Nature's RX

Why you should be reading this new column ... and Turmeric for pain By Jonathan Evans Herbalist & co-owner, The Herbarium Special to Prime Welcome to Natures Rx, a column devoted to supplying the reader with accurate and up-to-date information on natural products, herbal remedies and other supplements. Why should you read this column?Yes, herbal products are regulated First, let me explain one very common misconception about herbal products. The Herbal Industry is indeed regulated, despite what is said in the mainstream media. If reporters truly investigated the industry, they would find that the natural products industry is under the Food and Drug Administration, the Dept. of Agriculture, and the Federal Trade Commission. Trust me, you would not want to try and lift the rules and regulations books over your head! Most of the herbal products found on the shelves of stores were approved back in the late 1950s and can be found on the governments GRAS list (Generally Regarded As Safe). The confusion seems to stem from how products are tested. These plant products, while having beneficial health effects, are not the same as prescription drugs and other pharmaceuticals, and are not held to the same testing scrutiny as pharmaceuticals, because they are Generally Regarded As Safe. There is more to say on testing, study parameters and such, but let's save that for another time. Today's topic: Tumeric & arthritis pain One question that has been quite prevalent lately is what natural product can be used in place of Celebrex(r) and Vioxx(r), which were pulled from the market because of serious side effects. If you listen to the talking heads on television, or the TV commercials, aspirin or Ibuprofen are the only substitutes. Let me introduce you to tumeric which has been, and is now being, studied for a variety of uses. Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a member of the ginger family and has traditionally been used in Indian and other ethnic cuisine. Studies reveal turmeric contains cholagogue-type substances, which increase the secretion of bile, liver protective activity, cholesterol lowering and weight loss effects. It also exhibits very powerful anti-inflammatory actions, especially as a LOX and COX 2 inhibitor. The National Cancer Institute and Columbia Presbyterian Medical centers are looking into turmeric's anti-cancer activity. This plant can offer very safe, and effective relief of arthritis pain for those sufferers who were on Celebrex and Vioxx, and any simple inflammatory condition. We have received reports that turmeric is showing good results for people with eczema and mild acne or rosacea. There is no known toxicity level for turmeric, but large doses are not recommended in cases of painful gallstones, obstructive jaundice, or extremely toxic liver disorders. The usual dosage level range between 100 and 300 mgs. tow-to-three times daily, depending on your amount of pain. These levels are also based on the assumption that this is all you are using to treat your pain. If you are using a combination of botanicals or other formulas, your dosage may be less. If you are looking for a therapeutic dose, let me suggest reading the label. Look for products with a 90-95 percent curcuminoid level, or a super critical extraction process. Those two indicators should almost guarantee the level of quality in the product. Got an herbal question? Please send your questions on botanical remedies to Natures Rx Jonathan Evans via e-mailat info@theherbarium.com, or by regualr mail at The Herbarium, 264 Exchange Street, Chicopee, MA 01013.