T h e N a t u r a l P h a r m a c y

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "T h e N a t u r a l P h a r m a c y"

Lynette Johnston
5 years ago
Views:

2 The Natural Pharmacy

4 The Natural Pharmacy REVISED AND UPDATED 3RD EDITION Complete A Z Reference to Natural Treatments for Common Health Conditions Alan R. Gaby, M.D., Chief Science Editor Jonathan V. Wright, M.D. Forrest Batz, Pharm.D. Rick Chester, R.Ph., N.D., Dipl.Ac. George Constantine, R.Ph., Ph.D. Linnea D. Thompson, Pharm.D., N.D. With contributions by Amber Ackerson, N.D. Jeremy Appleton, N.D. Steve Austin, N.D. Deah Baird, N.D. Kimberly Beauchamp, N.D. Matthew Brignall, N.D. Donald J. Brown, N.D. Regina Dehen, N.D., MAcOM, LAc Tori Hudson, N.D. Darin Ingels, N.D., M.T. (A.S.C.P.) James Gerber, D.C. Ronald LeFebvre, D.C. Michael Murray, N.D. Ronald Reichert, N.D. Trina Seligman, N.D. Maureen Williams, N.D. Eric Yarnell, N.D. Schuyler W. Lininger, Jr., Healthnotes Publisher

5 This is for educational or informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or provide treatment for any condition. If you have any concerns about your own health, you should always consult with a healthcare professional. Healthnotes, Inc. shall not be liable for any out-of-date information in the content, the accuracy, or completeness of the information, or any actions taken in reliance thereon. HEALTHNOTES and the Healthnotes logo are registered trademarks of Healthnotes, Inc. Copyright 2006 by Healthnotes, Inc. All rights reserved. Published in the United States by Three Rivers Press, an imprint of the Crown Publishing Group, a division of Random House, Inc., New York. THREE RIVERS PRESS and the Tugboat design are registered trademarks of Random House, Inc. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data The natural pharmacy : a complete A-Z reference to natural treatments for common health conditions / edited by Alan R. Gaby; with contributions by Amber Ackerson...[et al.]. Rev. and updated 3rd ed. Includes index. 1. Naturopathy. 2. Homeopathy. 3. Herbs Therapeutic use. 4. Vitamin therapy. 5. Minerals Therapeutic use. I. Gaby, Alan. II. Ackerson, Amber. [DNLM: 1. Naturopathy. 2. Homeopathy. 3. Minerals therapeutic use. 4. Phytotherapy. 5. Vitamins therapeutic use. WB 935 N ] RZ440.N '35 dc ISBN-13: ISBN-10: Printed in the United States of America Third Edition

6 For my wife, Beth, who has shared my journey in pursuing the truth regarding natural medicine. ARG For the Healthnotes team. SWL

8 Acknowledgments THIS BOOK IS the result of the work of many dedicated healthcare professionals who believe in the power of evidence-based natural medicine. They receive welldeserved credit on the title page, but special recognition goes to Chief Science Editor Alan R. Gaby, M.D. His hard work, sense of humor, and dedication to excellence and quality are an inspiration to all of us. The hidden work is done by the hardworking, talented, and dedicated members of the Product Development and Marketing teams at Healthnotes, Inc. Although many people were involved, Jenefer Angell, Kurt Kremer, Loren Jenkins, and Jeannette Shupp deserve special mention for their efforts on this book. Thanks are also due our publisher, Three Rivers Press. Our editor, Kathryn McHugh, has been a strong advocate for this new and greatly expanded edition. Her efforts are really appreciated. Finally, thanks to our families, friends, and customers who continue to strongly support our company and our work. Dr. Skye Lininger, Healthnotes Publisher vii

10 Contents Foreword Preface Introduction How to Use This Book About the Checklist Vitamin and Mineral Supplements for Healthy People PART ONE: Health Concerns xv xvii xix xxi xxii xxiii Abnormal Pap Smear 3 Acne rosacea 4 Acne vulgaris 6 Acrodermatitis enteropathica 7 Age-Related Cognitive Decline 8 Alcohol Withdrawal 12 Allergies and Sensitivities 14 Alzheimer s Disease 19 Amenorrhea 22 Anemia 25 Angina 27 Anxiety 30 Asthma 32 Atherosclerosis 38 Athlete s Foot 42 Athletic Performance 43 Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder 55 Autism 57 Bell s Palsy 57 Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia 58 Bipolar Disorder 61 Birth Defects Prevention 63 Breast Cancer 65 Breast-Feeding Support 74 Brittle Nails 79 Bronchitis 80 Bruising 84 Burns 85 Bursitis 87 Cancer Prevention and Diet 87 Canker Sores 90 Capillary Fragility 93 Cardiac Arrhythmia 93 Cardiomyopathy 95 Cardiovascular Disease Overview 98 Carpal Tunnel Syndrome 99 Cataracts 101 Celiac Disease 102 Childhood Diseases 105 Childhood Obesity 107 Chronic Candidiasis 109 Chronic Fatigue Syndrome 111 Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 114 Chronic Venous Insufficiency 116 Cluster Headache 117 Cold Sores 119 Colic 121 Colon Cancer 123 Common Cold/Sore Throat 129 Congestive Heart Failure 134 Conjunctivitis and Blepharitis 136 Constipation 137 Cough 139 Crohn s Disease 141 Cystic Fibrosis 143 ix

11 x CONTENTS Depression 145 Dermatitis Herpetiformis 151 Diabetes 152 Diarrhea 163 Diverticular Disease 168 Down s Syndrome 169 Dupuytren s Contracture 171 Dysmenorrhea 171 Eating Disorders 174 Eczema 177 Edema 180 Endometriosis 182 Epilepsy 183 Erectile Dysfunction 185 Female Infertility 187 Fibrocystic Breast Disease 189 Fibromyalgia 191 Gallstones 193 Gastritis 195 Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease 198 Genital Herpes 200 Gestational Hypertension 202 Gingivitis 203 Glaucoma 205 Goiter 206 Gout 208 Halitosis 209 Hay Fever 211 Heart Attack 212 Hemorrhoids 219 Hepatitis 220 High Cholesterol 223 High Homocysteine 234 High Triglycerides 235 HIV and AIDS Support 239 Hives 245 Hypertension 246 Hypoglycemia 251 Hypothyroidism 252 Immune Function 255 Indigestion, Heartburn, and Low Stomach Acidity 260 Infection 265 Inflammatory Bowel Disease 269 Influenza 269 Insomnia 270 Insulin Resistance Syndrome 273 Intermittent Claudication 276 Iron-Deficiency Anemia 278 Irritable Bowel Syndrome 280 Jet Lag 283 Kidney Stones 284 Lactose Intolerance 288 Leukoplakia 289 Liver Cirrhosis 290 Low Back Pain 293 Lung Cancer 298 Macular Degeneration 303 Malabsorption 304 Male Infertility 305 Measles 307 Ménière s Disease 308 Menkes Disease 311 Menopause 311 Menorrhagia 314 Migraine Headache 316 Minor Injuries 319 Mitral Valve Prolapse 319 Morning Sickness 320 Motion Sickness 322 MSG Sensitivity 322 Multiple Sclerosis 323 Night Blindness 326 Osgood-Schlatter Disease 327 Osteoarthritis 328 Osteoporosis 333 Pain 338 Pancreatic Insufficiency 341 Parasites 343 Parkinson s Disease 345 Peptic Ulcer 349 Peripheral Vascular Disease 352 Phenylketonuria 354 Photosensitivity 356 Pre- and Post-Surgery Health 357 Preeclampsia 361 Pregnancy and Postpartum Support 363 Premenstrual Syndrome 368 Prostate Cancer 371 Prostatitis 377 Psoriasis 379 Raynaud s Disease 382 Recurrent Ear Infections 383 Restless Legs Syndrome 384 Retinopathy 385 Rheumatoid Arthritis 387 Rickets/Osteomalacia 392 Schizophrenia 393 Seasonal Affective Disorder 397 Seborrheic Dermatitis 400

12 CONTENTS xi Shingles and Postherpetic Neuralgia 401 Sickle Cell Anemia 403 Sinus Congestion 405 Sinusitis 407 Skin Ulcers 409 Snoring 411 Sprains and Strains 412 Stress 415 Stroke 419 Systemic Lupus Erythematosus 421 Tardive Dyskinesia 425 Tendinitis 426 Tension Headache 428 Tinnitus 430 Tooth Decay 431 Ulcerative Colitis 433 Urinary Tract Infection 436 Vaginitis 438 Varicose Veins 440 Vertigo 441 Vitiligo 443 Warts 445 Weight Loss and Obesity 446 Wilson s Disease 453 Yeast Infection 454 Yellow Nail Syndrome 456 PART TWO: Nutritional Supplements 5-Hydroxytryptophan KETO 460 Acetyl-L-Carnitine 461 Adenosine Monophosphate 461 Adrenal Extract 462 Alanine 463 Alpha Lipoic Acid 464 Amino Acids Overview 465 Amylase Inhibitors 466 Antioxidants and Free Radicals 467 Arginine 467 Beta-Carotene 469 Beta-Glucan 470 Beta-Sitosterol 471 Betaine (Trimethylglycine) 472 Betaine Hydrochloride 473 Biotin 473 Blue-Green Algae 474 Borage Oil 475 Boric Acid 476 Boron 477 Bovine Colostrum 478 Branched-Chain Amino Acids 479 Brewer s Yeast 480 Bromelain 481 Calcium 483 Calcium: Which Form is Best? 485 Calcium D-Glucarate 486 Carnosine 487 Carotenoids 488 Cartilage and Collagen 490 Cetyl Myristoleate 490 Chitosan 491 Chlorophyll 492 Chondroitin Sulfate 492 Chromium 493 Coconut Oil 494 Coenzyme Q Colloidal Silver 498 Conjugated Linoleic Acid 499 Copper 499 Creatine Monohydrate 501 Cysteine 502 D-Mannose 503 DHEA 503 Digestive Enzymes 506 DMAE 508 DMSO 508 Docosahexaenoic Acid 509 Evening Primrose Oil 511 Fiber 512 Fish Oil and Cod Liver Oil (EPA and DHA) 514 Flavonoids 516 Flaxseed and Flaxseed Oil 517 Fluoride 519 Folic Acid 520 Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) and Other Oligosaccharides 522 Fumaric Acid 524 GABA (Gamma-Amino Butyric Acid) 524 Gamma Oryzanol 525 Glandular Extracts 525 Glucomannan 526 Glucosamine 528 Glucosamine/Chondroitin 529 Glutamic Acid 529 Glutamine 530 Glutathione 531 Glycine 532 Grapefruit Seed Extract 532

13 xii CONTENTS Green-Lipped Mussel 533 Histidine 534 HMB 534 Hydroxycitric Acid 535 Indole-3-Carbinol 536 Inosine 537 Inositol 537 Iodine 538 IP Ipriflavone 539 Iron 540 Kelp 543 L-Carnitine 543 L-Tyrosine 544 Lactase 545 Lecithin/Phosphatidyl Choline 546 Lipase 547 Liver Extracts 547 Lutein 548 Lycopene 548 Lysine 550 Magnesium 551 Malic Acid 552 Manganese 553 Medium Chain Triglycerides 554 Melatonin 555 Methionine 557 Methoxyisoflavone 558 Methylsulfonylmethane 558 Molybdenum 559 Multiple Vitamin-Mineral Supplements 559 N-Acetyl Cysteine 562 N-Acetyl-Glucosamine 564 NADH 564 Octacosanol 565 Ornithine 565 Ornithine Alpha-Ketoglutarate 566 PABA 567 Pantothenic Acid 568 Phenylalanine 568 Phosphatidylserine 569 Phosphorus 570 Policosanol 571 Pollen 571 Potassium 572 Pregnenolone 573 Proanthocyanidins 574 Probiotics 575 Progesterone 577 Propolis 579 Pyruvate 580 Quercetin 580 Resveratrol 581 Ribose 582 Royal Jelly 582 SAMe 583 Selenium 584 Silica Hydride 586 Silicon 586 Soy 587 Spleen Extracts 588 Strontium 589 Sulforaphane 589 Sulfur 590 Taurine 590 Thymus Extracts 591 Thyroid Extracts 592 Tocotrienols 593 Vanadium 594 Vinpocetine 594 Vitamin A 595 Vitamin B Vitamin B Vitamin B Vitamin B Vitamin B Vitamin B-Complex 603 Vitamin C 604 Vitamin D 607 Vitamin E 609 Vitamin K 612 Whey Protein 613 Xylitol 614 Zinc 614 PART THREE: Herbs Note: Herbs are listed by their most common names. To look up an herb by other common names or by their Latin (scientific) name, look in the index. Understanding Herbal Terminology 619 AHCC 622 Alder Buckthorn 622 Alfalfa 623 Aloe 624 American Ginseng 625 American Scullcap 626 Andrographis 626

14 CONTENTS xiii Anise 627 Artichoke 628 Ashwagandha 629 Asian Ginseng 630 Astragalus 631 Bacopa 632 Barberry 632 Basil 633 Bilberry 634 Bitter Melon 635 Bitter Orange 635 Blackberry 636 Black Cohosh 637 Black Horehound 638 Bladderwrack 639 Blessed Thistle 640 Bloodroot 641 Blueberry 641 Blue Cohosh 642 Blue Flag 643 Boldo 643 Boneset 644 Boswellia 644 Buchu 645 Buckthorn 646 Bugleweed 647 Bupleurum 647 Burdock 648 Butcher s Broom 649 Calendula 650 Caraway 651 Carob 652 Cascara 652 Catnip 653 Cat s Claw 653 Cayenne 654 Centaury 655 Chamomile 656 Chaparral 657 Chickweed 658 Chinese Scullcap 658 Cinnamon 659 Cleavers 660 Coleus 660 Coltsfoot 661 Comfrey 662 Cordyceps 663 Corydalis 663 Cranberry 664 Cranesbill 665 Damiana 666 Dandelion 666 Devil s Claw 668 Dong Quai 668 Echinacea 669 Elderberry 670 Elecampane 671 Eleuthero 672 Eucalyptus 673 Eyebright 674 False Unicorn 675 Fennel 676 Fenugreek 676 Feverfew 677 Fo-ti 678 Garlic 679 Gentian 680 Ginger 680 Ginkgo biloba 681 Goldenseal 683 Gotu Kola 684 Greater Celandine 684 Green Tea 686 Guaraná 687 Guggul 688 Gymnema 689 Hawthorn 689 Hops 690 Horehound 691 Horse Chestnut 692 Horseradish 693 Horsetail 693 Huperzia 694 Hyssop 695 Ipecac 696 Ivy Leaf 697 Juniper 698 Kava 698 Kudzu 700 Lavender 701 Lemon Balm 701 Licorice 702 Ligustrum 704 Linden 704 Lobelia 705 Lomatium 706 Maitake 707 Mallow 707 Marshmallow 708 Meadowsweet 709

15 xiv CONTENTS Milk Thistle 710 Mistletoe 711 Motherwort 712 Mullein 713 Myrrh 713 Nettle 714 Noni 715 Oak 716 Oats 716 Olive Leaf 717 Onion 718 Oregano/Wild Marjoram 719 Oregon Grape 721 Passion Flower 722 Pau d arco 722 Pennyroyal 723 Peony 724 Peppermint 726 Periwinkle 727 Phyllanthus 728 Picrorhiza 728 Plantain 729 Pleurisy Root 730 Prickly Ash 731 Psyllium 732 Pumpkin 733 Pygeum 734 Red Clover 735 Red Raspberry 735 Red Yeast Rice 736 Reishi 737 Rhodiola 738 Rooibos 739 Rosemary 739 Sage 740 Sandalwood 741 Sarsaparilla 742 Sassafras 742 Saw Palmetto 743 Schisandra 744 Senna 745 Shiitake 746 Slippery Elm 747 St. John s Wort 747 Stevia 748 Suma 749 Sundew 749 Sweet Annie 750 Tea Tree 751 Thyme 752 Turmeric 753 Tylophora 754 Usnea 754 Uva Ursi 755 Valerian 756 Vervain 756 Vitex 757 Wild Cherry 758 Wild Indigo 759 Wild Yam 759 Willow 760 Witch Hazel 760 Wood Betony 761 Wormwood 762 Yarrow 763 Yellow Dock 763 Yohimbe 764 Index 765

16 Foreword spected for their expertise and knowledge in a form of medicine that relies on nature rather than drugs or surgery. Their contributions to this field go beyond their expertise, as they are true visionaries and pioneers, dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others by educating physicians, patients, and the public at large on the value of natural products. Consumers need objective, reliable sources of health information. Accessible science, such as readers will find here, helps them come to safe conclusions about healthcare and natural treatments. The Natural Pharmacy is grounded in the mission of providing comprehensive, scientifically based information from leading natural medicine experts to empower individuals to make informed decisions about their health. As a physician, I can t emphasize strongly enough how important it is to review the supplements you re considering with your physician, especially any potential interactions you ve uncovered in this very useful guide. Dr. Bob Arnot, NBC news correspondent, expert health and fitness author and columnist AS PEOPLE INCREASINGLY explore their power to improve their own lives and an aging baby boomer population reaches out for alternatives to traditional therapies, attention has turned to integrative medicine. The rising cost of healthcare has encouraged consumers to take more responsibility for their own physical well-being, from prevention to treatment. In particular, the emergence of new public health issues, such as the epidemic increases in childhood obesity and diabetes, urges us to find complementary and alternative solutions to these problems. When one is taking a more active role in self-care, the importance of education cannot be overstated, particularly as it relates to the different forms of nutritional supplements, the potencies of different extracts, and how specific intake amounts may benefit particular health concerns. The Natural Pharmacy provides numerous examples of how supplementing one s diet with a vitamin, mineral, or herb can provide significant preventative or therapeutic effects. The primary authors of The Natural Pharmacy are rexv

18 Preface THE LAST TWO decades have seen an explosion of interest in natural medicine. The public has an everincreasing appetite for information on diet and nutrition, and sales of natural remedies such as nutritional supplements and medicinal herbs continue to grow. The number of natural health practitioners now exceeds the number of medical doctors, which bears testament to the fact that individuals all over the globe are being drawn to holistic approaches as an adjunct to or even replacement for conventional medicine. Driving this change is growing skepticism about the principles and practice of orthodox medicine. In my experience, many individuals are simply not comfortable with the largely symptom-suppressive approach and are increasingly concerned about both the safety and effectiveness of pharmaceutical drugs. Questions are also being asked about the scrupulousness and integrity of the companies that make these agents, and there has even been some erosion in the trust that the public has traditionally had in doctors who prescribe them. With these factors in the background, it is perhaps no surprise that individuals are seeking alternatives. Another important force in the move toward natural medicine has been the growing recognition that it can so often promote healing in a way that is safer, less expensive, and even more effective than conventional medical practices. More and more, it seems, individuals are feeling motivated to take their health issues into their own hands and are finding that natural medicine often provides them with the tools they need. As the demand for more holistic healthcare increases, people are seeking increasingly sophisticated information and advice about what options are available to them for regaining and maintaining their health. With this in mind, I regard The Natural Pharmacy as a truly unique source of natural healthcare information. Within these pages you will find comprehensive advice on a wide range of health conditions and how they may be approached and healed using natural remedies. One of the most useful features of this book is its detail. The authors have, for instance, included important information on the multiple forms of specific nutrients, such as vitamin E, and the different ways these affect the body. The book also includes guidance on the specific amounts of nutrients that have been found to benefit particular health concerns, and specifies the needed potencies of herbal extracts. Another critical feature of The Natural Pharmacy is that it is fully scientifically referenced which means we can all be confident that the material it contains is validated, trustworthy, and reliable. The Natural Pharmacy is a valuable source of information people need to take natural approaches in a truly educated way. I heartily recommend it to all who feel empowered to take control of their own health. Dr. John Briffa, leading British natural medicine specialist, award-winning journalist, author, and columnist xvii

20 Introduction ued to comb through thousands of articles in over 600 medical journals to keep up to date on breaking research. Those who contributed to this book are among the most knowledgeable natural medicine physicians in the world. Our expert scientific and evidence-based medical team consists of medical doctors, pharmacists, naturopaths, and doctor of chiropractic. This newest edition of our best-selling book The Natural Pharmacy is greatly expanded, with 150 new articles featuring 64 new health concerns, 44 new herbs, and 41 new nutritional supplements. In addition, every article has been updated with the latest scientific research. We have added an informative new article, Vitamins and Minerals for Healthy People, and provided a thorough evaluation of hot topics, such as the safety of supplementing with vitamin E, and the strengthened evidence for many natural remedies, such as St. John s wort for treating depression and echinacea for preventing the common cold. Otherwise, this revised third edition shares the same characteristics as the original: All statements that might be controversial have been documented with a reference from the scientific literature. Thousands of citations are referenced and available online, so the serious reader can retrieve the article and review the source material. We have used primarily human studies, although animal or test tube studies are sometimes used to support the human research. A section on contraindications and side effects includes information on possible areas of concern OVER THE LAST several decades, the line between conventional and alternative medicines has blurred as more people explore the benefits of vitamins, minerals, and herbs for the treatment of a range of health concerns. Widespread use has made many remedies familiar to the general public, and many people have adopted them as part of their regular self-care practices. At the same time, these natural remedies have gotten more attention from the medical community as a complement to conventional medicine, as evidenced by the explosion of research in recent years. Despite all the new attention on natural medicine, however, it is still almost as hard to sort out the fact from folklore as it was thirty years ago. The millions of people taking vitamins and herbs are bombarded with anecdotes, fragmented information, and conflicting media messages. Strict regulations restrict supplement manufacturers from advising people on what health conditions an herb or supplement may be used for and on the intake amounts appropriate for a particular condition, so consumers are often left guessing. The Natural Pharmacy was conceived to fill this gap and to give people a credible resource for science-based information about herbs and nutritional supplements, with specific information on what, when, and how much to take, in an easy-to-use format. Over the years, the steady stream of scientific articles has formed a solid foundation for nutritional therapies. When we began working on our electronic knowledge base, Healthnotes, which is the foundation for this book, the number of useful scientific articles on the role of vitamins and herbs in human health exceeded 25,000. Since then, our team of researchers has continxix

EVIDENCE-BASED VITAMIN AND MINERAL USAGE SUMMARY TABLE (APRIL 2002)

EVIDENCE-BASED VITAMIN AND MINERAL USAGE SUMMARY TABLE (APRIL 2002) Acne Acrodermatitis Enteropathica Adrenal Support Age Related Cognitive Decline Alcoholism/Alcohol Withdrawal Alzheimer's Disease Amenorrhoea Anaemia Angina Anorexia Nervosa Anxiety Asthma Atherosclerosis