Oolong tea helps ease the heartbreak of eczema

Q. Thank you for your advice to try oolong tea for eczema. It's been like a miracle.
I've had eczema on my scalp for most of my life. I would have terrible itching and scaling on my scalp that would usually bleed and scab over. It's worse around the hairline and is embarrassing as well as painful.
I had tried everything my doctor prescribed: Nizoral, Elidel, topical steroids in oils and shampoos and even an injection. Nothing worked until the tea. I've been drinking it for about two weeks now, and I'd say there's been at least an 85-percent improvement.
A. You aren't the only reader to find oolong tea helpful. One person with hard-to-treat eczema reported: "The last time I had an outbreak, I tried oolong tea, and the results were amazing. Within 24 hours, the itching and inflammation were gone. It took a couple of days, but the lesions disappeared and didn't leave scars."
Japanese researchers reported that patients with a form of eczema improved after drinking a liter of oolong tea daily (Archives of Dermatology, January 2001). We have found no follow-up studies on this fascinating therapy.
Q. I got my first kidney stone 25 years ago. I now get several each year. Successive urologists have advised me to drink lots of water and cranberry juice. Recently, you advised against cranberry juice. Why?
A. Some research suggests that cranberry juice can help ward off urinary-tract infections. New data show, however, that this beverage may actually increase the chance of kidney stones developing in some people at high risk.
Scientists found that cranberry juice increases the amount of calcium and oxalate in urine (Journal of Urology, August 2005). These are the main components of many kidney stones.
Q. No matter how careful I've been about my diet, I haven't been able to get my cholesterol below 240. My doctor finally prescribed 40 mg of Lipitor, which has worked extremely well. My total cholesterol is under 180.
Unfortunately, I've paid a high price. My muscles ache, and I have joint pain and muscle cramps in my calves. I also worry that my memory is not as good as it was.
My neighbor had similar side effects with Zocor and Crestor. He says Co-Q10 helps reduce the pain. My doctor's never heard of this and says I need to keep taking Lipitor. What can you tell me about Co-Q10 or other supplements?
A. Statin-type drugs such as Lipitor, Zocor and Crestor can sometimes deplete an important nutrient called Coenzyme Q-10. This vitaminlike compound is essential for energy production within cells.
As long as your doctor is monitoring your blood for enzyme elevation, you may be able to keep taking Lipitor if you add nutrients like Co-Q10. Cardiologist and author Stephen Sinatra believes that this compound is essential for anyone taking a statin.
We are sending you a CD with our hourlong radio interview with Dr. Sinatra, along with our Guides to Heart Health and Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs for more details on Co-Q10 and other crucial heart-healthy nutrients. Order online at www.peoplespharmacy.com or by sending $18 to: Graedons' People's Pharmacy, No. CDL-553, P.O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027.
XIn their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of The Vindicator or e-mail them via their Web site: www.Peoples-Pharmacy.com. & copy; 2005 King Features Syndicate Inc.