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This issue's topics:

Herbal Tea: A Drink to Your Health

Why Jennifer O. can play kickball with her family again...

Try this new and different salad recipe from Dr. M!

Valley of the Sun Wellness Institute: BIG things on the Valley health horizon for 2008

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Herbal Tea: A Drink to Your Health

by Dr. Tina Marcantel

(NOTE: Look for an article on this topic featuring an interview with Dr. Marcantel in a January issue of Woman's World magazine!)

Herbal teas have been used for their medicinal effects for thousands of years. Although our ancestors may not have used the same language we use today to explain the healing powers of tea, they certainly recognized its benefits. For those seeking natural help for many common health issues, herbal teas are regaining popularity today—and there’s something so soothing about taking your “medicine” as a nice, warm brew!

While most herbal teas are available in tea bags in grocery stores, brews made from fresh herbs are much more potent and will have more of a healing effect. If you are going to be using fresh herbs, a quick vocabulary lesson will be useful here:

decoction—A preparation made by simmering herb parts such as the stem, bark, and roots. Cover, strain, and drink.

infusion—Made by pouring boiling water over plant matter (especially the leaves) and then steeping covered for 10-20 minutes.

Here are a few of the dozens of herbal teas you might choose from, along with a brief explanation of how and why they can be useful. As with any herb or medication, it’s also important to be aware of possible side effects or contraindications, so I’ve provided those, as well.

Dandelion (taraxacum officinalis)

Part used: whole plant, leaves, flowers, roots—leaves are bitter but root is sweet.
Decoction: use the root in proportions of 1 heaping tsp/cup of water
Infusion: leaf 1 heaping tbs/cup of water (4-10 dried leaves)

Medicinal uses:

1. diuretic—Diuretic action is due to prevention of sodium absorption. Increases excretion of urine or amount of urine excreted. Indicated for people with fluid retention.

2. antihypertensive—Treatment for high blood pressure—lowers fluid in vessels, therefore lowers blood pressure.

3. anti-inflammatory effects –Treats arthritis, gout.

4. cholagogue—Choleretic effects which means it stimulates bile flow and the production of bile. Bile stimulates elimination causing a laxative effect. I will use this herb to aid in the detoxification process.

contraindications – Pregnant or lactating women should not use this product. Also, those with acute gallbladder or gastrointestinal inflammation or intestinal obstruction.

possible side effects—Possible adverse reactions: latex in dandelions can cause contact dermatitis.

Licorice root (glycyrrhiza glabra)

Decoction: 1 tsp/1 cup water

Medicinal uses:

1. demulcent—It reduces inflammation by enhancing movement of leukocytes towards infected or inflamed areas. Reduces and soothes irritation of mucous membranes. Soothes mucous membranes of the throat, lungs, stomach, intestines. It is used for coughs, throat, and bronchial irritations, gastric and duodenal ulcers.

2. antibacterial/antiviral properties—Stimulates interferon which blocks DNA replication in viruses. A good choice in the treatment of immune-compromised patients.

3. adrenal modulator—Treats adrenal fatigue, exhaustion due to adrenal stress.

Mechanism of action: licorice may lower the excretion of corticosteroids and extend cortisol effects in the body.

4. estrogenic—The isoflavone in licorice has a weak estrogenic activity that competes with our own body’s estradiol, acting as protection against cancers that are estrogen receptor positive.

5. expectorant—Secretolytic (breaks up secretions) and secretomotor (increases motility of secretions in order to move them out) activity. For instance, it can help with congestion in the lungs and bronchials.

contraindications—Avoid this herb if you have hypertension (high blood pressure), liver problems, renal disease, or congestive heart failure.

possible side effects—Possible adverse reactions could be hypertension, fluid retention, headaches, nausea and vomiting.

Peppermint (mentha piperita)

Part used: leaf
Infusion: 1 Tbs/1-2 cup boiling water—steep 15 min

Mechanism of action: the menthol in the peppermint is a calcium antagonist agent

Medicinal uses:

1. antispasmodic—Used for colic, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, flatulence (gas), nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, indigestion.

2. mild disinfectant—Used topically to relieve sunburn, itchy skin, stings, and insect bites.

3. cholagogue effect—Stimulates bile flow, which has a laxative effect.

contraindications—Pregnant or lactating women shouldn’t use peppermint tea, or those with acute gallbladder problems. Also, those wih hiatel hernia should avoid this due to the relaxing effect on the lower esophageal sphincter.

possible side effects—Flushing, rash, headache.

This article is only a brief introduction to the wide world of herbal teas. Whether you grow your own ingredients or find them at a local store, this can be a fun and useful addition to your overall health regimen.

You can find this and other articles about herbal remedies on our website:

Herbal Tea: A Drink to Your Health

Herbal Remedies: What Every Consumer Should Know

Herbal Remedies: A Natural Alternative

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We love testimonials!

Jennifer O. sought help from Dr. Marcantel for weight and women's health issues. On her most recent visit to the office, she was excited to report that for the first time in a long time she went out and played kickball with her family! Here's more of what she had to say:

I did not take care of myself for a number of years as I was working full-time, going to school full-time, and raising my family. My health suffered and conventional medicine never addressed the root causes of what was going on. I needed someone who would work with me, one on one, and provide the answers I so desperately needed to heal my body...My whole life improved with Dr. Marcantel's help. I took back control of my body and I determined, with Dr. Marcantel's guidance, the most important issues that needed to be addressed. I have lost twenty-five pounds while increasing my bone mass by three percent. I have more energy than I have had in years. I think much clearer and have so much more knowledge of what is really healthy eating.

I am still working with Dr. Marcantel on my prediabetes and estrogen dominance and have already seen a significant improvement with my blood sugar numbers and my menopause symptoms. I sleep better than I ever have before and have not had a single hot flash in the last month. There are so many little things that Dr. Marcantel was able to change for me. The most important improvement was that she gave me the knowledge to fix what was truly wrong and not just address the symptoms.

I was very impressed with all the information she had available for the general public on her website. I could not wait to find out what other knowledge she would provide for her patients. I love trying out her recipes and my kids have fun making what we now call "Mommy's Surprise." The food boards that she made to go over during visits and the shopping lists she gave me were an invaluable part of my success.

Jennifer O.

We want to hear from you about your experiences with Dr. Marcantel's services. Patient feedback is extremely important to us because it tells us how we're doing in providing you with the quality care we strive for. We would really appreciate it if you would take a few minutes to print the Patient Feedback Form, fill it out, and drop it in the mail to us. You can print it directly from the pdf file link above or, if you prefer, you can download the text file and copy it into Word and fill it out on your computer.

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The holidays are here! Eating healthy meals doesn't mean you have to give up all the good stuff--check out our recipes pages for plenty of good-and-good-for-you menu suggestions!

Rosemary Peach Chicken Salad
by Dr. Tina Marcantel

8 ounces chopped cooked chicken breast

2 tablespoons mayonnaise*
1 stalk chopped celery

1 tablespoon fresh chopped rosemary
1/2 cup chopped fresh peach (or mango)

a sprinkle of stevia to sweeten
2 tablespoons chopped walnuts

*I like Smart Balance mayonnaise because it contains flax oil, olive oil, and canola oil.
Mix all ingredients together well. This goes well with rye crackers with caraway seeds.

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Valley of the Sun Wellness Institute: A new resource for health awareness

Dr. Tina Marcantel has joined the new Valley of the Sun Wellness Institute as a founding Senior Advisory Board member. The mission of the organization is to "provide education and resources to advance wellness goals for the community." You should be hearing a lot about this exciting new organization in the coming year. Dr. Marcantel and other members of the Institute will be participating in a Policy Forum on December 5th hosted by the Chandler Chamber of Commerce and the other seven East Valley Chambers. Participants include Governor Napolitano, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and national speakers from such places as Georgetown University and Boston College. For more information about the Institute, you can visit their website: Valley of the Sun Wellness Institute.

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Lots of our patients are spreading the word to their friends and taking advantage of the discounts we're offering through our patient referral program. Find out how you can qualify for a $200.00 gift certificate to a Valley day spa by simply referring 5 new patients to Dr. Marcantel!

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Have you tried IV therapy yet? A growing number of Dr. Marcantel's patients are reporting great results from their IV therapy treatments. Read Dr. Marcantel's article on How IV Therapy Can Benefit YOU and give her a call to see if this program might be right for you to give you more energy, supply your body with much-needed vitamins and nutrients, and boost your immune system.

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Dr. Tina Marcantel

5416 East Southern Avenue #110

Mesa, AZ 85206

480-985-0000

Newsletter written by Peter Marcantel, webmaster for DrMarcantel.com.