Winter woes – alternative treatments for psoriasis, SAD

PRIME – December 2014 By Jonathan Evans Herbal Information Specialist, the Herbarium Wow! It is hard to believe it is December. Wasn’t it just September? A sure sign of getting to that “o” word. The right ways to make tea Let me start this month’s column with a “Mea culpa.” Last month I gave the wrong information on tea preparation, so let me correct that right now: An infusion is when you take plant material such as leaves or flowers and steep them in hot water. A decoction is when you take hard material such as bark, seed or root, and simmer the material. Now that is corrected, let’s get on with this month’s reader’s questions: Treating pain, psoriasis Dear Jonathan, I have seen a full-page ad in our local paper talking about an FDA-approved machine that combines two treatment modes and can help relieve pain and help heal other problems. Have you heard of this device? Does it work? – Gerry Dear Gerry, I saw a similar ad in our paper, and have had several customers tell me they tried it. It should work but seems very expensive. From what I could gather from the information available, this machine combines light treatment with electric stimulation, similar to a Tens machine. Interestingly enough, there is a device available that combines these two proven modalities and it is small enough to fit in your hand. It is called a Laser Touch One, which seems to fit the description of the advertised machine. I have information on it at the Herbarium if you are interested. – Jonathan Dear Jonathan, I have a recurring case of psoriasis, and the ointment I have been using does not seem to do very much for very long. What kind of natural products can help? Are there ointments to use? – Al Dear Al, While salves and ointments can give you some temporary relief, at the Herbarium, we have always concentrated on working internally. When that happens, the external problem can be dealt with very easily. Some studies indicate poor fat metabolism can be a problem, stress can bring on an attack, and there is also some evidence that there is a genetic predisposition towards psoriasis. The first thing to do is to clean up the diet. Eliminate white food, white flour, dairy products – especially fatty dairy products– processed foods, alcohol, sugar and tomatoes. Eat more raw foods and vegetables. Try to add fish such as sardines, tuna and salmon. If fish is not your favorite, make sure you are using Omega 3 oils, be they fish or flax oil, usually 1 to 2 tablespoons daily. Important nutrients to concentrate on would include a full B complex in a 50 to 150 mg range, vitamin C – 2 to 3 grams daily, and extra vitamin A, usually recommended at 10 to 25 thousand units daily. Herbally, try to include such plants as burdock, yellow dock, red clover, dandelion root, and especially milk thistle. These herbs help to stimulate bile and aid in digestion, along with cleansing the liver. Most of these herbs are considered cleansers and can be found in a capsule or liquid formula. Believe me, taking yellow dock in a capsule is a lot more appealing than trying to drink it in tea form. Another herbal remedy that can help is Coleus forskohli, an Ayurvedic herb with thousands of years of use in India and South Asia. Not only is Coleus helpful for psoriasis, it is used for asthma and allergies, high blood pressure, digestion, glaucoma depression and weight loss. After working on the inside, using our Magic Salve, or a homeopathic ointment such as Psoriaflora or Florasone from Boericke & Tafel can clear up those red scaly patches in no time. – Jonathan More than the winter blues Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) times are coming. With the change of seasons and the clock, many people will experience seasonal affective disorder – a form of clinical depression that occurs in the winter. Some natural remedies include melatonin to help reset your body clock and balance your circadian rhythms, extra B complex for stress and energy, St John’s Wort and Kava for depression and anxiety, and light therapy. You can find full spectrum light bulbs that recreate full sunlight. Sitting under these lights for several hours in the evening can bring excellent results. The brand at the Herbarium is called Blues Busters. Unlike ordinary bulbs Blues Busters special glass filters out brown colors so even when it is grey or dark outside, it’s like sitting in sunlight in your own home. Well, that’s a wrap for 2014, I wish you all a very joyous Christmas, and a happy healthy and prosperous New Year. – Jonathan Please send your questions on botanical remedies to: Natures Rx, Jonathan Evans via email at herbarium258@gmail.com, or by regular mail to: The Herbarium, 264 Exchange St., Chicopee, Mass. 01013. If requesting additional information from Evans, please include a self-addressed stamped envelope with your request.