NATURAL HEALTH

(Page 2 of 4)

February/March 2003
By James A. Duke, Ph.D. 
Article Tools
Print
Comments
RSS
Bookmark and Share

GREEN PHARMACY FOR CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME

RELATED CONTENT

Quite a few herbs can help alleviate CTS. When I first wrote The Green Pharmacy I was unaware of the potential of COX-2 inhibitors in easing inflammatory ailments. Now I suspect the anti-inflammatory COX-2-inhibiting compound apigenin, which is in the celery I take for gout, may be sparing me carpal tunnel syndrome. Apigenin is just one of several anti-inflammatories in celery. (See Page 120 for my COX-2-inhibiting recipe .) If I had CTS, I'd also try these herbs:

Willow (Salix, various species). Willow bark, the original source of aspirin, contains chemicals (salicylates) that relieve pain and reduce inflammation. You might try other herbs rich in salicylates, notably meadowsweet and wintergreen. Remember, if you shouldn't take aspirin, you probably shouldn't take aspirinlike herbs either.

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita). Chamomile tea is best known as a tasty way to calm jangled nerves. But its active compounds (bisabolol, chamazulene and cyclic ethers) have potent anti-inflammatory action, too. Chamomile also is a great source of apigenin. If I had CTS, I'd drink several cups of chamomile tea a day.

Dr. Duke's CelebrADE Recipe

Instead of expensive anti-inflammatory drugs like Celebrex, try this allnatural recipe full of helpful herbs:

Place four stalks of diced celery in a blender; cover with water. Add curry, ground black pepper and a little cayenne pepper, grated ginger, turmeric, fresh basil and some grape leaves. Add a dash of dried basil, oregano, paprika, cumin, rosemary and sage. Blend well and drink to your health!

Use this drink with a lifestyle program that includes a balanced diet and exercise, which also will improve your chances against cancer, heart disease and diabetes (the three biggest killers in America), and will lessen the likelihood you'll need pharmaceuticals.

Pineapple (Ananas comosus). Pineapple contains a protein-dissolving (proteolytic) enzyme, bromelain, often recommended for CTS.

"Bromelain has well-documented effects on virtually all inflammatory conditions, regardless of cause," according to naturopaths Joseph Pizzorno, N.D., and Michael Murray, N.D., co-authors of A Textbook of Natural Medicine. "Bromelain can reduce swelling, inflammation and pain. Bromelain is very safe to use. In human studies, large doses (nearly 2 grams) have been given without side effects."

Page: << Previous 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Next >>
Bookmark and Share
RSS | Comments | E-mail | Print
FEATURED ARTICLES
MOST POPULAR


Subscribe Today - Pay Now & Save 66% Off the Cover Price

First Name: *
 Last Name: *
Address: *
 City: *
State/Province: *
 Zip/Postal Code:*
Country:
 Email:*
(* indicates a required item)
Canadian subs: 1 year, (includes postage & GST). Foreign subs: 1 year, . U.S. funds.
Canadian Subscribers - Click Here
Non US and Canadian Subscribers - Click Here

Lighten the Strain on the Earth and Your Budget

Mother Earth News is the guide to living — as one reader stated — “with little money and abundant happiness.” Every issue is an invaluable guide to leading a more sustainable life, covering ideas from fighting rising energy costs and protecting the environment to avoiding unnecessary spending on processed food. You’ll find tips for slashing heating bills; growing fresh, natural produce at home; and more. Mother Earth News helps you cut costs without sacrificing modern luxuries.

At Mother Earth News, we are dedicated to conserving our planet’s natural resources while helping you conserve your financial resources. That’s why we want you to save money and trees by subscribing through our Earth-Friendly automatic renewal savings plan. By paying with a credit card, you save an additional $4.95 and get 6 issues of Mother Earth News for only $10.00 (USA only).

You may also use the Bill Me option and pay $14.95 for 6 issues.