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Curtail Dog Flatulence

Posting Date: 01/24/2005

Fish oil also improves cardiovascular health by helping stabilize heart rhythms and reducing the risk of blood clots. This anti-clotting effect, however, may increase the risk of bleeding, especially in combination with anticoagulants. Some antidepressants may also increase the risk of hemorrhage, so please check with your physician before adding fish oil to your regimen.

Q. I have had Raynaud's for years. When I could not get a flu shot this fall, I began taking the Chinese herb astragalus to boost my immune system. I took 3 pills a day (470 mg each) and within a few days I noticed that I had almost no more symptoms of Raynaud's. It is 98 percent gone. I can even pick up ice cubes without my fingers turning white.

No doctor has ever told me there was any relief for this very inconvenient and painful problem.

A. In Raynaud?s, cold temperatures or emotional stress trigger vasoconstriction of the fingers and toes. As a consequence, they turn white or even blue and become painful.

Astragalus root has been used in China for centuries to boost the immune system and improve circulation. This herb is considered helpful for combating colds and flu. Animal research suggests that astragalus may improve circulation, which is a problem with Raynaud?s.

Astragalus is not well known outside of traditional Chinese medicine. Thanks for sharing your fascinating discovery.

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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).