| The rank in order of potency of curcumin analogues, cortisone, and phenylbutazone in carrageenan-induced paw edema is:24,25 sodium curcuminate > tetrahydrocurcumin > curcumin > cortisone > phenylbutazone > triethylcurcumin
Sodium curcuminate can be produced by mixing turmeric with slaked lime. This mixture, applied as a poultice, is an ancient household remedy for sprains, muscular pain, and inflamed joints.25
Curcumin's counter-irritant effect may also be a major factor in its topical anti-inflammatory action. |
| Pizzorno Jr, ND
Hydrastis canadensis (family: Rammculaceae)
Common names: goldenseal, yellow root, Indian turmeric, eye root, jaundice root
Berberis vulgaris (family: Berberidaceae) Common name: barberry
Berberis aquifolium (family: Berberidaceae) Common names: Oregon grape, trailing mahona
Coptis chinensis
Common name: goldthread
INTRODUCTION
The plants goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis), barberry (Berberis vulgaris), Oregon grape (Berberis aquifolium), and goldthread (Coptis chinensis) share similar indications and effects due to their high content of berberis alkaloids. |
| Turmeric has a long history of use in Eastern traditions. Curcuminoids are the bright yellow pigments isolated from this source. These lipids limit the metabolism of environmental mutagens. Consumption of extracts equivalent to 20 mg of curcuminoids for 45 days decreased serum lipid peroxides.139 Animal studies suggest that consumption of curcumin can limit lipid peroxide induced cataracts and curcumin may suppress colon cancer. |
| However, at high doses, curcumin or turmeric may be ulcerogenic (see "Toxicology", p. 692).
Antimicrobial effects
Alcohol extracts and the essential oil of Curcuma longa have been shown in one study to inhibit the growth of most organisms occurring in cholecystitis, i.e. Sarcina, Gaffkya, Corynebacterium, and Clostridium? Other microorganisms which are inhibited include Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Bacillus, Entamoeba histolytica, and several pathogenic fungi.2,38 The concentrations used in these studies were relatively high: 0.5-5. |
| Curcumin, the compound that gives turmeric its yellow color, is interesting because it inhibits phase I while stimulating phase II. This effect can be very useful in preventing certain types of cancer. Curcumin has been found to inhibit carcinogens, such as benzopyrene (the carcinogen found in charcoal-broiled meat), from inducing cancer in several animal models. It appears that the curcumin exerts its anti-carcinogenic activity by lowering the activation of carcinogens while increasing the detoxification of those that are activated. |
Neal Barnard, M.D.
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 In India, turmeric is applied to the skin or taken orally in doses up to five grams per day as an antiinflammatory agent. None of these spices has been subjected to clinical tests, however.
A NEW TREATMENT FROM AN OLD VINE?
A surprising experimental treatment has emerged from an entirely unexpected source. The thunder-god vine is a woody, rambling shrub that grows in southern China. Its leaves, flowers, and even the skins of the roots are poisonous. In fact, they are so poisonous that they have been used as an agricultural insecticide. |
Elson M. Haas, M.D.
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 All of these are considered safe in the usual amounts used to color foods, though there is some concern about extracts such as safrole and turmeric. |
Earl L. Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D.
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 If you take turmeric, you may need as much as 50 grams a day, which is overdoing it!)
Cat's Claw or Una de Gato (Uncaria tomentosa) is a South American tree. Its inner bark is used to treat arthritis. You can take it as a tea (the way the natives take it), in capsules or tincture form. Take 1 to 6 grams for a flare-up, or drink a cup or two of the tea a week as a preventive measure.
Ginger is one of the best healing herbs that is effective in reducing inflammation of all kinds.
The extract of a new ginger subspecies called EV. |
Sheldon Saul Hendler and David Rorvik
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 The term turmeric is used both for the plant Curcuma longa L. and the spice derived from the rhizomes of the plant. The major curcuminoids are curcumin, deme-thoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin. These substances comprise 3 to 6% of Curcuma longa. Curcumin makes up 70 to 75% of the curcuminoids, demethoxycurcu-min 15 to 20% and bisdemethoxycurcumin about 3%.
Curcuma longa is a tropical plant native to south and southeast tropical Asia. It is a member of the ginger or Zingiberaceae family. |
| It is also known as diferuloylmethane and turmeric yellow. Its chemical name is (E, E) —1, 7-bis(4-hydroxy-3- methoxyphenyl)-1.6-heptadiene-3, 5 dione. The molecular formula of curcumin is C21H20O6, its molecular weight is 368.39 daltons, and its structural formula is:
O O
H3CO Y^^^A^^-^^/OCHa Htr^ ^X)H
Curcumin
Curcumin and the other curcuminoids have been found to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and have been entered into Phase I clinical trials for cancer chemopre-vention by the National Cancer Institute. |
Susun S. Weed
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 Fresh turmeric may be substituted for fresh ginger, but it stains everything.
Lump Liniment
A formula used by William Fax, M.D. in 1904
• 2 parts tincture of Iris versicolor (blue flag) root
• 1 part tincture of Trifolium pratense (red clover) blossoms
• 1 part tincture of Sanguinaria canadensis (blood root) root
Shake tinctures thoroughly before using. Saturate a clean cotton cloth with them and use it to poultice the affected area twice a day. Caution: This liniment can stain clothing and skin. If skin irritation occurs, discontinue use. |
Michael Tierra
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 Again, it figures prominently in gynecology since a teaspoon of aloe alone or in combination with turmeric root taken daily for at least three months regulates liver function and counteracts symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.
The dried powder of aloe is considered one of the best herbal laxatives and benefits the liver.
Amaranth
Amaranthus hybridus, var. |
James A. Duke, Ph.D.
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 While none of them except cardamom come close to eucalyptus's cineole content, any of these herbs would help freshen the breath: spearmint, rosemary, sweet Annie, ginger, nutmeg, lavender, bee balm, peppermint, tansy, yarrow, cinnamon, basil, turmeric, lemon leaf, hyssop, tarragon, lemon verbena or fennel. V\V Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) and other plants rich in chlorophyll. My cousin Suzie, who has high blood pressure, called recently to ask what I might recommend. I advised her to take garlic to lower her blood pressure, plus parsley to minimize the halitosis caused by the garlic. |
Michael Tierra
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| For gallstones, combine equal parts wild yam root, fringe tree bark, Oregon grape or barberry root, turmeric root and marshmallow root. Take as a tea, simmering one ounce of the combination in a pint of boiling water. It can also be taken as a powder, taking two to four "00" size gelatin tablets every hour or two, tapering off as symptoms subside. If after twelve hours symptoms have not subsided, consider seeking professional help. |
Earl Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D.
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 Uthough the FDA generally regards the spice as safe, turmeric should be ised in medicinal amounts only in consultation with a physician.
Personal Advice
Dne more reason not to drink to excess: Alcohol can be very fattening, n fact, someone who has a drink or two daily can be consuming hun-lreds of extra calories. Here's the double whammy—since alcohol slows lown the metabolism, it makes it more difficult for the body to burn fat.
For the moderate drinker who suffers from the occasional hangover, orget the idea that coffee is the cure-all. |
| Combination supplement for gallbladder health: I recommend a combination herbal formula, that is, one capsule containing peppermint, dandelion, and turmeric. Several commercial brands are available at natural-food stores. Take one to three capsules daily.
Gastrointestinal Disorders
Gl disorders are a virtual epidemic in the United States—diet is a major culprit.
The cure? A change in diet and lifestyle. |
J. E. Williams, O.M.D.
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 Curcumin, the active ingredient in medicinal turmeric (Curcuma longa), is both a powerful antioxidant and antiinflammatory and is useful for the control of pain associated with inflammation.
The Immunological Function of Fever
As in the case of inflammation, the physiological phenomenon of fever was well known to the Greek physicians more than two thousand years ago. Hippocrates wrote extensively on its causes and manifestations. |
Michael Tierra
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| Kicharee is made by mixing one-half cup cooked mung beans or lentils with one-half cup steamed brown rice and sauteing in sesame oil or clarified butter (ghee) for five minutes with a pinch of cumin seed, one-third teaspoon turmeric and one teaspoon ground coriander. Then add four cups of water and simmer for twenty to twenty-five minutes. If desired this can be topped with a small amount of yogurt. Kicharee is well balanced and high in easily assimilated protein. It also has blood purifying properties. |
John Heinerman
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 Cut fish into serving pieces; sprinkle with sea salt, kelp and a bit of turmeric. In a skillet, brown fish, cooking until done on both sides in butter. Serve with rice.
PARSNIP {Pastinaca sativa)
Brief Description
Parsnips look like an anemic version of their cousin, the carrot. The parsnip's starchy root, however, is one of the most nourishing in the whole carrot family. This starch is converted to sugar whenever the root is exposed to the frost. Parsnip isn't a common vegetable anymore, even though most of us have heard of it. |
Earl Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D.
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| Chromium is naturally found in many herbs and spices, such as turmeric and fenugreek which are used liberally in curries and chutney, but are not normally used in typical American cuisine. Unfortunately, few Americans get enough chromium from diet alone, which is why chromium supplements are so important.
Magnesium—Chronic magnesium deficiency can result in bone loss, high blood pressure, vascular disease, and abnormal blood-sugar metabolism. |
| Researchers now know that turmeric has a beneficial effect on the liver, stimulating the flow of bile, which helps break down dietary fats, which in turn protects and treats disorders of the gallbladder.
Personal Advice
Diet tips—Gallstones are associated with the so-called western diet, which is high in refined carbohydrates and fat and low in fiber. If you suffer from chronic gallbladder inflammation, your best bet is to switch to a very low-fat diet. For some people, this may mean eliminating meat and animal products and adopting a vegetarian diet. |
John Heinerman
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| A tsp. ground ginger; V\ tsp. cayenne pepper. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix thoroughly. Transfer to an airtight jar and store in a cool place. Curry powder often accompanies fish, lamb, poultry, some salads, lentil soup, stews, and a number of other Far Eastern dishes.
Curries in Asia vary, but often contain onion, garlic, salt and usually a souring agent such as tamarind, lime, unripe mango or other sour fruit as well as other flavors derived from mustard, coconut, lemon grass, and so forth. |
John Heinerman
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 Rinse rice several times until water is clear; soak in warm water with salt added. Bring a large pot of water to boil (about 8 cups water). Drain water from soaked rice and add rice to boiling water. Boil about 10-15 mins. until rice is not crunchy but still quite firm. Store occasionally to prevent grains from sticking together.
Drain rice in a strainer; add chopped onions and parsley. Pour some cold water over rice, parsley and onions. Cover the bottom of the pot with butter and some water. |
Schuyler W. Lininger, Jr. DC
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 Usnea
(Usnea barbata)
Common name: Old man's beard Parts Used and Where Grown: Usnea, also known as old man's beard, is not a plant but a lichen—a symbiotic relationship between an algae and a fungus. The entire lichen is used. Usnea looks like long, fuzzy strings hanging from trees in North American and European forests, where it grows.
In What Conditions Might Usnea Be Supportive?
Ranking
Health Concerns
Other
Common cold/sore throat (p. 41)
Cough (p. 47)
Infection (p. 101)
Pap smear (abnormal) (p. |
| Fumaria officinalis), fringe tree (Chionanthus virginicus), greater celandine (Chelidonium majus), dandelion (p. 415) root, barberry (p. 395), and Oregon grape (p. 449) are cholagogues and choleretics. Greater celandine should only be used on the advice of a doctor of natural medicine. With the exception of fumitory, all of these herbs should be avoided during acute gallbladder attacks. Are There Any Side Effects or Interactions? Refer to the individual herb for information about any side effects or interactions. |
| A wide variety of antioxidant enzymes, vitamins, minerals, and herbs may be the best way to provide the body with the most complete protection against free radical damage.
Arginine
The amino acid (p. 265) arginine has several roles in the body, such as assisting in wound healing (p. 167), helping remove excess ammonia from the body, stimulating immune function (p. 94), and promoting secretion of several hormones, including glucagon, insulin, and growth hormone.
The effect on growth hormone levels1 has interested bodybuilders. |
James A. Duke, Ph.D.
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 Let's look at each one of these a bit more closely. aloe {aloe vera). The gel from the inside of the aloe leaf is probably best known as a home remedy for minor burns. Peggy and I keep an aloe plant in our kitchen, where household burns are most likely to occur.
Aloe gel helps heal other skin conditions as well. In fact, it has been used as a treatment for skin problems since the time of the Pharaohs in ancient Egypt. Modern Egyptian scientists report that aloe gel is good for treating acne, dandruff, dry skin, and some types of dermatitis. |
John Heinerman
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| Rinse rice several times until water is clear; soak in warm water with salt added. Bring a large pot of water to boil (about 8 cups water). Drain water from soaked rice and add rice to boiling water. Boil about 10-15 mins. until rice is not crunchy but still quite firm. Stir occasionally to prevent grains from sticking together.
Drain rice in a strainer; add chopped onions and parsley. Pour some cold water over rice, parsley and onions. Cover the bottom of the pot with butter and some water. |
John Heinerman
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| Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix thoroughly. Transfer to an airtight jar and store in a cool place. Curry powder often accompanies fish, lamb, poultry, some salads, lentil soup, stews, and a number of other Far Eastern dishes.
Curries in Asia vary, but often contain onion, garlic, salt and usually a souring agent such as tamarind, lime, unripe mango or other sour fruit as well as other flavors derived from mustard, coconut, lemon grass and so forth. Using any of these with your curry powder will definitely accent the taste of any meal prepared. |
James F. Balch, M.D.
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 Of course it is extremely important not to damage the liver through overindulgence in alcohol. Drink in moderation (two glasses of wine or beer or two ounces of hard liquor per day is considered moderation). note: Silymarin (milk thistle) is a special flavonoid compound, exerting special protective effects on the liver.
Silymarin prevents liver damage by acting as an antioxidant. It is much more potent than either vitamin E or C. Further, it enhances the detoxification process by preventing the depletion of glutathione. |
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