OBJECTIVES : Background on how products are researched and developed
Our approach to investigating a health condition is unique and original. We look for the cause of the problem, find out how things work, select ways to deal with the situation and set to work on experiments until we have a few good, safe, practical solutions. Many of our cases involve patients who have already been unsuccessful with cortisone, antibiotics, hormone replacements, surgery and so on. In some cases we are asked by doctors to provide alternatives for particular patients, adding to the learning curve threefold. Our results are demonstrated by the way patients respond to herbal alternatives and nutritional supplements. In many cases we are able to produce a line of products and have them tested in their practices.
Sue is often asked to write for health publications and now contributes to the international Townsend Letter and SA Medical Academic CPD portal, writing articles for doctors of integrative health. In 1996 she wrote her first paper on fluoride, followed by one on calcium that were read out at major Medical conferences and scrutinized by the Dental board and Osteoporosis Foundation. Her 1996 TV and radio interviews on fluoride caused such an enthusiastic and supportive response we produced toothpaste and Calcium complex.
Finding the absolute truth about a problem is the most vital part of reaching a workable solution. Products now carry SAPHRA based disclaimers on the labels and herbal ingredients are backed up by EEC monographs. We try to promote health and happiness in every way we can and deal personally with health queries, being able to refer patients to practitioners or give them options to discuss with their doctors. Hippocrates once said: “Let your food be your medicine and let your medicine be your food”.
FLUORIDE FREE TOOTHPASTE FOR SUPERMARKETS?
During 1996 we were approached by members of the safe water foundation to investigate the dangers of ingesting too much fluoride from toothpaste. Many people had complained openly about the lack of fluoride free toothpaste in supermarkets. It was not easy to make toothpaste but we persevered and developed a fluoride free alternative. We approached Pick ’n Pay in the Western Cape who agreed to list our range of toothpaste. For the past few years, countless people suffering from gum diseases and periodontal disorders have found relief. There was a very enthusiastic response to the radio interview on Women Today; many appreciative customers have complimented us on our product.
When you can avoid the need for a dental operation costing thousands of Rand it does change your life. Other dental patients no longer need to have their teeth cleaned every few months to remove plaque and tartar as the toothpaste keeps it under control. Mothers are happy to use our special Junior formulation for babies and small children as it is non-toxic and safe to swallow. The water supply is also safer as fluoride is no longer being recycled from this toothpaste. Many dentists have approached us and are now seeing a great improvement in the health of their patients’ mouths.
MAKING A RANGE OF LOW COST MINERAL SUPPLEMENTS FOR THE MASSES
South Africans are prone to basic mineral deficiencies that affect all ages. Our food is no longer providing adequate nutrition and early symptoms of deficiencies are expressed as hyperactivity, menstrual disorders, allergies, tooth and gum problems, cramps and eventually osteoarthritis and osteoporosis in later life. We were alarmed at the cost of calcium supplements and of the general ignorance of the public in this area. It is not easy to encourage people to prevent osteoporosis.
We feel that the best way to help with the prevention of osteoporosis is by making calcium and magnesium supplements pleasant, cheap and attractive to take. This we have done for the past ten years. Costs are kept down so that for a few cents instead of a few Rand a day, an adequate amount of calcium is ingested. We monitor the side effects and have at present three good formulations that are now being prescribed by doctors. Costs can be reclaimed on medical aid.
This product has changed my life by preserving my bone density: I am 62 years old yet my bone scan reveals a positive balance corresponding to that of an adolescent. I practice what I preach and aim to improve the bone density of ladies suffering from osteoporosis by at least 5 – 10% per year. Our oldest test volunteer has seen an improvement of over 15% during the past three years. We try to recommend practical and affordable food supplements and dietary changes and observe how a patient’s hormonal status is affected. We also like to hear about other health problems people encounter as this may offer many clues to their current condition.
SKIN CARE PRODUCTS FOR SENSITIVE SKINS, ALLERGIES & YEAST INFECTIONS
In response to numerous complaints about skin irritations and infections caused by commercial skin products, we have developed a range of bathing and skin care products that are helping to clear up problem skins, especially teenagers. Commercial products such as bubble baths and aqueous creams are often based on petrochemicals and corrosive detergents. We have frequently recommended the use of rooibos tea, salt and cider vinegar for people suffering from vaginal irritations and infections: this relieves itching and burning and eliminates odours. Yoghurt also helps these ladies.
Our research has shown that vaginal pH is between 3,5 and 4. In other words, it is acidic.Most soaps are very alkaline at between 8 and 11. By making a bubble bath with a pH of 3,5 – 4, we have solved several problems, especially for little girls who are not allowed to use commercial bubble baths. The bubbles last throughout the bath and the same product is used for washing.
We often receive reports from people using our Aloe Skin Therapy Gel. From rashes and sunburn to insect bites and acne, it is helping to soothe and comfort skin irritations where expensive equivalents have failed. By using Fynbos herbs like : Wild camphor, sage, bucchu and aloe extracts, we help to promote local medicinal plants.
VOLUNTARY RESEARCH PROJECTS
Human beings were created to be well, not sickly. Why do we place such a heavy burden on our medical systems? We could avoid many of these expenses if we were made more aware of how to stay healthy. We investigated a number of alternative medical practices such as Homeopathy, Reflexology and Naturopathy to experience the benefits they had to offer. Over the years Sue took on the responsibility of caring for the health and nutrition of the family. Gradually we began to benefit from simple dietary changes and food supplements. We found that calcium supplements were very expensive and began to formulate our own.
Getting to know how to use simple Homeopathic remedies changed our lives and antibiotics were a thing of the past. It was also goodbye to depression, fatigue, frequent colds, allergies and other stress-related disorders. We are now fully committed to help all South Africans with the products we develop for mass markets. We refuse to add to costs by using pyramid-marketing systems that can result in excessive mark ups. Preventative medicine should be made as cheap as possible. In fact, Sue has never charged anybody for her valuable time she has spent with them.
Several of Sue’s papers on fluoride, osteoporosis and hormone therapy have been read by Doctors at medical conferences. Her information on osteoporosis: “Ten things you need to know about calcium.” was presented by Dr. Brom of the Complimentary Health Association at a recent seminar on Robben Island. It was well received and many Health Practitioners throughout the country are now prescribing our NATURE FRESH mineral supplements as Dr Brom’s survey on calcium supplements showed we have the most comprehensive formulation at the lowest possible cost. We make economical mineral powders for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis and they can be paid for by medical aid schemes such as Medicredit if they are prescribed by doctors.
NATURAL HRT (HORMONAL RESTORATION THERAPY) : A REPORT BY SUE VISSER
During the past two years, I have been pioneering a field study on hormonal activities relating to stress, depression and the menopause. Our new South African Herbal product is being tested and will soon be patented and released. The need for a safe and natural way to help women overcome their menstrual and menopausal distress is so great that I decided to do something about the situation. I developed and tested the product on myself for over a year with good results. A well-known organization encouraged me to undertake more trials and intend to claim the right to market the product both in South Africa and Internationally.
Happy volunteers have reported relief from migraines, headaches, PMT, hot flushes, sore breasts, bad moods and depression. The product is totally natural, is hormone free, fast acting and non-toxic. A spin-off from this substance acts as a natural form of birth control but this needs further research. More details cannot be released, due to a confidentiality agreement with my clients, but some significant changes are in the pipeline with regard to hormone replacement therapy.
Women are encouraged to go onto HRT because of the threat of mid-life complications.Synthetic hormones carry a well – known cancer risk, yet are prescribed to women who may not even need them. Many women are led to believe that an estrogen supplement will solve all their problems and are then told that they have a heart condition and cannot take it. There are also dangers attached to taking estrogen for more than 10 years. What then?
A lot of literature is available on overcoming these problems naturally. We have developed cosmetic products that give instant relief from conditions that affect the sex lives of men and women. Research in India and inspiration from the Kama Sutra has resulted in a new intimate product that sensitizes and lubricates all the necessary places. This provides an instant alternative to dryness, especially as conventional HRT, often prescribed for this problem, may only take effect after a few months. NATURE FRESH Tea Tree Lubricant for minor infections, fragranced Wild Rose for some fun, and Clear fragrance- free gel lubricants are complemented by our Vaginal washes with Tea Tree or Rooibos to maintain the pH balance of the vagina.
ALTERNATIVE REMEDIES FOR DIABETES & INSULIN RESISTENCE
We are at present testing natural formulations to lower blood sugar without the use of drugs. During the past year I have tested a method of stabilizing blood sugar in laboratory animals. This involved baking special muffins containing soya, oats, flax seeds, trace elements and various fibre rich foods. I now manufacture tablets made of natural substances such as herbs, spices and food supplements.
Diabetic volunteers, working with their doctors, are effectively reducing their blood sugar levels to below those they were normally achieving. Some patients are keen to reduce their medications under medical supervision. The addition of a palatable soya powder to their daily food is also helping to keep blood sugar levels stable. For hypoglycemia this form of protein and slow-digesting fibre avoids extremes in blood sugar levels.
Ground up flax seeds also provide complex fibres, Omega 3 and protein to the diet.I am also testing the use of a sugar free treatment for hypoglycemia that involves potassium chloride. So far, it has been very effective as it prevents the rebound from excessive glucose therapy.