By Jonathan Evans
Herbal Information Specialist for the Herbarium
Fall has finally arrived and I am in heaven. Cool, dry days, and the herbs are being harvested. Our stock of bulk herbs looks and smells wonderful. Mulling spice season is here and the apple cider is ready.
Reader feedback
I have to say the response to my September column was amazing. I got emails, phone calls and letters asking for more information about the drugs for osteoporosis and how they were not as good as the pharmaceutical industry claimed. I know several people who took the information and had long talks with their healthcare providers.
(Editor’s note: If you missed the article on bone loss treatments, you can read it online at http://primeontheweb.com/primehealth/bonelosswhyfosamax/)
Latest alternative medicine news
Every so often I have the chance to go through some of our industry magazines and journals, finding little tidbits of information that you won’t find in the regular press. The following are some of the new information I have gleaned.
Parkinson’s Disease: A study published in Nutrition Research and Practice showed high dietary intake of alpha- carotene, beta-carotene and lycopene are linked with reduced risk or progression of Parkinson’s Disease. These nutrients are found in bright colored fruits and vegetables, therefore increased consumption of red, orange and yellow fruits and vegetables may help reduce the risk of Parkinson’s Disease development.
Bone density: From Milan, Italy, a small study of 57 individuals showed intake of one gram of curcumin – one of the ingredients in turmeric – showed improved bone density within 24 weeks. So if you are taking turmeric for your arthritis or other inflammatory condition, you may be getting an extra-added benefit.
Eye health: Some eye health suggestions, especially for you folks who are permanently attached to your smart-phones, tablets and computers. Of all the light on the visible spectrum, blue light is the most harmful to our eyes. It penetrates deep into the eye, damaging photoreceptors and jeopardizing long term eye health.
This light can cause short-term effects like headache, eye fatigue or blurred vision. Long-term effects include retinal damage, lower quality of vision or even poor sleep habits. The eye protects itself from blue light with the macular pigment in the back of the eye. That pigment is made up of primarily two carotenoids-lutein and zeaxanthin and are most abundant in dark green veggies and yellow and orange fruits. Unfortunately most people do not consume enough of these foods, so supplementation is a more practical method of getting the right amounts, which are 2 mg of zeaxanthin and 10 mg of lutein.
Along with a healthy diet, the 20-20-20 rule is suggested. Every twenty minutes stare at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds and try to remember to blink – it’s a great way to keep your eyes well lubricated.
Chronic liver disease: New research from the Westmead Institute’s Storr Liver Centre (Australia) report a study demonstrating zinc naturally inhibits the inflammatory and antiviral effects of interferon lambda 3, a protein strongly associated with tissue damage in chronic liver disease. The data highlights the potential for zinc to be used as a simple, effective treatment for chronic inflammation of the liver. Additionally, Milk thistle and alpha-lipoic acid are very beneficial for liver health.
Olive oil benefits: Scientists from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland found a compound in olive oil may help to prevent cancer developing in the brain. Oleic acid- one of a group of nutrients known as fatty acids- stimulates the production of cell molecules whose function is to prevent cancer-causing proteins from forming.
“While we cannot yet say that olive oil prevents brain cancer, our findings do suggest oleic acid can support production of tumor suppressing molecules in cells grown in the lab,” said Dr. Gracjan Michlewski of the University’s School of Biological Sciences.
The study was published in the Journal of Molecular Biology.
Probiotics: There is more research on the importance of probiotics and your health. Conditions ranging from IBS, IBD, Crohn’s disease, GERD, food sensitivities, the list goes on and on. In an upcoming issue I will give you more detail on these helpful little bacterias.
– Jonathan
Send questions on botanical remedies to: Natures Rx: Jonathan Evans at herbarium258@gmail.com, or by regular mail to: The Herbarium, 264 Exchange St., Chicopee, Mass. 01013. If requesting additional info, include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
