control group, comprising 60 participants, received no Alkylglycerol. All the subjects took the traditional flu vaccine. Of the 52 Alkylglycerol group, 42 participants (81 percent) had no flu symptoms during the flu season with the other 10 having only mild symptoms. Their ailment cleared between two and three days without any drug treatment. The control group presented only 20 of 60 participants (33 percent) with no flu symptoms. The others were infected in varying degrees.

    We should thank the people of Norway and Sweden who, for hundreds of years, have used shark liver oil to heal wounds, respiratory and digestive system problems and swellings in the lymphatic system, especially inflammation of lymph nodes.

    In the human body, the largest concentration of Alkylglycerol is in the bone marrow where immune and red blood cells are produced. It nourishes the bone marrow and suggests why shark liver oil or Alkylglycerol is prescribed for chemotherapy patients whose white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets are suppressed by this poisonous anti-cancer drug.

    The second largest concentration of Alkylglycerol in the body (.05 percent) is in the spleen, an important segment of the immune system which performs anti-bacterial functions. As a member of the immune support system, the spleen, when nourished well with Alkylglycerol, offers support for this crucial system, especially in Monkey virus therapy. The immune system may be healthy and good, but its hands may be too full and this may lower its efficiency. When the spleen helps to clear bacteria out of the way, the system has reserve energy to deal with viruses and other troublesome agents. It is not surprising, therefore, that Alkylglycerol is present in human breast milk at 0.1 percent concentration, to give the baby immune protection.

     

    Red Marine Algae

    As early as 600 B.C., this algae has been used as food and as medicine to clear circulation obstructions and improve well-being. Its use as an anti-viral remedy is popular in China. But this does not dwarf its other uses in, say, “boils, urinary infections, goiter, asthma and stomach problems, and also for ulcers and tumours with varying degrees of success”.

    In European countries, Red Marine Algae is well known for the treatment of cold sores, which are virus-derived. For a long time, cold sore sufferers had no long-term relief. As this column once wrote.

    “Herpes I, or cold sores are not nice viruses because they can be dormant for years and then be activated by one trigger or another. These triggers include menopause, stress, dental work, other infections, sunburn and fatigue caused by overwork…it starts off as a small blister, perhaps one or two, with a slight burning sensation. You don’t take much notice of it, suddenly it expands and becomes very painful. Like an itch on your skin, you can’t.

    Jobelyn maintains record in LASUTH breast cancer study

    I HAVE not trailed Jobelyn for about one or two years. But when I finally did about two weeks ago, I was not disappointed. I probably would if Mr. Olajuwon Okubena, the chartered accountant who produces Jobelyn, has become tired, for whatever reason, of subjecting it to rigorous laboratory and clinical studies.

    Jobelyn began its life in Nigeria as a traditional herbal remedy for anaemia in all sorts of health conditions, especially sickle cell challenge. Later, it was found useful for arthritis. Later, it was found good for diabetes. Later, it was found to improve well-being of users who suffered from HIV/AIDS, cancer, mental illness and stress. All these discovered benefits were known through rigorous studies at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) pharmacy department, the University of Benin, the University of Ibadan, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), the Military Hospital in Ikoyi, Lagos, and at various laboratories in Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States.

    The latest experiment with Jobelyn was undertaken by LASUTH to determine if this product can reduce negative side effects associated with chemotherapy in breast cancer treatment. The study was to answer four questions.

    • Does Jobelyn improve PCV of breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy?
    • Does Jobelyn improve white blood cell count of Breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy?
    • Does Jobelyn improve red blood cell count of breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy?
    • Does Jobelyn improve heamoglobin readings of breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy?

    Chemotherapy is the treatment of choice of conventional medicine in the treatment of various types of cancer. It is a poisonous, free radicals laden drug which is targeted at fast-growing cells in the body, cancer cells being fast growing as well. Unfortunately for many patients, Chemotherapy is non-selective and wages war on even healthy, fast growing cells as well. These include hair cells, those of the skin, intestine and bone marrow. Other healthy, but non-fast-growing cells may also be affected. Some of the common negative side effects of Chemotherapy are experienced with…

     

     

    Bone marrow cells

    These cells produce white and red blood cells and platelets. White blood cells fight infections. Red blood cells carry oxygen round the body. Platelets prevent bleeding. Chemotherapy may suppress the bone marrow, causing anaemia (low red blood cell count), neutropenia (low neutrophil count), neutrophilia (high neutrophil count) and thrombopenia (low platelet count).

     

    Hematocrit

    This is the percentage of red blood cells in relation to total blood volume. In earlier experiments with Jobelyn regarding anaemia in malaria, the hematocrit was found to improve within 24hours, giving Jobelyn at that time the image of an “alternative to blood transfusion”. The hematocrit is thought to be normal at a range of 31.8 to 43.2 percent.

    The kidneys participate in the production of red blood cells by producing a protein called erythropoietin which stimulates the bone marrow to produce red blood cells. Chemotherapy may suppress the production of this protein.

    During the LASUTH Jobelyn study in which some breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy were given Jobelyn along with their treatment and another group was given a placebo, the following observations were made…

    “1. Jobelyn given in combination with breast cancer chemotherapy appears to stimulate red blood cell production as HCT values are considerably higher compared to those breast cancer patients who received chemotherapy alone.

    1. Jobelyn given in combination with breast cancer chemotherapy also appears to directly stimulate red blood cell production as RBC values are higher compared to those breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy alone (RBC= 3.58-4.99 mil/mm3).
    2. Jobelyn given in combination with breast cancer chemotherapy elicits a very slight increase in haemoglobin production compared to those breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy alone (haemoglobin=11.1-15.0g/dL).

    In summary, jobelyn given in combination with breast cancer chemotherapy stimulates red blood cell production improving both HCT and RBC and reduces chances of developing anemia by improving haemoglobin levels.”

  • Herbs for short-term side effect of chemotherapy

    Herbs for short-term side effect of chemotherapy

    Cancer diagnosis is devastating to even many lion-hearted people. Suddenly, life appears to stand still and, after a short while, begins to swirl. The challenged person begins to think he or she is no longer a member of the human family, that, sooner than later, the proverbial “last call” would come. Such a person begins to think like JIM REEVES, the American star singer who died on July 31, 1964 in his private single-engine aircraft which he flew, leaving behind many chart bursters which included “THIS WORLD IS NOT MY HOME, I AM JUST A-PASSING THROUGH…”

    That song says:

    “This world is not my own/ I am just a-passing through/ My treasures are laid up/ Somewhere beyond the blue.

    “Angels beckon me from Heaven’s open door/ And I can’t feel at home/In this world any more.

    “Oh Lord, you know I have no friend like you/ If Heaven’s not my home/ Then Lord what will I do.

    “The Angels beckon me from Heaven’s open door/ And I can’t feel at home/ In this world any more.

    “I have a loving mother/ Just up in Gloryland/ And I don’t expect to stop/ Until I shake her hand/ she’s waiting now for me/In Heaven’s Open door/ And I can’t feel at home/ In this world any more.

    “Oh Lord, you know (chorus).

    “Just over in Gloryland/ We’ll live eternally/ The Saints on every hand/ Are shouting victory.

    “Their songs of sweetest praise drift back from Heaven’s shore/ And I can’t feel at home/ In this world any more.

    “Oh Lord, you know (chorus).”

    It was not clear why Jim Reeves sang this song. As children, we were told he had terminal cancer. He said somewhere it was a favourite song of his mother.

    This song is related to the experiences of a woman on victoriawhyte.wordpress.com. Victoria woke up with severe migraine one morning. So severe was it that she attempted to take the “anti-sick” drugs which her daughter, LEAH, was taking to combat the side effects of intensive chemotherapy. She found a skin patch. Leah was dead. She had become so sickened by chemotherapy that she had to be placed on four serious “anti-sick” drugs. Some of them were…ONDANSETRON, NOZINAN,METCLOPROMIDE and HYOSCINE patches. Leah was always vomiting. Once, she even vomited her nasogastric tube. That meant Leah was feeding through a tube passed into her stomach through her nostrils. But she seemed to have become healed by September 2013 to be able to eat normally again. But it was a temporary healing. Her treatment brought a succession of side effects, damaging to her quality of life.

    Victoria Whyte believes that there is more to life than we are seeing and that, in THIS WORLD IS NOT MY HOME, Jim Reeves expressed it better than we all may be able to do.

    A CANCER diagnosis may be devastating. But even more brutish and devastating is chemotherapy, the treatment of choice of many doctors for cancer. Some brave people have been able to defy their doctors and get away with it. Many who try to do but who do not have the guts or the staying power to fight cancer with other means may fall by the wayside. Rev. George Malkmus, a Baptist Minister, refused chemotherapy, which he said was what killed his mother rather than her cancer. He fasted exclusively on carrot juice and got well enough to set up HALLELUJAH ACRES, a health farm resort where he train doctors and nurses in natural healing, and to write HALLELUJAH DIET, a fast-selling book in Nigeria a few years ago. Johannah Brandt fasted on grapefruit juice to heal her stomach cancer. Around the world, there are many success stories on the natural healing of cancer.

    For many people who cling to Chemotherapy, the Journey back to health can be hazardous, and even lead to death with their bodies mangled and ravaged by poisons.

    Chemotherapy is treatment with free radicals-laden chemicals aimed at killing active or fast-growing cells. These chemicals may comprise heavy metals which, ordinarily, are poisonous to the body. They unleash a free radicals war on cancer cells. Cancer cells are active and fast growing. But so are some other cells in the body such as hair follicles, cells which line the gastrointestinal tract (mouth, throat, stomach and intestine), bone marrow. The side effects which trouble and may kill a recipient may depend on chemotherapy type, the dosage, type of cancer or its location and the patient’s state of well-being. Many doctors advise their patients that newest chemotherapy drugs are less harmful, more effective and are administered these days with more love for the patient than hitherto through “supportive” or “palliative” measures.

     

    Some side effects

    Many patients are physically, mentally and emotionally fatigued. This is not fatigue caused by tiredness derived from lack of rest. When radiation is added to chemotherapy, some patients may not have the energy to crawl out of bed or to brush their teeth. It would appear that the free radicals “war” unleashed by chemotherapy and radiation and the response of the immune system with its own free radicals missiles destroy in the cells as many mitochondria as they can. The mitochondrium is the energy-producing factory inside the cell. The more they are, the more the energy the cell and the body can produce. Some elements which help the body to produce a large number of mitochondria and energy include Co-Enzyme Q10 (for mitochondria), Zinc, Vitamin C and Vitamin B-complex (for energy).

     

    Pain

    A middle-aged Nigerian woman who is currently undergoing chemotherapy does not get herself right every time she is on chemo. She suffers from headache, nerve pain, muscle and stomach pain, and general body pain. Some people experience shooting pains, especially in the fingers and toes, due to nerve ending damage. Doctor’s try to block the expression of pain or to suppress it. When my grandmother suffered from breast cancer in the early 1980s, I was told at the University of Lagos Teaching Hospital (LUTH), the Catholic Hospital, Ijebu-Igbo and at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, that there was no cure for the disease. She was placed on a prescription of BUTAZOLUDINE. It is one of the several brands of PHENYLBUTAZONE, which has now been removed from the United States market and replaced with drugs of lesser adverse effects. A Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID), Butazoludine may poison the bone marrow and deplete the population of white blood cells, thereby weakening the immune system, already weakened in the immune fight against cancer. Butazoludine may also cause “internal ulcers, burning in the abdomen, liver poisoning, nausea, inflammation of the stomach wall, pain, cramping, bleeding in the intestine”, often suspected when the stool is blackened or the patient weakness or dizziness when the patient stands suddenly from a sitting position. The kidney may be impaired, rash may occur on the skin, ringing in the ear may occur and the patient may become light-headed. Antioxidants, minerals, Vitamins, herbs and chlorophyll-rich greens such as Barley grass, Wheatgrass, Alfalfa, Kale, Spirulina and Orange peel can take care of this problem.

     

    Mouth and throat sores

    Chemotherapy causes inflammation and sores in the mouth and throat, a situation called mucositis within about 14days from the onset of treatment and may disappear when treatment is discontinued. The mouth and the throat may be infected. Therefore, such remedies as pure honey and propolis tablets or syrup should be within the reach of the patient, to prevent infections and complications and to heal the injuries. Ditto ionic Colloidal silver and zinc.

     

    Constipation and diarrhoea

    Cells of the intestine are fast growing and, therefore, are hit targets for chemotherapy drugs and their free radicals. A free radical is an unbalanced, reactive molecle which seeks to balance itself by stealing an electron from a cell. By stealing electrons, free radicals create holes in cells, and these causes these cells to leak, weaken, age or even die. In the intestine, diarrhoea and constipation frequently occur during a course of chemotherapy. Loose bowel movements may cause loss of too much body fluid and dehydration. Diarrhoea is sometimes classified in grades. Grade one involves fewer than four stools daily. Grade Two involves about four to six stools daily. Grade Three ranges from about seven movements or more daily. Incontinence or the inability to control bowel movements may be a feature of this grade of diarrhoea. Grade four is life-threatening. Patients who find themselves in this situation may help their condition by taking the herb MIMOSA PUDICA (sensitive plant) (see www.olufemikusa.com), Yarrow, Soursop (Graviola), Agrimony, Basil (Efirin, Yoruba), Psyllium, Moringa oloifera. Chemotherapy and Radiation therapy also cause constipation in some people. I know of a middle-aged woman who recently began a course of what her doctors called the mildest chemotherapy. For about one month, she has suffered from abdominal bloating and gas conditions and hardly defecated. One or two tablespoons of coconut oil in a glass of warm water taken on empty stomach should help. Her condition is a far cry from that of Shakirat Adeoti, who at 33 was tricken by cancer in both breasts which often bled simultaneously. For more than one year, she was on chemotherapy at the University of Lagos Teaching Hospital (LUTH). Her hair did not fall. Her skin did not turn black. She suffered no nausea or abdominal problems. Only her finger nails turned black. At the end of one year, her doctors declared that the cancer did not spread. They asked her to stay on the Chemo for three more months. Some of us her friends were alarmed. But we conceded to her, her right to listen to her doctors. In the interim she had supported her therapy with some herbs which were suggested, including CoQ10 which was just making its way into Nigeria at that time. We did not have Grape Seed Extract, another great anti-oxidant to launch an antioxidants war on the free radicals by-products of chemotherapy. In its place, we gave Grapefruit Seed juice. This was not Grape Seed Extract. We pounded the seeds of Grapefruit and infused in hot water to extract the juice. She also chewed the seeds. The three extra months of Chemotherapy wreaked havoc. She developed carbuncles on the back, could not sleep, was in pain, the encapsulated medicines she took were excreted as she had swallowed them, suggesting that the intestine had gone ahead of her. At that time, we did not have Diatom, Orange peel powder and Bell’s HELP FOR SKIN DISORDER, all of which may have helped her carbuncles and intestinal problems. She died.

    As a side effect of Chemotherapy, constipation fills the colon with Fecal matter, germs of all sorts, weakens immunity, causes hemorrhoids and anal fissure. Fecal impaction, too, may develop. Fecal matter may adhere to the lining of the bowels, preventing optimal absorption of digested food cause abdominal pain after meals, nausea, headaches and even vomiting. Other symptoms may include “dehydration, rapid pulse, rapid breathing, fever, agitation, confusion and urinary incontinence.

    Sometimes, symptoms are not recognised as emanating from fecal impaction. Aggravated symptoms not often related to this primary cause may include “circulation problems, heart or breathing problems…Obesity, fatigue, mood swings, sleep disorders, rheumatic fever and feeling of lethargy”.

     

    Bone marrow damage

    The bone marrow is the spongy material inside the bones where red blood cells are made. Affected by chemotherapy, this tissue makes fewer red blood cells, and this may cause anaemia, fatigue, dizziness and shortness of breadth.

    The herb Yarrow is friendly to the bone marrow. Jobelyn, the Nigerian blood formula, has been shown to encourage production of more red blood cells under chemotherapy. So have herbs such as Beet root, Wheatgrass, Spirulina, Kale, Chlorella and other deep green vegetables.

     

    Platelet depletion

    Platelets are cells which block damage parts of blood vessels to prevent blood leakage and anaemia. Chemotherapy causes fewer number of platelets. This means one may bleed uncontrollable, even to death, especially as chemotherapy causes internal bleeding. Pawpaw Leaf Juice has been shown to increase the number of platelet cells and even prevent death from bleeding in Dengue fever and Ebola fever, conditions in which patients bleed from the eyes, nostrils, mouth and other openings in the body.

    Recently, I suggested it to a woman who was going to have her first dose of chemotherapy. Her platelet count was good enough for her to start the chemotherapy.

     

    Nerve damage

    We cannot do anything without our nerves. Chemotherapy affects them. A patient may experience foggy thinking, memory disturbances, tingling fingers and toes, numbness, ringing in the ears, weak and tired muscles, trembling, stiff neck, vision disturbances, headache, gout problems, sexual weakness, loss of appetite. Lion’s mane mushroom is about the best herb for the maintenance or repair of damaged nerves.

    I would like to mention a few more of those natural medicines which have been reported to be of help to cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

     

    Coconut water

    The water of the young coconut the shell of which has not become hard is an oxygenator, electrolyte, anti-microbial as well as a blood and white cell count builder. It has been reported to kill micro-organisms (viruses, candida, fungi and bacteria) in cancer cells, which may have predisposed normal cells to becoming cancerous in the first place, thereby laying the grounds for their conversion or differentiation to normal cells.

     

    DMSO

    DMSO is the acronym for Dimethylsulfoxide, which my favourite doctor in the 1980s, Dr. Robert Atkins, says in his book, Dr. Atkins Vita Nutrient Solution,  is “an extra-ordinary natural curative, whether used topically or intravenously…promotes wound healing, eases pain, prevents cellular deterioration and ameliorates the symptoms of a wide variety of auto-immune diseases”. He went on to link DMSO with healing of conditions such as sprained ankle, urinary dysfunction, preservation of organs for transplant, head injuries, painful bladder condition called interstitial cystitis et.c.

    Webster Kher, of the Independent Cancer Research Foundation, investigated for more than 15years the causes and natural treatment of cancer and came up with a recommendation of DMSO use in chemotherapy, where a palliative natural medicine was required.

    ICRF says DMSO is unlike some other natural palliatives which open the ports of cancer cells as well as the ports of healthy cells for chemotherapy to infuse the cells. Selectively, DMSO opens up only cancer cells for chemotherapy to do battle within them.

    Webster Kher suggests that DMSO may be used along with MSM, (Methylsulfonylmethane) its cousin which may convert to DMSO and which, even when not converted, independently targets cancer cells for destruction,  like DMSO.

    Kher says: “If you have to go into an hospital to get chemotherapy, take MSM water at least 40 tablespoons of MSM water prior to leaving the hospital or clinic (This is the dose for an adult). Note, you must buildup to that dose because MSM is hard on the stomach.

    “Both MSM and DMSO target and open the ports of cancer cells, allowing some of the chemotherapy to target the cancer cells. This leads to higher kill rate of cancer cells and lower damage done by the chemotherapy. If the chemotherapy gets inside of the cancer cells, whether it kills the cancer cells or kills the microbes inside the cancer cells is irrelevant, either way, the cancer cells are no longer cancer cells.”

  • ‘How to treat infertility with herbs’

    ‘How to treat infertility with herbs’

    Couples suffering from infertility can now heave a sigh of hope. A traditional healer says the condition can be treated with herbs.

    Balogun, the CEO of Kukab Nature Therapy Limited, Ojodu, Ikeja, Lagos, said the condition is caused by both men and women. It is the lack of production of healthy sperm by the man and healthy eggs by the woman, he added.

    For a successful conception to take place, he said, the following conditions must be in place – unblocked fallopian tubes that allow the sperm to reach the egg; the sperm’s ability to fertilise the egg when they meet; the ability of the fertilised egg (embryo) to become implanted in the woman’s uterus; and sufficient embryo quality. For pregnancy to continue to full term, the embryo must be healthy and the woman’s hormonal environment adequate for its development. When just one of these factors is impaired, then infertility can results.

    Balogun, a member of Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board (LSTMB) and National Association of Nigeria Traditional Medicine Practitioners (NANTMP), said for a couple to be pronounced infertile,  it must be proved after a diagnosis that the woman is unable to conceive after one year, without using any  family planning method.

    “When the problem lies with the male partner, it is referred to as male infertility. Male infertility factors contribute to approximately 30 percent of all infertility cases, and they  account for approximately one-fifth of all infertility cases,” he explained.

    Balogun identified sexually transmitted infections as major causes of infertility and, “it is always saddening that people suffer in silence when nature has answer to all that make mankind ill.”

    For instance, he said: “Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) occurs in some part of the female reproductive organs. One of the symptoms of PID is a foul-smelling discharge from the vagina. It may also be accompanied by irregular menstrual periods or pain during sex. The most common cause of PID is by contracting a sexually transmitted disease. PID is a serious illness that may damage the fallopian tubes and prevent future pregnancies.”

    He explained: “Chlamydia and gonorrhea are important preventable causes of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infertility. Untreated, about 175 percent of women with chlamydia will develop PID. Chlamydia can also cause fallopian tube infection without any symptoms. Repeated Chlamydia trachomatis or gonorrhea infections are the sexually transmitted diseases most often associated with male infertility. Such infections can cause scarring and block sperm passage. Human papilloma-viruses, the cause of genital warts, may also impair sperm function.”

    The traditional healer said menstrual disorders can also inhibit a woman from getting pregnant. Disorders that include amenorrhea is the absence of menstruation — one or more missed menstrual periods. Women who have missed at least three menstrual periods in a row have amenorrhea. Menorrhagia is the term for menstrual periods with abnormally heavy or prolonged bleeding. Irregular bleeding. Dysmenorrhea, also known as painful periods, or menstrual cramps, is pain during menstruation. It usually begins with menstruation. Stress. Hormonal imbalance. Diet. Birth control pills. Uterine polyps or fibroids.  Endometriosis, fibroid among other reasons, are why a woman may not be able to conceive.

    Balogun said it is not only a woman that may exhibit factors for infertility. “Reasons for a low sperm count or lack of sperm could be a genetic condition, use of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs. Severe mumps infection after puberty. Orthodox Hernia repairs. Hormone disorders. Exposure to poisonous chemicals. Exposure to radiation. Blockage caused from a previous infection. Wearing restrictive or tight underwear, and injury to the groin area.”

    “Male infertility can also occur when there are problems with ejaculation, such as premature ejaculation. Retrograde ejaculation, which occurs when the semen is forced back into the bladder, erection dysfunctions and complications from radiation therapy or surgery. We must not forget to identify other causes of male infertility to include history of STDs, urinary tract infections and use of certain medications,” Balogun said.

    On the natural way out, he said: “Treatment is couple and individual specific. I treat male and female with natural herbal plants. I always insist on proper diagnosis in a standard laboratory. Thereafter, if there is the need to first detoxify, I do that for the client. The results always determine the herbal plants to use for each person, such as ogbolo (Cissus populnea) for male with sperm concerns, such as low sperm count, that is, count below 45 million cells/ml and motility below 50 percent.

    “There are efficacious roots and herbs for women. The beautiful thing about my therapy is that there are no short or long- term side effects, but good results, with couples having their children. The treatments  are in capsules, powder, and liquid forms  made from 10 percent herbs and roots,” Balogun added.

     

    • Balogun can be contacted via email: kubabnature@yahoo.com
  • Herbs can solve heavy menstrual bleeding

    Herbs can solve heavy menstrual bleeding

     OYEYEMI GBENGA-MUSTAPHA writes that there are many herbs with astringent action that can help stop heavy menstrual bleeding.

    Some women usually experience heavy blood flow and clotting during their menstrual cycle. On the average, a woman with normal menstrual cycle should only shed two to three tablespoons (30 to 44 millilitres) of blood during menstruation. Every woman is unique, so also their menstrual cycle. But if one has concerns that she may be bleeding too much during her period, it may be a good idea to learn what is considered within the “normal” range.

    According to a homeopath and phytotherapist, Dr Francic Elegbuo of Franel Phytotherapy Clinic, Ikotun, Lagos, heavy menstrual bleeding is called Menorrhagia. It is defined as a woman losing five and half tablespoons (81 millilitres) or more of blood during her menstrual cycle. “Menorrhagia is the term for menstrual periods with abnormally heavy or prolonged bleeding,” he said.

    Its symptoms according to Dr Elegbuo, include menstrual cycle that lasts beyond seven days, though up to 10 is considered within the normal range if there is no excessive bleeding. There is need to change sanitary pad or tampon every hour and day. Other symptoms are large blood clots or feeling tired, fatigue or shortness of breath.

    He said there are some women, who experience heavy bleeding during their menstrual cycle, and still ovulate. This, according to him, may be as a result of slight hormonal imbalances.

    Those women, he said, are experiencing ovulation dysfunction, which in other words means that they are not ovulating correctly.

    “Women with a normal menstrual cycle usually have a balance of estrogen and progesterone. Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) is released by the pituitary gland, which signals the follicles to release estrogen. This signals the endometrium (lining of uterus) to begin to grow in preparation for ovulation and hopefully conception and implantation of the fertilised egg. The continued release of adequate amounts of estrogen by the mature egg, once released at peak amount signals the release of Luteninzing Hormone (LH). This signals the release of progesterone and the endometrium begins to build up in preparation for implantation. The release of LH also signals the egg to be released, this is ovulation. If conception never occurs the progesterone levels drop and the uterine lining sheds as menstruation,” he explained.

    Dr Elegbuo said when it is happening long-term hormonal balancing herbs may need to be considered. “Heavy blood loss may lead to anemia, so herbs high in iron and Vitamin C should be considered as well. Vitamin C aids in the absorption of iron. If a heavy blood flow starts (a soaked pad every half an hour) and such is not a part of your normal cycle, seek healthcare attention right away. Do not keep quiet,” he cautioned.

    He identified some herbs that can be used to fight heavy bleeding. They include Ginger fresh or dried root (Zingiber officinale). Ginger is anti-inflammatory, cleanses, relieves pain and improves circulation to the reproductive organs.

    Others are Hibiscus dried flower petals (Hibiscus sabdariffa): High in vitamin C, and aids iron absorption. Hibiscus is best, combined with herbs high in iron. It is also normalising for blood pressure.

    Maca root (Lepidium meyenii): Maca supports endocrine system function for overall hormonal balance support.

    Nettles aerial parts, seed (Urtica dioica): Nettles is both astringent and high in iron and vit. C. It is considered an excellent nutritive herb for menorrhagia.

    Periwinkle aerial parts (Vinca major): Used traditionally to treat menorrhagia, Periwinkle may also be used to curb mid-cycle spotting/bleeding known as metrorrhagia

    Cranesbill, dried root (Geranium maculatum): This herb has been traditionally used to stop heavy menstrual bleeding or uterine hemorrhage, it is very astringent.

    Cinnamon inner bark (Cinnamomum verum, C.zeylanicum) has been shown to be a useful tool for women with heavy menstrual bleeding associated with endometriosis, uterine fibroids, adenomyosis and primary menorrhagia.

    Cinnamon has been used traditionally for hundreds of years to stop excessive menstrual bleeding, hemorrhage during childbirth and miscarriage, and today for any fertility condition where heavy menstruation is present.

    Yarrow, aerial parts (Achillea millefolium), promotes circulation, yet is extremely astringent, stopping excessive blood flow. Yarrow is drying and moistening; promotes sweating and detoxification, but strengthens and tightens tissues. It stimulates the uterus to bring on menstruation, yet curbs heavy menstrual flow; effectively aiding in regulation of menstrual flow.

    Liferoot, dried aerial parts (Senecio aureus), is normalising for the menstrual cycle and astringent.

    Seaweed (variety of species): Seaweeds are high in fiber for improved hormonal balance. They are also high in a variety of vitamins and minerals including iron, which may help prevent anemia in women with heavy monthly blood loss. Dulse, Kombu and Wakame are highest in iron. Dulse contains four times more iron than spinach.

    Shepherd’s purse, aerial parts (Capsella bursa-pastoris): This herb’s astringent qualities are used to reduce acute heavy menstrual bleeding and postpartum hemorrhage.

    Vitex also known as Chaste Tree Berry, berry (Vitex agnus-castus): Vitex supports hormonal balance in the body by having an effect on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis (hormonal feedback loop). It is supportive of hormonal balance and normalising for the reproductive system as a whole.

    White Peony root (Paeonia lactiflora), is commonly used in TCM to increase iron levels in women with menorrhagia and combines well with Dong Quai. Peony encourages proper circulation in the pelvic area, making it useful for uterine stagnation, including conditions such as uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), where menorrhagia may be present.

    Yellow Dock root (Rumex crispus), stimulates bile production for healthy removal of toxins, it is supportive of liver health and aids in iron absorption, which may help support adequate iron levels.

    Dr Elegbuo said each herb should be recommended and administered by a competent healthcare provider because “self medication by way of using these herbs can give counterproductive results”.

  • Malta Herbs sets healthy tone at FitFam Fest

    To start the year on a healthy note, the first ever Fitfam Fest (Fit family Festival) has held in Lagos. The theme was: “Healthy fun for everyone”. Top notch trainers and fitness enthusiasts all converged  to make Lagos the fitness capital of Africa. It was sponsored by Malta Guinness Herbs Lite, a Guinness Nigeria brand.

    Brand Manager, Malta Guinness, Ifeoma Agu said Malta Herbs provided opportunity for consumers to have a Malt drink that helps in maintaining a healthier lifestyle by virtue of its low sugar formulation. She said the product is produced in line with the new classifications by industry regulators on sugar content for malt drinks. Malta Guinness Herbs Lite is the first truly light sugar malt in Nigeria, delivering less sugar than most other malt drinks.

    “When the opportunity to partner the organisers of the FitFamFest came up, we gladly embraced it to further show that we have truly responded to the recent NAFDAC/SON statute, prescribing new guidelines for low, light and regular malt drinks. Ours is a perfectly balanced Malt drink that gives you much more than you expect from a regular malt drink,”Agu said.

    A major highlight of the event was the Nutrition Master Class where Chef Eros led the audience through the process of preparing healthy quick meals. He wowed the crowd with master preparation and a blend of fruits and Malta Guinness Herbs Lite into a very tasty and appetising smoothie. The Malta Guinness Herbs Lite, contains the nutritional benefits of herbal extracts, processed with low sugar preparation making it an appropriate and healthy drink for optimum fitness and wellness.

    Basketmouth thrilled the guests to smoothies and rib-cracking moments. He urged the crowd to stay healthy by engaging in regular exercise, good nutrition/diet plan with constant refreshment from the Guinness Malta Guinness Herbs.

    The festival brought a holistic campaign to Lagos, and it was the first of its kind in this part of the globe. FitFam Fest played host to guests across all walks of life, including corporate chieftains, fashionistas, clerics, culinary experts, fitness consultants as well as top entertainment celebrities. They included Malta Guinness Herbs Lite Brand Ambassador, Basketmouth and Chef Eros of Cookie Jar were also in attendance.

    The Festival, according to Tuvie Onojaife, Managing Partner of Fritz, organisers of the Fitfam Fest, “was a celebration of health, fitness and wellness for children, youth and adults of all ages. “We are happy the Guinness Malta Herbs brand team saw the need to partner us. The Fitfam family is happy with this collaboration and hope it will continue,” said Onojaife.

    The Festival ground had on display assortment of gears, kits, apparatus and equipment to demonstrate various physical activities. The activities included live product launch and demonstrations on stage, FitFam assault obstacle course, FitFam strongman car pulling competition, strength and agility training classes, health checks, fitness and wellness conference sessions, VIP after party, Mr. FitFam 2016 and Miss FitFam 2016 competitions, FitFam ultimate frisbee, pickup games and more.

  • ‘Nigeria can earn $500m yearly from herbs’

    The Director-General, Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (NABDA), Etatuvie Samuel, has said herbal medicine is capable of contributing no less than $500million to the nation’s yearly earning if properly harnessed, managed and funded.

    He spoke during a two-day workshop organised for traditional medicine practitioners, manufacturers, small medium scale herbal medicine producers, interested members of the public and stakeholders in traditional medicine in Abuja.

    He said: “Government may not be able to discourage Nigerians from patronising Chinese and Indian herbal medicine until we fully develop ours. Locally made herbal medicine are capable of contributing  no less than $500 million  to the nation’s  yearly earnings if properly harnessed, managed and funded.

    “Generating this money from locally made herbs is  possible, given the vast nature of raw herbs available, the huge market and huge interested practitioners.

  • Making money from exporting herbs, spices

    Making money from exporting herbs, spices

    There is a huge market for herbs and spices-thanks to rising demand in Asia and Europe. While this is a big opportunity for emerging entrepreneurs, cultivation of herbs could become the backbone for the nation’s most successful agribusiness export. DANIEL ESSIET reports.

    Aloe vera, ginger, basil, goldenseal, black pepper, cinnamon, cumin seeds, turmeric, nutmeg, cloves, chili powder, vegeta, and garlic  are products for export and they are success stories. They are popular herbs and spices.

    Apart from their medicinal value, they are used for cooking and in making herbal teas. They are also  sources of essential oils for use in aromatherapy- the practice of using the natural oils extracted from flowers, bark, stems, leaves, roots or other parts of plants to enhance psychological and physical well-being.

    According to the International Trade Centre(ITC), the  global market for seasonings, spices and herbs is likely to exceed $6.5 billion per year in the near future. Supported by the growing demand in food service, home cooking and growing consumer fascination for different cuisines, the total flavouring market maintain an upward trend in volumes and value.

    In addition, the high value of these herbs in dollars and euros mean according to Mr Sunny Anjorin, a member of Nigerian-Vietnam Business Association,  other agro entrepreneurs can earn more from exporting than selling  locally. Some of the entrepreneurs  have contracts with shops, hotels and restaurants abroad and see huge market potential for herbs and spices.  Anjorin, like other  agro exporters see opportunities in exporting herbs and spices   despite uncertainties over their prices.

    The United States Department of Agriculture’s  Co-operative State Research Service Office for Small-Scale Agriculture, said  the  world market is extremely volatile, with prices ranging from less than $1 a pound for some herbs to more than $100 a pound for others.

    But the market is large and growing. There  are big  markets in Russia, Ukraine, Germany, Holland, Italy, the United States and Canada. Presently, the European Union (EU)  is the largest market for spices and herbs in the world.

    Across Europe, the demand for herbs is growing with  a large increase in people interested in using herbs in their homes, experimenting with culinary techniques and different cuisines.

    A lot of small exporters are  also exploring opportunities provided by the Indian and Asia cosmetic market. Anjorin is one of the beneficiaries of such opportunity. He has got export orders from Asia, demanding for herbs and spices with guarantees to buy in large quantities.

    According to him, the demand for spices, described as  any dried plant product used primarily for seasoning and for natural therapies, is high.

    He said Nigerians could make money through wholesale bulk supply of native herbs, spices, essential oils and teas, food processors and cosmetic companies domestically and internationally.

    While the EU is one of the world’s largest markets for spices and herbs, Anjorin said the region does not have suitable agro-climatic conditions to cultivate most spices and herbs, they depend heavily on imports from moderate – or semi-tropical countries.

    Africa, he explained,  has climates and soil conditions that are very suitable for the cultivation of spices.

    He said the increasing demand for organically grown herbs make it necessary for more Nigerians to establish organic herb farms. The opportunities available for local herb growers, according to him,  are further increased by the suitability of the nation’s  regions for growing herbs commercially .

    Nigeria, he explained, is blessed with good agro climatic zones, plant species that have good potential to support the global  herbal products.

    He explained that the fertile soil of Southern and Western part of the country  provides an ideal landscape for fresh herb companies to grow their crops.

    Despite this, he said exporters  face many challenges, involving  foreign regulations on labelling and food standards. This is why he often gets help from programmes that could offer insights into foreign laws and importing standards.

    Generally, agro exports are subject to strict quality control standards, covering purity, pesticides, traceability, post-harvesting, packaging and any treatments such as fumigation and irradiation.

    He said producers are required to have sanitary and phytosanitary certificates indicating that its goods do not contain living pests and global good agricultural practice  (GAP) certification,  indicating compliant with global agriculture product certification standards. Foreign buyers also have their own quality compliance requirements, including HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) systems, Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) accreditation, and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP).

    This is because EU buyers are still reluctant to source further processed products from developing countries due to concerns about quality, food safety and adulteration. There are additional challenges to enter the EU market with processed spices and herbs. Suppliers should be able to supply constant quality, taste, aroma, colour and able to compete against EU suppliers with an excellent knowledge about the taste preference in their domestic market.

    Anjorin sees small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as the key to achieving export growth.

    He still believes more needs to be done to help educate businesses about how to break into overseas markets. This is because small businesses are intimidated by the exporting process – they’re afraid of getting paid, they’re afraid they won’t meet standards.