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May 2011 [Volume 10, Issue 5]
To Your Health is brought to you by:
In this issue of To Your Health:
By Diana Fried, MAc, LAc, Dipl. Ac.
This past February, Acupuncturists Without Borders led a group of 11 acupuncturists from around the world to Oaxaca, Mexico on a World Healing Exchange (WHE) trip.
For 12 days, the group traveled from the colonial city of Oaxaca to the high, pine-clad mountains of the Sierras to the warm, semi-tropical beaches of Oaxaca's coast.
The program arose out of AWB Board Member Jeya Aerenson's deep love for Oaxaca and desire to help the local people. While visiting Oaxaca in 2010, Jeya's chance conversation on the front steps of a local bookstore in Oaxaca City led her to connect with Tierraventura, a niche ecotourism agency run by Claudia Schurr and Yves Chavan.
Tierraventura put AWB in touch with CECIPROC, a local Non Governmental Organization that has been working with communities since 1992 to install ecological toilets that eliminate health problems arising from feces contamination in rural areas without sewage access. It is one of the first groups to support community gardens fertilized by composted human waste/excrement.
AWB, Tierraventura and CECIPROC joined together in organizing the WHE trip. This program was designed to provide a deep cultural immersion into Oaxacan traditional medicine for visiting acupuncturists while offering trauma treatment clinics with ear acupuncture in marginalized Oaxacan indigenous communities with limited access to healthcare.
Herb of the Month – Marigold (jin zhan ju)
What is marigold? What is it used for?
Marigold is a common plant native to the Mediterranean area, but which is now grown throughout Europe, west Asia and North America. It is similar to a sunflower in appearance, with large, scoop-shaped yellow or orange flowers. It is often added to foods such as rice, soups and salads, sometimes as a substitute for saffron, which is more expensive than marigold.
The flowers of the marigold plant are used medicinally. Much of marigold's anti-inflammatory action is due to its high content of flavonoids. It also contains various saponins and carotenoids.
Historically, marigold flowers were used to reduce inflammation and fight infections. They were also used to treat a variety of skin conditions, from eczema and skin burns to cuts and ulcerations. Recent evidence suggests they can fight some viral infections; there are also anecdotal (but unsubstantiated) reports that marigold can effectively treat cancer.
How much marigold should I take?
Most practitioners recommend 1-2 teaspoons of marigold combined with 200 ml of boiling water as a tea, with a minimum of three cups of tea per day. Some practitioners also recommend 1-2 ml of marigold tincture, which can be taken with water or tea.
What forms of marigold are available?
Some specialty stores sell marigold flower petals, which can be used to make a marigold tea. Marigold tinctures and ointments are also available.
What can happen if I take too much marigold? Are there any interactions I should be aware of? What precautions should I take?
Marigold has been known to cause allergic skin reactions in some people with sensitivities. In addition, it should not be used by women who are pregnant or lactating. As of this writing, there are no known drug interactions with marigold. As always, make sure to consult with a licensed health care provider before taking marigold or any other herbal remedy or dietary supplement.
Question About Runner's Knee: After a race, I experienced some pain on my knee. I am thinking of consulting an acupuncturist as I have a very important race coming on and do not want to miss it, but I am a bit skeptical about whether that will help my runner's knee. Does acupuncture work on runner's knee and how long will it take before the pain stops?
Answer: "Runner's Knee" is a generic term used to describe a myriad of knee complaints and pain that is usually made worse after running. It is important to rule out any tears or tendon/ligament/bone injuries. Acupuncture will certainly help to decrease any inflammation as well as help decrease pain. Usually relief is felt within the first few treatments and if your pain is acute (i.e. just happened) it is best to receive treatments closer together, perhaps 2-3 times a week.
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