Written by Dr Marilyn Glenville PhD

Volume 1 - Issue 5: May 2007

by Dr Marilyn Glenville PhD

About This Issue

I hope you are enjoying the articles in Natural News and do send in your feedback as that way I can keep improving the content and design.

This issue of Natural News includes an article on the natural approach to the menopause and as there seems to be a lot of confusion around this subject, I wanted to clarify one particular issue. I have always used the herb black cohosh in my clinics with great success for the menopausal hot flushes and night sweats so it came as a surprise to know that in the future all black cohosh products will have to carry a warning saying that the herb may cause rare but serious liver disorders.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency’s (MHRA) report cites 14 cases of women with liver problems in the UK that were “possibly” or “probably” linked to black cohosh. When the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) reviewed all the evidence worldwide, it concluded that, in fact, there were only two “possible” (one in the UK) and two “probable” cases and that it is not clear whether black cohosh caused the problem. These four cases are such a small number when weighed up against an estimated 9 million treatment days of black cohosh used each year.

The National Institute of Health in the US believes there’s no case to answer and their website states that black cohosh has few side effects and that ‘liver damage has been reported in a few individuals using black cohosh, but millions of people have taken the herb without apparent adverse health effects. There is no scientific evidence to show that the herb causes liver damage.’

Also worryingly, researchers have found that some black cohosh products on the market contain an Asian species of black cohosh which is cheaper than the North American black cohosh. Compared with the species cultivated in North America, the Asian variety has different chemical properties and may have different effects on the body.

So I would still recommend that you use black cohosh as the herb of choice for the menopause symptoms but make sure that you buy from reputable companies so that you know you are getting the best quality herb and preferably buy organic.

Kind regards

Dr Marilyn Glenville PhD

Table of Contents

Regular features

4 Letter from Marilyn
5 In the news:
Recent progress in the world of health

  • Diet supplement improved children’s mental abilities
  • Beat obesity in 15 minutes!
  • A daily dose of vitamin D slows progression of osteoarthritis
  • Don’t skip breakfast – lower your cholesterol

25 Case Study:
How Karen got back her life

43 Ask Marilyn:
Your questions answered

  • What can I do to relieve cluster headaches?
  • How can I overcome my sweet tooth?
  • Should we drink green tea?
  • What do you suggest to reduce dry skin on my face and hands?

46 Ingredient spotlight:

  • Dates – the health benefits

47 Monthly meal idea:

  • Date slice – a delicious snack

41 Resources

  • Where to find books, supplements, tests and consultations

48 Coming next month


Special Articles

9 Your snack prescription

  • Eat every 2 to 3 hours to speed up your metabolism

13 10 reasons you’re tired

  • Fight fatigue with our energy solutions

17 Natural solutions for the menopause you can trust

  • Safe alternatives to combat the symptoms

22 Natural metabolism boosters

  • Burn off those calories

29 15 ways to beat the bloat

  • Feel better fast with our strategies to reduce excess gas

35 How toxic is your home?

  • Reduce your exposure to dangerous chemicals

39 Food for thought: part 2

  • Top 10 foods for better brain performance

Top Tips

8 Making the body more alkaline

  • Improving bone density

8 Magnesium supplements

  • Stronger bones in the future for girls who take a daily dose

24 Healthy words

  • Inspiring quotes

33 Dietary advice for future dads

  • If you’re trying for a child your partner should eat healthily too