Pelargonium for treating acute respiratory infections
Pelargonium sidoides (aka EPs 7630 and Umckaloabo) is an herbal extract derived from the gerenium. It’s used to treat acute...
Lowering cholesterol with functional foods
This study shows it can be done, with reductions that are relatively small. But read the comment to see what...
Why does the Australian government support CAM?
Dr. Hans Baer from the University of Melbourne in Victoria, Australia thinks he knows. It might be a window on...
Should we be warned about black cohosh liver toxicity?
Based on this safety review, the US Pharmacopeia may develop monographs about black cohosh (Actaea racemosa, formerly Cimicifuga racemosa).
Hypnosis in children receiving cancer chemotherapy
 This meta-analysis concludes, “Hypnosis could be a clinically valuable intervention [to reduce] anticipatory and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in children...
Cochrane reviews injection therapy for low back pain
The reviewers conclude, “There is insufficient evidence to support the use of injection therapy in subacute and chronic low-back pain.”
Effect of acupuncture on in vitro fertilization
Researchers from Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital in London have reviewed the literature.
Massage to prevent postpartum bleeding
This Cochrane review concludes, “Uterine massage after delivery of the placenta is advised to prevent postpartum hemorrhage.”
Effect of garlic on blood pressure
Garlic preparations are better than placebo in reducing blood pressure in people with high blood pressure, according to this review...
Negative effect of soy on sperm
Researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston tell us eating (a lot) more soy food results in...
Gynecomastia associated with excessive use of lavender oil and tea tree oil
The New England Journal of Medicine has published a report of 3 boys aged 4, 7, and 10 who were...
A Bent view of herbals
Dr. Stephen Bent is Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Osher Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of California,...
Biofeedback for low back pain
In this study, conventional physiotherapy was compared to physiotherapy with the addition of postural biofeedback.
Do antioxidants lower the side effects of chemotherapy?
Some studies suggest that cancer patients who take antioxidants are more likely to tolerate more full doses of chemotherapy.
Oxygen for migraine and cluster headaches
The supporting evidence is marginal according to this Cochrane Library review.
Benefits of tea drinking in older women
There appear to be beneficial effects on the skeleton.
Fewer infections when older folks take zinc supplements
As we age, zinc deficiency combined with impaired immunity increase our susceptibility to infection. Now, a study hows that zinc...
Learning to apply spirituality to end-of-life care
Two white physicians simply sat for a time and respectfully and attentively conversed about end-of-life care with 23 terminally ill...