Allergy remedies, exercise supplements at issue

By Jonathan Evans Herbal Information Specialist /Business Representative for the Herbarium Special to PRIME Every so often we get feedback from our customers that helps remind us why we do what we do here at Herbarium,and keeps us in awe of the plants. One of our customers had been infected with Hepatitis C and had been battling the disease for more than a decade. About a year ago he began using a special extract of Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum), probably the best liver tonic on earth. His doctor noted changes in liver function but said that Hepatitis C causes levels to go up and down. Lo and behold, at his last check up the doctor said his liver function was near perfect. He said he had never seen such a dramatic change; the doctor now passes out the information on Milk Thistle. It never ceases to amaze just how something so humble can be so powerful and effective. Dear Jonathan: I have hay fever and am not looking forward to the fall. Nothing over-the-counter has helped very much. What can you suggest for allergy season. -Bill, West Springfield Dear Bill: I could write a book on all the remedies, but I am only allotted a certain amount of space for this column. Freeze-dried nettles (Urtica dioica) help moderate allergic response, and have anti-inflammatory and antihistamine actions. Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) helps reduce watery secretions from eyes and nose. It is a good anti-inflammatory and antihisamine to mucous membranes of the eyes nose, sinuses throat and bronchi. Some folks use Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia) and Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) to balance and modulate immune function. I have used Dr. Claytons Sinus-ade for decades. Buried Treasure has a liquid formula called Aller-ease that is fast acting and very effective as an anti-inflammatory. Herbarium brand Aller-calm is a formula that includes many of the aforementioned herbs. It is very important to start now, before the onset of symptoms. Some people like to use local honey and bee pollen to prepare for allergy season, but they take a while to build up your system so you need to start early. Dear Jonathan: I am trying to keep an exercise regime but I really am feeling it in my legs and back. I know I am not as young as I used to be but this is really starting to bother me. Any suggestions? -Mike, Wilbraham Dear Mike: I hope you have had a check-up to make sure nothing is out of place. That said, a good multivitamin and especially a mineral supplement is going to help. For strains and sprains, a formula called BF&C is very helpful. It can relieve the pain and inflammation and speed the healing. One really good product that has been used for a variety of issues is MSM 750. MSM is a great anti-inflammatory, very helpful for ligaments and tendons, and contains traditional anti-inflammatory herbs. Runners and athletes like this formula. It is also good for plantar fasciitis. Vitamin D Update: Last month I told you there was more interesting news about Vitamin D. A study from California revealed a connection between inadequate D and the accumulation of fat in muscle tissue. To the surprise of researchers, nearly 60 percent were lacking in Vitamin D and had the higher fat levels. Though no conclusions have been reached, perhaps taking your extra D will be helpful in your weight loss program. Lastly, in a retrospective study, more than 200 Britons with chronic fatigue syndrome were found to have significantly lower levels of Vitamin D than the general public. Jonathan. Please send your questions on botanical remedies to Natures Rx : Jonathan Evans via e-mail at info@theherbarium.com, or by regular mail at The Herbarium, 264 Exchange Street, Chicopee, MA 01013. If you are requesting additional information from Jonathan, please include a self-addressed stamped envelope.