Reglan recall is another reason to try herbal treatment

The Federal Drug Administration issued an alert yesterday for the recall of a popular medication, Reglan. (See http://www.littleeggcornthree.com/19362/?AFID=19401&SID=)  This drug, commonly used for gastrointestinal disorders such as heartburn and colitis, has been found to be causing a condition known as tardive dyskinesia. The primary active ingredient in Reglan, metoproclamide, is supposed to increase stomach muscle movement to aid digestion,  Recently, it has been linked to the following side effects, characteristic of tardive dyskinesia:

• Involuntary repetitive movements of extremities
• Lip-smacking
• Pursing or puckering of lips
• Grimacing
• Sticking out of the tongue
• Rapid eye movement
• Blinking
• Impaired finger motion

The above symptoms of this disease are irreversible and considered untreatable. Reglan (also sold under the names Reglan Tablets, Reglan Oral Disintergrating Tablets, Reglan Injection, and Metoclopramide Oral Solution) is being tagged by the FDA with a "black box warning" which will be attached to all products containing the substance on the market.

Another example of why many people eschew pharmaceutical products. They apparently pass the government's tests in order to be sold to the public, right? Then why do they get recalled for having harmful side effects if they're safe? Haven't many previous generations, plagued by heartburn, done fine with a glass of plain baking soda dissolved in water, or gingerale? How many times has the FDA recalled boxes of sodium bicarbonate, or bottles of gingerale? Aside from a loud burp, there haven't been any side effects of these methods of treating heartburn, much less permanent damage. Ginger, in fact, in any form is good for the digestive system. Licorice root is beneficial to the GI tract as well, as it soothes mucous membranes in that area. Peppermint is traditionally used, especially as a tea, to settle the stomach and aids in production of saliva, to assist digestive processes. Rhubarb, a popular spring fruit found in many Michigan gardens, is known to get rid of excessive mucous lining the intestines. With all these natural substances, easily obtainable, is it necessary to resort to substances not only much more expensive, but with the potential to do harm?

A further point: there have been some cases where veterinarians have also prescribed Reglan for dogs with colitis or other digestive problems. Check with your vet if you have a dog that has been placed on any medication for these disorders, as the drug may have another name for veterinary purposes.

Left to right: sodium bicarbonate, ginger, licorice root, peppermint, rhubarb