IMPORTANT NOTE: The information on these pages is intended to supplement the care of a skilled physician, and should not be used as a replacement for medical care. Some of the medical conditions discussed here are serious. Be sure to consult with a qualified physician if you feel you have a serious condition or are in need of medical care.

Essential Fatty Acids

Essential Fatty Acids are those that our bodies cannot produce. They are essential to a healthy life and must be consumed via food sources. Essential fatty acids are found in flax, evening primrose, borage, black currant, and unrefined polyunsaturated vegetable oils. They increase one’s vitality and are key in reducing the incidences of chronic degenerative diseases such as cancer, stroke and heart disease.

Other benefits and functions of Essential Fatty Acids include:

Produce steroids and synthesizing hormones
Direct endocrine hormones to their target cells
Maintain proper kidney function and fluid balance
Regulate pressure in the eye, joints and blood vessels
Maintain elasticity of blood vessels: dilation/constriction
Transport oxygen from the red blood cells to tissues
Keep saturated fats mobile in the blood stream
Prevent blood cells from clumping together (atherosclerosis, blood clots, strokes)
Primary energy source for the heart muscle
Regulate smooth muscle and autonomic reflexes
Regulate nerve transmission
Regulate response to pain, inflammation and swelling
Mediate the immune response
Regulate bodily secretions and their viscosity (vaginal dryness)
Are the primary constituents of cellular membranes
Maintain the fluidity and rigidity of cellular membranes
Regulate the in-flow and out flow of substances into and out of each cell in the body
Regulate the rate at which cells divide
Control allergic responses by mediating the release of pro-inflammatory substances from cells

From Michael T.Murray, N.D. and Jade Beutler, R.R.T., R.C.P.’s book: Understanding Fats and Oils: Your Guide to Healing with Essential Fatty Acids, pp 1-2

Estrogenic Herbs: Alfalfa (mature plant only, no sprouts), Anise, Black Cohosh, Burdock, DongQuai (angelica root), Ginseng, Fennel, Sage

Progesteronic Herbs: Licorice (avoid if have high blood pressure), Sarsaparilla, Wild Yam