Client Success Stories
Our senior naturopath, Elisabeth Singler, has helped thousands of patients regain their health and live happier and fuller lives. Here are some of her most memorable cases:
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia
Problem
A 55-year old male patient contracted a viral illness 2.5 years ago while living in the tropics. The severity of his illness meant hospital admission. Then, within three months, he was diagnosed with reactive arthritis. To combat his diagnosis his specialist prescribed 35mg of Prednisone daily as well as weekly Humira injections.
For the last 2.5 years, he had been unable to work due to severe swelling, pain and fatigue in his joints. He was only able to be active for 2 or 3 hours a day and suffered from a fuzzy head, unable to concentrate and run down with severe fatigue.
When he presented to the clinic, he was very sceptical about naturopathy but thought it was his last chance to find some relief.
The initial examination revealed very swollen joints in his fingers, hands, wrists, elbows, knees and ankles. The fibromyalgia trigger points were tested and found to be extremely painful. We then ordered blood tests which revealed elevated liver enzymes, low levels of Serum Zinc and Vitamin D, as well as high CRP and ESR.
Prescribed Treatment Solution
First, we prescribed a nutrient-dense, alkalising, anti-inflammatory diet, with fresh vegetable juice daily. The client was advised to add anti-inflammatory herbs like turmeric and ginger to his daily diet.
The aim was to assist the body to heal itself by supporting the immune system, restore cellular energy production and aid tissue healing. It was also important that the treatment did not interfere with the medications prescribed by his doctor while giving his liver additional support to minimise the side effects of the medications.
We prescribed practitioner strength Vitamin D and C as his blood tests had shown that he was deficient. These vitamins are essential for tissue healing and repair. Additional supplements recommended where Lipoic Acid, Co Enzyme Q 10, Acetyl-L-carnitine, B-Vitamins and Magnesium to support mitochondrial energy production.
We then formulated a herbal tonic to help his immune system and restore his energy levels. Some of the herbs used were:
- Cats Claw and Echinacea – immune modulating herbs
- Qing Hoa, Manuka and Thuja – antimicrobial herbs
- Rehmannia, Ginger and Devils Claw – anti-inflammatory herbs
- Withania, Siberian Ginseng and Rehmannia – adaptogens to restore energy
- St Mary’s Thistle – helps to protect the liver
Result
The herbal and dietary changes made remarkable improvements to his condition. His energy restored to full power, plus he was enjoying a full night’s sleep again. His joints were no longer swollen and painful. His specialist could cease the Humira injection and reduce the Prednisone to 3 mg in stages. He was finally able to return to work within 5 months of treatment.
Child suffering with Constipation
Problem
A 1-year old girl was suffering constipation, with bowel movements occurring only every 5-7 days. To ease the strain and pain of passing rock hard pebbles, her paediatrician prescribed regular laxatives. However, her parents wanted to find the root cause of the issue rather than simply treat the symptoms.
Prescribed Treatment Solution
First, we prescribed a gluten-free and A1 casein-free diet. Gluten and cow’s milk intolerance are associated with chronic constipation.
If digestion is weak, A1 Casein is broken down to a damaging peptide (a smaller chain of amino acids) called beta-casomorphin, or BCM-7, instead of the individual amino acids.
The Gluten is broken down into a peptide called Gluten Exorphin-C, another opioid peptide. Like any of the Opiates, these opiate-peptides cause constipation.
Fibre is essential for gut and colon health and can help prevent constipation. We prescribed flaxseed and a prune tea to help increase the child’s fibre levels. This aids in adding bulk and moistening the stool to make defecation easier.
A high-quality multi-strain probiotic formulated for children was prescribed to restore the microbiome. Clinical trials have demonstrated a benefit for probiotics in chronic functional constipation.
We prescribed herbal medicine to help strengthen her digestive system.
- Dandelion root is a mild laxative and stimulates the flow of bile, our bodies natural laxative.
- Chamomile is known as the children’s herb. It is spasmolytic, anti-inflammatory and healing to the intestinal mucosa. This nervine herb also has relaxing properties which can help a tense and sensitive child with contracted bowels.
- Gentian aids in digestive weakness, hypochlorhydria, food sensitivities and constipation.
- Golden Seal is a bitter tonic which can help heal mucous linings. It is a known anti-inflammatory and can assist in modifying bowel flora.
Result:
The child had great results with the prescribed treatment. Her mother reported that after only 4 days the child now had soft formed bowel motions 1-2 times daily. Furthermore, the child was now much calmer, less anxious and sleeping better.
High levels of stress weaken the immune system
Problem
A 48-year-old woman came to see us wanting to strengthen her immune system as she was constantly run down with illnesses. Within the last four months alone, she had required multiple doses of antibiotics to battle tonsillitis and chest infections. She was also currently taking Amoxicillin for bronchitis.
She was also suffering from erratic sleeping patterns due to constant stress from running her business. Long work hours had led to adrenal fatigue and a weak immune system.
Prescribed Treatment Solution
After assessing the client we commenced treatment with a tailor-made herbal mix containing the following:
- Echinacea and Astragalus – immune building herbs
- Liquorice Root, Pelargonium, Mullein, Elecampane and Ribwort – herbs that support the respiratory system
- Rehmannia, Siberian Ginseng, and Rhodiola – herbs to restore adrenal health
To combat her erratic sleep disorder, an evening tonic was formulated with calming sleep herbs including Skullcap, Passionflower, Mexican Valerian and Chamomile.
The next step was to examine her lifestyle. This meant introducing changes such as meditation, listening to relaxing music 1 hour before bed and avoiding blue light while working on the computer or mobile phone late at night. We also recommended having a weekly 1-hour massage to help further diminish stress.
Exercise has many benefits and we recommend the client introduce 1 hour of exercise five days a week. Some examples include walking, cycling, strength training and yoga. Regular exercise is vital for general health and can greatly help reduce stress levels.
Lastly, because of the client’s long work hours, a herbal tonic with apoptogenic herbs and nervines was recommended to support the body.
Result:
The lifestyle changes together with the herbal tonic cleared her bronchitis within two weeks of commencing treatment.
After four weeks of taking the herbal tonic and regular exercise, the client was feeling rejuvenated. She was able to get a full nights sleep and waking refreshed. Her health and energy had improved and she said her work performance and focus had also improved greatly
