Overcoming Health Challenges with Herbs - Insights from a Nurse
The Healing Power of Herbs
Throughout history, herbs have played a crucial role in the health and well-being of humans. Used as natural remedies for countless ailments, these plants have been revered across cultures and centuries for their healing properties. In modern times, the wisdom of using herbs has not only endured but has also seen a resurgence as people seek more natural and holistic approaches to health care.
In this post I talk about Mitochondria, and the NRF1 and NRF2 pathways. I have provided a simple definition of what they mean below to help you understand how the use of certain herbs can keep our cells healthy for longer.
Definitions
Mitochondria:
Mitochondria are tiny structures inside cells that act like power plants. They take the food we eat and turn it into energy that the cell can use to do its work. Mitochondria are crucial for keeping cells alive and functioning properly.
NRF2 Pathway:
The NRF2 pathway is like the cell's natural defence system against damage. When activated, it turns on certain genes that help protect the cell from stress and harmful substances. This helps reduce inflammation and keeps the cells healthy.
NRF1 Pathway:
The NRF1 pathway is essential for keeping the cell's energy producers, called mitochondria, in good shape. It helps create new mitochondria and ensures they work properly, providing the cell with the energy it needs to function and stay healthy.
My Personal Health Journey
Since I started my nursing career in 1975, I have been dedicated to patient care, which often involved heavy lifting and long hours. Unfortunately, this took a toll on my physical health. The lack of occupational health and safety regulations before the 1990s meant that many of us in the nursing field suffered from chronic soreness and fatigue. The rotational night shifts every six weeks further added to my health concerns. As a young nurse, I had no idea how these challenges would impact my later years.
Early Health Challenges
In my 40s, while working in home nursing, my health began to decline. The physical demands of the job, including carrying heavy equipment bags and driving long distances, started to take their toll. I began experiencing severe pain in my right shoulder, which an X-ray later revealed was due to a torn ligament in my trapezium muscle.
The pain was so intense that it disrupted my sleep. Pain relievers like Panadol and osteo Panadol provided little relief. I saw a surgeon, but I was hesitant to undergo surgery, as many colleagues found the results to be short-lived without significant lifestyle changes.
Discovering Herbal Remedies
Through research, I found that turmeric had very potent anti-inflammatory properties. Taking two turmeric tablets twice daily significantly improved my pain management. This led me to explore other herbal remedies to address my fatigue and poor sleep. I started using synergised tablets containing ashwagandha, bacopa, green tea, milk thistle, and turmeric. I took these once a day and these herbs helped me regain energy, detoxify my body from oxidative stress (which is why we age), and overall, improved my health.
Facing New Health Issues
In 2021, I faced a new challenge when I tore the meniscus ligament in my right knee. I was in constant agony for six weeks. An MRI confirmed the injury, but instead of opting for surgery, I relied on the herbal remedies I had been using and made lifestyle adjustments, such as changing my footwear and other habits. This approach helped manage the discomfort and prevented further damage.
Self-Education and Natural Healing
My journey of self-education led me to understand the NRF2 and NRF1 pathways were crucial for reducing inflammation and supporting cellular repair. Activating these pathways through specific herbs helped me manage various aspects of my health. Now in my 60s, I continue to engage in activities that are important in my life, thanks to these natural remedies.
The Herbs and Their Benefits
I have put together a list of the herbs that open up the pathways of cellular repair and also help with better sleep, better memory, and reduction of inflammation in my body.
NRF2 Pathway: Reducing Inflammation
Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum): Known for its liver protection properties, milk thistle contains silymarin, which acts as an antioxidant and supports detoxification.
Bacopa (Bacopa monnieri): Traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine, bacopa supports cognitive function, memory, and learning. It also has antioxidant properties. Bacopa might increase certain brain chemicals that are involved in thinking, learning, and memory. It might also protect brain cells from chemicals involved in Alzheimer disease.
Please Note: Do not confuse bacopa with gotu kola. Both plants are sometimes called Brahmi.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): Another Ayurvedic medicine and an adaptogen that helps the body manage stress, ashwagandha also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
Green Tea Extract (Camellia sinensis): Rich in polyphenols, green tea extract has strong antioxidant properties and supports overall health.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa): Contains curcumin, a compound with potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It is traditionally used to support joint health, energy, and overall wellness.
NRF1 Pathway: Mitochondrial Repair
Acetyl-L-Carnitine: A naturally produced amino acid that, combined with alpha-lipoic acid, boosts mitochondrial production, supports healthy cellular aging, and protects against normal oxidation.
Quercetin: A polyphenol that helps protect mitochondrial function, supporting ATP synthesis.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA): Helps turn glucose into energy and protects all parts of the cell, including mitochondria, from free radicals.
Grape Extract: Contains powerful natural stilbenoids that support healthy aging by activating the NRF1 protein and other age-related cell-signalling pathways.
Coenzyme Q10: Plays a key role in ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production and combined with alpha-lipoic acid, supports cellular energy levels and antioxidant defence mechanisms.
Conclusion
By embracing herbal remedies and understanding the importance of the NRF2 and NRF1 pathways, I have managed to maintain my health and continue living an active life. These natural solutions have provided me with the tools to reduce inflammation, improve cellular repair, and enhance overall well-being.
Resources
I have put together a couple of links to some websites that can give you a deeper insight into how some of the herbs can be of benefit to you.
Bacopa is commonly used for Alzheimer disease, memory and thinking skills, anxiety, and attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder. Here is an article from WebMD on “Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease: the Basics”
There is more information on the National Library of Medicine in a paper titled “LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury [Internet]”
For more information of the use of Milk Thistle check out this article from Healthline on “7 Science-Based Benefits of Milk Thistle”
Last one is also from WebMD on “Ashwagandha - Uses, Side Effects, and More”
Disclaimer: I do not claim to cure, prevent, or mitigate diseases.
