Indigo Inhibits Psoriasis

Once again, Chinese herbal medicine beats Western pharmaceuticals in a clinical trial.

WebMD reported today that an ointment made of Indigo Naturalis, also known as "Qing Dai," performed better than corticosteroids to reduce or eliminate chronic plaque psoriasis. Patients in the study reported dramatic improvement over the 12 week time frame - 31 out of 42 patients reported that their bilateral plaques either cleared or nearly cleared.

Patients in the study were chosen because their psoriasis was unresponsive to standard Western drug therapy. Researchers said the Indigo treatment was non-toxic and without side effects, but that the ointment did stain the participants' skin and clothing.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/11/18/health/webmd/main4613580.shtml

Alzheimer's Disease and Essential Fatty Acids

Recent research suggests that diet may have a significant impact on the development of Alzheimer's disease, especially essential fatty acids. Omega-6 fatty acids, which are found in red meat, cereals, eggs, and vegetable oils, were found to increase levels of arachidonic acid, a fatty acid that researchers linked to memory loss and confused behavior.

During the study, when researchers lowered levels of arachidonic acid in the brain, the cognitive functions of the mice improved. This research creates hope for new drug development, as well as controlling symptoms with nutrition.

In another, related study, researchers discovered that Omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease when added to the diet. Omega-3's also decrease the risk of heart attack and stroke. Early this year, UCLA researchers isolated the specific mechanism that allows these substances to break down plaques that build up on the brain.

If you want to maintain your cognitive function, the choice is simple. Put down the potato chips. Reach for the sushi. Mmmm. Sushi...

Extra Sleep Lowers Heart Attack Risk

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Heart organ is more than just the heart muscles - it includes the brain and the blood vessels that nourish both organs.

Viewing the heart in this holistic sense, it makes perfect sense that Swedish researchers discovered that extra sleep lowers the risk of heart attacks.

The study was based on data collected after both the "Spring Forward" and "Fall Back" clock adjustments for daylight savings time. Researchers discovered a five percent increase in heart attacks the first week after losing an hour of sleep in the spring, as compared to a five percent decrease after gaining an hour of sleep in the fall.

From a Western medical perspective,sleep has a beneficial affect on the heart by lowering blood pressure, blood sugar, inflammation, clotting and other factors that strain the heart and vascular system.

Go on, take that nap! It's good for your heart.

Licorice Fights Viral, Inflammatory Conditions

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, most herbal remedies contain between three and 15 herbs, each performing a specific function. Most of these remedies contain a small dose of licorice, an herb with many of medicinal properties.

In Traditional Chinese formulas, licorice is used as a harmonizer, which means that a small dose is included in the formula to improve the effectiveness of the formula as a whole.

Perhaps this use is due to licorice's healing effect on the stomach. Recent studies suggest that licorice performs as well as anti-ulcer medications in relieving pain and preventing ulcers from recurring. When licorice root liquid extract was used to treat 100 patients with stomach ulcers, 90 percent improved. An Irish study attributed this to licorice's stimulation of mucous glands in the stomach.

Licorice also prevents inflammation throughout the body. First, glycyrrhizin, which gives licorice its sweet flavor, is an anti-inflammatory agent that works on the lungs, the bowels and the skin. In addition, licorice increases the amount of time that cortisol circulates throughout the body, an adrenal hormone that also has anti-inflammatory effects.

Licorice is also a powerful anti-viral herb. Studies have shown that intravenous licorice can prevent replication of the HIV virus, other studies show that it prevents encephalitis, hepatitis A and B, SARS, and herpes.

I know that it sounds fantastic, but licorice must be used with CAUTION. Individuals who have high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes or heart, liver or kidney problems SHOULD NOT take licorice. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding SHOULD NOT take licorice.

Licorice interacts with some drugs, including birth control pills, digoxin, aspirin, insulin, ACE inhibitors, and more. If you are taking prescription medication, consult your doctor before taking medicinal dosages of licorice.

Oh, and don't take it continuously for longer than four to six weeks.

The best part about licorice - it's delicious! Enjoy the sweet taste in good health.