Name the herb recommended for cold
sores on a recent Dr. Oz Show repeat that has also been recommended
to support sleep, stress reduction, and thyroid function.
A. Chamomile
B. Passionflower
C. Lemon balm
D. Kava kava
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The Answer:
Lemon balm
Your Answers:
A. Chamomile - 59%
B. Passionflower - 10%
C. Lemon balm - 15%
D. Kava kava - 14%
The Answer:
Lemon Balm
Dr. Oz recommends using lemon balm tea to tame a cold sore outbreak.
He explained on the 5/8/12
episode title Health Myths Exposed, to brew a cup of lemon balm
tea and using a cotton ball apply it to the effected area. Dr. Oz
said the lemon balm will soothe the area and boost healing time too.
According
to the University of Maryland Medical Center, lemon balm tea has
been used to support sleep, mood, and even digestion. It has also
been used as support for thyroid issues so people on thyroid
medication should talk to their doctor before trying it. Tea lovers
and sleep pursuers often pair lemon balm tea with valerian and holy
basil. Lemon balm can be found under the name “lemon balm” or by
its Latin name “Melissa” in tea, pill, or liquid form.
Chamomile
On the 5/4/12
episode of The Dr. Oz Show, Dr. Oz discussed his one hour plan
for sleeping. He explained that what you do in the final hour before
bed effects how well and how long you sleep. At nine o'clock, Dr. Oz
recommends drinking a cup of chamomile tea mixed with 18 drops, or ½
mg, of melatonin. He calls it his Tired Tea and said it will make you
tired and help to calm the brain.
[If you're allergic to chamomile tea,
like me, there are many other herbal teas that could be enjoyed at
night to help calm and relax: passion flower, lemon balm, holy basil
just to name a few.]
Passionflower
On the 5/30/12
episode, OMG Questions, passionflower tea was called one of the
best tea for stress. Dr. Pina LoGiudice, Co-Medical Director of Inner
Source Health, explained that
passionflower has been studied and found to act much like
pharmaceutical medications to support the body during times of
anxiety. Passionflower can calm the nerves like medications do, she
explains. To reduce anxiety she recommends drinking passionflower tea
at night for it's sedative qualities, after an anxious-filled day,
when feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.
To make passionflower tea, Dr.
LoGiudice explained, add 1 tablespoon of the loose herb to boiling
water and enjoy.
Kava Kava
The
University of Maryland Medical Center says, “Kava is said to
elevate mood, well being, and contentment, and produce a feeling of
relaxation. Several studies have found that kava may be useful in the
treatment of anxiety, insomnia, and related nervous disorders.”
There have several cases of liver
damage reported and even death with the use of kava sparking a great
deal of controversy. One one side, the Polynesian's have been using
kava daily for generations without reported liver problems, or any
other issues. On the other side, several American's reported liver
damage while using kava.
Working in the health food industry at
the time, we had to post warnings near the product – and the
company I worked for still has warnings posted near the product. The
controversy comes from the knowledge that Polynesian's
It is possible that the people who
experienced issues with taking kava already had existing liver issues
or were taking pharmaceuticals that effected the liver at the same.
That said, it's important to talk to a doctor or pharmacist to
determine if kava is suitable.
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Thanks for
participating in this week's WatchingDrOz Quiz!
Each week a new quiz is posted on
Watching Dr Oz to test your knowledge of the information shared
on The Dr. Oz Show the
previous week. Answers are provided each Saturday. Cast your vote
every week and check back every Saturday to see how you did!
Photo credit: BrianHolm
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