Fenugreek herb is often overlooked

Q. I found a spice in my spice rack that I had never heard of, and I had no instructions on how to use it. In researching fenugreek as a spice, I found that it is one of the most overlooked medicinal herbs.
It is used to lower cholesterol, control blood sugar and increase lactation (for breast-feeding mothers). The only side effect I found is nausea if you take too much. What do you know about this herb?
A. Studies in animals and humans show that fenugreek can lower cholesterol and blood sugar. If diabetics take fenugreek, they should monitor blood sugar to make sure it doesn't fall too much.
Fenugreek seeds are rich in soluble fiber and can be used to treat constipation. At high doses, this herb can cause digestive distress.
We didn't find any evidence that fenugreek could improve lactation, and "The Natural Health Bible" cautions pregnant and nursing women to avoid it.
Q. I have been having hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings and other change-of-life problems for more than a year. I had hoped these problems would eventually go away, but so far they haven't.
My doctor wants me to consider Premarin, but I worry about side effects, especially breast cancer. It runs in my family.
The other drug my doctor has suggested is Zoloft. But I am not depressed and don't want to deal with side effects from that drug either. Do you have information on natural alternatives that might help me withstand hot flashes, night sweats and interrupted sleep?
A. Black cohosh extract has been recommended for hot flashes. A double-blind study published in Obstetrics and Gynecology (May 2005) shows that the standardized product Remifemin is significantly more effective than placebo.
Another reader shared her experience with a different herb: "I have been using St. John's wort since discontinuing hormone replacement therapy. It has relieved many symptoms, including sleeplessness, stress and fits of temper."
We are sending you our Guides to St. John's Wort and Estrogen: Benefits, Risks and Interactions so you can learn more about various approaches for hot flashes. Anyone who would like copies, please send $3 in check or money order with a long (No. 10), stamped (60 cents), self-addressed envelope to: Graedons' People's Pharmacy, No. WV-82, P.O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027.
Before taking St. John's wort, you need to do some homework. This herb can interact with dozens of prescription medications and make them less effective. Black cohosh has been associated with rare reports of liver enzyme elevation.
Q. What can you tell me about policosanol? A friend has lowered her cholesterol by 50 points over the last year by taking it.
A. Policosanol is made from sugar cane wax, rice or beeswax. Studies have shown that this compound can lower bad LDL cholesterol. A new study published in the journal Clinical Drug Investigations (November 2005) confirms that policosanol lowers total cholesterol. Side effects are uncommon but may include digestive upset, skin rash and headache.
Q. With my high blood pressure, it's hard to find cold or cough medicine that is safe. My sister recommended black elderberry extract and zinc. It did the trick.
A. Elderberry-flower tea is a traditional remedy for colds and coughs. Many herbalists believe elderberry is more effective than echinacea. Studies of zinc against colds have produced mixed results, some positive but others negative. Neither remedy should increase blood pressure, though.
XIn their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of this newspaper or e-mail them via their Web site: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com.
& copy; 2005 King Features Syndicate Inc.