Expert: Milan Mehta - 6/29/2006

Question
I've had ms for 30 years. My doctor wants me to starf interferon
treatment. Do you think neem can help me and how?

Thank you for answering

Gudrun

Answer
Dear Gudrun,

Neem cannot be of that help as can the following 3 herbs.

From an Ayurvedic perspective, MS is a disease of excessive heat resulting in drying of the nerve fibers. The treatment is directed toward cooling and lubricating the nerve fibers. A number of herbal remedies may be tried although there are few scientific studies that have carefully assessed their value. If you are going to explore an herbal approach, these are my top three choices:


1) Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). Known in Western herbology as Winter Cherry, the root of this plant has been used for thousands of years in India to strengthen a challenged nervous system. Some people consider it the Ayurvedic equivalent of ginseng. It is best absorbed when taken with a few ounces of warmed organic milk sweetened with a little honey or brown sugar. Try taking about half a gram twice daily. When used before bed, it can also help induce a deep sound sleep.

2) Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus). This Ayurvedic herb is a wild form of asparagus. Although it is not as well known as Ashwagandha, it is a useful immune balancing herbal ally. It has a soothing a cooling effect on the tissues and has been classically used in conditions of inflammation. Like Ashwagandha, it can be taken with milk sweetened with honey, twice daily.

3) The third herb worth considering is licorice. Use the pure powdered root to make a tea and drink a cup twice daily. It has mild anti-inflammatory steroid-like effects, but can cause retention of salt and fluid if taken in excess. Two cups per day should keep you well within the safe zone.

In addition to herbs, managing your stress is important in maintaining an optimally balanced immune system.

Consult your Doctor/ Naturopath before starting medication.

Regds.

Milan