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This issue features a number of articles you will want to share with your family, friends and co-workers. Please feel free to forward this newsletter to them via e-mail. If you have received this e-mail newsletter from someone else, you may subscribe free of charge and begin receiving your own copy by going to:

Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most common forms of arthritis. In this condition, the membranes and tissues that line the joints become inflamed. The inflammation causes swelling and pain, which limits range of motion and, in time, may lead to disability or complete replacement of a joint.

Researchers in China attempted to see whether an herbal formula (jiang chen pian) could reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis better than standard medications. A total of 182 patients were used in the study. One-hundred fourteen patients were treated with jiang chen pian, which was comprised of notopterygium; angelica; aconite; erycibe stem; siegesbeckia; tang kuei; erythrina; astragalus root; clematis; loranthus; buthus; and centipede. The remaining patients were treated with a combination of antibiotics, steroids and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Jiang chen pian was more effective in curing or treating the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis than the drug combination. The herbal formula either "cured" or was "markedly effective" in 84.2% of patients given that course of treatment, compared to 61.8% of patients given the antibiotic/steroid/anti-inflammatory regimen. Although by no means definitive, this study shows that in some cases, herbal remedies may do a better job of treating certain conditions than modern pharmaceutical medications.

Reference

Junjie X, et al. Treatment of rheumatic arthritis with jiang chen pian in 114 cases. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2002;22(3):178-179.

Dandelion is an extremely common plant found worldwide. It grows to a height of about 12 inches, with oblong, green leaves and distinctive yellow flowers that bloom year-round. When the plant matures, the flower turns into a fuzzy, globe-shaped cluster that contains seeds for propagation.

Historically, dandelion has been used to treat problems relating to the liver, gallbladder, kidneys and joints. Dandelion leaves and root have been used to treat constipation, indigestion, heartburn, and to remove water from the body, while the root is used to increase bile production in the gallbladder and to treat liver problems. In traditional Chinese medicine, dandelion is used during instances when there is liver involvement with heat and toxins in the blood. These conditions include jaundice, hepatitis, urinary tract infections, red or swollen eyes, and abscesses.

Dandelion is available either fresh or as a dried root. Some stores sell dandelion tinctures, extracts and infusions. As a liver tonic or to stimulate digestion, many herbalists recommend 3-5 grams of dried dandelion root or 1-2 teaspoons of a dandelion tincture three times per day. As a diuretic, 4-10 grams of dried leaves can be added to one cup of boiling water and drunk as a decoction, or 1-2 teaspoons of fresh dandelion juice combined with milk can be used three times per day.

Because dandelion stimulates production of bile, it should not be used by patients with gallstones or an obstruction of the bile ducts. Patients with stomach ulcers or gastritis are generally encouraged to avoid dandelion, as it may stimulate overproduction of stomach acid. People with a confirmed sensitivity to inulin, a fiber widely found in fruits, vegetables and plants, should avoid dandelion. In addition, certain medications may interact with dandelion. Loop diuretics, spironolactone, thiazide diuretics and triamterene may all react adversely with dandelion products. It may also reduce the effectiveness of the antibiotic ciprofloxacin. As always, make sure to consult with a qualified health care practitioner before taking dandelion or any other herbal medicine or dietary supplement.

Reference

Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, et al. (eds). The Complete Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Boston, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications, 1998, 118-20.
Foster S. Herbs for Your Health. Loveland, CO: Interweave Press, 1996, 26-7.
Wichtl M. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1994, 486-9.

Acupuncture Q & A: This Month's Highlights from the "Ask an Acupuncturist" Forum

The "Ask an Acupuncturist" forum provides a place for interested parties to ask questions about acupuncture and Oriental medicine and have them answered by a licensed acupuncturist. This month's questions:

Question #1: I have one foot that suddenly became swollen. It has been this way for two years, and I have been to many doctors in different practices, including internists, podiatrists, rheumatologists, etc. There is no diagnosis, although a common belief is that it is "trapped" lymph in that area, or damage to the lymph system not allowing it to drain. Can acupuncture help me?

Answer: Probably. This type of symptom is often helped by acupuncture, but your case sounds unusual as you describe it. You should have an acupuncturist make a diagnosis in person, and tell you what treatments are available.

Question #2: I have just recently been diagnosed as being allergic to gluten. Someone I know was allergic to wheat, and had some sort of acupuncture procedure done that ended up fixing it completely. His son was also allergic to corn and had the same procedure done, ending in the same results. Is this actually possible? If so, could it work in my situation?

Answer: Yes and yes. You need an examination, because people have a variety of reasons that they have these allergic symptoms. You may want to have the examination done by your friend's acupuncturist, as success with similar symptoms is positive for referral. It usually consists of seven to ten treatments in a series, not usually a one-time treatment.

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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October 2002 [Volume 1, Issue 9] To Your Health is brought to you by:

This issue features a number of articles you will want to share with your family, friends and co-workers. Please feel free to forward this newsletter to them via e-mail. If you have received this e-mail newsletter from someone else, you may subscribe free of charge and begin receiving your own copy by going to: www.acupuncturetoday.com/newsletter/TYH/subscribe.php In this issue of To Your Health: Herbal Medicine Better than Drugs for Arthritis Herb of the Month: Dandelion Acupuncture Q & A: This Month's Highlights from the "Ask an Acupuncturist" Forum Herbal Medicine Better than Drugs for Arthritis Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most common forms of arthritis. In this condition, the membranes and tissues that line the joints become inflamed. The inflammation causes swelling and pain, which limits range of motion and, in time, may lead to disability or complete replacement of a joint. Researchers in China attempted to see whether an herbal formula (jiang chen pian) could reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis better than standard medications. A total of 182 patients were used in the study. One-hundred fourteen patients were treated with jiang chen pian, which was comprised of notopterygium; angelica; aconite; erycibe stem; siegesbeckia; tang kuei; erythrina; astragalus root; clematis; loranthus; buthus; and centipede. The remaining patients were treated with a combination of antibiotics, steroids and anti-inflammatory drugs. Jiang chen pian was more effective in curing or treating the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis than the drug combination. The herbal formula either "cured" or was "markedly effective" in 84.2% of patients given that course of treatment, compared to 61.8% of patients given the antibiotic/steroid/anti-inflammatory regimen. Although by no means definitive, this study shows that in some cases, herbal remedies may do a better job of treating certain conditions than modern pharmaceutical medications. Reference Junjie X, et al. Treatment of rheumatic arthritis with jiang chen pian in 114 cases. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2002;22(3):178-179. Herb of the Month: Dandelion Dandelion is an extremely common plant found worldwide. It grows to a height of about 12 inches, with oblong, green leaves and distinctive yellow flowers that bloom year-round. When the plant matures, the flower turns into a fuzzy, globe-shaped cluster that contains seeds for propagation. Historically, dandelion has been used to treat problems relating to the liver, gallbladder, kidneys and joints. Dandelion leaves and root have been used to treat constipation, indigestion, heartburn, and to remove water from the body, while the root is used to increase bile production in the gallbladder and to treat liver problems. In traditional Chinese medicine, dandelion is used during instances when there is liver involvement with heat and toxins in the blood. These conditions include jaundice, hepatitis, urinary tract infections, red or swollen eyes, and abscesses. Dandelion is available either fresh or as a dried root. Some stores sell dandelion tinctures, extracts and infusions. As a liver tonic or to stimulate digestion, many herbalists recommend 3-5 grams of dried dandelion root or 1-2 teaspoons of a dandelion tincture three times per day. As a diuretic, 4-10 grams of dried leaves can be added to one cup of boiling water and drunk as a decoction, or 1-2 teaspoons of fresh dandelion juice combined with milk can be used three times per day. Because dandelion stimulates production of bile, it should not be used by patients with gallstones or an obstruction of the bile ducts. Patients with stomach ulcers or gastritis are generally encouraged to avoid dandelion, as it may stimulate overproduction of stomach acid. People with a confirmed sensitivity to inulin, a fiber widely found in fruits, vegetables and plants, should avoid dandelion. In addition, certain medications may interact with dandelion. Loop diuretics, spironolactone, thiazide diuretics and triamterene may all react adversely with dandelion products. It may also reduce the effectiveness of the antibiotic ciprofloxacin. As always, make sure to consult with a qualified health care practitioner before taking dandelion or any other herbal medicine or dietary supplement. To learn more about the benefits of herbal medicine, visit www.acupuncturetoday.com/herbcentral. Reference Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, et al. (eds). The Complete Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Boston, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications, 1998, 118-20. Foster S. Herbs for Your Health. Loveland, CO: Interweave Press, 1996, 26-7. Wichtl M. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1994, 486-9. Acupuncture Q & A: This Month's Highlights from the "Ask an Acupuncturist" Forum The "Ask an Acupuncturist" forum provides a place for interested parties to ask questions about acupuncture and Oriental medicine and have them answered by a licensed acupuncturist. This month's questions: Question #1: I have one foot that suddenly became swollen. It has been this way for two years, and I have been to many doctors in different practices, including internists, podiatrists, rheumatologists, etc. There is no diagnosis, although a common belief is that it is "trapped" lymph in that area, or damage to the lymph system not allowing it to drain. Can acupuncture help me? Answer: Probably. This type of symptom is often helped by acupuncture, but your case sounds unusual as you describe it. You should have an acupuncturist make a diagnosis in person, and tell you what treatments are available. Question #2: I have just recently been diagnosed as being allergic to gluten. Someone I know was allergic to wheat, and had some sort of acupuncture procedure done that ended up fixing it completely. His son was also allergic to corn and had the same procedure done, ending in the same results. Is this actually possible? If so, could it work in my situation? Answer: Yes and yes. You need an examination, because people have a variety of reasons that they have these allergic symptoms. You may want to have the examination done by your friend's acupuncturist, as success with similar symptoms is positive for referral. It usually consists of seven to ten treatments in a series, not usually a one-time treatment. Have a question about acupuncture and Oriental medicine? Visit AcupunctureToday.com's "Ask an Acupuncturist" forum at www.acupuncturetoday.com/ask. Unsubscribe Thank you for subscribing to To Your Health. If you have received this newsletter in error or wish to unsubscribe, you may remove your name from our e-mail subscription list at www.acupuncturetoday.com/newsletter/TYH/unsubscribe.php. Update your e-mail address To update the e-mail address your newsletter is sent to, click here. If you have any questions regarding your subscription, please complete this form at www.acupuncturetoday.com/newsletterhelp/TYH.