OHA Journal Winter Issue ‘90

“The phenomena of Nature is manifested everywhere by an endless series of changes. Every atom of matter is in motion; nothing is still; yet through this eternal activity, there is law, order and harmony. All bodies are constantly absorbing and giving us radiant energy, constantly exchanging their ions for some other ions to form different substances, molecules or compound bodies. They are brought about by their different chemical affinities which by… investigation has been found to be electrical… ”
Advanced Treatise on Herbology, Dr. Edward Shook M.D.

Although fifty years have passed since Dr. Shook wrote those words, they stand as a testament to his keen and insightful understanding of the chemistry of health, disease and plant medicines.

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Ginseng Root, Panax Quinquefolium, has a long and illustrious history as one of the finest herbal tonics that one can take. Like its oriental cousin, Panax Ginseng, or its Siberian relative, Eleutherococcus Senticoccus, it is probably the only herb that can truly be called an adaptogen. An adaptogen has a normalizing influence on the body, increases resistance to the adverse influences of a wide range of factors, and causes minimal disorders in the physiological functions of an organism.

Recent research has shown Ginseng to be beneficial in normalizing blood sugar levels, whether they are low (hypoglycemia) or high (hyperglycemia or diabetes). Ginseng has helped normalize blood pressure, both raising low blood pressure and lowering high blood pressure. In addition, it will help to regulate the ratio of red and white blood cells in the body, stimulate the endocrine system, and maintain proper levels of hormones in the blood.

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COMMON GROUND Summer ‘95

Lately, there has been a spate of articles, commercials and references to the seasonal malady we euphemistically call ‘hay fever’. Somewhat of a catchall term, it serves to conjure up in the mind’s eye images of red and swollen noses, itchy teary eyes, congested sinuses, and a general run-down feeling and demeanour.

While I acknowledge the very real need to deal with the surface symptoms, ¬especially in the case of pronounced congestion and pain, it is short-sighted to deal with this type of condition strictly on a seasonal basis, year after year. Many try to overcome allergies through immunization and incremental dosages of various allergens. This too has been unsuccessful in the long run. Typically there are failures, in the sense that where one allergen has been overcome, another pops elsewhere. So…what next?

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