Archive for July, 2008
Thursday, July 31st, 2008
Pelargonium sidoides (aka EPs 7630 and Umckaloabo) is an herbal extract derived from the gerenium. It’s used to treat acute respiratory tract infections (ARIs) where antibiotics are unnecessary.
The Cochrane Library has reviewed the evidence, as has Prof. Ernst. (more…)
Children, Cochrane Library, Common Cold, Infection, Pelargonium, Prof. Ernst | Comments Off on Pelargonium for treating acute respiratory infections
Thursday, July 31st, 2008
This study shows it can be done, with reductions that are relatively small. But read the comment to see what can be accomplished with diet, exercise, and omega-3.
(more…)
Cholesterol/Lipids, Diet-Nutrition, Exercise, Fiber | Comments Off on Lowering cholesterol with functional foods
Thursday, July 31st, 2008
Dr. Hans Baer from the University of Melbourne in Victoria, Australia thinks he knows.
It might be a window on what would occur with government funded universal healthcare in the US. (more…)
CAM Politics, Chinese Medicine, Naturopathy, Osteopathic | Comments Off on Why does the Australian government support CAM?
Tuesday, July 29th, 2008
Based on this safety review, the US Pharmacopeia may develop monographs about black cohosh (Actaea racemosa, formerly Cimicifuga racemosa). (more…)
Black/Blue Cohosh, Liver Disease | Comments Off on Should we be warned about black cohosh liver toxicity?
Tuesday, July 29th, 2008
 This meta-analysis concludes, “Hypnosis could be a clinically valuable intervention [to reduce] anticipatory and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in children with cancer.” (more…)
Cancer, Children, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Hypnosis, Nausea/Vomiting | Comments Off on Hypnosis in children receiving cancer chemotherapy
Monday, July 28th, 2008
The reviewers conclude, “There is insufficient evidence to support the use of injection therapy in subacute and chronic low-back pain.” (more…)
Injection (Prolotherapy), Pain-Back | Comments Off on Cochrane reviews injection therapy for low back pain
Sunday, July 27th, 2008
Researchers from Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital in London have reviewed the literature. (more…)
Acupuncture/ pressure, Pregnancy | Comments Off on Effect of acupuncture on in vitro fertilization
Saturday, July 26th, 2008
This Cochrane review concludes, “Uterine massage after delivery of the placenta is advised to prevent postpartum hemorrhage.” (more…)
Cochrane Library, Massage, Pregnancy | Comments Off on Massage to prevent postpartum bleeding
Saturday, July 26th, 2008
Garlic preparations are better than placebo in reducing blood pressure in people with high blood pressure, according to this review by researchers from The University of Adelaide in Australia. (more…)
Garlic, High Blood Pressure | Comments Off on Effect of garlic on blood pressure
Friday, July 25th, 2008
It’s the first state to outlaw a vegetable oil. (more…)
CAM Politics, Trans Fats | Comments Off on California bans trans fats
Friday, July 25th, 2008
Researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston tell us eating (a lot) more soy food results in lower sperm counts. (more…)
Flavonoids (Soy), Pregnancy | Comments Off on Negative effect of soy on sperm
Tuesday, July 22nd, 2008
The New England Journal of Medicine has published a report of 3 boys aged 4, 7, and 10 who were diagnosed with gynecomastia, which the authors attributed to the use of the oils when it resolved after they stopped using them.
Thanks to a reader who brings us up to date. (more…)
Aromatherapy, Lavender, Tea Tree Oil | Comments Off on Gynecomastia associated with excessive use of lavender oil and tea tree oil
Tuesday, July 22nd, 2008
Dr. Stephen Bent is Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Osher Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco.
Here’s his view. (more…)
G. BOTANICALS, Garlic, Ginkgo, Kava, St. John's Wort | Comments Off on A Bent view of herbals
Monday, July 21st, 2008
In this study, conventional physiotherapy was compared to physiotherapy with the addition of postural biofeedback. (more…)
Biofeedback, Pain-Back | Comments Off on Biofeedback for low back pain
Monday, July 21st, 2008
Some studies suggest that cancer patients who take antioxidants are more likely to tolerate more full doses of chemotherapy. (more…)
Cancer, Carnitine, N-acetylcysteine, Vitamins | Comments Off on Do antioxidants lower the side effects of chemotherapy?
Monday, July 21st, 2008
The supporting evidence is marginal according to this Cochrane Library review. (more…)
Headache/Migraine | Comments Off on Oxygen for migraine and cluster headaches
Sunday, July 20th, 2008
There appear to be beneficial effects on the skeleton. (more…)
Bone Fracture, Calcium, Elderly, Osteoporosis, Tea | Comments Off on Benefits of tea drinking in older women
Sunday, July 20th, 2008
As we age, zinc deficiency combined with impaired immunity increase our susceptibility to infection.
Now, a study hows that zinc supplementation raises zinc blood levels, and lowers circulating proteins that increase the risk of infection. Most importantly, it also lowered the rate of infection in the elderly.
(more…)
Elderly, Infection, Zinc | Comments Off on Fewer infections when older folks take zinc supplements
Sunday, July 20th, 2008
Two white physicians simply sat for a time and respectfully and attentively conversed about end-of-life care with 23 terminally ill Black patients at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta Georgia. Almost every patient willingly brought up spirituality.
In their article based on this experience they conclude that to understand and show respect for patients’ spiritual views in the context of the patient doctor relationship are keys to providing excellent palliative care.
Here are some quotes from their experience.
(more…)
Elderly, Palliative/End of Life, Religion/ Spirituality | Comments Off on Learning to apply spirituality to end-of-life care
Saturday, July 19th, 2008
Teaching children to recognize stroke. (more…)
Art, Music, Dance, CAM Education, Stroke | Comments Off on “Hip-Hop” Stroke