What Can Vitamin B8 Do to Your Health?

Inositol is often referred to as vitamin B8, it is a vitamin-like substance, but it is a type of sugar that influences the insulin response and several hormones associated with mood and cognition. It is found in many plants and animals and it can also be made in a laboratory. Inositols occur in 9 different stereoisomers, among which DCI (D-chiro-inositol) and MYO (Myo-inositol) are the ones with biological activity. This molecule functions as a second messenger of insulin. Inositol is used for treating insulin resistance, mental health challenges, high cholesterol, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women, Alzheimer’s disease, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), etc. It also has antioxidant properties that fight against free radicals in the body.

The synthesis of DCI in our body starts from another inositol, called Myo-inositol (MYO), using a transformation process by an enzyme called epimerase. The ratio of Myo-inositol to D-chiro-inositol can be used to predict and measure insulin resistance. Many studies suggest that a deficit in the production of DCI might lead to insulin resistance, which is a poor response of the organism to the signal sent by the insulin receptor. The more MYO and less DCI in the urine, the more likely insulin resistance can occur. DCI is important for energy production in the mitochondria, it helps generate energy from sugar. It also plays an important role in healthy ovarian function.

D-chiro-inositol makes the hypothalamus gland in the brain more sensitive to insulin. This changes how the hypothalamus responds to steroid signals and restores a normal LH to FSH ratio in women with PCOS. DCI increases the activity of a pathway that reduces blood sugar and promotes the growth of new cells and tissues.
Myo-inositol can effectively mimic the glucose-lowering effect of insulin and also increases the body’s sensitivity to insulin. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune enhancer properties. It also helps prevent a variety of cancers and slow or stop tumor progression in cancer patients. For women with PCOS, Myo-inositol can reduce acne and facial hair, restore a normal menstrual cycle, and improve insulin sensitivity. It also regulates levels of TSH and FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone), which increases fertility. For people with hypothyroidism, Myo-inositol makes thyroid hormones more efficient and balances thyroid hormones. 

Both Myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol improve insulin sensitivity and help restore women’s menstrual cycles. However, Myo-inositol had a stronger effect on insulin and DCI had a stronger effect on hyperandrogenism. Women with PCOS and other hyperandrogenic disorders tend to have excess body hair and acne due to high levels of testosterone and other “male” hormones. For combinations of Myo-inositol and DCI, the common ratio is 40:1. This combination may improve PCOS symptoms more effectively than the single one on its own.

Here are some amazing health benefits of inositol.

• Help restore hormone balance in women with PCOS
• Reduce acne in women with PCOS
• Increase insulin sensitivity and prevent diabetes
• Prevent diabetes in pregnancy
• Improve fertility rate
• Reduce anxiety and panic attacks
• Reduce metabolic syndromes

Inositol is generally considered safe in adults. Side effects tend to be mild and may include nausea, stomach pain, tiredness, headache, and dizziness. Most side effects occur with doses greater than 12 grams per day.
Foods that contain a high concentration of inositol include lima and Navy beans, citrus fruits, cantaloupe, and whole grains. D-chiro-inositol can be found in buckwheat, pumpkin seeds, and a type of squash called Cucurbita ficifolia. Myo-inositol is present in beans, nuts, and fruits.

Summer is approaching the end. Did you know summer is the best time to release old health challenges according to TCM? You can read here about why. I am offering $10 off for my TCM treatments including cupping, lymphatic drainage with skin scraping, and moxibustion so you can take advantage of this to heal and recover faster. Here are the treatment options. 

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Are You Suffering from Chronic Lyme Disease?

Lyme Disease is a tick-borne illness that can cause a range of symptoms. The early symptoms of Lyme Disease typically begin within 3 to 30 days after a tick bite and may include: fever, headaches, body aches, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, skin rash, etc. As Lyme Disease progresses, more severe symptoms can develop weeks, months, or even years later. These may include severe headaches, arthritis-like joint pain, numbness or tingling in the hands or feet, shortness of breath or chest pain, brain fog, mood changes, insomnia, heart palpitations, or an irregular heartbeat. Lyme Disease has been raising a significant health concern globally, with over 476,000 new cases reported in 2023 in the United States alone. This marks a 12% increase from the previous year. What about the prevalence of chronic Lyme disease — the number of people who remain sick over time? The number of people living with the disease increases over time based on the percentage of those who contract the disease and stay sick.

One of the challenges in treating Lyme disease is the ability of the common Lyme disease bacteria Borrelia to form biofilms. Biofilms are not unique to borrelia, it also contains various types of bacteria. In my previous content, I talked about biofilm busters. Let's look into other ancient remedies for chronic Lyme disease. 

Japanese knotweed is well-known as an invasive weed; however, it is native to Japan, North China, Taiwan, and Korea. Other common names for Japanese knotweed include bushy knotweed, Mexican bamboo, Chinese knotweed, Hu Zhang, and Hojang. This plant means to “remove pain”, which is why it is called “itadori” in Japan. Japanese knotweed has been used as a spring vegetable for centuries in Asian cultures and it is highly praised because of its high content of one particular chemical -resveratrol. The roots of the plant contain a much higher level of resveratrol than the leaves and stems. Japanese knotweed is commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for treating various health conditions and it has been used for treating Lyme disease in Western herbal medicine. The most important health benefits of the herb include treating cognitive disorders, improving heart health, relieving gastrointestinal issues, lowering high blood pressure, reducing cancer risk, improving insulin sensitivity, and many other health benefits. There are over 60 known plant compounds in Japanese knotweed, including resveratrol, emodin, catechin, gallic acid, quercetin, and rutin.

To learn more about other natural remedies for chronic Lyme disease, please check my recent video.

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Are You Suffering from Gas and Bloating and Why?

Have you heard the phrase “Menopause bloat”?  Bloating is one of the most frequently experienced problems when women enter perimenopause and menopause. It is so prevalent and referred to as menopausal bloat. One of the main causes is hormonal changes, such as a drop in estrogen levels, which leads to a shift in the gut microbiome. Menopause, low estrogen levels, and decreased diversity in gut bacteria are connected. Decreased gut bacteria diversity can negatively impact your digestive health, causing bloating, gas, or constipation. Estrogen is an important hormone for proper cholesterol and glucose metabolism. The drop in estrogen levels after menopause can lead to increased insulin resistance, which is very prevalent these days, pesticide glyphosate also plays a role, which affects glucose metabolism and causes gut permeability. Aging plays a role too, as we grow older, there is a decrease in stomach elasticity, less acid production, and decreased intestinal motility. These natural changes can lead to an imbalance in the gut microbiome and cause digestive issues including gas and bloating.

Many people think eating a healthy diet will ensure proper digestion. Unfortunately, many healthy foods, such as beans, broccoli, and high fructose content food, can cause gas and bloating. Dairy and gluten are also common contributors to a leaky gut, which causes intestinal permeability. The first step is to identify those food triggers and eliminate them as much as possible from your diet. We can become more sensitive to foods as we age, so don’t assume something you ate in great quantity at a younger age will be well tolerated now.

The second step is to strengthen your stomach acid and bile production with digestive bitters, lemons, and apple cider vinegar, please check my previous videos on this. The third step is to improve your intestinal motility to reduce gas and bloating, this is often overlooked. There is a migrating motor complex in your small intestine that regulates your small intestine motility, this migrating motor complex can be affected by many factors, such as SIBO (small intestine bacterial overgrowth), the dysfunction of the elicical valve, low stomach acid, which affects the production of bile and digestive enzymes. All these can contribute to digestive issues. Stress is another contributor. So many of us are eating a meal in a hurry and forget to chew the food well, which is the most important step when it comes to digestive health. Eating is an art if you believe so, you should chew your food well and engage all your senses to fully enjoy each bite of your meals.

In my new video video, I introduce a few natural remedies to enhance your digestion and reduce bloating and gas.

By the way, I will be at the Wellness Fair on July 27th at Beban Park Nanaimo, there will be more than 10 speakers who cover a variety of topics all day long at the event, and you will meet lots of gifted healers, artists, and mediums. I will be offering a talk on "How to Improve Your Sleep Quality without Remedies" and also palm reading, face reading, tongue reading, Vedic Astrology chart analysis, tarot card reading, and holistic health consultation. I am looking forward to seeing you there. Please check my poster below for more details.

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Suffer from Constipation or Diarrhea?

Have you heard about Turkey Rhubarb? Also known as Da Huang in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Himalayan rhubarb, or Chinese rhubarb, is a large perennial plant in the Polygonaceae family native to China that can grow up to ten feet tall. Its stem is purple, round, and hollow, and extends past the leaves. The roots are used medicinally. It contains certain potent biochemical compounds that help treat many health conditions. The plant's fresh leaves are highly toxic and cannot be eaten, but can be boiled and used as an insecticide.

Turkey rhubarb contains calcium oxalate, anthraquinones, tannins, and various fatty acids. The tannins and anthraquinones have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Turkey rhubarb is a strong digestive purgative that relieves constipation. It has an astringent and antiseptic effect, which is a great intestinal cleanser and protects the colon. It also functions as a diuretic. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is used externally as an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic compress to promote the healing of burns and ulcers. It is used internally to cleanse the liver and treat jaundice. It also inhibits the growth of cancer cells.

According to studies, Turkey rhubarb has blood-clotting properties that help promote clotting and prevent excess bleeding during menstruation. Its anti-inflammatory properties with the presence of tannins and anthraquinones, plus controlling bleeding, help ease the cramps and control excessive bleeding during menstruation for women.

Turkey rhubarb contains anthraquinones, a powerful purgative to eliminate harmful gut bacteria. It also has an astringent effect, which helps relieve diarrhea. Anthraquinones in Turkey rhubarb have a laxative effect that can help relieve constipation. 

Turkey rhubarb has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and diuretic properties, which protect against kidney damage. It can be used to treat diabetic nephropathy and kidney disease. The primary components emodin and rhein have a protective effect on the kidneys.

Anthraquinones in Turkey rhubarb also help kill cancer cells. Emodin is a type of anthraquinone that induces death in cancer cells and prevents cancer cell proliferation. Another anthraquinone rhein helps prevent the absorption of glucose by the cancer cells and modifies their membranes to kill them. Aloe-emodin in Turkey rhubarb is a bioactive compound with anti-carcinogenic and anti-proliferative properties.
Turkey rhubarb also has astringent and antibacterial properties, which help treat various skin conditions such as sores and burns.

Here are some highlights of Turkey Rhubarb:

• Cleanses the colon and relieves constipation.
• Protects kidneys and prevents renal failure.
• Eases the cramps and controls excessive bleeding during menstruation for women.
• Reduces cancer risks and prevents metastasis.
• Lowers high cholesterol and aids weight loss.
• Helps treat various skin conditions including burns and sores.

You can take 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of dried herb in a cup of boiling water, infuse for about 10 minutes, drink it in the mornings and evenings as a laxative, or take it in a tincture form, 1-2 ml three times daily. For diarrhea, 1/8-1/4 teaspoon for a cup of boiling water is often recommended.

Taking rhubarb in large quantities can contribute to anemia because it can bind metals such as iron. It is not advised for individuals with kidney stones due to the high oxalate content. Studies also suggest that people who have Crohn’s disease and colitis should avoid this herb. It is also not recommended for pregnant women. 

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How Can Your Sweat Spell Your Health?

Sweat is considered normal and healthy if you are doing exercise or in hot weather, but excess sweat without environmental triggers indicates potential health challenges, let’s dive into it.

Sweat on the Forehead

This may be an indication of unproductive thyroid or liver function and weak digestive function. This can also be triggered by a hot temper, which is linked to the emotional aspect of the liver. It is a good idea to do a blood test to check your liver enzymes such as ALP, AST, ALT, and GGT, and thyroid function such as TSH, T3, and T4, and reversed T3. If your thyroid function and liver function are normal, you should work on your diet and limit fatty food, add more fresh vegetables to your diet, and go organic as much as you can to limit toxins from pesticides and herbicides that can impact your liver function and gut health. Reducing stress and getting in touch with nature will help balance the energy flow in the liver meridian and bring calmness and inner peace to the body and mind.

Sweat on the Nose

This may be linked to weak lung function, especially energy deficiency in the lung meridian. Individuals may experience emotional stress such as sadness and sorrow in life that can impact lung function. Chronic stress and overwork can also drain the energy in your lung meridian. Develop a healthy lifestyle and balance your work with adequate exercise and sleep, these are the keys to maintaining your health in general. Food with white colors such as pears and mushrooms helps soothe the lungs. Deep breathing exercise is a great way to boost the energy flow in your lung meridian. You can check my previous video on different types of breathing exercises, I will add the link in the description box below. Astragalus is an excellent herb from TCM that can strengthen the energy flow in your lung meridian and boost immunity. Scraping your thumb with a scraping board is a great way to boost your lung energy, please check my previous content on this.

To learn more, please check my recent video.

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How to Boost Your Health without Remedies?

Our hands hold tremendous healing energy. Did you know that several meridians in your fingers are closely related to the tissues and organs of the whole body? If you scrape your fingers regularly, it can help you stay away from many health challenges and improve your health, and the method is very simple! We are conditioned to take pills for certain health challenges, but the best remedy is without taking any remedies because you will avoid lots of toxic fillers and chemicals that damage your health in the first place. Let’s dive into it.

Scraping your thumb can help relieve heart palpitation, chest tightness, and indigestion

The thumb corresponds to the lung meridian in the body, and the lung governs the energy or Chi intake into the body. If the lung function is impaired, it can affect the heart function due to low oxygen levels in the blood. The energy deficiency in the lung meridian is also linked to the weakness of the spleen and stomach meridians. Therefore, your thumb corresponds to the heart, lungs, and stomach. When you experience heart palpitation and chest tightness, you can scrape the dorsal side of your thumb with your fingers or a scraping board. You can use the scraping board to scrape your thumb regularly to boost the energy flow in the lung, heart, spleen, and stomach meridians. If you don’t have a scraping board at home, you can use a spoon or a coin instead. When scraping, you can apply a little bit of essential oils such as lavender to relieve the discomfort.

Scraping the index finger can help regulate constipation and diarrhea

The index finger corresponds to the large intestine meridian in the body, which is associated with the large intestine and stomach. Gastrointestinal dysfunction can lead to constipation or diarrhea. Seniors are prone to weak gut health, so scraping the dorsal side of the index finger can help improve gut health. For the maintenance of your digestive health, it is a good idea to scrape your index finger at least once a week.

To learn more, please check my recent video.

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Gut Health and Lyme Disease - Not What You Think!

Lyme disease is commonly known as a bacterial infection spread by black-legged ticks, commonly known as deer ticks. But that is only part of the story, gut dysbiosis and biofilms are the hidden causes behind Lyme disease. It is important to test it from different angles. Today, I discuss a natural remedy that can help treat Lyme disease and many other health challenges. 

Chinese skullcap is a medicinal herb that has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for thousands of years. This perennial plant has violet-blue and tube-shaped flowers with two lips. The root of the plant is used medicinally. The herb’s Chinese name is called Huang Qin, which means ‘the golden herb’. The root of the plant has a yellow color, hence its name “the golden herb”. Chinese Skullcap is one of the 50 fundamental herbs used in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

There are several slightly different types of skullcap, which all belong to the Scutellaria genus. The most common types of medicinal herbs are the American and Chinese skullcap varieties. American skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) is native to North America. It has small and tubular blue flowers. Some varieties can also display different colors. Chinese skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) are commonly found in Asia and Russia. The major bioactive compounds in Chinese skullcap include flavonoids such as scutellarin and wogonin, bitter iridoids including catalpol, tannins, and volatile oils. Chinese Skullcap has 75 different chemical compounds including flavonoids, terpenoids, polysaccharides, and essential oils. The herb provides many medical benefits including neuroprotector, anticonvulsant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and hepatoprotective properties.

Chinese skullcap is commonly used for treating Lyme disease. it has also been used for cancer prevention, cognitive function, and liver health. In Traditional Chinese medicine, Chinese Skullcap is often used to treat various types of cancer, including breast, lung, and liver cancer.

Skullcap also displays the potential to promote sleep quality as a soothing and relaxing herb. It contains large amounts of flavonoids such as scutellarin and baicalin, both of which have an impact on the sleep-wake cycles and sleep quality. Skullcap protects against Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, anxiety, and depression. Studies have shown that Oroxylin A – an antioxidant present in the roots of Chinese skullcap prevents the development of brain plaques linked to Alzheimer’s disease.

Chinese skullcap has antibacterial and antiviral properties, particularly the active compound baicalin in it. Studies have reported that baicalin can inhibit the replication of HIV-1 cells, which makes the herb a very potent antiviral remedy against certain viruses. Chinese Skullcap has long been used to treat respiratory infections, including bronchitis, pneumonia, and the common cold. Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties help reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract and fight against infections.

Here are some amazing health benefits of Chinese Skullcap:

• Helps treat Lyme disease.
• Improves sleep quality.
• Reduces inflammation and relieves pain.
• Relieves asthma and fights against respiratory infections.
• Provides antibacterial and antiviral properties.
• Prevents cognitive decline and protects the brain against Alzheimer's disease.
• Boosts immunity and prevents cancers.

There are many ways to consume skullcap, you can make tea from the dried herb. However, extracts and tinctures are the most popular forms because it is easy to incorporate the herb into your daily routine.

Skullcap is generally safe to consume, but there are some side effects to consider and most of these symptoms are rare, mild, and not severe. Some side effects of skullcap include nausea, stomach ache, loss of appetite, drowsiness, and fever. Skullcap is not recommended for women during pregnancy or breastfeeding because there is no safety data for these populations.

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