I have been using Phytogens to treat my naturopathic patients for the last few years with success. Plant buds have been used medicinally dating as far back as the Egyptians.

Phytoembryotherapy is a branch of phytotherapy that incorporates plant embryological tissues (buds and organ shoots) containing the plant’s genetic blueprint material. These tissues are rich in beneficial phytochemicals including growth factors, enzymes, minerals, plant hormones, and phytonutrients such as polyphenols and flavonoids. Plants and plant remedies hold a vital energetic force as well as biochemical benefits that influence and assist in healing the whole of the body,mind and spirit. Because of their organic nature, they are compatible with our physiology.

Phytogens are standardized to a 1:20 extract to ensure delivery of concentrated medicine to target organs. Each plant extract is also eco-certified and highly potent at a low dose making them easy to take and cost effective. Some of the most popular Phytogens that I prescribe include alert-gen, digest-en and intesti-gen.

Alert-gen is a great nervous system regulator for people that are feeling a great deal of emotional stress. This is common, especially with the degree of lay-offs in the oil patch and the state of the economy, in general. Alert-gen helps balance the psycho-neuro-immunological axis, what this means, is that it addresses hormonal responses to emotional hyper-reactivity; it helps calm the nervous system from stress to restorative rest. It is composed of three plant buds- Silver Linden (Tilia timentosa), Fig (Ficus carica) and Olive (Olea europea) which have a tonifying effect on the nervous system. This trio offers support for people that suffer from obsessive compulsive disorder, as well.

Digest-en is a great phytogen to help with digestion. This gastric tonic contains Black Alder, which helps reduce inflammation in the gut. It eases malabsorption due to insufficiency of pancreatic function. Along with Fig bud, which really targets emotional stress that affects the stomach,  this tonic contains English walnut (Juglans nigra) which is great for targeting dys-biosis in the stomach. In simpler terms, English walnut kills the bad bugs in the stomach and intestines. We exist with numerous other bacteria, yeast, parasites and fungi, but it is useful to have herbal support to keep these organisms in check.

Intesti-gen helps support normal function of the intestines. Because Rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis) is in the formula, it is helpful in supporting liver function in terms of digestion and lipid metabolism. It also supports optimal pancreatic function with its inclusion of English walnut. Lingonberry, otherwise known as Vaccinium vitis-idaea supports the peristalsis aspect of the intestines, helping to normalize transit time of the intestinal contents. This formula helps with repair of the intestinal mucosal lining and general intestinal nutrient absorption as well.

Phytogens taste good so the days of holding your nose dosing herbal tinctures is over. Come in for a naturopathic appointment at Parallel Wellness and I will see if this medicine could be a fit for you. Until then, be well.

Reference: Seroyal Educational Brochure on Phyto-gens

I have just finished reading “Eat Dirt” written by Dr. Josh Axe. He talks about how our preoccupation with sanitizing has actually put us at a higher risk for developing chronic disease. At the root is leaky gut syndrome, which originates, in part, by our overuse of antibiotics, chronic processed food intake, stress, chemicals in our environment and working life, plus our need for fast living and the price of convenience, in the end, on our health. He talks about how all health starts in the gut and this is not a new concept by any means. I see this in my clinical testing that is done on the gut; for instance, testing food allergies on patients and seeing a high number of allergens come back makes me start thinking that leaky gut may be at the basis of this individual’s problem.

Treating the gut involves a simple five step program. The first step involves “remove”; removing food allergens that may have shown up in testing. Dairy products and gluten grains and in some cases, all grains, may have to be removed for the gut to fully heal. Sugar, hydrogenated oils including canola, soybean, corn and vegetable oils can also contribute to inflammation. Genetically modified foods and toxic chemicals should also be removed.

The second step is called “reseed” which involves putting beneficial bacteria back into the gut. He likes soil based organisms and emphasizes getting a large diversity of probiotic strains when you are supplementing. Getting exposed to dirt whether through putting your hands in garden soil or riding horses, swimming in lakes and oceans is encouraged as is consuming fermented foods and medicinal mushrooms.

The third step is “restore” instigated by eating gut healing foods like bone broth, raw cultured dairy, fermented vegetables like sauerkraut, pickled vegetables, miso and kimchi. These foods have lactic acid bacteria that help balance the production of stomach acid. Fermented beverages like apple cider vinegar, kvass and kombucha, coconut milk and other coconut foods are very good for gut health. Prebiotic foods such as artichokes,cabbage and chia seeds start off a long list of beneficial high fiber foods which feed and support the growth of good bacteria.

The fourth step is “release” which focuses on releasing stress whether it be emotional or psychological. He makes suggestions like having a lavender bath at the end of your working day, getting a massage, the importance of exercise, listening to music, forest bathing and the need for exposure to nature.

The last step is “reseal” which looks at healing leaky gut and restoring the integrity of your intestinal lining using supplements such as probiotics, digestive enzymes, l-glutamine, licorice root and slippery elm powder to name a few.

Dr. Josh Axe goes on to talk about five gut types that need slightly different approaches depending on the type you are. I highly recommend reading his book if you want to learn more about leaky gut syndrome which is at the root of many chronic health problems. Until next time, be well! Please book an appointment if you want to talk about leaky gut or any other health problem.

Reference: Eat Dirt by Dr. Josh Axe

As mentioned in my last post on treating skin conditions, allergens must be identified and eliminated, to ensure reduction of inflammation, and acne is no exception. Foods often associated with acne include dairy and gluten, chocolate, sugar, and refined carbohydrates (in general). Flour and sugar are best eliminated, as their intake has been linked to increased sebum production, or in another words, increased oily secretions from the sebaceous glands, aggravating acne, as are foods high in saturated fat, including peanut butter and fatty meats. Favoring foods that cool inflammation like non-starchy vegetables (think cucumbers, green leafy vegetables), fruit (cantaloupe, berries),  wild seafood, and turmeric laden food or supplements is helpful. Plenty of water (8 to 10 glasses) to hydrate tissues helps, as do select antioxidant beverages such as green tea or matcha tea(1 cup matcha equivalent to 10 cups green tea). The catechins in these types of teas quench free radicals and lower inflammation on a whole.

The presence of acne, itself, tells you that you have a level of inflammation that is present, revealing itself on your skin. I struggled with acne when I was a teenager, (as many do) and again in my 20’s. I even resorted to taking antibiotics for acne in my undergrad schooling era. Before I did my training and education in naturopathy, I did a lot of things that compromise the microbiome, one of which is taking antibiotics. As more evidence links a compromised microbiota or negligent gut flora population with various skin disorders including acne, eczema and psoriasis, one must treat the gut to lower system wide inflammation. Treating the gut and restoring your gut flora to its optimum level can indirectly treat the skin. Testing to help determine what bacteria are colonizing your gut and what non-optimal pathogens are colonizing your gut, including yeast can also be quite helpful and point you to dietary recommendations or adjustments that should be undertaken.

According to principles of bio-therapeutic drainage, your skin will express acne, when your other primary pathways of elimination including your gut via your stool, liver, and kidney via your urine are not eliminating efficiently enough or are over-taxed, it is paramount to take a good look at these organs and give support where needed. Please book a consult to talk about these concepts in more detail. Interestingly enough, barberries were recently found to be successful in treating acne at a dose of 1 tsp, three times daily. They can be found on Amazon.com. One of my favorite herbs to treat acne, that includes fluid filled lesions, is Ulmus campestris, a gemmotherapy which dries up the inflamed lesions. Homeopathy can be very helpful also for supportive care of skin conditions, including Unda combination remedies or single remedies, well formulated,to fit the case. To take a comprehensive look at addressing your acne,  please book a consult with me at Parallel Wellness.