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The "Goodly" Fruit: The Citron/Etrog as Medicine

9/17/2013

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The Citron or “Etrog” as it is popularly known in Hebrew, is not mentioned by name in the Torah, but Jewish tradition states that it is one of the “four species” to be used during the festival of Sukkot. “And you shall take on the first day [of Sukkot] the fruit of a goodly tree, date palm fronds, and the bough of a leafy tree, and willows of the brook, and you shall rejoice before the Lord your God for seven days.” (Leviticus 23:40)

The Etrog is commonly eaten in jams, marmalades or used in flavoring alcoholic beverages. Other than being called “Goodly” because it can be eaten, the Naturopathic Doctor/Herbalist in me wondered if the Etrog was also “Goodly” medicine. 

While digging into my normal reservoir of herbal medicine books, I noticed that the Citron was strangely absent.  This is incredibly odd considering the Etrogs latin name is Citrus “medica” clearly indicating that it has a “medical” use---but the question is for what? In order to solve this medical mystery, I had to dig around into more ancient botanical sources and look at ethnic communities around the world to see what medicinal properties might exist, if any.  Here’s what I discovered:

Antidote To Poison: Theophrastus, (c. 371 – c.287 BCE), Greek philosopher and considered by some to be the “Father of Botany” described the use of the Etrog as an Emetic (or vomit inducer). “It is useful when one has drunk deadly poison, for when it is administered in wine it upsets the stomach and brings up the poison.”

Halitosis (Bad breath): Theophrastus also notes that “It is also useful to improve the breath if one boils the inner part of the fruit in a dish or squeezes it into the mouth in some other medium, it makes the breath more pleasant.”  Studies even show that the Etrog contains an antiseptic and rejuvenating substance that helps rebuild damaged teeth. Could the Etrog be the next big thing to add to toothpastes?

Nausea in Pregnancy: Pliny the Elder, (AD 23 – August 25, AD 79) a roman commander and naturalist commented that “The seeds of this fruit are recommended for pregnant women to chew when affected with nausea.” *Note: The seeds are not recommended by this author to be used in pregnancy - no research exists that states they are safety to be chewed during Pregnancy.  


Digestive aid: Pliny the elder also notes that it is good for a weak stomach when mixed with vinegar. In India and Pakistan a decoction (boiling) of the shoots of the wild trees are used for stomach problems.

Chinese medicine - It turns out the citron variety most in use today in medicine is the fingered citron. (Citrus medica L. var. sarcodactylis).  It has a fascinating look but is not halachically suitable for use as an Etrog on Sukkot. It is called “Fo Shou” in Chinese.  It is used commonly in Chinese medical practice for digestive problems like bloating, belching, belly pain, lack of appetite, and vomiting. It is also used for treating chronic cough.  Since I practice Chinese medicine I will make sure to add this to my herbal formulas going forward!

Anti-Inflammatory - A study on the essential oil from these fingered citron peels showed that it possesses powerful anti-inflammatory compounds that inhibit lipopolysaccharides (LPS). LPS are found on gram negative bacterial cell walls and are involved in controlling inflammatory responses in the body that cause septic shock. In the future it may be found that this oil has a special benefit in reducing LPS in patients in hospitals who are undergoing septic shock.

Anti-Diabetic - Another study of Fingered Citron essential oil on rats confirmed that it had insulin secreting effect on pancreas cells. The authors of the study predict that FC fruits may one day be used as an anti-diabetic medicine beneficial to type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. The oil appears to act similar to current insulin secreting medication Sulfonylurea.

Anti-parasitic - In India and Pakistan the seeds from the fruit are used to expel internal parasites. 


Antibacterial/Antifungal: The essential oil of Citron is considered to have antibacterial properties. A study of the oil showed that it was effective in the preservation of soft drinks against the bacteria and yeast growth.

Dysmenorrha (Menstrual Cramps):  An infusion (tea) made from the leaves is believed to be anti-spasmodic, and good for cramps.  

Aside from its current use in Chinese Medicine, the medical properties of the Etrog are either just being discovered in research labs or they have been relegated to the history books. Needless to say, it is clear that that there is a significant number of medical properties found in this “Goodly” fruit. I will certainly look differently at the Etrog while rejoicing during the festivities in Jerusalem this year!  Chag Sameach! Happy Sukkot!

Dr. Anders Nerman, N.D. is a Naturopathic Doctor with an Integrative Family Medical practice in Wolfson Medical Center in Jerusalem, Israel. For more visit www.drnerman.com or call 054-427-8667.



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5 Tips and 1 Natural SUPER Secret to an Easier Yom Kippur Fast

9/12/2013

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A lot of people dread Yom Kipper, a day of fasting with no water. The possibility of headaches, fatigue, and endless cravings for food are very real. You may experience this year after year. The truth is it does not have to be this way.  Here are some helpful tips and one SUPER secret to make it through the fast with flying colors!



Chia - Secret Weapon for Fasting. (Picture of Chia Pet)

#1 Reduce Caffeine Early!  

Two weeks before the fast slowly wean off coffee.  Caffeine withdrawal is the number one reason for a hard fast. Stop drinking coffee 2 weeks prior to the fast. Switch to green tea (less caffeine) to minimize the withdrawal effects. Taper in such a way that you completely eliminate caffeine 3 days before the fast.  Do this and you may not have to endure the symptoms prior to the holiday.

#2 Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate:

Honestly most people are dehydrated most of the time.  The second most common reason for a bad fast is plain dehydration. So if you start out dehydrated, you will be that much worse on game day. Therefore, one should increase their water intake to at least 8 glasses of water/day (2L) for 2-3 days prior to the fast. Also avoid coffee as it is a diuretic and makes you lose water.


#3 Focus on eating complex carbs before the fast:

Complex carbohydrates like those found in whole grain pasta and breads, brown rice, fruits, vegetables, and beans (legumes) are best for maintaining your body's muscle energy levels during the fast.  As an added benefit, carbohydrates help your body absorb water more efficiently, so eating carbs will aid in staying hydrated during the fast. Whole-grain products and fruits/vegetables that are high in fiber are best, as these will not only provide energy but are slower to digest and will keep you feeling fuller the longest.

Avoid complex simple carbohydrates (basically anything made from white flour or containing added sugars) as these kinds of carbs will make you MORE hungry  due to their effects on blood sugar.

#4 Eat smaller meals before YK

Large meals will actually use up more water in order to process them. The goal is to feel full, not stuffed or bursting. Eating too much too quickly can also lead to crashing blood sugar and difficult hunger pangs a few hours after the meal. Your body will try to absorb all the extra nutrients quickly and will overcompensate, leading to a blood sugar crash.

#5 Drink Water, Not Coffee, Soda or Alcohol:

There is a final festive meal traditionally made before YK starts called seudah ha-mafseket:  At this last meal before the fast try to drink lots of water, or sugar free sports drinks. Avoid beverages with caffeine (soda, coffee, tea) and alcohol, as these will worsen dehydration significantly if consumed right before the fast. Also avoid juices, as they are high in simple sugars, which will spike and then crash your blood sugar leaving hungry again a few hours later.  

BONUS!! SUPER SECRET WEAPON FOR A SUCCESSFUL FAST! CHHH-Chia!!


Yes its true!  Best known for its functional role in the growth of pseudo-hair on the Chai Pet. If you never heard of this super-food you are going to want to look into it. It is chockfull of goodness.

Besides being awesome in a nutritional sense, Chia seeds also have an added benefit of holding 10 times their weight in water. Therefore, they are good for decreasing the effects of a fast because the seeds act like mini time-release water capsules.

People swear by this little secret and I would like to share it with you.

Chia “Fast” Relief Instructions:

How to make it:

1. Soak 1 tsp in 1 cup of water overnight in the fridge.

2. Add the chia into water and drink right before the fast.

3. Experience an easy fast.

I wish everyone an easy but meaningful fast this year! G’mar Hatima Tova!

Dr. Anders Nerman, ND

Dr. Anders Nerman, N.D. is a Naturopathic Doctor with an Integrative Family Medical practice in Wolfson Medical Center in Jerusalem, Israel.   He has focus in the treatment of Digestive Disorders, Food Allergy/Intolerance Testing, Infertility and Hormone Balancing, Chronic Pain/Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue and Weight Loss. For more info contact: drnermansoffice@gmail.com or visit www.drnerman.com. To book an appointment call 054-427-8667.


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Pomegranate Powers! 

9/4/2013

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PicturePhotograph by Anders Nerman Artist Colony of Jerusalem, Israel
This post is an excerpt from an article I wrote for English Update Magazine in the Sept 1, Vol.4 #143

Pomegranates are popping up everywhere in Israel this time of year. They are amazingly beautiful to see and are a sign that the Jewish New Year (Rosh Hashanah) is coming. There is a tradition to eat them on the first night of Rosh Hashanah as a siman (sign) that the coming year we will have an “increase in our merits”. It is one of the Shivat Haminim, the Seven Species for which the Land of Israel is praised. Personally, I think there should be a tradition to eat them all year round because they’re also extremely good for our health! Let’s start our new year off right with a discussion about the powerful medicinal properties of pomegranates.

Anti-inflammatory - Pomegranate seeds possess anti-inflammatory properties – they inhibit enzymes (cyclooxygenase and lipooxygenase) that are responsible for inflammation. Tylenol also works in this way. Eating pomegranate is a good choice for easing the pain associated with osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, or any other chronic inflammatory conditions.

Anti-osteoarthritis: Besides being able to block inflammation that causes pain in osteoarthritis, researchers believe that pomegranate can help block inflammation that contributes to the destruction of cartilage. In test tubes, extract of pomegranate blocked the production of an enzyme that destroys cartilage in the body.

Anti-aging – A glass of pomegranate juice a day could keep the wrinkles away, according to a study that showed it slowed down the ageing process of DNA. Researchers found that the antioxident rich juice also slowed down the natural oxidation ('wear and tear') of DNA. The results found a significant decrease in a marker associated with cell damage that disrupts brain, muscle, liver and kidney functions, as well as speeding up the aging process.

Heart protector - At Technion University, Israel’s Institute of technology, it was shown that pomegranate juice has heart protective, immune enhancing properties similar to those in green tea.  Pomegranate has also been shown to lower bad LDL cholesterol and raise good HDL cholesterol. One study of mice with atherosclerosis showed that pomegranate juice slowed the growth of  arterial plaque formation. A few small studies in people found that pomegranate juice improved blood flow and kept arteries from becoming thick and stiff, which causes high blood pressure. Pomegranate also lowers blood pressure, mainly systolic blood pressure (the top number in a blood pressure reading).

Menopause: In the Middle east there is a tradition to use pomegranates to treat menopause. It has been shown recently to play a role in preventing and treating estrogen-related cancers.

It is the only plant in the world that contains estrone, which is produced from progestrone, estrodiol and androgens.  Estrone is often the main source of estrogen in postmenopausal women or women who have had their ovaries removed. Post-menopausal women would greatly benefit from pomegranates to relieve the common symptoms of menopause.

Hormone Balancing - Also pomegranates alter the estrogen receptors, altering the effect of all the excess estrogen in the environment, which is important in North America and Israel were women are overloaded by environmental estrogens which leads to estrogen dominance.

Anti-cancer: In test tubes, pomegranate extracts made from juice, rind, and oil slow down the reproduction of cancer cells and hastened their death. Some extracts also help reduce blood supply to tumors, starving them and making them smaller. In one human study, men who had undergone surgery or radiation for prostate cancer and drank 8 oz. of pomegranate juice a day, effected the amount of time it took for their PSA levels to double. Men whose PSA levels double in a short period of time are more at risk for death from prostate cancer. If you are being treated for any cancer, be sure to ask your oncologist before you take pomegranate or any herb or supplement. Some may interact with cancer medications, making the medications less effective.

Immune Enhancing: Pomegranate fruit is very high in vitamin C. One pomegranate provides about 40% of the daily requirement of this vitamin, juice would provide even more. Vitamin C is important for a functional immune system. C and it helps wounds heal and skin maintain its elasticity.

How to Take It: There is no standard recommended dose for pomegranate. Eating the fruit and drinking the juice as part of a healthy diet is considered safe. Juice is probably a more cost effective way to get the health benefits. Drinking 8 - 12 oz. of pomegranate juice per day is considered safe. Look for 100% juice with no added sugar.

Possible Interactions and Precautions:

Pomegranate may trigger side effects when it is taken with some herbs, supplements, or medications. Theoretically, pomegranate juice may interact with several medications (much like grapefruit juice does). For that reason, be sure to tell your doctor if you drink pomegranate juice. If you have diabetes, ask your doctor before drinking fruit juices, including pomegranate. If you have diarrhea, do not drink pomegranate juice or take pomegranate extract. Pregnant women should not take pomegranate extract because it may contain fruit rind. The juice, however, is considered safe.

I would highly recommend a handful of Pomegranate seeds or a glass of Pomegranate juice each day as a great addition to your diet. Have a Happy and Healthy New year!

Dr. Anders Nerman, N.D. is a Naturopathic Doctor with an Integrative Family Medical practice in Wolfson Medical Center in Jerusalem, Israel.   He has focus in the treatment of Digestive Disorders, Food Allergy/Intolerance Testing, Infertility and Hormone Balancing, Chronic Pain/Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue and Weight Loss. For more info contact: drnermansoffice@gmail.com or visit www.drnerman.com. To book an appointment call 054-427-8667.

Information is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or adopting any treatment for a health problem.


 


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    Dr. Anders Nerman, N.D. is a Canadian-trained Naturopathic Physician living and practicing in Jerusalem, Israel.

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