Ancient Knowledge, Modern Approach

Starting in 1950s, a cave in the Zagros Mountains in northern Iraq has been in spotlight of archeologists and anthropologists from all over the world. The spacious Shanidar cave has given shelter to the remains of eight adult and two infant Neanderthals for over 60 000 years, as well as numerous remains of the later Neolithic age. Apart from human bones, stone tools and animal skeletons, this cave holds another piece of precious evidence: pollen of eight plants that are believed to have been chosen for their specific medicinal properties. Out of eight of them, seven are still in use today by modern phytopharmacy.

One of the plants used by these pre-historic ancestors of ours that had sought refuge in the cave was yarrow. Millennia later, in the 11^th century, on the other side of the Caspian Sea, the same plant was used by the well-known physician, philosopher and Father of Chemistry: Ibn Sina. Having become a qualified physician at the age of 18, Ibn Sina plunged into the enormous field of research, eager to help and treat as many patients as possible, and for free. During the 58 years of his prolific life, this brilliant scientist of the Islamic Golden Age authored numerous books that were used not only in the Islamic world, but in Europe as well, up to the 18^th century.

In his Canon of Medicine, a five-volume work that encompasses all known medical knowledge of the time, Ibn Sina explains that the best way to treat a patient is to improve the power of his body - to increase the immune system. He was the first to use quarantine as a public health measure against an infectious disease, to define syndrome, and to use controlled studies in medical research. All this 10 centuries ago.

Believing that plants have the ‘vegetable’ soul, Ibn Sina took great care not only in using them for treatment, but in collecting them: the second book of the Cannon of Medicine contains detailed instructions on collection and storage of medicinal plants. As for yarrow, he used it to treat numerous diseases, from headache, nasal congestion, stomach pain, urinary tract disorders, to female disorders, irregular and heavy periods.

Ibn Sina was very interested in alchemy, and there are two alchemical treatises attributed to him. It is interesting that another medicinal plant derives its scientific name from the Arabic ‘alkemelych’ – the alchemist, because of its leaves that collect dew which was thought to be able to turn metal into gold: the lady’s mantle. Today we know for certain that its dew is more decorative than magical, however its medicinal properties have not changed, and have been confirmed by modern research. Lady’s mantle is a very powerful astringent and can efficiently stop the bleeding of wounds. It’s leaf is the greatest protector of women: it can help with menstrual disorders, cysts, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, it can boost fertility and help the body recover after childbirth.

Ibn Sina was a famous doctor with well documented work. However, there are numerous women and men all around the world who possess great, undocumented knowledge on medicinal properties of herbs. Women in Mecca, for example, are the primary household health carers and can skillfully treat most common ailments, especially gynecological problems, pregnancy and childbirth. Plants available locally play an important role in their home pharmacy. Similarly, lady’s mantle has been used all around the world by women – to help women. With the arrival of modern medicine, traditional medicine was regarded as healthcare of the poor, but today we are witnesses of its grand revival. We are aware that, even though modern medicine has numerous cures, it lacks holistic approach to the patient, and there are still disorders that remain a mystery. Modern medicine also usually provides a quick fix which is inefficient in the long-run. This is particularly the case in female disorders, which are usually treated with artificial hormones.

In the Middle Eastern region, there are more than 2600 known plant species, and approximately 250 of them are still being used for the treatment and prevention of health disorders. However, modern, urban way of living, pollution and climate change is making it impossible for us to collect, preserve and use herbs properly. This is why we need to approach herbal remedies in a new, modern way.

Phytopharmacy today fills the gap between tradition and science: it collects all the knowledge of our ancestors and processes it in modern laboratories. One of its products is Femisan A – a modern herbal medicine based on centuries-old tradition. Apart from yarrow, used by Ibn Sina, and lady’s mantle - the ancient, great protectress of women, Femisan A also contains marigold, crane’s bill, shepherd’s purse, golden maca root and zinc. The best plants from all over the world are there, collected in a capsule, for women all around the world.

Hormonal Adult Acne

During the great hormone surge in puberty the entire body goes through a metamorphosis, and the soft baby skin can begin to look like a battlefield, swarming with red and swollen acne.  Acne during puberty occur due to testosterone fluctuations in both sexes, and this hormone has its role: it shapes a man out of a boy, but it also helps girls get stronger bones and muscles. But it is also the one to blame for the skin changes and excess sebum, the oil that normally lubricates the skin, which clumps together with dead skin cells around hair root and clogs the follicle.

Acne is a chronic inflammatory disease that occurs in three phases: seborrheic - when the excess sebum is produced, but there are still no extreme changes on the surface of the skin; hyperkeratosis – when enlarged sebum glands create a lump on the skin, due to sebum accumulation in the follicle, which results in pus. As this is the ideal place for bacterial growth, it will lead to a bacterial phase, when Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) bacteria causes inflammation. In this phase the acne is very visible, the skin around them being red and inflamed and the peak black or white.

Once the puberty is over and the hormones stop raging, the acne will disappear in most cases. However, unfortunately, during the last couple of decades, adult acne is on the rise, like an epidemic. The latest statistics show that even 50% of women aged 20-29 suffer from acne. Only a half of them will be able to get rid of it, and 25% will continue to battle with the problem until their late forties.

What is the reason for this serious acne epidemic? We know that it is caused by the hormones, and today, more than ever, we are exposed to hormone disruptors which are all around us. They are disguised as time saving amenities that are supposed to increase the quality of our lives: fast food filled with preservatives and trans-fats, sweets that are always at a hand’s reach, sodas, plastic food containers, cups and bottles, non-stick pans, detergents and cosmetics, but also in basic food: fruit and vegetables covered in pesticides, meat and milk filled with antibiotics and hormones... Everything that seemingly saves us time is actually stealing it from us.  

The normal hormonal balance given to us by nature is so easily disrupted by modern inventions. Women are particularly prone to it as they go through the usual monthly hormone changes, which is a part of a normal reproductive cycle. But when the hormones go out of balance, the disorder is usually manifested through irregular periods, cysts, uterine fibroids, polycystic ovaries syndrome (PCOS)… and acne.  

PCOS often goes together with acne during reproductive phase of female life, and once the menopause sets in, the drop in estrogen and increase in androgen hormone levels could also lead to sudden appearance of acne. Acne can also be triggered by stress, i.e. rise of hormone cortisol. Hormonal acne normally appear on the jaw and chin area, vary with the menstrual cycle, and all in the same pore already enlarged by the previous pustule.

As much as we hate them, they should never be squeezed and touched. The best thing to do is to consult a dermatologist and get an adequate professional skin therapy and advice. But although hormonal treatment drugs are usually prescribed by doctors, the problem will usually come back as soon as we stop using them. Natural solutions require more time and effort, but they are the best long standing choice. Medicinal herbs can provide a long-term solution.

Femisan A is a completely natural, plant-based medicinal product that helps treat female reproductive system disorders by balancing hormones. It can be even used by young girls, from the onset of the first period. Once estrogen and testosterone are put back to balance, with adequate skin care and nutrition, acne will disappear. But it cannot happen overnight. Herb medicines require long and regular use, and even once the problem is solved, it is good to continue with preventive therapy for a while longer. With proper nutrition and Femisan A, hormonal acne don’t stand a chance.

Damiana – a Fearless Tamer

It was worshipped by the ancients of Central America from the beginning of time, but its name derives from the Ancient Greek daman or damia, meaning ’to tame’. Damiana is wild, unique, but it has the power to tame and control – as if it holds the entire universe within, yin and yang. And, above all, damiana knows how to clear the path for the arrival of new life.

The Ancient Maya and Aztecs, as well as their descendants today, have been using abundantly the leaves and stem of this bushy plant, not only as an aphrodisiac, but also for relaxation, better digestion, mood, or simply its taste, the same way we use coffee today. It is believed to be the original ingredient of the Margarita, and a ’Damiana Margarita’ is still a popular cocktail in Mexico. When the Europeans learned about the medicinal properties of the plant, it was soon included in pharmacopeias, describing it as a plant that reduces anxiety, neurosis, reduced sexual performance caused by depression (in Great Britain), as well as leaves suitable for a tonic that eliminates excessive mental activity and strengthens weak nerves (in Germany).

The Maya and Aztecs had no problem with fertility, and they lived in a pure and healthy environment which the modern man is deprived of. One of the aspects that the unnatural pace of life in an unhealthy, polluted environment affects the most in men is their sex life: impotence, infertility, bad results of the spermogram (low sperm count and motility), spermatorrhea, and sexual dysfunction. The World Health Organization guidelines suggest that a normal sperm count is at least 15 million per ml, or no fewer than 39 million sperm per sample, of which at least 30% should be moving progressively. Oligospermia – a low sperm count, is one of the most usual issues encountered by couples trying to conceive. The official medicine usually treats the problem with severe medication and invasive procedures, which are unpleasant and often without positive results, thus only enhancing the feeling of inadequacy in men. The other problem encountered by couples, especially those going through the frustrating IVF procedures, is a strict sex regimen and routine that begins to feel like an imposed obligation, both mentally and physically exhausting.

The traditional medicine worldwide, from Mesoamerican to Chinese, uses damiana as a very potent therapeutic agent that provides energy, improves blood circulation and brings oxygen to cells, boosts mental prowess and annihilates depression, stimulates testosterone production which is essential in creation and ripening of sperm, helps preserve and renew male reproductive organs, enhances circulation of body liquids in genitals, and is also an adaptogen, protecting the entire body from infection, particularly the genitourinary system. Damiana enhances secretion of urine, stimulates the kidneys to filter toxins, which is beneficial not only for the body, but also the psyche. That is why damiana in its scientific name also contains the word ‘aphrodisiaca’ – Turnera diffusa var. aphrodisiaca Willd – it is an aphrodisiac that stimulates and enhances not only the sexual desire, but also the overall energy of the body and the mind.

A clinical trial involving a thousand male subjects in the USA and Europe proved that damiana has the ability to enhance erectile function in consecutive sexual intercourse following orgasm, improve morning erection and maintain erection stability during the intercourse. The ideal effect of the plant is achieved in long-term use. Two clinical trials conducted on rats proved that the plant improves the libido in tired and sluggish animals, as well as that it shows the usual adaptogenic features – boosts the body stamina and endurance. Damiana is a man’s best ally, however it can also be used by women, especially during perimenopause. The ancient Aztecs even gave it to children, since it is an excellent cure for an upset stomach, constipation, headache, excessive sweating and lethargy.

What is it that gives such power to damiana? The terpenes found in the oily plant extract are a strong antioxidant that preserves the body cell structures, delays decay and aging and protects from infections. Damiana naturally increases the levels of nitrogen monoxide, an important vasodilator, which helps open blood vessels. In normal circumstances, during sexual arousal, the brain signals the body to increase the production of nitrogen monoxide. The substance relaxes the blood vessels and enables free blood flow into the muscles and soft tissue, including the ones in the penis. Flavonoid apigenin relaxes, reduces anxiety, but also has anti-inflammatory, antioxidative and anticancerous properties. Damiana is a natural aromatase inhibitor – it blocks the activity of aromatase and abnormal estrogen production which stimulates cancer cell growth, and is used as therapy for breast cancer in post-menopausal women, but also in gynecomastia – enlarged breasts in men. Acacetin is another flavonoid that inhibits estrogen activity and enhances testosterone function, and can help not only in sexual dysfunction, but also enhance physical attraction as it can build muscle. A total of 22 flavonoids found in damiana have a wide range of medicinal properties, among other, to reduce inflammation, increase immunity, prevent neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases. Flavonoids boost longevity, help us get slim and strong, improve cognition and prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s disease by enhancing blood flow into the brain. Arbutin is aphenolic glycoside, very beneficial for the kidneys and urinary tract, with diuretic and antiseptic properties. It boosts genital circulation as it renews capillary pressure and regulates liquid retention in tissues.

Damiana has numerous medicinal properties which are beneficial for overall male health and wellbeing. Whenever we lose the grip, damiana has the ability to tame and balance, and help us regain control over our lives.

Alfa Aktiv and Femisan A are a perfect combination for couples trying to conceive.

A Step into the World of Adults

In every young girl’s life there is a moment after which things will never be the same, the moment that symbolizes the end of childhood – the first period. Apart from the physiological importance of the menarche, the first occurrence of menstruation, it also has a psychological and emotional significance. It is manifested with a mixture of feelings, on the one hand the pride about entering the new age, becoming more mature, and on the other, a subconscious realization that everything changes irrevocably and that the childhood is over. There is also concern about the pain and bleeding.

The first menstruation usually occurs around the age of 12, but it can also appear a year before or 3-4 years later. It depends on the body weight which should be 48 kg (105 lbs.) or more. Body fat percentage is important for normal menstrual cycle. It is also what makes women different from men, and being too skinny can lead to irregular periods and even complete loss of menstruation. On the other hand, obesity and excessive junk food can lead to early menstruation in girls.

Irregular periods are normal during the first two years from the occurrence of menarche, however, they should not be less than 21 days apart and the bleeding should not last longer than 7 days. Following the third year, the periods should be more regular, with 12-13 menstruations in a year. An ideal menstruation occurs every 28 days, however anything from 26 to 32 is considered normal. It can be followed by mild to moderate pain in the lower abdomen, breast pain, PMS, mood swings, headaches… The hormones are doing their work and slowly the ovulation steps in, causing a mild feeling of pressure or pain in the lower abdomen in the middle of the cycle.

Prior to menarche, series of changes begin, marking the beginning of puberty: pubic hair shows up, breasts start to develop, and the hormones cause changes of mood, interests, and the well-known teen rebellion. Being a parent is not easy then, but neither is being a teen girl. Parent support and good preparation for the first menstruation are particularly important for normal psychological development.

If a girl gets her menarche without being given necessary information and advice first, it could cause a mental trauma. The role of an older female is, therefore, very important: mother, elder sister, aunt, teacher… anyone close and trusted by the girl should tell her what to expect and answer all her questions. It is of vital importance to explain the menarche to a girl as something normal and natural, a sign that she is healthy.

But what are the problems that could be expected during the first years from the occurrence of the menarche?

• ·         Moderately painful periods are normal, as no pain means no ovulation. However, dysmenorrhea, very painful periods that can incapacitate a girl, make her skip school or even be unable to walk, hits about a quarter of girls.
• ·         If the bleeding lasts for longer than 7 days and the cycle is shorter than 21 days, it could lead to serious anemia.
• ·         Periods can be irregular during the first two years, which is normal. Irregular bleeding is a consequence of lack of ovulation, as ovaries need time to adapt and harmonize with the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland. It is good for a girl to learn to make notes about her periods in a calendar. Should the periods remain irregular after the age of 15, a gynecologist should be consulted.
• ·         Menstruation is normally preceded by mild pain and swelling of the breasts and abdomen. If the pain is too strong, a doctor should be consulted before taking pain relievers.
• ·         As we are witnesses today of increasing numbers of cases of uterine and ovary disorders, general checkups should be introduced from an early age.

• ·         Hormones stimulate sebaceous glands and cause increased sebum secretion, which can lead to acne and skin inflammation. Sweat glands also get more active, and some extra advice is needed on how to do proper hygiene and apply deodorants.
• ·         Puberty is the time when a girl gets excessively conscious about her body, and especially nowadays when she is surrounded with false representations of ‘an ideal body’. It is important to make her understand that starving herself and doing anything drastic to her body in order to make herself ‘fit into the fashion mold’ could lead to series of disorders, including the loss of period and hormone imbalance.

There is natural aid that can be used safely from the very first menstruation – Femisan A. It is a medicinal herb-based preparation without synthetic hormones or additives that can contribute to regular periods, alleviating of pre-menstrual symptoms and period pain. It can also act preventatively by balancing hormones, and warding off disorders caused by hormone imbalance, from acne to ovary and uterine disorders.

Femisan A is the friend every woman needs, from puberty to menopause.

Period pain

We, women are all familiar with the moment when all we want is to curl up, press a cushion or a hot water bottle on our tummy and find occasional comfort in a piece of chocolate. Period pain is normal, and probably most women got more or less accustomed to it. The pain is usually accompanied with cramps, bloating, dizziness, headache, digestion problems, nausea, and mood changes. But why is it so?

Several days before the onset of menstruation we begin to experience mild cramps, which increase on the day of menstruation and continue for the following couple of days. The pain can radiate to the thighs and lower back, while the cramps are the strongest in the lower abdomen. The cramps are caused by prostaglandins, hormones secreted by the endometrium - the uterus lining, with the intention to cause contractions, its shedding and regeneration, which is exactly the purpose of menstruation. The prostaglandins are also the ones to cause birth contractions and help the birth by pushing the baby out of the uterus. During the contractions, the uterine blood supply is cut off, leaving the organ without oxygen. The uterus is a muscle with the ability to contract and relax, and the contraction is experienced as pain.

Unusually strong menstrual cramps and pain can occur in young girls at the beginning of puberty, and when they are not due to other disorder, they are called primary dysmenorrhea. At later age, in mid-thirties, women can experience secondary dysmenorrhea – pain caused by a disorder, such as endometriosis, fibroids or an infection. Endometriosis is a condition that usually affects women in their thirties and forties, and occurs when the endometrial tissue travels into the pelvic area and begins growing on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bowel and the tissues lining the pelvis. Unfortunately, this tissue ’remembers’ that it is supposed to peel off once the menstruation begins, causing unbearable pain.

Uterine fibroids can also cause severe period pain, but also excessive bleeding. They are benign tumors which can inhabit and grow inside or on the outside of the uterine wall. Similarly, various infections can intensify period pain, as bacteria can lead to severe inflammation of the ovaries and fallopian tubes.

How can we relieve period pain?

•         There are indications that women who often drink alcohol and smoke cigarettes suffer from incrased period pain. Alcohol reduces the liver’s capacity to detoxify estrogen and toxins. Therefore, it should be cut down, or even better, cut out completely.
•         Heat can help. A hot water bottle or a blanket wrapped around the waist can cause the muscles to relax, and consequently, the cramps to be less intense.
•         Exercising regularly will generally increase the blood flow, help balance the hormones and the menstrual cycle, and also reduce period pain.
•         A well-balanced diet is important, and it is well known and proven that unhealthy food definitely affects the hormones. Fresh, organic fruit and vegetables, food rich in omega-3 fatty acids and magnesium can relieve menstrual pain. The fact that dark chocolate is rich in magnesium can explain our cravings. 
•        If the pain is unbearable, a doctor can prescribe a pain killer, but it is more important to determine the cause of pain. In case of disorders such as endometriosis or fibroids, it is important to react immediately to prevent them from spreading. 

      Doctors usually prescribe contraceptives in order to regulate the menstrual cycle, which can help while the pill is being taken. However, there is a natural solution that has been helping women since the ancient times: medicinal herbs. Lady’s mantle is famous for relieving pre-menstrual symptoms, painful periods and disorders such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, uterine fibroids and infections. It is excellent when combined with yarrow, the famous spasmolytic. The unpleasant bloating before and at the beginning of the period is relieved by marigold, as it can eliminate water retention. Herb Robert can also reduce swelling and soothe the symptoms of PMS, but it also works as a mild sedative. Crane’s bill can reduce excessive bleeding, while golden maca is the mother of all medicinal herbs. Maca fortifies immunity, elevates energy levels and balances hormones, but can also soothe period symptoms, boost fertility and even help at the onset of menopause. If we add zinc to this super-herbal blend, which regulates metabolism, gene activity, normal cell division, boosts immunity, hormone balance and fertility, we get Femisan A plus Maca Capsules. Traditional knowledge is enhanced by modern science in this all-natural herbal preparation designed to help women overcome female disorders.