Saffron Improves PMS

Most people think of saffron as a spice that adds vibrant color and rich flavoring to cooking. But a recent study has shown that in addition to its culinary benefits, saffron has been effective in improving symptoms of mild to moderate depression and PMS. The March 2008 issue of BLOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology reports that in a double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, women with at least a 6-month history of PMS were given capsules of saffron (15 mg 2x/day) or placebo (a sugar pill 2x/day) for four consecutive menstrual cycles. Significant improvements in PMS were seen in the saffron group by the third month. This is an exciting finding and definitely warrants further investigation. In the mean time, add saffron to the list of herbs that appear to improve symptoms of PMS.

The contents of this blog are for informational purposes only. It is not intended as professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please see an Akasha physician or another qualified health care provider with questions regarding a medical condition or treatment.

Maca Reduces Symptoms of Menopause

A new study published in the current issue of Menopause: The Journal of The North American Menopause Society reports that supplementing with Maca (Lepidium meyenii) at a dose of 3.5 grams/day reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression associated with menopause while also increasing libido. These benefits were experienced without causing hormone levels to change. So, for women looking for non-hormonal therapies to decrease the symptoms of menopause, Maca deserves our attention.

This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study that examined the effect of Maca on 14 postmenopausal women. Maca is an herb grown in the Andean region of Peru where it has been used as an aphrodisiac and fertility enhancer. Research supporting complementary and alternative (CAM) therapies for relief of menopausal symptoms is slim. This current study scientifically validates what many women have known for years.

Researchers are still trying to understand how Maca does what it does. What we know about Maca is that it supports the adrenal glands (our stress gland which is important in hormonal balance), contains flavanoids that can act as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (like many antidepressants) and contains phytoestrogens (also found in soy and flaxseeds). If you are wondering if Maca reduced hot flashes in this study, it did not. This last finding supports Maca’s role in improving psychological health directly, rather than indirectly through decreasing hot flashes.

Yes, this was a small study (only 14 women were studied); therefore more studies are warranted. I have read other studies that showed that estrogen may increase with Maca, thus making Maca an herbal therapy that, contrary to this current study, does affect hormone levels. Again, we need more research to understand fully the effects and mechanism of action of Maca. There are many different brands of Maca available in health food stores. Because complementary therapies are not regulated, there is a difference in quality. If you are a patient of Akasha, please ask for a product recommendation. If you are not a patient of Akasha, ask a qualified practitioner familiar with herbal medicine for a quality Maca product.

The contents of this blog are for informational purposes only. It is not intended as professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please see an Akasha physician or another qualified health care provider with questions regarding a medical condition or treatment.

Welcome!

Chic Wellness is committed to providing modern women of all ages with information for enhancing health, enriching lifestyles, and integrating bodies and environment in today’s fast-paced world. I am a naturopathic physician and co-director of the women’s clinic at the Akasha Center for Integrative Medicine in Santa Monica, California. Patients, friends, friends-of-friends, and family ask my opinion daily about different natural therapies, root causes of woman’s health problems, and the latest trends in dieting, detoxing and cosmetics. As a doctor trained in natural therapies, I have the medical background to cut through the hype and realistically evaluate trendy treatments and programs. But I am also a wife, daughter, and sister so I understand the challenges faced by women who want it all – family, career, and optimal well-being. It is my vision to be a trusted source of information that empowers women with the necessary knowledge to realize these important goals.

Our conventional healthcare system is disease-based and too often in the pocket of Big Pharm. Conventional practitioners have little time or incentive to promote preventive health and wellness. Women cannot wait for policy to catch up to their, and their families, healthcare needs. They need to take charge now of their health needs in order to make a difference in their lives. Chic Wellness is my way of reaching out to more women in more places. I feel strongly that women need to take control of their bodies and their wellbeing. Chic Wellness is part of a larger movement devoted to improving the health of the nation one woman at a time.