Arizona Natural Medicine, L.L.C.
Greetings!

At the core of Naturopathic Medicine is education; educating our patients, our patients' families and our community. On this premise, we welcome you to our free Monthly Health Newsletter, rich in information on integrative medicine and tips for healthy living.

We hope this information adds an additional tool for knowledge, empowerment, and creating optimal health and well-being in your life.

To Your Health!

 
Kiera Lane, N.M.D., MSAc., L.Ac., Dipl. Ac., Medical Director
Sarv Varta K. Khalsa, N.M.D.
Valentina Khoury, N.M.D.

Arizona Natural Medicine, L.L.C.
http://www.aznaturalmedicine.com

  

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FOCUS

 

COLD AND FLU PREVENTION THIS WINTER

 

 

NATUROPATHIC SPOTLIGHT


Gripp-Heel and Engostyl:

A Safe and Effective Treatment for Cold and Flu Season
 

 

There are many effective natural treatments to avoid contracting the cold and flu as well as treating cold and flu symptoms. Such therapies include botanicals like Astragalus and Echinacea, blended supplements like Bio Vegetarian and a great deal of other remedies too long to list. There are also homeopathic combinations to treat seasonal illness specifically, Engystol and Gripp-Heel. These two homeopathic preparations have been used for the treatment and prevention of colds and flu for over 35 years and come in injectable or tablet form.

 

 It is important to note that homeopathic remedies and preparations differ from conventional medications as the former are given in extremely diluted doses. The principle of "minimum dose" states that a patient should be given the least amount of medicine necessary to evoke a healing response. This is how the practice of successive dilution was developed. Successive dilution and agitation allows for therapeutic doses of a particular substance to be reached with out surpassing the effective dose thus eliminating the possibility of toxicity and unwanted side effects. For this reason, homeopathic substances have very few contraindications and are helpful in treating a wide range of illnesses in diverse patient populations.

 

 To understand why Engystol and Gripp-Heel are effective, it is important to delineate what each is composed of. Engystol is comprised of two main active ingredients: Vincetoxicum hirundinaria and Sulphur. Vincetoxicum has been associated with the stimulation of host defense mechanisms against viral illness and fever reduction. Homeopathic Sulphur is a polychrest and as such it is a remedy that covers a multitude of symptoms belonging to various diseases including skin diseases, acute and chronic inflammations, as well as hepatic and gastrointestinal complaints.

 

Gripp-Heel is a blend of mineral, botanical and animal ingredients: Aconitum napellus, Bryonia alba, Lachesis mutus, Eupatorium perfoliatum and Phosphorus. Aconitum, Bryonia, Lachesis and Phosphorus are well known remedies for the treatment of inflammation. Bryonia has an affinity for the respiratory organs while Lachesis acts more specifically on the skin. Eupatorium is an excellent influenza remedy not only homeopathically, but also in its herbal form. It has anti-rheumatic, anti-pyretic and diaphoretic properties. Historically, it has been used for the treatment of bone pain and high fevers hence its common name "boneset" or "feverwort."

 

 The Engystol & Gripp-Heel combination is beneficial not only for boosting host defenses against viral illness, but also for yielding symptom reduction and shorter recovery times in those who are infirm. Engystol & Gripp-Heel are effective at boosting immune system response when taken prophylactically via monthly injections or oral ingestion. These proven and effective therapies treat a variety of respiratory viruses and post viral syndromes. According to a study published in the Journal of Immune Based Therapies and Vaccines, Gripp-Heel and Engystol demonstrated an ability to inhibit the replication of a variety of respiratory viruses including: herpes simplex virus, respiratory syncytial virus, adenovirus, influenza A, rhinovirus and coxsackievirus. Both medications boost immune system response by stimulating type 1 interferon (IFN). Type 1 IFN is a cytokine released by the cells which functions to limit viral replication at initial infection before other humoral or cellular immune mechanisms become functional.

 

 Additionally, and perhaps more importantly, this combination has been shown to decrease length of illness and symptom severity when taken if ill. In observational studies, Engystolshowed reliable therapeutic effectiveness, diminished clinical symptoms and elicited quicker recovery time in sick patients compared to placebo. Similar studies have demonstrated that Gripp-Heel is as effective as antitussives or NSAIDs for the symptomatic treatment of mild viral infections. Moreover, many over the counter and/or prescription medications intended to make one more comfortable during a bout of the cold/flu have unwanted side-effects or are not recommended for certain patient populations such as pregnant or nursing mothers. Gripp-Heel and Engystol are valued for their excellent tolerability and lack of known adverse effects, making these a viable treatment for even delicate patient populations like pregnant women, nursing mothers, children, elderly and the immune-compromised. Furthermore, this homeopathic combination does not interact with other pharmaceutical or nutraceutical prescriptions. This lends it to be a wonderful adjunctive or stand-alone treatment therapy to other natural or conventional medical protocols.

 

 In conclusion, if you are searching for a natural, safe, effective and side effect free way to keep you and your family healthy this cold and flu season look no further than Engystol and Gripp-Heel! If you have questions or want further information, feel free to ask any of the physicians at Arizona Natural Medicine during your next appointment.

 

References:

Roeska, Kerstin, and Bernd Seilheimer. "Antiviral Activity of Engystol and Gripp-Heel: An In-vitro Assessment." Journal of Immune Based Therapies and Vaccines 8.6 (2010). Web. http://www.jibtherapies.com/content/8/1/6.

Heilmann, Anton. "A Combination Injection Preparation as a Prophylactic for Flu and Common Colds."Journal Biologische Medizin 21.3 (1992): 225-29. Print.

Enbergs, Heinrich. "Effects of Homeopathic Preparation of Engystol on Interferon Gamma Production by Human T-Lymphocytes." Immunological Investigations 35 (2006): 19-27. Print.

Rabe, A., M. Weiser, and P. Klein. "Effectiveness and Tolerability of a Homoeopathic Remedy Compared with Conventional Therapy for Mild Viral Infections." (2004). Print.  

 

NUTRITION CORNER 

 

Bio Vegetarian: Excellent support for the Immune System
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As we head in to this year's cold and flu season it's important to plan ahead and educate ourselves on ways that we can support our immune system to stay healthy and hopefully prevent the onset of colds and flus. Fortunately, Naturopathic medicine offers many effective options for immune support that can be used both in the prevention and treatment of colds and flus. One of my favorite treatments for this is Bio Vegetarian.

 

Bio Vegetarian is a unique combination of vitamins, minerals, and herbs specifically designed to promote good health by supporting the immune system. The ingredients synergistically support the body's immune mechanisms to ward off infections or to treat current infections.

 

The ingredients in Bio Vegetarian are effective at boosting the immune system but some of them also have anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal effects in the body. Therefore, in some cases it may be used as an alternative to antibiotics, avoiding any potential side effects that may occur with their use. The appropriateness of use and proper dosage can be determined by your doctor.

 

If you want an effective, natural treatment to use as a preventative or for treatment during cold and flu season, ask one of the doctors at Arizona Natural Medicine about Bio Vegetarian.

 

What are the ingredients in Bio Vegetarian and what do they do?

 

Vitamin A: This fat-soluble vitamin is essential to proper immune response. Vitamin A enhances white blood cell function, and the maintenance of lymphocytes, enhances resistance to infection, and helps maintain mucous membrane defenses to infection. The mucosal cells (cells that line the airways, digestive tract, and urinary tract) function as a barrier and form the body's first line of defense against infection.

 

Vitamin B6: Studies have demonstrated that vitamin B6 is an important player in adaptive immunity, including both humoral and cell-mediated immunity. It has been shown to affect lymphocyte proliferation, differentiation and maturation as well as cytokine and antibody production.1 It is also necessary for proper zinc utilization, an important co-factor in antibody production.

 

Magnesium: It has been the subject of extensive research because it is one of the most important micronutrients in our bodies. It is involved in hundreds of metabolic processes and particularly, magnesium has a strong influence on the immune system, in both nonspecific and specific immune response. Evidence shows that magnesium plays a key role in the immune response, as a co-factor for immunoglobulin synthesis, immune cell adherence, antibody-dependent cytolysis, IgM lymphocyte binding, macrophage response to lymphokines and T helper-B cell adherence.

 

Zinc: It is known to play a central role in the immune system, and zinc-deficient people experience increased susceptibility to a variety of pathogens. The immunologic mechanisms whereby zinc modulates increased susceptibility to infection have been studied for several decades. It is clear that zinc affects multiple aspects of the immune system, from the barrier of the skin to gene regulation within lymphocytes. Zinc is crucial for normal development and function of cells mediating nonspecific immunity such as neutrophils and natural killer cells.

 

Bioflavonoids (Citrus):These are powerful antioxidants that help to support the immune system. Bioflavonoids encompass a large group of nutrients with antioxidant activity. Citrus bioflavonoids, which are part of that group, are derived from the rind and pulp of citrus products. Citrus bioflavonoids are needed for vitamin C to be used effectively by the body. They also lengthen the effectiveness of vitamin C by slowing down its breakdown.

 

Echinacea root (E. angustifolia, E. purpurea): Well known for it's immune system support, it's effects are provided through a synergistic combination of constituents, including polysaccharides, alkylamides, caffeic acid, flavonoids, essential oils, and polyacetylenes. Echinacea has been shown to increase white blood cell count, and, thus support the body's ability to handle bacteria and viruses, stimulate T lymphocyte activity, and support the lymphatic system to clear waste.

 

Myrrh resin (Balsamodendron myrrh): This has been shown to have antiseptic, stimulant, tonic, expectorant, and vulnerary properties. It is valuable as a tonic and stimulant for bronchial and lung health.

 

Ginger (Zingiber officinalis): Ginger is widely used as a medicinal herb in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, often added to herbal formulas to support digestion, immunity and to increase the activity of other herbs. In the Ayurvedic tradition, ginger is thought to warm the body and helps to break down the accumulation of toxins in the organs, particularly in the lungs and sinuses. Ginger helps to stimulate the lymphatic system, which is our body's way of cleansing our blood. By opening up these lymphatic channels, ginger prevents the accumulation of the toxins that make us susceptible to infections, especially in the respiratory system.

 

Cayenne (Capsicum annuum): Cayenne, or red pepper, is regarded as a general tonic, a systemic stimulant and a strong immune enhancer. It contains vitamin C and beta carotene which help support immune function. Capsaicin, the active constituent of Cayenne is an antioxidant, analgesic and anti-inflammatory.

 

Garlic (Allium sativa): Garlic is one of the most well-recognized medicinal herbs. It is used in traditional medicines all over the world. The chemistry and pharmacology of garlic is well studied. It is thought to possess numerous multi-faceted antimicrobial properties including bacterial, viral and anti-fungal. It is also an expectorant and digestive stimulant.

 

Barberry root (Berberis vulgaris), Oregon grape root (Berberis aquifoluim): The value of these herbs involves their high content of isoquinoline alkaloids, the most widely studied being berberine. Berberine is said to have a broad spectrum of antibiotic activity. It also has displayed antimicrobial activity against bacteria, protozoa, and fungi.8 Berberine provides many benefits in support of a healthy immune response.

 

Grapefruit Seed Extract: Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE) is a substance derived from the seeds, membranes, and pulp of grapefruit. It is used as a broad-spectrum, non-toxic, antimicrobial. It is known to be highly effective for fighting infections and promoting health.

 

References:

 1) Pubmed.gov 1993 Aug;51(8):217-25. "Vitamin B6 and Immune Competence." Rall LC, Meydani SN. Nutritional Immunology Laboratory, USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, Boston.

2) Galland L (1988): Magnesium and immune function: an overview. Magnesium 7, 290-299. PubMed. 

3) Am J Clin Nutr:1998; 68(suppl):447S-63S. KEY WORDS

Zinc.

4) Pizzorno, J. and Murray, M. "Echinacea Species, Chemical Composition." Textbook of Natural Medicine Third Edition. pg.907-908, 2006.

5) Haas, Elson, M.D. "Echinacea." Staying Healthy with Nutrition. pg.276, 1992.

6) Kloss, Jethro, "Back to Eden" pg. 160, 1939.

7) Foster, S. "Garlic, Botanical Series 311." Austin, TX: American Botanical Council. 1991.

8) Pizzorno, J. and Murray, M. "Berberine-Containing Botanicals." Textbook of Natural Medicine Third Edition. pg.1014-1015, 2006.

 

MIND BODY CENTER

Healthy Mind - Healthy Body

wilderness-yoga-man.jpg  


How many times a day do you check in with your body? Your spouse says, "Honey you look stressed and your shoulders are up to your ears". Many times we do not even notice what are body is doing. One simple tool to stay connected to our bodies is to start to identify areas of tension and distress.

 

To do this, start your day with 3 deep breaths and a quick body scan to become aware of what your body is saying. "My stomach is tight or my back is sore, or I feel tense in my upper back "for example". Our body does talk to us, but the question is if do we listen? Many studies document the detrimental effect stress has on our immunity. Many of us don't even see or feel that we are stressed.

 

Start your day with a scan of your body and identify areas that are calling out for attention. Then take 5 minutes to visualize breathing in sunlight, water, or whatever visual cue that symbolizes relaxation.  Breathe into that area of the body. Affirm, "I am healthy, happy, and relaxed". This simple exercise could be a tool to relax, acknowledge, and respond to your body's message for a healthy mind and immune system.

Arizona Natural Medicine, L.L.C.

Integrative Medicine for the Body and Mind
 
2480 W. Ray Road, Suite 1
Chandler, Arizona 85224-3558
Arizona Natural Medicine, L.L.C.
http://www.aznaturalmedicine.com
480-722-2811

For an appointment at Arizona Natural Medicine, L.L.C., please contact our office.We look forward to hearing from you.
In This Issue
Article Headline
Nutrition Corner
Mission Statement
Services
Naturopathic Philosophy
Real People
Mission Statement

Our mission is to provide the most comprehensive and effective heath care, integrating the best of Western, Eastern, and Natural medicine in a safe and caring atmosphere. We provide individualized care that addresses the whole person, focuses on prevention, and assists you in achieving an optimal level of health.


Quick Links
Services

Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine

Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy


Botanical Medicine


Clinical Nutrition


Homeopathic Medicine


Intravenous and Vitamin Therapies


Injectables vitamins and homeopathics


Facial Rejuvenation


Prescription Therapy


Stress Management
Naturopathic Philosophy

1. Healing Power of Nature

2. First Do No Harm

3. Identify and Treat the Cause

4. Doctor as Teacher

5. Treat the Whole Person

6. Preventive Medicine
Real People
 
I was hesitant to try acupuncture because it was foreign. I did and it has changed my life. Not just because acupuncture can help my health but now I am open-minded to other things. It has changed my perspective on health care. I feel more vibrant, energetic, and I love that it has positively affected me mentally. It made me more positive and I think clearer.
- C.L.- Chandler, AZ

 

My acupuncture experience with Dr Khalsa at AZ Natural Medicine has been very positive. At a time when nothing else would provide relief, weekly acupuncture treatments have made a measurable difference in my low back pain and in my life. Increased energy is an added bonus. I am 3 weeks post partum and have every right to be exhausted. However, as my pain becomes more manageable I have a substantial increase in energy. Thank you Dr  Khalsa and AZ Natural Medicine for helping me to feel better!  I forward this health and energy on to my new baby.
- C.S. Chandler, AZ  


 

I have been suffering from lack of sleep and hot flashes for years. Since I have been seeing Dr. Lane, she has prescribed bio-identical hormones and I have noticed an improved quality in my sleep and my hot flashes are few and far between. I am very happy with the results. I would highly recommend her office to anyone.
- R.W.Q. - Chandler, AZ   


 

Dr. Khoury is friendly, caring and very knowledgeable about naturopathic medicine, as well as conventional western medicine practices. She has a wealth of information available about non-traditional treatments such as herbal remedies, acupuncture, and other eastern medicine practices. Dr. Khoury is passionate about naturopathic medicine, and is a great source for a variety of treatment options delivered with compassionate care.

- Michael

 

My first visit with Dr. Lane was after I had been diagnosed with osteoporosis. I had decided to try a natural approach and Dr. Lane was recommended by a good friend. After talking with her for a while I decided to tell her about some other problems I had, and after listening to her I was so impressed that I decided to give it a try. In the back of my mind thinking could this really work? I have an eye condition called Cystoid Macular Edema and for about the past 18 yrs. I have seen a retinal specialist who has given me numerous injection into the eye to help with the swelling with only slight temporary relief. For the past 11 months I have followed Dr. Lane's advice which is all natural and have seen significant changes in my eye condition to the point that my other Dr. no longer mentions surgery or injections in my eye. I can tell by the look on his face when he looks at my test results that he is totally amazed. For being somewhat skeptical in the beginning I am definitely a believer now in natural medicine! If anyone would like more information I am happy to share my story.

- Mollie


 

This past December the pain in my hips, neck and shoulders had become unbearable. At the age of 75, with advancing AS (ankylosing spondylitis), I did not want to begin a regiment of western medical prescriptions for pain pills because of their addictive nature. I began searching for an alternative approach to my problem. That is where I was introduced to Dr. Khoury, who used acupuncture and her superb knowledge of natural medicine to help reduce my pain level by more than 60%. Her understanding and use of eastern medical practices has helped me to reduce the high stress levels resulting from acute pain. In addition she has nurtured me through a lot of baggage relating to internal problems resulting from 26 years of military service in three different war zones. Dr. Khoury is without a doubt a valuable asset to her profession. With all the wonderful attention she has given, she has also exhibited the highest standards of professionalism, standards I have not seen with doctors in western medicine. She was able to sit with me and speak on the level of a professional care giver about my needs, always looking for ways she could help me. She has rekindled a belief in myself, and for that alone I am very grateful

- Edward

 

Since becoming a patient of Dr.Khalsa at Arizona Natural Medicine all aspects of my health have improved. As a patient of Dr.Khalsa I am treated as a whole person. All issues I came to the office with were discussed and a treatment plan was made. I love being a patient at Arizona Natural Medicine.

- Lori
 

 

"I first came to Arizona Natural Medicine for help with my fibromyalgia symptoms.  At that time, my symptoms were so bad that I could barely get around, I couldn't think straight, I couldn't remember for more than a few hours into the past or into the future and my prospects for having any kind of life did not exist, at all, period!

That was around eight years ago.  Now, I can say with complete honesty that I've regained most of my mobility, I have a mind that I actually recognize and most importantly, I now have a life, one that I can enjoy and can share with my wife and my family members.  Although my struggle to regain my life has been a long one, Dr. Lane and Dr. Khalsa have been with me every step of the way.  They simply will not give up on you.  Ever!

Both of these doctors have helped me in so many ways over the years that I've lost count.  But, if I were to try and pick their greatest contribution to my life, thus far, it would have to be their success in teaching me how to look beyond my fibromyalgia and toward a fully holistic approach to life itself.

So, when you combine these masterful skills with their genuinely warm and caring spirits, you can't help but feel right at home when you come visit with them.


 

To be honest, I don't have the words to adequately express my heart felt gratitude and appreciation for the work that Dr. Lane and Dr. Khalsa have done for myself and for my family.  I really do not know what I would do without them.  I really don't.  So, does the phrase "Thank God for Dr. Lane and Dr. Khalsa" seem a bit much?  Well, not as far as I'm concerned!  As a matter of fact, it feels exactly right to me." 

- Paul


 

I was hesitant to try acupuncture because it was foreign. I did and it has changed my life. Not just because acupuncture with Dr. Lane helps my health but now I am open-minded to other things. It has changed my perspective on health care. I feel more vibrant, energetic, and I love that it affected me mentally. It made me more positive and I think clearer.

-Carol


 

Naturopathic medicine has always offered me alternatives that I could never find in the traditional medical model. I am so happy that I have options for my health care. The Heel injectable therapy by Dr. Lane has really helped my pain level reduce. I am hopeful that I have the tools to stay healthy.


 

-Casey
 

Dr.Khalsa is the only doctor that has looked at my complete symptoms from stress to asthma to my eating sensitivities. She has helped me to control my food intolerance when GI doctors wanted to just drug me on anti-nausea, pain killers/ GI numbing tablets instead of finding the source of why I\'m in so much pain when I eat certain foods. I would recommend anyone who wants to avoid tons of pills to solve symptoms and want to find the another alternative to Dr. Khalsa. It also helps that I feel Dr.Khalsa really cares about you and your not just another patient out of the hundreds they have.

-JoAnn


 

Naturopathic medicine has always offered me alternatives that I could never find in the traditional medical model. I am so happy that I have options for my health care. The Heel injectable therapy by Dr. Lane has really helped my pain level reduce. I am hopeful that I have the tools to stay healthy

-Karen


 

Naturopathic medicine has allowed me to have choices in regards to my health. I can always count that I will have options and not just be told by my doctor what to do without a choice. I appreciate being treated like a person not a number by Dr. Lane. I know I have someone in my corner to help me when I need it. I am grateful that Naturopathic medicine exists and it has been the primarily health care in my life.

-Paula

  


 

At the age of 33, I began to experience hot flashes and stopped having a regular menses.  I went to my OBGYN after having abnormal blood labs returned. March of 2011, I had an FSH of 72. My husband and I were informed that we should consider an egg donor immediately, if we really wanted kids and we were sent off with a few business cards for Fertility Doctors. In August of 2011, I began to work with a highly recommended Fertility Specialist. After several series of testing and procedures, I was still left facing the recommendation of an egg donor. My FSH had dropped to a 36, my AMH was at a 0.6.

I met with Dr. Lane in 2012, although she did not make any promises...I found the hope I was searching for. For the first time in a very long time, I felt that a Dr. cared more about me than what my hormone levels were. Dr. Lane made it very clear she was concerned with my health, both physically and emotionally. Dr. Lane recommended testing my cortisol levels and starting me on a few supplements to assist me with ovulating regularly. Shortly after starting the supplements, I was able to conceive naturally. I delivered a healthy, beautiful baby girl on March 3, 2013. I am very grateful to Dr. Lane for providing me with the support I needed.

-Fertility Patient