Secondly, we will be introducing a weekly What Really Works on-line chat that you can join in with. At the moment, we are still in trials with our own system to make sure it can accommodate everyone who wants to chat without crashing, and as soon as we are up and running we will email you the start date.

Each week, we will be inviting top UK and International experts in specialist fields to come on line and answer your questions about natural health. My mission is to make natural health relevant to everyday lives - so our launch topics will include, for example, a discussion about MMR and what to do if you cannot decide whether to vaccinate (plus what to do now if you already have done so.) If there is an expert you would like us to invite on line, please email your requests to editor@whatreallyworks.co.uk.
— Susan

What’s hot! - Get Into Shape

Have you noticed how hard it is to work out what most supplements are for? This is because makers cannot make medical claims on the packets. Here's one - Biofirm from Denmark - which takes the guesswork out. It's a summer detox that will help flatten a bloated tummy and give that extra bit of confidence to step out in your tankini!

Formulated by Danish herbalists who recommend an annual six-week detox plan for summer, BioFirm contains citrus pulp, which is rich in flavanoids - helping to strengthen the capillaries and drain fluid from the system, plus pectin to reduce waste and fluids stored between cells. The idea behind this is that it can help manage the dreaded cellulite too! The formula also includes herbs that are detoxifying, to help firm the body. If you are trying to lose weight and want to keep it off, remember to aim for a steady reduction of just two pounds a week. BioFirm costs £19.95 for a 15-day pack and £34.95 for a 30-day pack. It is available from the NutriCentre on 0800-587 2290.

What’s not!

Right from its inception, I have been a big fan and supporter of the very excellent Centre for Nutritional Medicine in London; a pioneering clinic where patients would see a doctor and a nutritionist for an initial consultation. Over the last few weeks, lots of you have reported difficulties in getting through to the Centre and sadly, the reason for this is that the company, which treated some of the top sports teams in the UK, has now gone into liquidation. That said, I am sure the talented practitioners who worked there will soon find other outlets for their integrated approach to health and as soon as I have more details, I will report back.

Susan’s Top Tip

One of the most evocative memories of my first-ever trip to an ashram in India is that of being woken at 4am in the morning for meditation by an attendant offering a glass of warm milk with a sprinkling of ground cardamom seeds on top. Not only was this delicious, it was a brilliant example of how simple and effective Ayurvedic medicine can be because the real reason this combination is served is that the cardamom works to neutralise the mucus-forming properties of the milk. You can also use it on top of coffee to detoxify the caffeine in the coffee.

Say Again?

This is the section where you get clarification of dosages and further detail of remedies I have recommended elsewhere throughout the month.

Tinnitus

In your last newsletter (June issue), you explained how taking a high dose - 2000mcg - of vitamin B12 would help relieve the symptoms of tinnitus but I then read elsewhere that high doses of this nutrient can only be absorbed properly when taken together with Folic acid supplements. Is this right? - Thea James

As long as the B12 supplement you are taking is sublingual (and the one I was recommending was) then you don't need to worry about absorption since in this form, it by-passes the gut and goes straight into the bloodstream. For those who missed it, to help alleviate Tinnitus, I was recommending Solgar's 1000mcg vitamin B, which costs just £9 for 100 tablets. You take two a day.

Schizandra

In a recent Sunday Times column, you recommended using a herb called Schizandra to help reduce the side-effects of chemotherapy. I have tried several health stores with no success. Can you tell me where to get it? - Ann Richards

I am sorry you have had problems chasing what I thought was a relatively well-known supplement down. In future, if you have problems it is always worth trying either The NutriCentre (0800-587 22390) or Victoria Health (0800-413596) since both run mail order services.

Since you are clearly interested in using herbs to manage cancer and its treatments, you might also like to take a look at Herbs Against Cancer by Ralph Moss (ISBN 1-881025-40-3). He examines, for example, the story behind Essiac - an anti-cancer herbal combination that is widely on sale in health stores - and looks at the effectiveness of other herbs, including mistletoe and the rainforest herb, cat's claw. For more detailed information about managing cancer, for patients and their families, contact The Bristol Cancer Help Centre helpline on 0117-980 9505. It is manned from 9.30-5pm, Monday to Friday.

Win, Win, Win… a pot of the new anti-ageing cream the big name cosmetic companies don't want you to know about.....

We have 10 x 2oz pots of Astazanthin & Pycogenol Age-defying Protection cream* to give away. This lotion, which normally retails at £29.95, contains two of the best-ever skin repair extracts. Astazanthin is an antioxidant that is so powerful, it is 500 times more potent than vitamin E - and Pycogenol, which is extracted from Pine Bark, is known to repair even the most extensive tissue damage.
*As featured on GMTV

If you are not lucky enough to win one of the 10 we are giving away, you can still call the only UK supplier, Victoria Health (0800-413596), and quote the What Really Works website to get a £5 discount. This offer will last until August 1, 2002.

And the winner of the June newsletter Oscar juicer competition is…
Mrs Sonia Hustwick
"Wow - what a wonderful surprise! I can hardly believe it! I have never won anything in my life! I have ALWAYS wanted a proper juicer - but the cost has always put them out of my reach. I will definitely be making good use of it - this is a dream prize. Thank you very much!" - Sonia

The Competition Question
Relora is the brand new anti-anxiety supplement made from an extract of the flowers of which common garden tree?

Send your answer to competition@whatreallyworks.co.uk

Q. My sister has vitiligo and although I did find information on your site recommending vitamin B12, her doctor is not keen to prescribe it. Is there anything else that will help?
Stieneke Bak

A. Vitiligo is a skin disorder characterised by the progressive widening of an area of de-pigmented (white) skin. It is caused by the destruction of melanocytes, the cells that produce the melanin pigment which darkens the skin, and is thought to affect up to 4% of the world's population.

Anecdotal evidence points to the herb St John's Wort, which, while more often used as a mild antidepressant, makes the skin more sensitive to light. If your sister does decide to try it, she should avoid red wine, cheese, and yeast. She should also consult a qualified herbalist to determine the correct dosage. Another herb called khella has been found to help with vitiligo - but again, it can have unpleasant side effects, including nausea and insomnia. Once again, she should take advice before self-prescribing.

As you have read, studies of people suffering the same condition have shown low levels of folic acid, vitamin B12, and vitamin C. A treatment plan - which included high doses of folic acid or vitamin B8 (1-10mg a day), plus 1g of vitamin C daily and intramuscular injections of vitamin B12 (1,000mcg every two weeks) - produced a marked re-pigmentation in a small number of sufferers who stuck with this programme for several months.

To find a practitioner who can administer the high dose vitamin B12 injections and to find a registered herbalist in the UK contact the following organisations:

• Nutrition
  The British Association of Nutritional Therapists (0870-6061284). You will be charged £2 for a referral list. The Institute of Optimum Nutrition in London trains more UK practitioners than anywhere else. Call 0208-877 9993 for a list of graduates and their specialist areas.
  
• Herbalism
  The National Institute of Medical Herbalists (01392-426022) or try The British Herbal Medicine Association (01453-751389) whose members have different qualifications.
  
• Naturopathy
  The British Naturopathic Association 01458-840072 holds list of qualified naturopaths who combine nutrition, herbalism and homeopathy in their treatment programmes. Referrals are free.

Q. I would like to congratulate you on a thoroughly professional and comprehensive site. There are just a couple of points; The contact telephone number given for The Centre for Nutritional Medicine seems to be unavailable - so do you know of any other centres who can test or help treat Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)? Also, do you have any up to date information on the government's proposal to ban certain supplements and herbal remedies?
Ms Uche Okorie

A. I mentioned in my last newsletter that we are planning a new DoctorZone for the site, which we will be loading up through the summer. Please be patient with us, because all these things take time and money - and although we have plenty of the former, we have to invest the small sum of money we have raised for the site carefully. We do not have big investors, which of course means we maintain editorial integrity and control.

Anyway, the good news is that as part of the new DoctorZone we will be offering on-line and secure testing procedures that will pass through qualified doctors so that your results will be interpreted for you - and one of those tests will be for PCOS.

This is a miserable condition that affects at least one in 10 women and even as many as one in five. The symptoms - which can include unexplained weight gain, excess facial hair, erratic periods, fertility problems, and adult acne - are not life-threatening, but new research showing that PCOS sufferers are also seven times more likely to develop heart disease and/or diabetes is. I am sure that you have visited the site for more information about support groups and books on this topic, so that will help you too. In the meantime, if you cannot wait for our testing facility to be loaded, contact The Doctor's Laboratory (TDL) in Wimpole Street, London (020-7460 4800), who can test for this condition. The test costs £150. Remember though, the results will be passed back to your family doctor.

I wrote recently in my Sunday Times column about the new EU directive that threatens the choice of what vitamins and supplements you are going to be able to buy. In a nutshell, this is the situation currently.

The recently adopted EU directive will, if fully implemented, severely restrict the range of supplements currently on sale within the next five years. This will stamp out innovation in natural health and mean everyone will be selling the exact same thing, unless the UK can persuade its European partners to take a more liberal interpretation of the new legislation - which, as it stands, will see around 300 nutrients wiped off the health shelves.

Formulations which are under threat include those which combine nutrients with herbs (e.g. immune-boosting echinacea with immune-boosting vitamin C to combat a cold) and all herbal preparations; unless the maker can prove the finished product has been safely used for 30 years, 15 of which must have been in Europe.

One of the first victims, for instance, will be the innocuous flower essences made from overseas plants which really is ridiculous since if you sent one of these to a lab for testing, you would be told there's nothing in it except brandy, which many ranges use as a preservative.

It is claimed that the new European restrictions have only been adopted to improve 'safety' in nutritional and herbal supplements, but how many people have been killed by these formulations? What the new law will actually achieve is a more level business playing field between member countries and far less choice for you.

*If you care about this, register your objection with Consumers for Health Choice on 020 7544 0016, or visit their website.

Q. I read your comments that zinc works for acne. My 10-year-old daughter is developing acne so I have started giving her 15mgs per day. Will this have any adverse side effects? I notice you recommend 30mgs.

The dosage you are giving your daughter is safe and will not have side effects. We have posted dosages for children on the website - so if you ever are in any doubt, check with that. There are very few (if any) clinical dosage trials in either natural or conventional health, so the safe doses are worked out by age and bodyweight.

Your daughter would also benefit from taking the hormone-balancing herb Agnus castus, which is now widely on sale in good health stores and from some of the Links Companies on our site. Acne is usually caused by an over-production of androgens - specific forms of the male hormone testosterone that the body cannot then cope with. Remember, we all have both male and female hormones and the key for optimum health and skin is maintaining the correct balance. Agnus castus acts in the body as an anti-androgen to correct the hormonal balance. Use a tincture and again, check the dosages we have posted to make sure she is getting a therapeutic but safe dose.

By the way, zinc is a very common deficiency in children, especially those presenting with behavioural problems including attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). If this applies to anyone in your family, check the relevant section in my kids' book What Really Works for Kids), and make sure that you supplement the diet with 1g of a good quality essential fatty acid (EFA) fish or vegetable oil too. You will see a marked difference in not only behaviour, but also the signs of EFA deficiencies - which include dry skin and flaking nails.

Nutrition News

How often do you wonder whether the food you are eating is doing you more harm than good? Do you agonise over whether or not to buy all organic and scrutinise food labels for hidden ingredients? With a new food scare making headlines what seems like every month, it is hardly surprising that, as a nation, we are becoming increasingly paranoid about what we eat. And the more we are warned that certain foods are dangerous, the more we are prone to lose track of what our diets should really provide: nourishment, enjoyment, and a kick start to better health.

On Nutrition Zone, the aim is to separate food fact from food fiction - and to arm you with enough information to help you tailor your own diet to suit your own needs. There will be an A-Z of foods that can help you to combat common ailments, a guide to making beauty products from ingredients that can almost certainly be found in your fridge and kitchen cupboards, and tailored dietary advice for everyone from sports people and gym-goers to desk-bound workaholics and busy mums. There will be weight loss tips and we also delve into the fascinating world of Hollywood diets and other celebrity eating fads to discover whether what works for them will work for you.
—Peta

Q. I have read that apples are now so high in sugar that they are worse for us than eating chocolate. Is this true and if so, should I stop eating them?
M. Robinson, Exeter.

A. What you probably read were the results of research by the US Department of Agriculture, which showed how some modern apples now contain up to 15% natural sugars. In some cases this is a rise of almost 50% in just over a decade.

Because apples are also highly acidic, some dentists warned that eating too many could increase the risk of dental erosion, when the protective layering on the teeth is worn away. If you like apples, you certainly shouldn't stop eating them though. Ideally, you should rinse your mouth or drink some water after eating fruit or taking fruit juices. This helps your saliva to buffer the harmful effects of the acid.

The benefits of eating the fruit far outweigh the risks. One medium eating apple provides up to 15 per cent of the daily recommendation for fibre as well being a rich source of flavanoids, substances that fight dangerous free-radical chemicals that are linked to some forms of cancer.

When scientists at the University of Cambridge surveyed 30,000 people about their eating patterns recently, they found that those who ate most fruit were twice as likely to outlive the rest. And just 50 grams of fruit - or one apple a day - was found to make a difference to their health.

Q. An American friend swears by Purple Grape Juice for preventing cystitis. Can you buy it in the UK?
Sara Kenyon, Brighton.

A. If you have been scanning the supermarket shelves, you will know there are literally dozens of soft drinks containing grape juice. However, until recently, 100% pure purple grape juice, which has the most health benefits, has been difficult to track down. The good news is that America's top-selling brand, Welch's, has launched here and will be on sale in most major outlets by the end of the summer.

Research has shown that 100% purple grape juice has three times the antioxidant power of grapefruit, orange, tomato, and apple juices - which makes it a great immune-booster. And, as your friend has discovered, compounds in the juice are shown to be as effective as those found in cranberry juice for preventing urinary tract infections.

Drinking one regular-sized glass a day also helps to keep your heart healthy. Studies at Georgetown University in the USA, which were published in the journal Circulation, showed that drinking grape juice not only has a direct effect on important functions like blood clotting, but also appears to lower levels of damaging free radicals, thought to be a trigger for heart disease.

Q. Is it true that England's footballers ate Jaffa cakes to boost their energy levels during the World Cup? Do they work?
Jason Carroll, Leeds.

A. Apparently England's team chef had crates of Jaffa Cakes sent over to Japan because they didn't sell them locally. But they are not just a passing trend in the world of sports nutrition. Although they have a layer of chocolate, which might seem unhealthy, they are actually very low in fat. Most of their 42 calories comes from carbohydrate, which is quickly converted to glycogen to fuel the muscles during a workout or training session.

All of the energy bars marketed to give you a boost before exercise are made with similar ingredients for the same effect, yet they are usually more expensive. Ideally you should have an energy-boosting snack about two hours before you exercise.

Another favourite with cyclists and runners are bananas, which are also high in carbohydrate and among the richest sources of potassium, a mineral that is lost in sweat. In fact bananas contain up to ten times more potassium than many popular sports drinks. Avoid eating green bananas though, because the starch isn't fully broken down which makes them hard to digest. Fig rolls are another popular choice among top sports people, although they are better for refuelling after a hard training session because the figs can have a slight laxative effect!

Upcoming Events The Man Who Resurrected Echinacea visits the UK

Dr Michael Tierra, founder and primary formulator of the excellent Planetary Formulas range of herbal supplements and author of several influential books on herbs including Planetary Herbology and Natural Remedy Bible will be holding a two day workshop in London on July 13th and 14th, sponsored by Earth Force and the NutriCentre. Earth Force is also holding a two-hour seminar on Friday evening, the 12th July.

Michael's eclectic background of studies in American Indian herbalism and the traditional oriental systems of India and China contribute a special richness to his writing and workshops. He is founder of the East West College of Herbalism, one of the most highly regarded residency and distance-learning herbal courses both in the United States and the UK.

The topics he will cover to be cover include:

• The Principles of Traditional Clinical Herbal diagnosis
• The botanical treatment of hepatitis C and other liver diseases.
• A botanical approach to the treatment of cancer.

*The Scottish Health Food Retailers consumer health show will run from August 30-31st at The Edinburgh International Conference Centre this year. Speakers include Susan Clark, Patrick Holford and Dr Mark Atkinson. The show, which runs from 10.45am to 7pm on day one and until 5pm on day two, is free to visitors.

Companies who have been invited to take a commercial link to WRW can also submit news and research material to be considered for publication. WRW maintains independent editorial control over the contents of this newsletter, and the information that appears below has been selected by Susan Clark as being of special interest to subscribers.

To contact these companies, visit the whatreallyworks links page.

Get rid of scar tissue with Rosa Mosqueta

I often recommend this skin remedy, which is made from the hips of a wild South American rose. Rich in essential fatty acids such as Gamma Linoleic Acid (GLA) - it has now been shown to contain eight or nine times the amount of this important nutrient than, say, evening primrose oil. Originally developed to reduce wrinkles, Rosa mosqueta can also fade scar tissues following an accident, surgery, or even acne. It has now become one of the top-selling products from rainforest herb specialists Rio Trading thanks to new Chilean research, which shows it really does work. Rio Rosa Mosqueta costs £9.99 for 20ml and is available from Rio Health on 01273-570987.

Energy Gel

It sounds too good to be true, but there really is a gel that can will give you a much-needed energy boost. With pure extracts of immune-boosting echinacea, yarrow, horsetail, lemon balm, and ginger - for the best results, use it after a refreshing shower. Said to work in conjunction with lymphatic drainage, it promises to clear energy blocks and rejuvenate tissues - leaving you full of beans and raring to go.

Energy Gel, which is part of the new Energys range, costs £11.90 for a 30ml tube and is available from Higher Nature on 01435-882880. I love this range. Check it out.

Dead Sea Treatments without the travelling!

New to the UK, the Mavena skincare range takes its inspiration from the Dead Sea mineral treatments that work wonders on skin problems, especially psoriasis and eczema. It is also excellent for sensitive skins and is backed by stacks of good science - and effective enough to be recommended now by dermatologists. One of the key magnesium-rich products for psoriasis sufferers is the Mavena Mg46 range - which includes a body lotion, shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel. In a company survey of existing customers, 85% reported a significant improvement in the condition of their skin when they used the Mg46 creme. This range is also effective against dandruff.

On an esoteric note....

Many traditional healing systems believe you cannot treat the body and ignore the spirit - so I like to end the WRW newsletter with something a little more esoteric. In his yoga sutras, Patanjali tells us that we can choose how we react to everything that happens to us in life - and if you think about it, it is only your reaction and not the event itself that has that power to make you happy or miserable. Remember too, nobody 'grows' through the good stuff! If you want to start somewhere with all this, get a copy of Kahlil Gibran's The Prophet (from amazon.co.uk if not on sale in your local bookstore) and read past those passages that usually get read out and then forgotten at weddings.
Om shanti.

Enter a friend's name and email together with the answer to the competition question to win the brand new anti-ageing cream the cosmetic giants don't want you know about. Send to... competition@whatreallyworks.co.uk

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*Disclaimer: The advice in this newsletter should not be taken as a substitute for medical advice or treatment, especially if you know you have a specific health complaint. Our advice is that you find a GP who is sympathetic to the usefulness of natural medicine.