Complementary and alternative ways to start 2007
The latest edition of Yoga Journal tells us, “The social calendar we tend to keep at this time of year...
The winner in CAM for 2006
Winner: If you can stick a pin in it, researchers are eager to study acupuncture.
The biggest loser in CAM for 2006
Loser: Not only doesn’t it work, but governments all over the world are piling on black cohosh.
The most disappointing CAM in 2006
Most disappointing: Why does policosanol reliably lower cholesterol in Cuba but nowhere else?
Universal will eliminate trans fats at theme parks
Following the lead of Disney, Universal Studios will serve healthier side dishes and aims to eliminate trans-fats from its menus....
Profiling cancer patients who use CAM
Here is a profile of CAM users among patients with cancer who live in Washington State. The data come from...
Recommendations for n3 fatty acids for heart health
Many studies show a correlation between n-3 fatty acids (FAs; aka omega-3 fatty acids) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Now, a...
Using art for health’s sake
When I first graduated from pharmacy school I worked for a short time at Columbus Hospital in Newark, NJ. There...
An ayurvedic protocol to treat type 2 diabetes
Here’s a study that looked at the feasibility and clinical impact of prescribing several ayurvedic treatments in 60 people newly...
Marijuana to treat pain in Canada
North of the (US) border it’s possible to get medical marijuana from the government if you have a “grave or...
Duct tape to treat warts?
Several years ago duct tape became popular as a treatment for warts (Verruca vulgaris) after it was reported that complete...
Botulinum toxin type A vs topical creams to treat forehead wrinkles
There’s nothing more complementary than removing a facial wrinkle. Botulinum toxin type A (Botox) is the gold standard for removing...
McDonalds testing healthier fries
Crain’s Chicago Business reports that McDonald’s is testing a new form of healthier fries at nearly 1200 US locations, and...
Probiotic fails to produce a major change in serum lipids
There’s lots of interest in probiotics, so I guess it’s not surprising to see if Lactobacillus fermentum lowers LDL (bad)...
Opportunities for memory training and non-drug treatments to slow dementia
The results of the Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly (ACTIVE) study were summarized here recently. Now, Dr....
Acupuncture/ pressureAlexanderAyurvedaBreathingCuppingDiet-NutritionGingerGinsengHerbalsHomeopathyMagnetsPhysiotherapyReflexologyTENS/FNS/VNSYoga
The use of homeopathy among celebrities
I was surprised to learn of the popularity of homeopathy among today’s luminaries. Here’s a list.
Experience with a synbiotic formula in critically ill trauma patients
A study from the University of Thessaloniki in Greece reports that administering a synbiotic formula has beneficial effects in critically...
Cannabis and the risk of panic attacks
Cannabis (marijuana) dependence is associated with an increased risk of panic attacks. More than 4000 Colorado adults participated in a...
Homeopathic remedy reduces symptoms of rhinosinusitis
Rhinosinusitis refers to symptoms (nasal obstruction/discharge and loss of smell) of a cold or allergy that involve the nasal passages...
Black/Blue CohoshChasteberryDong QuaiFlavonoids (Soy)GinsengLicoriceLiver DiseaseMenopauseNCCAMPomegranate
Black cohosh does not reduce menopausal symptoms
Another study reports that black cohosh is useless to prevent hot flashes and night sweats associated with menopause. Here are...