Warm your up with Chinese herbal tea in the winter

Ingredients: Jujube, Longan Fruits, Gouqi berry and water boiled for a few minutes

This tea can help nourish blood, calm the mind and improve sleep. 

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Keep warm in the winter with modified ginger tea, Chinese herbal tea.

Ginger, Gouqizi, and Chenpi tea

Ingredients: Gouqi berry, orange skin washed, Ginger and water

boiled for a few minutes

This tea can help release coughing and phlegm; reduce bloating and diarrhea.

Why is it good to drink ginger tea?

Ginger can help your defence system.

Macrophages a type of defence cells in the body play a dual role in host defence. They act as the first line of defence by mounting an inflammatory response to antigen exposure and also act as antigen presenting cells and initiate the adaptive immune response. They are also the primary infiltrating cells at the site of inflammation. Inhibition of macrophage activation is one of the possible approaches towards modulating inflammation. Ginger, an herbal product with broad anti inflammatory actions was shown that it regulates immune function by inhibiting macrophage activation. A study has shown that ginger ginger improves on cytotoxicity induced by paraben (p-hydroxybenzoic acid) on red blood cells (RBC) in vitro from healthy adult human beings (25-30 years).

Ginger can help protect human bronchial epithelial cells.

Traditionally, ginger is used as an antiinflammatory drug. A recent study tested the effect of ginger extract in inflammation of human bronchial epithelial cells. They found that ginger extracts can reduce inflammatory substances production and suggested that distinct ginger compounds could be used as antiinflammatory drugs in respiratory infections.

Ginger reduces inflammatory and oxidative stress

This review investigated the effects of ginger supplementation on markers of inflammatory and oxidative stress. They evaluated the effects of ginger on some inflammation markers including serum CRP (C-reactive protein), TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor-alpha), IL-6 (interleukin-6), PGE2 (prostaglandin E2), TAC (total antioxidant capacity), and MDA (malondialdehyde). The results of this study indicated a statistically significant effect of ginger on serum CRP, TNF-α, IL-6, TAC, and MDA levels following ginger supplementation in compared to the controls. Also, the effects of ginger on serum PGE2 was marginally significant. They suggested that ginger supplementation has a significant effects on serum inflammatory and oxidative stress markers.

References

Tripathi S et al BMC Complement Altern Med. 2008 Jan 3;8:1. doi: 10.1186/1472-6882-8-1.

Ginger extract inhibits LPS induced macrophage activation and function.

Asnani V, Verma RJ. Acta Pol Pharm. 2006 Mar-Apr;63(2):117-9. Aqueous ginger extract ameliorates paraben induced cytotoxicity.

Podlogar JA, Verspohl EJ. Phytother Res. 2012 Mar;26(3):333-6. doi: 10.1002/ptr.3558. Epub 2011 Jun 23. Antiinflammatory effects of ginger and some of its components in human bronchial epithelial (BEAS-2B) cells.

Jalali M et al Phytother Res. 2020 Mar 8. doi: 10.1002/ptr.6638. [Epub ahead of print]

The effects of ginger supplementation on markers of inflammatory and oxidative stress: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials.

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How many eggs retrieved in IVF are good numbers?

How many eggs retrieved in IVF are good numbers?

IVF becomes a popular technique for infertility treatment since it was invented 30 years ago. During the procedure it is difficult to predict the side effect and success for individuals. IVF success rate is related to egg number retrieved in the procedure. What is the optimum number of eggs for IVF? Is there a connection between egg numbers and live birth rate (LBR)? Ji J et al analysed the data from 2007 and 2011 from total 2455 patients who was undergoing first cycle of IVF treatment. All patients had normal menstrual cycles and were stimulated with a long GnR agonist protocol. Associations between egg number and LBR and miscarriage rate and the rate of moderate-severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) were analysed. These patients were divided into four groups according to the egg number retrieved: 0-5, 6-10,11-15 and >15. The fresh embryo transfer LBR and cumulative LBR were assessed. Their data suggested that for IVF cycles stimulated with a long protocol the optimal number of eggs for achieving a live birth is between 6-15. With increased egg number, the incidence of moderate-severe OHSS was increased. There was no significant difference in the miscarriage rates among the patient groups.

There was another research studied the association between egg number and the rates of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and live birth in fresh IVF cycles. In this research they analysed data from 256381 IVF cycles. Patients were divided into five groups according to the egg numbers retrieved. The data showed that the LB rate increased up to 15 eggs, then levelled (0-5: 17%, 6-10: 31.7%; 11-15: 39.3%; 16-20: 42.7%; 21-25: 43.8%; and >25 oocytes: 41.8%). While the rate of OHSS became much more clinically significant after 15 eggs (0-5: 0.09%; 6-10: 0.37%; 11-15: 0.93%; 16-20: 1.67%; 21-25: 3.03%; and >25 oocytes: 6.34%). These data showed that retrieval more than 15 eggs significantly inceases OHSS risk without improving LB rate in fresh IVF cycles.

Acupuncture reduces pain in IVF egg retrieval

Acupuncture has been used to assist IVF. There are different approaches for the use. Using acupuncture on the day of egg retrieval could help reduce pain. There was a study on this subject to observe analgesic effect and safety of acupuncture in egg retrieval. In this study 316 patients undergoing IVF were divided into two groups acupuncture plus anaesthesia group (146 patients) and a simple anaesthesia (control) group (170 patients). The treatments were carried out 30 min before egg retrieval. They found that pain rating and pain score were significantly better for acupuncture group than that for control group. The incidence rate of abdominal pain at 1hour and 2-5 hour after egg retrieval was lower for acupuncture group. There was no side effect found. Recently there was another study on the effect of acupuncture on pain in egg retrieval. In this study there were 90 patients participated the study. The treatments were also carried out 30 min before egg retrieval. Pain rated index (PRI), visual analogy scale (VAS) and present pain intensity (PPI) were used to measure pain. The result showed that PRI, VAS and PPI immediate after and 1 hour after egg retrieval were significantly lower for acupuncture group than that for control group. They also found that neuropeptide level in follicular fluid is higher in acupuncture group which may be the mechanism of acupuncture analgesic effect on egg retrieval.

References

Nedeljkovic M et al Forsch Komplementmed (2013) 20:112-8

Manheimer E et al (2008) BMJ 8: 545-549

Zheng CH et al Evid Based Complement Alternat Med (2012)2012:543924

Kong FY et al Zhongguo Zhen Jiu (2012) 32:113-116

Chen J et al Zhongguo Zhen Jiu (2009) 29:775-9

Cui W et al Zhongguo Zhen Jiu (2011) 31:687-691

Dieterle S et al Fertil Steril (2006) 85:1347-51

Isoyama D et al Acupunct Med (2012) 30:85-8

Balk J et al Complement Ther Clin Pract (2010) 16:154-7

Villahemosa et al Acupunct Med 2013 31:157-62

Meng P et al Zhongguo Zhen Jiu (2008) 28:451-5

Zhang J et al J Tradit Chin Med (2013) 33:294-7

Steward RG et al Fertil Steril (2014) S0015-0282

Ji J et al Hum Reprod (2013) Jul 25

How to check your ovulation? What is the easiest way?

What is basal body temperature? Basal body temperature (BBT) is the lowest body temperature during rest. It is usually measured in the morning as soon as you wake up and before you engage any physical activity. In women, BBT changes with the menstrual cycles. If you make a daily BBT chart in a full menstrual cycle you can see the BBT chart is biphasic which means there are two temperature phases. Ovulation increases BBT for about up to 0.5 degree Celsius. The average BBT is 36.37 ±0.12 ºC during follicular phase (the phase prior to ovulation) and 36.72 ±0.12 ºC in luteal phase (the phase after ovulation). If conception does not occur, the temperature goes down and then the next menstrual cycle starts. If the conception occurs, the temperature stays at the higher level until the end of first trimester of the pregnancy.

If you are trying to conceive, making your BBT chart is the easiest way to know if or when you are ovulated precisely, though it does not predict ovulation. Your BBT chart also can tell if your body is the best form and is ready to sustain a pregnancy. BBT was regulated by hormones estrogen and progesterone which produced by ovaries. High levels of estrogen lower BBTs while high levels of progesterone increase BBTs. If your BBT chart is normal, this means your ovaries are functioning well and you are ready for pregnancy.

If you have difficulty to conceive, it may reflex on your BBT chart. For example, if you are not ovulating, your BBT chart does not have two phases. If you have short luteal phase which is difficult to sustain your pregnancy it shows a disturbed BBT chart. If your first three day’s BBT is greater than 36.6 ºC, this may be associated with endometriosis. 

Read more about acupuncture for fertility <drmaggiejuacupuncture.co.uk>

Infertility and hormones, how can acupuncture help?

If you are having difficulty to conceive, what could go wrong? Things could go wrong either in women or in men or both. About one-third of infertility is caused by women’s problem. Another one third is due to men’s problem. The remaining one third is caused by both women and men.

Egg and sperm quality
High quality of eggs is essential for conceiving. Women are born with millions of follicles. These follicles stay in the cortex of ovaries where they will develop and some of them will be mature and released. This is a long process and it takes about a year for an egg to develop and to be released. The original follicles are preantral type of follicles. These follicles are in deep sleep stage. Some of them will wake up and be recruited to develop. This is preantral development which is a slow process and it takes about 10 months. This process is hormone independent. After 10 months of development, some of them will be selected to develop to dominant follicles. It takes about 2 months for these dominant follicles to develop to a preovulatory stage. This stage is hormone dependent. And then one of the follicles will be mature and released in 15-20 days which is highly depending hormone balance.

Hormonal balance is the key in human reproductive system. In women, there are five hormones involved in reproductive function: gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) produced in hypothalamus (a part of the brain), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) both produced in pituitary gland (another part of the brain), and oestrogen and progesterone both produced in ovaries located in pelvis. To be fertile, these five hormones have to be well balanced, which means they have to be at the right level at the right time. If the balance is disturbed at any points in a cycle, this would affect fertility. Most of the infertility in women is caused by imbalanced hormones. Hormonal imbalance could cause poor egg development; as a result, poor quality egg is produced (fertilization is affected) or no egg is released in the mid-cycle. Hormonal imbalance could also cause poor uterine lining affecting implantation and causing early pregnancy loss.

The hormonal system is very sensitive, even a slightly change can disrupt hormonal production leading to anovulation. Common causes related to hormonal imbalance include stress, anxiety and eating disorders which are associated with inhibition of GnRH production in hypothalamus. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common cause of infertility which is associated with hormonal imbalance. Excessive male hormones (androgens) were produced in women with PCOS. Another hormonal imbalance is excessive production of hormone LH which is involved in stimulating ovary to produce hormones.

Sperm production in men is different. Sperm production and maturation takes about 74 days. Sperm production takes place in testicles where temperature is lower than body temperature. This process is hormone dependent and follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) and Luternizing hormone (LH) are involved in the process. This process takes about 60 days. Sperms produced then mature in epididymis where they obtain motility and it take about 14 days.

In men there are four hormones involved in reproductive function: GnRH, FSH and LH produced in brain, and testosterone produced in testicle located in scrotum. Hormonal imbalance in men causes poor sperm development resulting in low sperm count and/or poor sperm quality. Stress can disturb hormonal balance affecting men’s fertility.

To improve fertility, correcting hormonal imbalance is the key. It takes time (at least a few months) to restore hormonal balance; sometimes it takes much longer than you expected. So determination and patience are needed to achieve the goal. Acupuncture treatment could help restoring hormonal balance by stimulating sympathetic nerve and lowering sympathetic activity. Balanced diet and regular exercises could also help.

Local chronic inflammation is another important factor causing infertility. In women inflammation in pelvic area could cause fallopian tube spasm which blocks the eggs passing through. After lower abdominal surgery, or following pregnancy loss, inflammation could occur in pelvic area. Endometriosis causes inflammation in pelvic area surrounding the misplaced tissue affecting ovulation, egg transportation. Endometriosis is another common cause for infertility. In men inflammation in scrotum could impair sperms. Reducing local inflammation can significantly improve fertility in relatively short time, if there is no hormonal imbalance involved in infertility. Acupuncture can help reducing local inflammation by stimulating nerve endings and improving local blood flow.

Low AMH
AMH is short for anti-mullerian hormone. It is a substance made by small follicles in women’s ovaries. When the follicles grow bigger, they are no longer producing AMH. Since AMH is produced only in smaller follicles and its blood levels are constant, AMH has been used to measure the size of the pool of growing follicles in women. AMH blood levels reflect the size of the remaining egg supply. If your AMH is low, it means your egg supply is poor. With increasing women’s age, the size of their pool of remaining small follicles decreases. Their AMH levels and the number of ovarian small follicles visible on ultrasound also decrease. Some women may have problems of recruitment and development of follicles; in this case they have fewer follicles developed and their AMH tends to be low. Women with low AMH would have less chance to have good quality eggs. So they may have difficulty to conceive naturally. Women with low AMH level are likely to have poor response to ovarian stimulation for IVF and have fewer eggs retrieved. This reduces their chance to conceive via IVF.

Read more about how acupuncture can help to balance hormones at <drmaggiejuacupuncture.co.uk>

How too make Barley tea.

 

Roast Barley to brown and store in an air tight container. To make tea, add one spoon of roasted Barley and boiling water to a cup and leave it for 10 min.

Benefits of Barley tea. It contains vitamins along with antioxidants. Good for digestion, reducing bloating, anti-inflammatory and antiaging.

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Saffron tea, Chinese herbal tea

Saffron is a spice that comes from the flowers of crocus sativus Linné. Like many other herbs and spices, saffron can be prepared as a tea. The benefits of saffron tea include good for heart and lowing blood pressure, urinating problem, menstrual issues, eye disorders, stomach issues, mental health antidepressant. 

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Rosebuds tea, Chinese herbal tea

Roses have been used as tea, one of Chinese teas for thousands of years. Rose tea is made from the fragrant petals and buds of rose flowers.

The health benefits of rose tea are improving Qi and blood circulation, alleviating menstrual pain, antiaging effects, reducing allergic reactions, improving liver and heart health, anti inflammatory and anti arthritic effects, reducing stress, calming, soothing and anti depression, reducing fatigue, helping wound healing etc.

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