Radiation Poisoning and Alternative Medicine

In light of the devastating nuclear instability in Japan, I thought it might be worthwhile to add on to our “Green Leaks” with a quick blog on radiation poisoning treatment in complementary medicine. There is a lot of random information surfacing with very little scientific evidence to back up the claims. Here is my summary of the alternative treatments about which you may be hearing:

Using iodine to treat radioactive iodine poisoning:This is probably the most common treatment you will see popping up in internet forums. Basically, there is unstable, radioactive iodine, and relatively stable potassium iodine or KI (I-127). The radioactive iodine hypothesized to be released from nuclear fission is I-131, with a half life of about 8 days. The idea is to saturate your thyroid glands with the stable form of iodine so that your body does not absorb the highly radioactive iodine. For guidelines on this treatment, checkout the FDA’s FAQ section on KI as well as the downloadable pdf, Guidance on Potassium Iodide as a Thyroid Blocking Agent in Radiation Emergencies.

Iodine supplementation is a tricky thing—if you overdose, it can mimic hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Also, if you have had any history of hypo/hyperthyroidism, thyroid cancer and/or cysts, you should really talk to a healthcare professional before you begin taking massive doses of KI. Additionally, I have found that people who have seafood, especially shell fish allergies are very sensitive to iodine. If you have any sort of allergy or sensitivity to iodine, be very careful.


Daily intake of strong miso soup to prevent heavy metal and radioactive build up:Miso soup as a preventative measure for heavy metal and radioactive toxicity is based on the story of a Japanese doctor, Dr. Shinichoro Akizuki, who treated patients in Nagasaki after the explosion of the atomic bomb. According to reports, this doctor and his staff did not suffer any of the symptoms from radiation poisoning because the doctor specifically ordered his staff to consume concentrated unsweetened miso while treating their patients.

There are some articles suggesting that fermented foods may help with radiation sickness. Definitely, if you enjoy a good cup of miso for lunch or dinner, keep going. This is a relatively low risk alternative treatment. For more scientific information, go to PubMed.gov and try the following keywords: Fermentation Radiation Dosage, Radiation-Protective Agents/pharmacology, Soybeans, Radiation-Protective Agents

Bentonite and Zeolite Clay:Clay baths are a common alternative treatment for assumed radiation and heavy metal contamination. Fans of the clay maintain that the clay is magnetically charged and attracts contamination out of your body.

There are different classes of bentonite (montmorillonite) clay, depending on the dominant mineral in the clay. If you go to a local health store, you are most likely to find sodium bentonite clay. This is the type of clay usually used as a base in clay cat litter. It expands when wet, so avoid internal use, but it is also cheaper and more accessible than calcium bentonite.

There is not a lot of scholarly material that proves this clay is effective in the treatment of radiation poisoning, but I have found bentonite to provide a very cleansing bath, personally. Basically, draw a hot bath and dissolve ½- 2 cups of bentonite in the water. Soak for not longer than 20 minutes once per week. Now for the downside—you’ve got to clean the bathtub out by hand so as little of the mud goes down your drain and clogs your plumbing. A useful, though non-scientific, home remedy website to visit for information on bentonite clay is Earth Clinic.

Feeling the Burn—Herbal Relief for Heartburn and Acid Reflux

Heartburn and acid reflux are among the most common chronic conditions in our population, and with the state no longer covering the cost of a very well-known prescription medication, I thought you might be in some alternative treatments.

First, let me mention that suffering from a serious case of acid reflux requires a significant diet change. If you haven’t eliminated most of the aggravating foods, such as tea, carbonated beverages, and coffee from your diet, you will find few natural remedies will work for you. Additionally, inconsistent meal choices and eating patterns can also aggravate this condition. In other words, you can naturally treat this problem, but it will require a bit of responsibility on your part.

I do have severe acid reflux problems, and have successfully treated the condition by keeping a light, but consistent diet supplemented by a few herbs. Let me tell you how I go about treating this problem.

First let me tell you of the dietary changes I have made. I switched to a low acid coffee life Folgers simply smooth. I’m way too addicted to give up my daily cup(s), so this is one of the allowances I gave myself. Next, I incorporated healthy oils, such as a good organic olive oil and organic coconut oil into my daily diet. Because I stick to a very low fat diet, none of my typical foods really protected and soothed by stomach during digestion, but these oils do a pretty good job. As long as my diet is consistent, I have found this is helpful for 60-70% of acid related problems.

Now on to herbs and other helpful digestive remedies. I will list the name of the herb (both vernacular and Latin), followed by the information. Additionally, I will post a link that will take you to a page giving you information about potential drug interactions.

Ginger (Zingiber officinalis): One of my favorite herbs, ginger is stellar at treating a broad range of digestive issues. It aids digestion, protects stomach lining, and reduces internal inflammation. Click here for more information. You can use it in a variety of forms, but I recommend just going to the grocery store and buying a fresh root. I drink a cup of tea made with fresh ginger 3 times a day, and actually keep a piece of rhizome in my office if anyone would like to stop by for a test drive. Click here for potential drug interactions.



Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra): This herb contains chemicals that sooth the digestive tract, and is commonly used for this purpose in Traditional Chinese Medicine. If you’re squeamish about consuming things with an odd flavor, licorice is going to be a good herb for you. The alcohol-based extract (which I use) does not have the characteristic candy taste, it just tastes sweet. I recommend a standardized tincture for moderate use, but this herb does have a lot of drug interactions, so be sure to read this.



Organic Apple Cider Vinegar: I use this daily, and I honestly have no logical reason to give you as to why this works for acid reflux. I put a splash (we like these technical terms in herbalism) of the vinegar in a tall glass of cold water and sip it when I get home from work. It works, and it’s cheap. It has to be organic, which you can find at Deep Roots or Earthfare. You will want to use a straw as you drink it to protect tooth enamel, and feel free to sweeten it with honey (which is also awesome for this problem). Click here for side effects.

Activated Charcoal: If I am just having an off day, and my stomach is giving me problems that may or may not be a virus, I take two activated charcoal capsules. Charcoal, basically, is the most awesome cure-all for stomach problems. I will be featuring it in my third herbalism presentation. Basically, it gets into your digestive tract and absorbs EVERYTHING. It’s used for drug overdose, food poisoning, as well as simple stomach complaints. I keep a bottle in my purse at all times. If you would like to try it, shoot an email to me. It is cheaper to buy over the internet, but you can purchase it at Earthfare or Deep Roots. SIDE EFFECTS: As I said, this stuff absorbs everything, so if you take medication, it is going to be absorbed as well. Wait at least two hours between using life sustaining medication and this remedy. Also, do not use this long term, as it will absorb the various nutritive ingredients of your food. Think of activated charcoal like the ultimate antacid that you should use when you have a major problem

What I have mentioned above is what I use to treat my problems, and if you have any questions, please let me know. Remember I am not a healthcare professional—in case there was any doubt. We will cover a vareity of stomach issues in the upcoming lectures.

Staff Development Presentations: Alternative Medicine Series

Staff Development Presentations: Alternative Medicine Series

The Staff Development Committee is sponsoring a series of presentations devoted to alternative medicine for University Libraries’ staff. This is a five part series devoted to herbal medicine, and will be led by Stacey Krim. Each session will last between an hour to an hour and a half, and will be offered twice a month. Here is a brief description of planned sessions:

January: Introduction to Herbalism History and Theory

Every form of medical care follows a paradigm of health and wellbeing. How each perspective interprets health and wellness will affect diagnosis and treatment. Before you pick up a book on herbalism, read a website, or engage an herbalist, you need to know the perspective of health care that is being assumed. In this session, we will discuss the basic models of health and treatment in Ayurveda (traditional Indian medicine), Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Western herbal traditions, and how the viewpoint of each model influences how herbal medicines are prescribed.

February: Using Herbs Safely: Herbal Preparations, Laws, and Regulation

What is a dietary supplement, and how does it differ from taking a prescription drug or just eating a vegetable, for that matter? In this session, we will discuss what you need to know to be a safe and savvy consumer of commercial herbal medicines. Additionally, the main types of herbal preparations (tisane, capsule, infusion) will be explained. If you are only able to attend one session, attend this one.

March: Herbal First Aid

From food poisoning to burns, we will cover specific alternative health remedies for these as well as the following conditions:

~Cuts/abrasions/burns
~Headaches and migraines
~Cold and flu symptoms

***If you have any other conditions you would like me to address, please let me know.

April: Herbs for Wellbeing

In this session, we will discuss specific herbs commonly used in treating:

~Fatigue (sleep problems/lack of energy)
~Depression and Anxiety
~Hormonal Balance (women and men)
~Diabetes

***If you have any other conditions you would like me to address, please let me know.

May or June: Herbal Miscellanea—Other Uses for Medicinal Plants

Do flowers really have an energy field that can heal emotional trauma? Is it really possible for an essential oil to increase mental clarity? Follow me as I tackle some of the lesser understood herbal models, as I explain the basics of Bach Flower Essences, homeopathy, and aromatherapy.

May or June: Wild Crafting and Herb Walk
How many medicinal and edible plants can you spot from the front steps of the library? Join me on a campus hunt for medicinal plants.


If anyone has any questions about these presentations, or would like to suggest a particular topic please let me know.