Although early studies were negative, Dr. Brent Bauer at the Mayo Clinic summarized 2 studies that support its use. Continue reading Ginger for nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy
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Review: CAM to treat memory loss
Herbals and other CAM are being aggressively marketed for both prophylactic and therapeutic effects in regard to memory disorders.
Researchers at Beth Israel Medical Center, in New York City, reviewed the evidence. Continue reading Review: CAM to treat memory loss
Smoking bans fail to lower heart attack risk
Declines in hospital admissions for acute myocardial infarction following smoke-free ordinances have been reported in smaller communities.
Researchers at the University of Louisville, in Kentucky, looked at the effect in 6 US states. Continue reading Smoking bans fail to lower heart attack risk
Spirituality as a guide to care in advanced cancer
Patients with advanced cancer frequently use CAM.
Researchers at the University of Toronto, in Canada, examined the use of CAM and implications for patient care. Continue reading Spirituality as a guide to care in advanced cancer
Review: CAM for low back pain
Researchers at the University of North Carolina, in Chapel Hill, reviewed active and passive treatment programs.
Here’s what we know. Continue reading Review: CAM for low back pain
CAM options to treat eczema
Bastyr Center for Natural Health has published a review. Continue reading CAM options to treat eczema
Traumeel S to treat pain following bunion surgery
Researchers from Israel studied the effectiveness of this frequently prescribed over-the-counter homeopathic product composed of extracts from a combination of plants and minerals.
It is widely sold in German, Switzerland and Austria. Continue reading Traumeel S to treat pain following bunion surgery
Alcohol consumption and its effect on “successful aging”
Studies have documented an association between moderate alcohol consumption and longevity.
Researchers at Harvard School of Public Health and the Brigham and Women’s Hospital, in Boston, studied whether moderate alcohol intake is associated with overall health and well-being in older age. Continue reading Alcohol consumption and its effect on “successful aging”
Limits to the benefits of resistance training in heart disease
Researchers at the Center for Cardiovascular Rehabilitation, in Bad Schallerbach, Austria, compared 2 levels of resistance training combined with aerobic training in patients participating in cardiac rehabilitation. Continue reading Limits to the benefits of resistance training in heart disease
Risk of drug interactions with dietary supplements
Researchers in the US reviewed the incidence and severity of potential interactions between prescription medicine and dietary supplements. Continue reading Risk of drug interactions with dietary supplements
A well-designed study of qigong in type 2 diabetes
Past studies have been criticized because of poor study design, according to Prof. Ernst.
Researchers from Bastyr University tighten up the design and report their results. Continue reading A well-designed study of qigong in type 2 diabetes
Grapefruit interaction with tolvaptan
Tolvaptan (Samsca) is used to treat hyponatremia — too little sodium in the blood.
Patients with heart failure, liver problems (eg, cirrhosis), and the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) may have hyponatremia. Continue reading Grapefruit interaction with tolvaptan
Long-term response to Weight Watchers diet
Researchers in Europe and Australia compared weight loss with standard treatment vs a commercial provider (Weight Watchers). Continue reading Long-term response to Weight Watchers diet
Symptomatic response to chondroitin in patients with osteoarthritis
Researchers at the University of Geneva School of Medicine, in Switzerland, evaluated the response to highly purified chondroitin 4&6 sulfate (CS) in patients with hand osteoarthritis. Continue reading Symptomatic response to chondroitin in patients with osteoarthritis
Effects of eating nuts on cholesterol
Epidemiological studies have associated eating nut with reduced risk for coronary heart disease (narrowing of the small blood vessels that supply blood and oxygen to the heart).
Researchers in the US and Spain reviewed the evidence. Continue reading Effects of eating nuts on cholesterol
Effect of EstroG-100 on menopausal symptoms
Researchers in Korea and the US studied EstroG-100 — a mixture of standardized extracts of Cynanchum wilfordii, Phlomis umbrosa and Angelica gigas. Continue reading Effect of EstroG-100 on menopausal symptoms
Marijuana interaction with warfarin reported
Researchers from the Cheyenne Veterans Affairs Medical Center, in Wyoming report that when taken together, 1 patient experienced bleeding from the blood “thinner” warfarin (Coumadin). Continue reading Marijuana interaction with warfarin reported
Limited value of herbals to lower blood pressure
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center, in New York, reviewed non-drug treatments.
Let’s focus on herbals. Continue reading Limited value of herbals to lower blood pressure
The biggest problem with St. John’s wort
It’s one of the most popular herbal supplements for treating depression. Dr. Perry Halushka from the Medical University of South Carolina has reviewed the scientific literature, including the many drug interactions associated with its use.
But the biggest problem is the lack of standardization and reliability of the contents of commercially available brands of St. John’s wort.
Continue reading The biggest problem with St. John’s wort
Effects of gentle yoga on sleep
Researchers at the University of Washington, in Seattle, studied changes in sleep in older women with osteoarthritis. Continue reading Effects of gentle yoga on sleep