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December 2011 [Volume 10, Issue 12]
To Your Health is brought to you by:
In this issue of To Your Health:
The Dangerous Hype of Antioxidants
By Marlene Merritt, DOM, LAc, ACN
Returning to the theme I've had in past articles of things that we "know" for a certain to be true (and then often are not), let's look at antioxidants. We all seem to know that free radicals are bad, and that antioxidants mop them up and prevent damage to us, slowing down the aging process, reducing the incidence of cancer and other major illnesses like heart disease. There are just a couple of problems with this theory; the biggest one being that the research shows the complete opposite.
Let's look at some basics first. Free radicals are generated by normal metabolism and yes; they can damage proteins, fats, carbohydrates, DNA and other biological material. The research started after World War II, when scientists saw the damaging effects of the ionizing radiation from atomic weapons, and came to the (correct) conclusion that the damage from radiation and the damage seen in normal tissue can have the same source — free radicals. We have built-in mechanisms to deal with free radicals, but some free radicals always make it through the defenses, and consequently, damage slowly builds (aging) until the body breaks down and we die. Basically, the researchers saw damage, and free radicals were in the area. Knowing that free radicals damage macromolecules, the conclusion was drawn that free radicals caused the damage and sped up the aging process.
Herb of the Month – Dianthus (qu mai)
What is dianthus? What is it used for?
Dianthus is a type of annual flowering plant that belongs to the carnation family. There are two main types of dianthus: dianthus superbus and dianthus chinensis. For the purposes of herbal medicine, dianthus chinensis will be discussed in this article.
The typical dianthus plant grows to a height of 8-12 inches, with gray-green leaves and green stems. It usually blooms with either single or double flowers, which can be a variety of colors, including red, white, yellow and pink, and has a soft, pleasant odor. It grows best in cool zones, but is also known to grow in warm areas that have good amounts of sun and well-drained soils. In the United States, dianthus is often used as an ornamental plant to decorate gardens and landscapes. However, it has a wide range of medicinal uses as well. The stems are used in herbal remedies.
Dianthus contains a variety of chemical compounds, including anthochanin and several types of saponins. Research has shown that dianthus chinensis can act as a short-term diuretic. Extracts of dianthus can stimulate uterine contractions, and the effect is dose-dependent; that is, the more dianthus a person receives, the longer and more intense the uterine contractions will be. In traditional Chinese medicine, dianthus is considered bitter and cold, and is associated with the Bladder, Heart and Small Intestine meridians. It promotes urination, drains damp heat from the bladder, and dispels blood stasis.
How much dianthus should I take?
The typical dosage of dianthus is 3-10 grams per day, taken as a decoction, pill or powder. Some practitioners recommend a slightly higher dose (6-12 grams).
What forms of dianthust are available?
Dianthus is available as a pill, powder or decoction. Some herbal shops also sell concentrated dianthus extracts. Dianthus seeds can also be purchased at some nurseries and grown in a garden, but they should only be used for ornamental purposes.
What can happen if I take too much dianthus? Are there any interactions I should be aware of? What precautions should I take?
Large doses of dianthus can cause long-term contractions of the uterus. Because dianthus can stimulate contraction of the uterus, it should not be taken by women who are pregnant or have recently given birth. As of this writing, there are no known drug interactions with dianthus. As always, however, make sure to consult with a licensed health care provider before taking dianthus or any other herbal remedy or dietary supplement.
Question about Acupuncture for Weight Loss: Does acupuncture truly help with weight reduction?
Answer: Yes. Acupuncture treatments help an individual to control their appetite. Patients are satisfied eating less. Acupuncture also helps balance an individual's metabolism so they are able to use their calories more efficiently. An acupuncturist will also help an individual make better food choices so they are able to get proper nourishment with satisfying foods. Acupuncturists also give advice on how to balance activity with eating so that a person burns the calories that are consumed.
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