By Andrew Gaeddert
This is the third newsletter in a series of articles on EPAQ krill oil, a novel extract containing EPA, DHA, phospholipids and astaxanthin, a potent antioxidant. This article represents some case studies to offer insight on how EPAQ is useful in treating different conditions. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, giving it a wide range of possible indications.
PSORIASIS
Steven, a 47-year-old house painter, was diagnosed with eczema (contact dermatitis) and psoriasis. He had scaling, itching and red plaques all over his body. He had tried many topical medications and phototherapy with limited success. His doctor recommended methotrexate, an anticancer medicine used in treating severe psoriasis. However, he was opposed to taking the drug. Steven’s pulse was slightly wiry and his tongue was dry.
We suggested EPAQ krill oil to reduce inflammation and for its antioxidant effects (3 softgels per day with meals). We also recommended TAMU Oil, a topical blend of tamanu, avocado, and peppermint oils applied to the effected area 3 times per day. After two weeks, he experienced dramatically less itching, with a slight reduction in the size of some of the plaques. His pulse and tongue were unchanged.
He remained on the EPAQ and TAMU Oil for the next two months, experiencing a 90 percent reduction in his itching, and a 50 percent reduction in the plaques. His pulse and tongue were still unchanged, so we added Rehmannia & Milk Thistle (reformulated Ecliptex) to improve liver function (3 capsules two times a day). After one month, there was a further reduction in all symptoms.
CHRONIC FATIGUE
Delores, an overweight 64-year-old retired teacher, reported exhaustion as her main symptom, and muscle and joint pain as secondary symptoms. Delores woke up tired after 8-10 hours of sleep, and said she needed one to two naps just to make it through the day. Slight exercise such as swimming or walking often provoked extreme fatigue and pain. Delores was taking the medication Provigil (modafinil), which increases dopamine and is used to improve wakefulness. She was also taking the antidepressant Wellbutrin (bupropion HCl) and ibuprofen for pain. Her tongue was swollen and pale. Her pulse was wiry in the liver position and sinking in all other positions.
We recommended Ease 2 (3 capsules three times a day) to spread liver qi and tonify the spleen, and Adrenosen, an herbal formula that promotes adrenal function and reduces fatigue (2 capsules three times a day).We suggested walking and abdominal massage 20 minutes per day, and protein with each meal.
Delores was not able to come for follow up until three weeks later. During that time, she attended a large family gathering that lasted an entire weekend and involved a long drive.
Although her husband commented that Delores seemed to have more energy and more reserves during the family gathering, Delores said she felt about the same. She did not comply with the abdominal massage. Her pulse was weak but less wiry in the liver position and slightly stronger overall. Her tongue was slightly less swollen, though still pale. We suggested she add EPAQ krill oil (3 softgels per day with meals) to reduce inflammation and for its energizing effects. After two weeks, Delores’ energy had improved dramatically. Her pulse was stronger and her tongue was less pale though still swollen.
We decided that her new protocol would be Six Gentlemen to tonify spleen and reduce dampness (3 capsules three times a day), Adrenosen (2 capsules three times a day), and EPAQ krill oil (3 softgels per day with meals). Ease 2 was eliminated as her pulse was no longer wiry and her pain was reduced.
LEARNING DISABILITIES
Cassandra was born after a normal pregnancy and delivery, however she did not talk until age three. According to the pediatrician, Cassandra may have been mildly retarded. Neurologists, psychologists, speech therapists and audiologists concluded that she had a serious language delay but they didn’t know why. The results of an IQ test that Cassandra had when she was four years old revealed that she was mildly retarded.
Cassandra began kindergarten, but her language deficit was unchanged. She had difficulty focusing, comprehending and completing tasks. She did not interact with her peers. She saw a holistic doctor who administered EPAQ krill oil, two softgels per day with meals.
After four months, her mother noticed improvements in language and intellectual skills. Her teachers, who had not been told about the EPAQ treatment, commented on her improvements. Her figure skating coach noted that she was comprehending much better.
Cassandra continues to maintain on the EPAQ. She reads at an appropriate grade level and brings home spelling tests that are normal. Although she is still behind in math, she is more social and enjoys playing with other children.
PSORIASIS AND ARTHRITIS
Rita, a 39-year-old professor, had psoriasis on the hands and scalp. She had a painful left shoulder due to a skiing accident. She also complained of a lack of intellectual focus after several hours of reading. Rita’s pulse was choppy and her tongue was normal. We recommended EPAQ krill oil (3 softgels per day with meals) and TAMU Oil applied topically to her hands and scalp three times per day. We asked if she wanted a specific formula for the arthritis in her shoulder; however she said she was already taking NSAIDS and didn’t want to take anything else.
After three weeks, there was a slight improvement in her skin. Her pulse and tongue were unchanged. She remained on EPAQ and TAMU Oil until there were no more plaques. This took approximately three months. When I asked about her shoulder she said that she was able to increase her range of motion. Finally she reported that her ability to concentrate had also increased. This was remarkable because she had taken no other supplements besides the EPAQ and TAMU Oil.
HYPERACTIVITY
Daren, a seven-year-old adopted boy, had signs of hyperactivity, impulsive behavior and dyslexia. He was prone to violence against other children, he could not sit still in class, and although IQ tests showed he was bright, he was considerably below his grade level at school. Daren was in counseling. His pulse was racing and his tongue was red with a dark yellow coat. We suggested that Daren adhere to a dairy-free, low-sugar diet.
We recommended Ease Plus (2 capsules two times a day) and EPAQ krill oil (1 softgel two times a day with meals). His mom prepared the Ease Plus by emptying the capsules in applesauce, and the EPAQ was taken directly. After two weeks, his parents saw a slight improvement. His pulse was slower, and his tongue had less of a coating. After one month, there was a noticeable reduction in his hyperactivity. He will continue on the Ease Plus and EPAQ.
DISCUSSION
Ease Plus (chai hu mu li long gu tang) is traditionally used for rage and anger due to liver qi stagnation and liver yang rising.
These indications are commonly seen in hyperactivity and impulsivity. EPAQ krill oil contains EPA/DHA, and phospholipids. DHA in particular is found in the human brain. Combinations of EPA/DHA are empirically used to treat ADD/ADHD. Phospholipids help transport the EPA/DHA into the cells. In addition, one of the phospholipids in EPAQ, phosphatidylserine (PS), promotes mental functioning. Food allergy elimination is used to reduce hyperactivity.
Use this article, along with our other newsletters that discuss EPAQ: EPAQ Krill Oil: A New, Improved Fish Oil, Volume 13, Number 4, and EPAQ Krill Oil Part II: Commonly Asked Practitioner Questions, Volume 14, Number 1.
Andrew Gaeddert is an herbalist and author of the books, Chinese Herbs in the Western Clinic, Healing Digestive Disorders, Digestive Health NOW, and Healing Skin Disorders.