November 2009 [Volume 8, Issue 11]

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In this issue of To Your Health:

• Goji Juice May Improve Well-Being for Seniors
• Herb of the Month – Galanga (gao liang jiang)
• Ask an Acupuncturist

Goji Juice May Improve Well-Being for Seniors

Lycium barbarum, otherwise known as goji berry, has been used as part of medicinal formulas for some time to improve general well-being. However, there has been little research on goji as a single herb. Now, a recent study in the October 2009 issue of the Journal of Medicinal Food has found that goji by itself has beneficial effects on immune function and general well-being.

Researchers at UC Davis and UC Irvine gave 60 older healthy adults (ages 55-75) either goji berry juice or a placebo, in order to determine the effect of goji berry on immune response and general well-being.

The researchers concluded: "Whereas the GoChi [goji] group showed a significant increase in general feelings of well-being, such as fatigue and sleep, and showed a tendency for increased short-term memory and focus ... the placebo group showed no significant positive changes in these measures. ... In conclusion, daily consumption of GoChi significantly increased several immunological responses and subjective feelings of general well-being without any adverse reactions."

So it would seem as though a daily dose of goji berry will help keep you on the path to wellness! For more information on the many benefits of Oriental medicine, visit www.acupuncturetoday.com.

Herb of the Month – Galanga (gao liang jiang)

Galanga is a member of the ginger family and native to Thailand and other parts of Southeast Asia. It is similar to common ginger except that its root is usually denser and knobbier than ginger root. The typical galanga root is ivory or pale yellow in appearance, with pink tips. It has a hot and spicy taste, and is one of the primary spices used in most types of Thai cooking. The roots and rhizomes are used medicinally.

In traditional Chinese medicine, galanga is associated with the Spleen and Stomach meridians, and has pungent and hot properties. It warms the middle jiao, alleviates pain in the stomach, and treats cold-related diarrhea and hiccups. Taken orally, galanga is used to reduce inflammation, fight off bacterial infections, and treat fevers. The amount of galanga to be taken depends on the condition being treated. Traditionally, most practitioners recommend between 1.5 and 9 g.

As of this writing, there are no known side effects associated with large doses of galanga, nor are there any known drug interactions. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take galanga without first consulting a licensed health care professional. As always, however, make sure to consult with a licensed health care provider before taking galanga or any other dietary supplement or herbal remedy.

Ask an Acupuncturist

Question: Can acupuncture help relieve blepharospasms? I am currently taking botox injections, but would like something different. What kind of herbs can be effective in this treatment?

Answer: Herbs that calm liver wind often help, but there are other causes of blepharospasm. In those other cases, liver-wind calming herbs will not help. You need an examination for an evaluation of the cause, and then appropriate herbs can be taken. Acupuncture is usually a better treatment for this symptom.

Do you have a question about acupuncture and Oriental medicine? Visit the "Ask an Acupuncturist" forum at www.acupuncturetoday.com/ask.

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