Healing House Natural Wellness
  • Home
  • About
  • Services
  • Client Resources
  • Blog
  • Shop
  • Contact

Blog


Ladies, Your Sexual Health Matters! - By Registered Holistic Nutritionist Tahlia Sage

2/10/2021

1 Comment

 
Picture
"Sexual relationships are some of the most important social and biological relationships in human life. Next to thirst, hunger and sleep, the sexual urge is the most powerful biological drive. This physiological instinct, so essential to the survival of the species, is one of the mainsprings of human motivation, and its fulfillment or disappointment is closely related to happiness or misery. Normal sexual function involves the successful integration of biological, psychological and interpersonal influences."
-Tharakan B, Manyam B: Botanical therapies in sexual dysfunction, Phytother Res 19:457-463, 2005.

Why Is Sexual Health Important
Sexual desire is a basic and essential need like hunger and thirst which is at the core of one’s well-being. A recent meta-analysis suggests that  in pre-menopausal females, the prevalence for female sexual dysfunction is estimated to be 40%. Some other estimates show that female sexual dysfunction could affect as many as 76% of females.
Choosing to express, experience and enjoy one’s sexuality involves the complex interplay of the mind, body, hormones and emotions.

A healthy sex life is associated with many health benefits such as:
  • Better cardiovascular health: oxytocin released upon intimate contact lowers blood pressure
  • Better sleep: prolactin release post orgasm promotes deep sleep
  • Stronger pelvic muscles: pelvic floor gets a work out during sex
  • Better mood: endorphins release helps to improve mood and lower stress hormone cortisol level
  • Better brain: sex support nervous tissue rejuvenation in the hippocampus—a part of the brain that  has a major role in learning and memory
  • Plus sex may also benefit metabolic health by burning some calories

A healthy sex life is a core element of your mental, emotional and physical well-being.
 

What Is Female Sexual Dysfunction
Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD) is defined by the World Health Organization as "the various ways in which a female is unable to participate in a sexual relationship as she would wish".

Female sexual dysfunction can present in 5 subtypes:
  1. Hypoactive sexual desire disorder: lack of or a decreased interest, desire, thoughts and an absence of responsive desire.
  2. Female sexual arousal disorder: lack of mental and physical arousal
  3. Female orgasmic disorder: an absent of orgasm
  4. Dyspareunia: painful intercourse
  5. Vaginismus: reflexive tightening around the vagina despite interest/desire when no structural abnormalities
 
 
 
What’s The Cause Of Female Sexual Dysfunction
Due to the complexity of female sexuality and the various subtypes of FSD, there isn’t one single cause of FSD. In this blog post, I will highlight one important roadblock that affects many female’s sexual health. As many as 46% of females experiencing FSD suffer from hypoactive desire disorder. Stress is one mechanism that destroys libido.
Our nervous system is hard-wired to protect us from threats to our safety and well-being. Worries, sadness, anxious feelings, fears and stress shifts our biology into the ‘fight-or-flight’ mode where the body shuts down non-essential functions such as digestion, rest, sex drive to redirect nutrients and resources to produce stress hormones that keep us alert and ready to go. When life is chronically filled with obligations, worries and stress, the body learns to reduce libido in order to keep up with the demand of coping with stress.
 
 
What To Do If Stress Is Stealing Your Libido
 
Nutrition
When coping with stress, meals have to be simple, delicious and loaded with antioxidants and nutrients that can be prepared in advance. More nutrients are required for the production and metabolism of stress hormones, consider some of these key nutrients depleted by chronic stress.
Vitamin C protects cells from oxidative injury and rebuilds adrenal tissues and enhance cortisol production.
Magnesium stress increases the demand of this mineral that regulates and calms the nervous system
B vitamins support energy production and metabolism
 
Better Sex Smoothie For Her
Serves:1
Ingredients:
1 tsp raw cacao
1 tsp MCT or raw coconut oil
½ cup kale
½ cup spinach
1 ripe banana
1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk
Filtered water or ice cubes to your liking
Juice from 1 lemon
Topping: chia seeds
 
Directions: blend everything till creamy smooth. Top with chia seeds before serving.
 
Sexy Nourish Bowl
Serves 4
Ingredients
1 cup chickpeas, dried
1 cup peas, fresh or frozen
1 sweet potato, diced into small cubes
2 medium carrots, shredded
2 cup red cabbage, shredded
2 cups baby spinach
1 avocado
Olive oil
Pink Himalyan salt
Dressing
4 tbsp Organic olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
½ tbsp dijon mustard
1 tbsp whit wine vinegar
½ tsp garlic powder
Pink Himalyan salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
 
Directions
  1. Cube the sweet potato into ½ inch cubes,  drizzle with olive oil bake at 375F for about 20-30min
  2. Meanwhile, boil chickpeas for about 30 min, set aside to cool
  3. Boil peas for 5 min, set aside to cool
  4. Shred carrots and cabbage
  5. Drizzle with dressing and top with sliced avocado right before serving
 
Adaptogens
Damiana has been traditionally used as a nervous system relaxant and aphrodisiac, it makes a delicious and relaxing herbal tea Shatavari is a herb that translates to "she who possesses a hundred husbands" which has been used for hundreds of years as a female tonic and aphrodisiac. The powder can be added to smoothies and the root can be added to tea.
 
 
Lifestyle
Mindfulness that focuses on gentle thoughts and loving energy towards the reproductive system can help build one’s connection with the body. Take some time to allow the mind to shift from the fight or flight mode to a more relaxed and receptive state.
 
Scheduling time to care for and reflect on your needs is key to your sexual health.
 
Disclaimer
Please consult a qualified practitioner. This article is for information purposes only.
 
About the Author
Tahlia Sage (Certified Nutritional Practitioner, Bsc Food, Nutrition & Health) is the founder of Tahlia Sage Wellness (tahliasagewellness.com) and a partner at Healing House Natural Wellness (healinghouseherbal.com), she is also an instructor at the Institute of Holistic Nutrition. Her coaching practice helps clients achieve their wellness goals by embracing functional foods and healthy lifestyle changes. Tahlia’s own health challenges and weight issues prompted her to pursue an education in nutritional science and holistic nutrition. Tahlia empowers her clients to regain balance with easy, concrete steps. Connect here with Tahlia for a free 15 min discovery session.

1 Comment

Herbal Approach to Uterine Fibroids

7/17/2019

7 Comments

 
Picture

As seen in Home Herbalist Magazine

Many discussions on female health can be plagued with uncertainty and unanswered questions, especially in western culture where access to more natural means may not be readily discussed in a modern doctor’s office. This of course, in my opinion, is not due to any maliciousness on the practitioner’s part, but rather that these types of options are not yet fully embraced as a partnered path to healing in modern western medicine.

I think that in modern times, it is often forgotten that Herbalism is the oldest healing modality known to man and has a rich history of traditional use.

In the spirit of learning, it is my full intention to offer an understanding of this female reproductive issue from the standpoint of modern western medicine as described in medical texts, and to share the more common herbal, supplemental, lifestyle, and dietary allies that are readily available. Due to the fact that this is indeed a clinical issue, I have not included a full herbal protocol as each individual is different and their needs will be different.  Please contact a clinical herbalist if you would like to explore the option of herbal medicine, and continue to work with your medical doctor.

​Understanding Uterine Fibroids:
Uterine fibroids (also known as Leiomyoma of the uterus or just Myoma) are the most common type of tumor of the genital tract. They are bundles of smooth muscle and connective tissue, surrounded by a thin capsule that can be as small as a pea or in some cases, as large as a grapefruit. Although they are sometimes referred to as tumors, fibroids are considered non-cancerous. However, because they disrupt the blood vessels and glands in the uterus like a tumor, they are spoken of in these relative terms.  Uterine Fibroids are generally classified by their location in the uterus, these are:
  • Intramural – The most common and the type that grows on the wall of the uterus.
  • Subserosal – The type that grows outside of the uterus.
  • Submucosal – The type that grow just underneath the uterine lining and can grow into the uterus cavity.
  • Pedunculated Submucosal – The type that grows in the uterus lining. These fibroids are attached to the uterine wall by a stalk-like growth called a peduncle.
 
Causes:
Current medical science has not yet determine the actual cause of uterine fibroids, some of the theories are that they occur with genetic changes, hormone imbalances (fibroids contain more estrogen and progesterone receptors than normal uterine muscle cells), and other growth factors (other hormones or external factors that might affect the bodies substances that maintain healthy tissues – possibly xenoestrogens). Despite medical science not having a clear understanding of the mode of cause, it is known that fibroids do require high estrogen levels as a mechanism to grow. Concentrations of estrogen receptors are higher in fibroid tissue than in the surrounding tissue.
In addition to an excess of estrogen production within the body, a strong case can be made for the role of the most significant environmental factor assaulting female hormonal health – as discussed earlier, these compounds are known as xenoestrogens. These compounds are endocrine/hormone disruptors, environmental estrogens, hormonally active agents, estrogenic substances, estrogenic xenobiotics, and bioactive chemicals. Examples of xenoestrogens include phthalates (used in most plastics), pesticides and herbicides, tobacco smoke and by-products, and various solvents (think about your common household cleaners). Xenoestrogens enhance or block the effects of estrogen in the body by binding to estrogen receptors. They also promote a shift from healthy estrogen breakdown products to cancer-causing estrogen metabolites in some people.
Lastly, another theory is that chronic use of the birth control pill can also contribute to the growth of fibroids. It is also common to see fibroids shrink after menopause.
 
 
 
A Brief commentary on phytoestrogens (plant based estrogens):
Phytoestrogens are able to bind to the same cell receptors as the estrogen your body produces. That’s a very good thing, because when phytoestrogens occupy the receptors, estrogen can’t affect cells. By competing with estrogen, phytoestrogens cause a drop in estrogen effects, and are thus sometimes called “antiestrogens”. Great sources of phytoestrogens include organic, non-processed soy, ground organic flax seed, and organic nuts and seeds. In particular, it is recommended to have 1 to 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed daily.
 
On the opposing view, some have suggested that since soy foods are high in phytoestrogens (specifically isoflavones), which have a weak estrogenic effect, women with uterine fibroids or endometrial cancer should avoid phytoestrogens. This recommendation has not stood up to clinical trial. Soy isoflavones appear to be selective in terms of tissues in which they have an estrogenic effect and the tissues in which their effect is antiestrogenic.
Soy phytoestrogens do not appear to have an estrogenic effect on the human uterus and may in fact help shrink uterine fibroids due to an antiestrogenic effect.
It is recommended to have moderate, but not excessive soy consumption in the range of 45 to 90mg of soy isoflavones per day, you can find this in a standardized capsule if needed, but again, be mindful of processing.
 
Common symptoms of uterine fibroids:
  • Symptoms depend on the size and the position of the fibroid.
  • The majority of fibroids are generally lacking in symptoms, but can often times be associated with vague feelings of lower abdominal discomfort, pelvic pain and pressure, congestion, bloating, and heaviness. Fibroids can also include pain with vaginal sexual activity, an increase in urinary frequency, lower backache, abdominal enlargement, and abnormal bleeding which occurs in roughly 30% of women with fibroids.
 
 
Complications of uterine fibroids:
  • Increased risk in some types of cancers.
  • In pregnant women, increased risk of miscarriage – if the fibroid significantly distorts the uterine cavity.
  • Infertility – rarely and only when the fibroid is causing tubal blockage.
  • Pregnancy complications.
  • Anemia (iron deficiency).
  • Heavy/painful menstrual periods.
  • Surgical Hysterectomy – in some cases, this is recommended by a medical professional and involves the removal of the uterus and sometimes ovaries. In most cases, a myomectomy may be performed where all detected fibroids are removed from the uterus.
 
Natural Suggestions for uterine fibroids:
  • Diet:
    • The most important dietary recommendations are to eat a high-fiber diet rich in phytoestrogens (plant based estrogens) and to avoid saturated fat, sugar, and caffeine. These simple changes can dramatically reduce circulating estrogen levels and reduce estrogen’s influence on the fibroid.

  • Increase in brassica family (cabbage family) vegetables. Research has shown that compounds from vegetables in the brassica family helps to break down cancer-causing forms of estrogens to nontoxic forms, making them especially important in women with uterine fibroids.

  • Environment:
    • Reduction of xenoestrogen exposure. This means an immediate mindfulness of all exposure to plastics (this can be difficult but not impossible). Pay attention to the plastic packaging of foods and cosmetics. Be mindful of processed and chemically enhanced foods and personal body products (some feminine hygiene products and menstrual products can expose us to increases in xenoestrogens). Consider instead, natural care products, whole and non-processed foods, whole material hygiene and menstrual products (think cotton, cloth, flannel etc.).

  • In addition to the mindfulness of plastics exposure, I would extend this into cautions with non-stick cooking materials. Teflon is a commercial name for the chemical called polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which is a common non-stick coating in pots and pans. PTFE has shown to be carcinogenic (cancer causing), and can disrupt our natural hormone balance and have affects upon fetal development. A safe alternative are steel pots and pans, copper, or good old fashioned cast iron.

  • Easy Self Care:
    • Castor oil packs over affected area. Three thicknesses of cotton wool or suitable material such as folded flannel soaked in castor oil. Cover with a clean cloth and electric heating pad. Apply 3 to 4 nights a week for 6 months minimum to assist in shrinkage.
 
 
Commonly Used Herbs:
  • Chaste Tree Berry – Hormonal normalizer, gynecological problems (traditionally).

  • Motherwort – Uterine tonic, promotes normal menstrual flow, nervine, female reproductive issues (general/traditional).

  • Dandelion Root – Powerful detoxifier, and antioxidant, supports the liver while also promoting proper elimination of toxins to best support the process in its entirety.

  • Red Root – Promotes lymphatic circulation. As such it promotes the removal of cellular wastes and the supply of nutrition, thus supporting the overall aim of restoration to degenerated uterine tissue.

  • Life Root – Uterine tonic, promotes normal menstrual flow, astringent, hemostatic, a traditional herb for use with gynecological complaints.

  • Prickly Ash – Excellent when sensation of congestion accompanies fibroids. Helps increase proper circulation or circulatory insufficiency, thus also moving other herbal/medicinal constituents through the blood stream. Also used in conditions of the body’s mucosal membranes. Anti-inflammatory due to its circulatory improvement.

  • Thuja – Anti-tumor, anti-mutagenic do not take in high doses or over a long period of time due to the constituent Thujone. Use under supervision of a practitioner, do not self dose.

  • Blue or Black Cohosh – Uterine tonic, hormone/endocrine balancer, promotes normal menstrual flow, demulcent (blue),

  • Cats Claw – Anti-angiogenic (cuts off blood supply to tumors), anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor (general), helps to correct/destroy abnormal mutating cells. Can be taken in combination with North American paw paw (freshly grown twigs of the plant, not the fruit) – see your clinical herbalist or practitioner for this combination, do not self-dose. Combinations of these herbs are generally used in a pulse or ramp dose and may not be appropriate for some individuals.

  • Burdock Root – Lymphatic circulation, blood cleanser, actions used are those similar to red root, but a bit more gentle.

  • Shepherd’s Purse – When fibroids cause heavy menstrual cycles or out of control menstrual bleeding. It can be taken as a tea, as a tincture, or even traditionally used as a douche in combination with other herbs.

  • Miatake, Shiitake, or Reishi Mushroom – To strengthen the body and improve overall health. Potent immune-stimulant properties that are also traditionally used in inhibiting tumor growth, Reishi is considered an adaptogen which is an excellent foundation to many herbal formulations.
 
Commonly Used Supplements:
  • Fish Oils:– Anti-inflammatory

  • Flaxseed Oil: – Rich in phytoestrogens and increased fiber to help eliminate xenoestrogens.

  • Coenzyme Q10:  - Promotes immune function and tissue oxygenation, increases vital energies and helps cells perform their vital processes more readily.

  • L-arginine and L-lysine: – Enhances immune function and may slow the growth of fibroids.

  • Multivitamin: – A good multivitamin is important because all nutrients are necessary in balance.

  • Vitamin A with mixed carotenoids: - Important in immune function and to promote tissue repair. Use emulsion form for easier assimilation and greater safety.

  • Vitamin C with bioflavonoids: - Promotes immune function, is anti-inflammatory, and acts as an antioxidant.

  • Zinc: - Needed for a healthy immune system.
 
I hope you have found information of value in this article, and that the richness of our herbal allies show once again that for man-kind’s maladies, nature has supplied us with a remedy. 

In health and wellness,
-Petra
References:
  • Bartrams Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine – By Thomas Bartram- Constable and Robinson Ltd London 1998
  • The Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine – By Michael T. Murray, N.D. & Joseph Pizzorno, N.D. – Third Edition – Atria Publishing New York, New York, 1990 
  • The New Holistic Herbal – By David Hoffmann- Element Publishing, Victoria 1990 
  • Herbal Solutions for Healthy Living – By Richard Salzo (Herbalist) & Dr. Michael Cronin N.D.
  • A Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs – By Kerry Bone – Elsevier/Churchill Livingstone 2000 
  • Davidson’s Principles and Practice of Medicine 22nd Edition – Churchill Livingstone Elsevier 
  • Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment – by Maxine A, Papadakis and Stephen K. McPhee – McGraw Hill Education/Medical 2015 
  • Fundamentals of Obstetrics and Gynecology 8th Edition – by Jeremy Oats and Suzanne Abraham – Elsevier Mosby 2005 
  • Prescription for Nutritional Healing 5th Edition – By Phyllis A. Balch, CHC – Penguin Group Publishing 2010 
  • https://hormonesbalance.com/articles/detox-your-kitchen-safe-nontoxic-cookware-to-rebalance-your-hormones/
7 Comments

    Petra Sovcov is not a Medical Doctor (MD) nor a Naturopath (ND), she is a Clinical Herbal Therapist (CHT) and holds a Doctorate in Natural Medicine (DNM). The suggestions or recommendations made on this site  are not meant to be a substitute for advice from your MD, or as a substitute for any prescriptions you may be taking. Suggestions followed will be the responsibility of the reader, and are stated with the intention of interest and education only. If you have a health issue, please see your primary care physician (MD) first and foremost.

    Categories

    All
    Allergies
    Cardiovascular Health
    Children's Health
    COVID 19
    COVID-19
    Digestive Health
    Healthy Living
    Hormonal Health
    Integumentary (Skin/Dermatological)) Health
    Materia Medica (Herbs)
    Mental Health
    Musculoskeletal Health
    Neurological Health
    Nutrition
    Printables
    Reproductive Health
    Respiratory Health
    Seasonal Holiday
    Sleep
    Supplements
    Viral Infections
    Weight
    Women's Health

    Archives

    December 2022
    November 2022
    September 2022
    April 2022
    July 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019

    RSS Feed

Proudly powered by Weebly
  • Home
  • About
  • Services
  • Client Resources
  • Blog
  • Shop
  • Contact