Treating Narcolepsy Is Tricky

Q. Are there any natural treatments for narcolepsy and cataplexy?

A. Narcolepsy is a condition in which people fall asleep suddenly during waking hours. If they lose muscle control, it is called cataplexy. Some narcoleptics fall asleep and collapse while crossing the street.

There are no natural remedies for this serious ailment, unless you consider gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB). This compound is made in very small quantities by the body. Doctors can now prescribe it by the name Xyrem. It helps control narcolepsy by fostering restorative sleep. GHB has been abused so access to Xyrem is tightly controlled.

Q. I had nosebleeds from infancy to late puberty. An uncle of my mother gave her this trick. He served in the Army in WW I, so it goes way back.

Take some brown paper (from a shopping bag), fold it into a double strip about an inch and a half long by one quarter inch and place it in the front of the mouth as far up as you can, so it applies pressure above the jaw bone and just under the nose.

It will stop a torrent in a minute or so. It is quicker than cold keys on the back of the neck.

A. We?ve heard of this remedy before but we cannot explain how it would work any more than we can explain how keys dropped down the back of the neck would stop a nosebleed.

Another treatment is Nosebleeds QR (800-722-7559 or www.biolife.com). It contains hydrophilic polymer and potassium salt and is sold without a prescription in drugstores.

Any nosebleed that continues requires medical attention.

Q. In February, I had an endoscopic exam to stretch my esophagus. During that exam, my doctor found a duodenal ulcer. He determined that the Aleve I was taking every day for joint pain was responsible.

I heard that turmeric was an anti-inflammatory and I started taking one capsule a day. It is helping as much as the Aleve. What can you tell me about turmeric?

A. Turmeric comes from the underground stem of a plant related to ginger. It is a bright yellow color and is used for its distinctive flavor in curries. Research has found that it has anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activity.

Because turmeric is used in food, it is considered quite safe. Nevertheless, we have heard from people who have developed skin rash or elevated liver enzymes. One person had an interaction with the blood thinner Coumadin (warfarin).

We are sending you our Guide to Alternatives for Arthritis with many other tips for home remedies and natural treatments for joint pain and inflammation. Anyone who would like a copy, please send $3 in check or money order with a long (no. 10) stamped (60 cents), self-addressed envelope: Graedons' People's Pharmacy, No. AA-2, P. O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027.

Q. I know there can be benefits to drinking hot green tea. However, I like to brew and drink iced, decaffeinated green tea. Does it have the same health benefits?

A. Caffeine does not contribute to the benefits of green tea. Freshly made iced green tea should have all the benefits of hot tea.

A key component, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), is an antioxidant with anticancer properties. In a recent study, mice treated with ECGC had 50 percent less brain plaque associated with dementia. Green tea may also reduce the risk of atherosclerosis.


* * *
In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of this newspaper or e-mail them via their Web site: www.PeoplesPharmacy.org. Their newest book is The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies (St. Martin's Press).

© 2005 King Features Syndicate, Inc.

This article can be accessed directly at:
/peoplespharmacy/408/61186.html