Thursday, May 29, 2008
Graedons |People’s Herbal Pharmacy
Q. I know you have written about taking turmeric for psoriasis. My fingernails are falling out from this condition. I would like to try turmeric. Is it safe?
A. There is growing interest in turmeric and its active ingredient curcumin for treating a variety of inflammatory conditions, including psoriasis.
One reader shared the following: “I had psoriasis on my feet and my hands so bad that I lost all the nails on my fingers. I went to doctor after doctor for my psoriasis, but nothing worked.
“Then I saw your article on turmeric. I started to put it in my food and my coffee, and within two weeks the psoriasis was better. Within three weeks, it was gone. My foot is no longer scaly, and the nails on my hands grew back.
“I told the doctor about this, but he didn’t believe me. Thanks to you, I have been free of psoriasis for six months.”
Not everyone will benefit as this reader did, and there are cautions. Some people experience skin rash or liver enzyme elevations.
Turmeric also may interact with Coumadin (warfarin) and increase the risk of bleeding.
A new study shows that turmeric increases oxalate in the urine, so it may increase the risk of kidney stones in susceptible people (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, May 2008).
Q. I have a urinary drip that used to require wearing heavy pads. My doctor prescribed Oxytrol and then Detrol. Both medicines made my eyes, mouth and throat unbearably dry.
I started taking stinging nettle for allergies and postnasal drip. I found it very helpful.
In addition, I no longer need to wear pads, only pantiliners, because it helped my urinary problem, too.
A. The herb stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) has been used in Europe to relieve allergy symptoms and improve urinary flow in cases of benign prostate enlargement. We are pleased it helped you.
Some people may be allergic to nettles. If a rash develops, the herb should be discontinued. It should not be used during pregnancy.
New research suggests that drugs such as Detrol, Ditropan and Oxytrol that dry mucous membranes may impair mental function.
Q. I have tried just about everything for leg cramps and have found nothing that helps. My doctor has me on Lyrica and potassium, hoping that might help. It hasn’t.
I was awakened three times last night, and the attacks last as long as 15 minutes. Do you have any suggestions? I am at my wits’ end and exhausted!
A. Now that the Food and Drug Administration bars doctors from prescribing quinine for cramps, there are no obvious prescription solutions to this problem. Readers have offered a number of home remedies.
These range from sensible approaches such as stretching the leg muscles before bed or drinking low-sodium V8 juice to such peculiar habits as sipping pickle juice, swallowing a spoonful of mustard or slipping a bar of soap under the bottom sheet. Each method has supporters.
We have collected these recommendations in our Guide to Leg Pain, and we are sending you a copy so you can try them and find one that works.
X In 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.PeoplesPharmacy.com.
2008 King Features Syndicate Inc.