Message Boards for the CF Trust

Replies: 3 Pages: 1

sally 1

Posts: 128
From: oldham
Registered: 09-Nov-2006

for emma s
Posted: 02-Dec-2006 17:22

Reply

Hi Emma,
I notice you are a herbalist. Do you have any info or references on using turmeric? We are thinkig of trying tom on it and wonder if you have any experience. Thanks

sal

Emma S

Posts: 59
From: Battle, East Sussex
Registered: 06-Nov-2006

Re: for emma s
Posted: 03-Dec-2006 20:02

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I use turmeric with Jasmine, from my experience and the people I spoke to while doing the dissertation research, turmeric is not really effective in anything to do with the lungs, but seems to have a good effect in the gut - probably as the amount which is taken up and distributed by the body is fairly low, so it tends to have a local effect only.
The original research which raised all the hopes regarding the herb, had also noted this action - the CF mice had previously died from DIOS and the turmeric fed ones didnt...
However, the dosage is quite high (although lower than that used for severe arthritis and cancer therapies) and due to the action on the bile duct and liver, it is not suitable for anyone who has liver problems, gall stones, any severe blockages in the pancreas, ie CFRD
Jasmine started taking it shortly after her diagnosis, about 2 years ago, and I have found (as have the others in my survey) that her gut function improved, weight gain and reduced/controllable creon requirements.
The turmeric which I use is a high strength 95%curcumin extract from a company called Lamberts (who's products I trust for quality), Jasmine has 2 tablets daily, although I will shortly be raising it to 3 - she is just 6 and weighs 18kg, height 108cms
If you are thinking of any herb like this, please make sure that your ok to do so from your CF team, especially regarding the health points mentioned above.
emma xx

sally 1

Posts: 128
From: oldham
Registered: 09-Nov-2006

Re: for emma s
Posted: 04-Dec-2006 17:31

Reply

Dear Emma
Thanks for your really helpful reply. Tom has gut problems but none of the ones you mention above...more to do with poor absorption as he is a bit chaotic with his creon. This is partly due to teenager-hood and partly to being a bit down. I will definately ask the cf team as he is oing for a scan on Thursday and we will see them then. If he were to continue, how much should he take? He is 6 feet tall and weighs 10stone 3lbs. Sorry I only work in old money! Hope Jasmine is keeping well and you are surviving the approach to the silly season Congrats on your award for the research too.

sal

Emma S

Posts: 59
From: Battle, East Sussex
Registered: 06-Nov-2006

Re: for emma s
Posted: 04-Dec-2006 22:54

Reply

Hi, I hope the scan goes ok and he is all clear. jasmine mainly had the gut problems, not generally chesty dispite the double dose of the 508 gene.
The CF team might not recommend the turmeric, but probably say something about follow up trials being disappointing (but they were looking for a respiratory effect, not gut)
I believe the dose of curcumin (Which is the active part of the turmeric) was 45mg per kilo of body weight (I dont like these gram+kilos, but all the results were in that!!) but if you want to check you need to look up the article on google and check it.
The turmeric I use is 10 000mg high strength extract, at 95% curcumin, by a company called Lamberts, you could ring round a few health shops, alternatively if you want to e mail me I can try and get some, but probably wont be putting in another order til after Xmas.
I think jazz wqeighs about 2 1/2 stone, and probably should take about 2 - 3, so its looking like 10 (gosh that sounds alot!!) I will also speak to my super duper herbalist friend who is also a cancer consultant (and incidently worked on the early bits of the gene therapy for CF when he was in respiratory medicine) just to check that.
Have just had a thought that if people are interested I could e mail them my dissertation... I think Ill put a post up!
emma