It’s June - and we’ve officially hit the half-way mark of 2021.
As we work our way back to some semblance of normal, I thought this might be a good time to share some studies that I have come across which, while not the usual questions we receive, could be of help to Prime’s readers this month.
A study published on Jan.19 in the Journal of Clinical Investigation cites a Yale University study pointing to oleic acid as helpful in combatting Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Oleic acid is a monounsaturated fatty acid found in cooking oils, beef, chicken, pork, cheese, sunflower seeds, eggs, pasta, olives and avocados.
Lack of this fatty acid leads to a loss of the metabolic sensors that activate T cells that mediate immune systems response to infectious disease. Without the suppressing effect of the T cells, the immune system can attack healthy central nervous system cells and cause vision loss, pain, lack of coordination and other symptoms.
For more information on the study visit www.yale.edu
A new study from University of British Columbia suggests a strong correlation between following the MIND and Mediterranean diets and later onset of Parkinson’s disease.
The MIND diet combines aspects of the Mediterranean and DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet. The study showed a 17-year delay for women and 8-year delay for men. Interestingly enough, men did better with the Mediterranean diet while women did well with the MIND diet.
The differences between the diets are subtle but could serve as clues to the impacts certain foods and micronutrients may have on brain health.
For more information visit www.ubc.ca
If you notice bleeding gums after brushing or flossing, it could indicate a vitamin C deficiency according to a new study out of the University of Washington. If you don’t like or cannot tolerate lots of citrus fruit, you can get more Vitamin C by eating kale, peppers, kiwi fruit or add a Vitamin C capsule daily.
Several published studies continue to emphasize the importance of Vitamin D in helping the immune system fight off COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases. One report out of Oregon State University suggests 2000 ius of Vitamin D to help keep up your resistance.
For those who suffer with IBD, another weapon has been added to our arsenal. Berberine, an alkaloid found in many plants including goldenseal, barberry, and goldenthread, helps improve gastrointestinal motility and reduces a number of organisms in the small intestine. Berberine exerts selective antimicrobial action and targets a range of disease causing organisms while leaving good gut flora alone. Berberine has been extensively studied in clinical trials for supporting blood sugar and cholesterol levels as well as blood pressure. This according to Michael Murray ND. As I always say, Mother Nature always gives you more than you asked for.
And help for Fibromyalgia
New information has come in about treating fibromyalgia. Traditionally, magnesium, malic acid and anti-inflammatory herbs have been used. Now a new study shows using grape seed extract or the copyrighted Pycnogenol can help alleviate the pain caused by oxidative stress, which makes it difficult for the body to recover naturally. Grape seed extract is a powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and good for cardiovascular health.
Feeling like you are not as sharp and focused as you should at work? A study out of Texas A&M might be of interest to you. A double blind placebo controlled crossover study examined the effects of Ashwagandha ( Withania somnifera) on executive function (mental processes that enable us to plan, focus attention, remember instructions and multi-task successfully). Those who took 400 mg of ashwagandha daily showed a marked increase in all categories. While there are many herbal products that can help, this report showing the use of one item caught my attention.
Lastly, I have been getting numerous questions about pine needle tea and COVID-19. After doing some research, it appears this is another one of those “red flag - do your research” products.
Basically, pine needle tea is being offered as a drug that isn’t available to "us" and is only known by "them" as a cure for COVID-19. I did some research and it appears the information people are being fed about this “cure” is very easy to disprove. More importantly, the idea of using pine needle tea or oil is possibly dangerous. Also, which species of pine is supposed to be used?
Pine needle tea was used to fight scurvy (white pine is high in vitamin C) but that’s it.
Please people, do some research, be skeptical, check your source before you try.
— Jonathan
Send questions on botanical remedies to: Natures Rx: Jonathan Evans at herbarium258@gmail.com, or by regular mail to: The Herbarium, 264 Exchange Street, Chicopee, MA 01013. If requesting additional info, include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
