ALTERNATIVES TO VIOXX
Vioxx® belongs to a class of medications called Cox-2 inhibitors. Other medications in the class include Celebrex® and Bextra®. The manufacturer of Celebrex® and Bextra® has stated that Bextra® is associated with an increase in heart attacks and strokes in two studies. The effects of Celebrex on heart disease are unknown. While the company states that Celebrex® is safer than Vioxx® and Bextra®, some experts feel that the entire class of drugs may be unsafe for heart patients. It is already known that Cox-2 inhibitors can lead to kidney and liver disorders as well as gastrointestinal bleeding. These drugs typically do not provide better pain relief than NSAIDS, which are considerably cheaper.
There are several herbal alternatives. Collagenex was developed to provide support to the collagen matrix thus leading to stronger joints, muscles and tendons. Full-spectrum grape extract in Collagenex contains resveratrol, a natural Cox-2 inhibitor. This potent botanical extract is known to have antioxidant activity and inhibits the destruction of collagen.
Channel Flow is comprised of an alkaloid-rich extract of Corydalis (yan hu suo) in combination with supportive herbs to provide pain relief and restore blood flow. Channel Flow also has relaxing properties. It has been useful for helping to wean patients off opiates and other strong pain relieving medications.
Typically, the formulas mentioned above are used as adjuncts to TCM formulas such as AC-Q (for muscle and joint pain), Mobility 2 (for inflammatory pain) and Mobility 3 (for wind, cold, damp pain). By matching the correct herbal formula to the patient’s TCM presentation, it is possible to achieve superior pain relief without pharmaceutical side effects.
ALTERNATIVES TO FLU SHOTS
It is recommended that only certain groups of people such as seniors, young children and people with poor health should consider getting flu shots. Flu shots are controversial and although you might not believe in them yourself, some clients will be distressed if they are not able to obtain them. For these patients, Astra C offers not only cold and flu protection, but allergy protection as well. Astra C contains the traditional combination of Astragalus (huang qi), White Atractylodes (bai zhu) and Siler (fang feng) with added Vitamin C and Zinc. You may consider combining Astra C with Astra Isatis for even stronger preventive relief. Patients who are exposed to flu from family members, work associates, crowded businesses, air planes or public transportation should consider taking Yin Chao Jin or Cold Away before and after potential exposure.
ANTIDEPRESSANT UPDATE
Earlier this year, we presented a teleseminar on antidepressant herbs as well as printed material pointing out that many Americans want to stop taking prescription mood medications due to side effects and lack of efficacy. Another concern is that it can be very difficult for patients to stop these medications cold turkey. Furthermore, it has been reported that these medications may be unsafe for children and adolescents.
For young adults and pediatric patients who suffer from mild to moderate depression, Health Concerns solutions such as Aspiration for depression and Calm Spirit for anxiety-based depression, can be effective substitutes. These formulas are also helpful in the process of weaning patients off of pharmaceuticals. SAMe is another antidepressant substitute that can be safely combined with SSRI medications. Health Concerns’ SAMe is the same as used in European clinical trials. In addition, Griffonex 5-HTP boosts serotonin in the brain without the side effects associated with SSRI antidepressants.