Statin drugs and consumer labs approval
Jonathan Evans
Dear Jonathan: My cholesterol is higher than my doctor would like but I do not want to go on the stain drug he wants. I have heard about red yeast rice. What is your opinion? -Bill, Westfield
Dear Bill: Your note did not specify any numbers or if you have had a reaction to a statin drug.
In general, red yeast rice is an excellent substitute for the pharmaceutical statin. RYR contains a naturally occurring statin in a very low amount. RYR has shown to be very effective and well tolerated even by people who have had side effects from the statins. In our experience over the years we have only seen two or three people who were so sensitive that they could not use RYR. If your problem is a high LDL then there are other options such as gugulipids, which target the LDL/HDL ratio.
There are herbal combinations, policosinol, garlic, lecithin and other combinations. Depending on how high your numbers are would determine what might be best for you.
Dear Jonathan: I recently read Consumer Report about herbs and what should be avoided. Are your herbs consumer lab approved? Diane, Springfield
Dear Diane: No, Herbarium products are not consumer labs approved. I don't even know what that means. Consumer labs is not any sort of official approving group. I also read the article in question and was very disappointed by the quality of the journalism.
The information was almost a carbon copy of the article they did back in 2004, much of it was out of date, some was just plain wrong, and they quoted only one source for their information, a website/database I had never heard of, and apparently no one checked with the two most reputable and recognized sources of information, that being the American Botanical Council and the Herb Research Foundation.
One thing that really ground my gears was the first item the article mentions as aconite. The article says it is the source of poisonings in China! What in the name of heaven does that have to do with American botanicals? If people in another country ingest stuff they should not, why is that a concern of mine here in the United States? I do not want to sound cruel and uncaring, but let's be real here.
Aconite is only available in the U.S. as a plant you grow outside or as a homeopathic remedy.
Please remember one thing. Just because something appears in print, does not mean it is accurate. This goes for my articles also. I encourage anyone to investigate what they read. A well-informed public is our only protection from liars, cheats, thieves and government officials.
One last note to you all. Since Thanksgiving is coming very quickly, I would like to suggest a simple addition to your Thanksgiving menu that will go a long way to making your family and friends more comfortable this holiday. Try to serve some pineapple or papaya following the meal.
If you cannot get the fresh fruit, pick up some simple digestive enzymes. These simple little things will aid digestion, help relieve the bloat after the traditional gorging and really put the finishing touch on the holiday meal.
A great Thanksgiving wish to you all,
--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.
