Boswellia herb offers pain relief
Q. I am a clinical pharmacist and know very well the potential adverse effects of the chronic use of NSAIDs. That is why I have avoided ibuprofen and other such agents.
I saw my primary-care provider for a physical in April and asked him about the pain in my hands, wrists, elbows and feet. He tested me for autoimmune diseases (negative) and recommended Tylenol. It didn’t help. My son, who is studying to be a chiropractor, suggested boswellia.
I am completely amazed! Over a period of three weeks my pains have gradually improved. I am able to do all of my daily activities like mowing the lawn or working in the garden with much less stiffness and pain. I still get sore muscles, but I don’t have that constant achy feeling I had before.
I have had very few side effects. Boswellia is a mild diuretic and should be taken with food to avoid stomach irritation. Consider this agent instead of taking Motrin, Advil or Aleve.
A. NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) can cause bleeding ulcers, high blood pressure, dizziness, ringing in the ears, kidney problems and rash. There is growing concern that NSAIDs also increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes (American Journal of Medicine, July 2011).
Boswellia is a tree resin that has traditionally been used in India to treat rheumatism, ulcers and skin disorders. Research shows it has anti-inflammatory activity. To learn more, visit the Herb Library at peoplespharmacy.com.
Q. I am 34 and have been dealing with acne since my teens. I tried everything to alleviate the problem, but nothing worked.
I finally found a remedy that has helped dramatically – salt water. I mix 2 teaspoons of sea salt in 8 ounces of filtered water and apply it to my face three times a day with a cotton ball. I hope some of your readers also can benefit.
A. Thanks for the suggestion. We have found no scientific studies on this approach, but it fits our criteria for a reasonable home remedy: might help, shouldn’t hurt and doesn’t cost much.
Q. How does a vegetarian achieve a low-carbohydrate diet? I thought I was eating healthily, but my blood sugar is creeping up, and my waistline is over 38 inches.
A. Belly fat is linked to heart disease (Obesity Reviews online, April 27, 2011). Carbohydrates contribute to this problem, so a low-carb diet can help reduce belly fat (presented at the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting, 2011).
To learn more about the specifics of such diets and our favorite foods and recipes, we are sending you a copy of our new book from National Geographic, “The People’s Pharmacy Quick and Handy Home Remedies.” It is available online at PeoplesPharmacy.com. Nuts, soy protein and low-starch veggies are the keys to success.
Q. I had a plantar wart on the sole of my foot that was very painful. I am an registered nurse, so I had one of the orthopedic doctors look at it. This was his suggestion: Eat a banana and cut a piece of the peel the size of the wart. Place it against the wart, inside of peel to skin. He said the greener bananas work a little better than the ripe.
I taped the peel on my foot and changed it twice a day. I wore it through the night as well.
Bananas work slowly. I was skeptical, but in about three weeks that wart disappeared and never returned.
A. Thanks for your testimonial. We have heard from other people who have had success with this banana-peel remedy for warts.