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SPIRIT OF ROSEMARY

Could you please let me know if you ever heard of "Spirit of Rosemary" herb, and where I can purchase it? I heard it could be mixed with olive off and oil of nutmeg to help thinning hair.

Betty Buchanan
Honey Brook, PA

Editor's Reply

Different forms of rosemary are used to treat a variety of ailments. Spiritus rosmarini (Spirit of Rosemary) can be combined with oils and used to prevent premature baldness, and stimulate the hair bulbs for thicker hair. A blend of this and other herbs are also sold as shampoos to add volume to hair. Ask your retailer.

PREVENTING CANCER

I would like to commend Brenda Adderly, MHA, on her article entitled "10 Steps to Protect Yourself Against Cancer," but unfortunately, she has omitted the most important steps; namely, 1) never smoke or, if you are a smoker, stop smoking; 2) minimize exposure to ultraviolet light; 3) follow medical recommendations for early detection screening. Unfortunately, smoking-related cancers account for more than one-third of all cancer deaths. Also, two different trials testing beta-carotene were actually associated with an increase in lung cancer!

Robert O. Dillman, MF, FACP
Medical Director, Hoag Cancer Center

MILK AND MYALGIA

I am very health conscious in both my medical practice and my family health care. Would you clarify a concern: I recall reading that excessive amounts of milk may cause myalgia. This is a very difficult question to answer or find any literature referable to same. I thought your editorial staff may be of assistance.

Dr. James Mottice
Clinton, Ohio

Editor's Reply

According to research reported by the National Eosinophila-Myalgia Syndrome Network (NEMSN), myalgia outbreaks were possibly caused by contaminated L-tryptophan (tryptophan is found in meats and milk). But it could not be confirmed as to what toxin in particular was responsible for myalgia.

For other references and answers to more questions about myalgia, contact the NEMSN(www.nemsn.org).

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