May 2006 [Volume 5, Issue 5]

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In this issue of To Your Health:

• Herbs Work as Well as Drugs in Relieving Low Back Pain
• Herb of the Month - Zedoary (e zhu)
• Acupuncture Q & A: This Month's Highlights From the "Ask an Acupuncturist" Forum

Low back pain is one of the leading reasons people turn to an acupuncturist for care. In addition to needle insertion, acupuncturists sometimes use different herbal products to provide relief from back pain. A review published by The Cochrane Collaboration has found that three herbs often used by acupuncturists - devil's claw, white willow bark and cayenne - also are effective in treating low back pain, and that in some instances, they work just as well as prescription drugs.

The scientists conducted a review of 10 previously published studies involving more than 1,500 people who suffered from acute, subacute or chronic low back pain. The review showed "strong evidence" that a 60-milligram daily dose of devil's claw was more effective than a placebo in the relief of back pain, and appeared to reduce back pain as much as a 12.5-milligram dose of the painkiller Vioxx, which was recently taken off of the market due to a number of adverse side-effects. A 240-milligram daily dose of white willow bark also had the same effect as a 12.5-milligram dose of Vioxx. Cayenne, which was tested as a type of plaster applied to the skin, reduced pain more than a placebo, and was just as effective as Spiroflor, a popular homeopathic gel.

While each of the herbs in the review appeared to be effective in treating back pain, they may also cause mild side-effects in some people. Devil's claw, for instance, may cause an upset stomach, while white willow bark can reduce the effectiveness of blood-thinning medications such as warfarin. As such, make sure to consult with your acupuncturist before taking any of these herbs on your own.

Zedoary is a member of the turmeric family. Native to India, it was introduced to Europe and eastern Asia several centuries ago, and was originally used as a type of spice. The medicinal part of zedoary is its rhizome, which has a brown skin and a bright orange, hard interior, similar to a mango. The rhizomes are dug in the autumn and winter, cleaned, boiled and dried, then sliced for use in herbal remedies.

Zedoary has bitter and pungent properties in traditional Chinese medicine, and is affiliated with the Liver and Spleen meridians. Its main functions are to invigorate blood and promote the circulation of qi; it stimulates production of digestive juices, improves the flow of bile into the digestive tract, and combats digestive spasms and upset stomach. It is often used to treat qi and blood stagnation, which may manifest as abdominal pain, abdominal distention or amenorrhea.

The typical recommended dose of zedoary is between 3 grams and 10 grams, depending on the condition being treated. Many practitioners recommend a form of zedoary tea, which is made by taking 1 gram to 1.5 grams of crushed or powdered zedoary along with a cup of boiling water. Zedoary tea is usually taken with meals, or just before eating.

Because zedoary helps promote the circulation of blood, it should not be used by women during menstruation; it also should not be used by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Patients on blood-thinning medications or blood pressure medications also should speak with a health care provider before taking zedoary. As always, make sure to consult with a licensed health care practitioner before taking zedoary or any other dietary supplement or herbal remedy.

To learn more about the benefits of herbal medicine, visit www.acupuncturetoday.com/herbcentral.

The "Ask an Acupuncturist" forum provides a place for interested parties to ask questions about acupuncture and Oriental medicine and receive responses from a licensed acupuncturist. Here are a few of this month's questions and answers:

Question #1: I have considered trying acupuncture to help treat my anxiety and depression. Is it effective?

Answer: Symptoms of anxiety and mild depression do respond to acupuncture treatment. You would have an individual evaluation of your overall condition. In general, you would expect some relief within 10 to 13 treatments. There are different methods of treatment, another being to have pins embedded in certain points for the week for stronger relief outside of the office.

Question #2: I know a 17-year-old female diagnosed with Crohn's disease. She is unable to tolerate Western medicine treatments such as Remicade and other medicines. I informed her of acupuncture as a possible option. What is the success rate of remission or cure with acupuncture? How long would she need to be treated?

Answer: Acupuncture treatment is usually effective in relieving the symptoms of Crohn's disease, particularly in adolescents. Sometimes remission occurs. Results are individual, and if an evaluation shows therapy to be appropriate, then she would have 10 to 15 treatments to determine if it is effective for her. There should be some improvement in her symptoms, and that would determine further therapy.

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Have a question about acupuncture and Oriental medicine? Visit AcupunctureToday.com's "Ask an Acupuncturist" forum at www.acupuncturetoday.com/ask.

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