GRAEDONS | People's Herbal Pharmacy Breathing method can help asthmatics

Q. My doctor suggested I take up the flute to help with my asthma. As I increased my breath control, my breathing problems were less severe.
But it wasn't until I learned to breathe from the diaphragm that the flute playing and the asthma both improved dramatically. I haven't had an attack in years. Is there any information on this kind of breathing for asthmatics?
A. Scientists are finding that relaxation and attention to deep breathing can improve health problems as varied as anxiety, depression, diabetes and hypertension. We have spoken with asthmatics who report that the Buteyko method of breath control is helpful in reducing the number and severity of attacks.
It is based on the theory that asthmatics tend to hyperventilate and need to learn to relax their breathing as well as breathe from the diaphragm.
Experts have shared more details about how changing breathing patterns can affect health, especially blood pressure and asthma. Those who would like to learn more about Buteyko and other approaches may want to order a CD of this hourlong radio interview. It is available for $15 from the People's Pharmacy, CD-489, P.O. Box 52027, Durham, N.C. 27717-2027.
Q. I'm so glad pomegranates are back in season. I love them! Are there health benefits from eating pomegranates, so I don't have to feel bad about spending money on them?
A. Scientists keep finding new powers for pomegranates. One recent study shows that an extract of this fruit discourages the development of prostate cancers in an animal model (Journal of Medicinal Food, Fall 2004). Another study shows that eating pomegranates can reduce total cholesterol and bad LDL cholesterol and improve lipid ratios in diabetics.
Previous research has shown that consuming pomegranate fruit or juice can help lower blood pressure and help keep blood platelets from sticking together to form unwanted clots.
Q. Whenever we cook beans we include a small piece of fresh ginger root. It adds flavor and avoids the problem with gas. Maybe it will help someone else.
A. Ginger has a long tradition as a digestive aid and anti-flatulent. Thanks for sharing your home remedy.
Q. I have read in your column that Listerine can be used to clear up dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. How would one go about using it? Is the entire head covered with Listerine? How long do you leave it on?
I have suffered with an itchy scalp from seborrheic dermatitis. It has not responded to the dandruff shampoos my dermatologist recommended.
A. A yeast infection is believed to be responsible for both bad dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. That's why anti-fungal shampoos like Nizoral (ketoconazole) or Selsun Blue (selenium sulfide) are usually effective.
The herbal ingredients in Listerine might have antifungal properties, but home remedies rarely come with specific guidelines. We have heard from many readers that original formula Listerine massaged into the scalp can relieve itching and dandruff. Based on what we know about dandruff shampoo, you might want to apply Listerine to the entire scalp, leave it on for five minutes, and then wash it out with shampoo.
One reader who followed this approach reports: "Thank you for writing about Listerine. I tried the treatment, and my seborrheic dermatitis has improved tremendously. The itching is almost gone."
XIn their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of King Features Syndicate, 888 Seventh Ave., New York, N.Y. 10019, or e-mail them at pharmacy@mindspring.com or via their Web site: www.peoplespharmacy.org. Their latest book is "The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies" (St. Martin's Press).
& copy; 2004 King Features Syndicate Inc.