by Dr. Erika Krumbeck, Montana Whole Health

I’m not a “supplements” doctor.  I know many naturopathic patients who have had the experience of coming home from a visit with a bagful of pills and potions.  I’m not like that. My long-term goal as a physician is always to treat the underlying cause so we can permanently restore health.  When that happens my patients no longer need to be on a supplement regime, they can use diet and lifestyle to maintain their health. (With maybe an occasional multivitamin and probiotic – because if you have a refrigerator, you probably need a probiotic.)  That said, getting people back to restorative health can take some work, and by the time they arrive in my office they are usually in need of some type of support.

So here’s the deal: as in life, with supplements you pay for what you get. I would rather my patients throw their Costco multivitamin in the garbage and not take anything at all.  It sounds rather harsh, but I cannot in good faith have my patients take something that I know is harmful.

In the last few years several studies have shown an increased risk of death when taking multivitamins.  Yikes.  Here is one study in older women. Here’s another that shows cancer deaths are increased. Here’s one that shows that women who take calcium have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease (heart disease, heart attack and death).  And here is an older, landmark study that showed that taking beta-carotene causes increased risk of death in smokers.

Yet, in many other studies multivitamins or single vitamins have been shown to decrease certain cancers, prevent neural tube defects (and autism!), reduce the risk of heart disease, decrease the risk of osteoporosis, and on and on.

Okay, so what’s going on here?

The first thing you should know is that where a vitamin comes from is very important.  In the beta-carotene study the researchers were shocked to discover that supplemental beta-carotene was associated with higher death rates.  They were studying it because they knew that smokers who consumed high levels of beta-carotene in their diets were much, much less likely to die.  So what gives?  Well, the supplement they manufactured for the study was synthetic.  It is simply not processed in the body the same way as natural beta carotene.

The second thing you should know is that many molecules have chirality, or “handedness”.  Technically your left hand is identical to your right hand – but they aren’t, right?  One is a mirror image of the other.  In nature most molecules are “left” handed.  But when molecules are made in a laboratory it is difficult to sort out the left from right handed molecules.  Both end up in the supplement, and where one may prevent a disease, the other may cause it!

You should also be aware that there are many different forms of vitamins and minerals.  Some are better absorbed, some are better utilized and some are the equivalent of flushing the vitamin straight into the toilet.  Vitamin B-12, for example, can come in cyanocobalamin or methylcobalamin.  Methylcobalamin is much better utilized by the body, but most multivitamins only contain the cyano type.  Folic acid can also come in a 5-methyltetrahydrofolate form (say that 3 times fast), which is absolutely essential for the ~20% of the population with an MTHFR gene defect (come see me if you want to get tested).  Iron in the form of ferrous sulfate is fine for “normal” people, but people with gut dysbiosis tend to get dramatically worse on it.  Instead I advise using iron picolinate which greatly increases absorption.

Finally, there are the fillers.  Titanium dioxide, polyethylene glycol, modified food starch, hydrogenated palm oil, modified corn starch (GMO), Red No 40 Lake, Blue No 2 Aluminum Lake, Yellow No. 6 Aluminum Lake are all found in the most popular brand of vitamin.  Many food dyes are carcinogenic, and for the majority of my sensitive patients they aggravate the nervous system (causing ADHD, migraines and other symptoms). Other fillers are cheap additives to fill space and hold the tablet together.

So skip the multivitamins that contain these types of fillers or synthetic versions of the vitamins.  See a nutritionist or naturopathic physician to get a personalized recommendation for a multivitamin as each person can benefit from a slightly different formula. They are more expensive – that’s because they are pharmaceutical grade products, and that is why Dr. Erika trusts them.

So seriously, skip the Centrum.

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Consider stopping by the Meadowsweet herb gardens (across from Bernice’s Bakery) for a self guided tour. The garden is in its second year and we are so excited to see all of the perenials from last year, as well as several self seeding annuals already going strong! We have four gardens, including herbs for the nervous system, digestive system, skin and immune system. Herbs you will see include lomatium, feverfew, fireweed, Oregon grape root, self heal, lavender, wood betony, valerian, rose, calendula, California poppy, echinacea, soapwort and many more.

Also, check out our new herb garden going in on the east side of Meadowsweet Herbs. Our second year Herbal Foundations students have teamed up with the City of Missoula to create and amazing sensory herb garden. Come feast your eyes, smell, listen, taste and enjoy this valuable new addition to our city park system. The garden will include culinary herbs that will be shared with the Missoula Food Bank. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate HerbDay!

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An In-depth Program in Herbal Medicine

The Inspiration
Make a deeper connection to the earth. Discover the healing properties of medicinal plants – a special and unique part of our world. Herbal Foundations is an in-depth, three-part herbal studies program. Come on a journey with us and experience an intimate connection with healing herbs native to the Northern Rocky Mountains. We will study medicinal plants easily grown in our northern climate as well as some special exotics. Learn how to grow herbs and how essential oils are made. Explore using herbs for different body systems. Learn the art and science of medicine making. Students will foster a life long relationship with herbs as we explore the healing power of plants and the study of herbal medicine. Look for our additional programs to continue to deepen your herbal knowledge: The Herbal Foundations ROOT and FLOWER Programs.

The SEED Program (The original Herbal Foundations program)
Herbs for Body Systems: Respiratory System, Cardiovascular System, Nervous System, Reproductive System, Kidneys and Bladder, Liver and Digestive System, Skin, Muscular Skeletal System, Lymphatic System, Immune System

Medicine Making: Medicine making tools, Herb drying and processing, Capsule making, Tinctures, Cough syrups, Salves, Herbal oils, Teas, Decoctions, Poultices, Liniments, Hydrotherapy

Field Trips: Wildcrafting, Montgomery Distillery

Other Classes: Wildcrafting Ethics, Introduction to Aromatherapy, Individual Student Projects

Students will complete Herbal Foundations with a full natural medicine chest created with their own hands, as well as a certificate upon completion of the course.

The Montana Board of Chiropractors has approved Herbal Foundations SEED to offer continuing education units for chiropractors.

Dates & Times: Wednesdays, 1 – 4pm from May 15 – September 11, 2013
We also offer the SEED Program classes one day a month from January-September, or one weekend a month in four month installments. Contact us if you’d like to see a class happen in your area.

Cost: $630 if registered before April 1, 2013. $680 if registering April 1 or after. Includes four months of classes with 54 hours of instruction. Contact us for payment options. Includes some herbal supplies. *$50 extra for continuing education.

To Register:

• Call us at 406-728-0543
• Email us at: classes@herbsmt.com

What Students Are Saying:

Thank you so much for the great information you provided – your presentation of the material was entertaining and professional and I appreciate your approachability. Your store, course and philosophies are a real gift to our community. –S.Richardson

Thank you so much for sharing your amazing knowledge and time with so many people.  You have been such an inspiration to me, and I don’t think I would have had the resources or info I needed to begin this journey without your help! –Kristin

Thank you so much for this amazing opportunity, Elaine! I have thoroughly enjoyed the class and look forward to more in the future! –K.W.

Thank you for the AMAZING class this summer! –P.P.

You are such a “natural,” teacher and so WISE! Loved your class.–S.S.

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Want to feel better, loose weight, reduce food reactions and get rid of inflammation? Join us in our cleansing and detoxification extravaganza!

• 20% off all products for Detox and Cleansing
• 3 Free Classes: Sign up for one of our FREE classes on Saturday February 2! Students will be lead on a cleanse for Weight Loss, Ayurvedic or Full Body Herbal Cleanse
• Free Cleansing Consultation: sing up for a personalized consultation happening Saturday February 2
• Bring a Friend! It is easier to commit to a cleanse when you have someone to support you along the way.
• 40% Off Sale Table

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The recipe:

• Peel and dice your horseradish roots (I used 2 nice sized roots and ended up with 2 1/2 cups)
• Add 1/2 cup water per cup horseradish
• Blend until the root is chopped fine
• Add 1/2 teaspoon Celtic sea salt (or any whole salt) per cup horseradish
• Add 3 teaspoons fresh squeezed lemon juice per cup horseradish

Adding the lemon juice right after blending will give you a milder result. For a hotter condiment, wait about three minutes eye watering minutes before adding your lemon juice. Store it in a glass jar with a tight fitting lid. Your horseradish can then be refrigerated (will last about 6 months) or frozen for later use.

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• 2 cups grape juice (I juiced these small purple wonders, seeds and all)
• 1 cup elderberries
• 2 tablespoons raw honey
• 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 dash Cloves

Simmer grape juice, elderberries, ginger, cinnamon and cloves on the stove until the elderberries have softened and the skins have opened (about 2 hours). Strain through a strainer, making sure to get all of the pulp (it should be kind of thick). Mix in 2 tablespoons of honey and stir well. Store in the refrigerator. 1 tablespoon a day of this delectable treat will give you a powerful does of antioxidants as well as being a useful antiviral-a wonderful combination for the coming winter!

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• 10 drops Eucalyptus radiata
• 10 drops Rosemary
• 10 drops Balsam Fir
• 10 drops Ravintsara
• 10 drops Pine

Mix essential oils together. Here is what you can do with this blend:

1. Add 3 – 6 drops to an aromatherapy diffuser
2. Add 10 drops to 1 ounce of vegetable oil and rub on the chest and back
3. Use 5-10 drops in a humidifier
4. Fill a bowl with hot (not boiling!) water and add 3 drops of the essential oil blend. Make a steam by covering your head with a towel as you lean over the bowl. Breath deeply through your nose!

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Does the idea of putting water up your nose on purpose sound crazy? It is actually an amazing way to keep the sinuses in top condition! And remember, your sinuses are the gateway to your lungs and respiratory system. Using a neti pot (like a little tea pot for the nose) is an excellent way to clear congestion and pressure in the sinuses. Neti pots are useful for sinus infections, colds and flu, chronic congestion, particulate in the air, allergies, hay fever, some sore throats and even ear infections. They are wonderful for smoke in the air – can you say cough?!

How to Use a Neti Pot:

• Fill the neti pot with 1 cup warm water (or herbal tea).
• Add 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, rock salt or kosher salt (NOT table salt) and stir until dissolved.
• Add herbal an herbal extract or aloe vera juice if desired.
• Bend over the sink and tilt your head to one side, placing the spout of the neti pot in the upper nostril, letting the water run out the lower nostril.
• After using half of the pot, repeat on the other side.
• This process can be done 1 – 2 times a day.

Recommended Reading: The Neti Pot for Better Health, by Warren Jefferson

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Herbs: Mullein, Osha, Lomatium, Astragalus. Use as a tea, capsule or liquid herbal extract (tincture)

Essential Oils: Pine, Eucalyptus, Ravensara, Thyme linalol

To Use Oils: Add 3 – 6 drops to an aromatherapy diffuser

Add 10 drops to 1 ounce of vegetable oil and rub on the chest and back

Put 15 drops in a hot bath. Relax and BREATHE.

Fill a bowl with hot (not boiling!) water and add 3 drops of the essential oil blend. Make a steam by covering your head with a towel as you lean over the bowl. Breath deeply!

Put drops directly on your pillow or on your cotton T-shirt (Make sure the drops are 100% pure, or they may stain, and they aren’t as good for you.)

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