Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is used to diagnose and treat conditions of the bile ducts, including gallstones, inflammatory strictures (scars), leaks (from trauma and surgery), and cancer.
Researchers from Chiba University in Japan used shakuyaku-kanzo-to (TJ-68) to suppress spasms of the small intestine during ERCP procedures. Continue reading Herbal alternative to control intestinal spasm
People with Raynaud’s disease experience cold and pain in their fingers, toes, nose, and ears when exposed to temperature changes or stress.
The World Health Organization recommends using ginkgo to treat Raynaud’s disease.
Actually, the scientific support for this recommendation is minimal –- just one positive study published in 2003. Continue reading Using ginkgo biloba to treat Raynaud’s disease
Marijuana might pose particular risk for susceptible people with coronary heart disease, according to researchers at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. Continue reading Caution: Marijuana and heart attack patients
A company called Fashion Sanctuary is removing from the market all Zhen De Shou Fat Loss Capsules sold in 10-count blister cards.
In addition, Balanced Health Products, Inc. is voluntarily recalling Starcaps Diet System Dietary Supplement sold in 30-capsule plastic bottles. Continue reading FDA warning on 2 weight loss products
Are you surprised? Continue reading Smoking marijuana increases the risk of driving accidents
Researchers from Goethe-University Frankfurt/Main in Germany took a detailed look at reports of liver toxicity associated with taking kava.
They uncover potential risks associated with taking this popular herbal. Continue reading Risk factors for liver toxicity from kava
This is the second review published this year, and the second to conclude “there is no evidence for a causal relationship between treatment by black cohosh and the observed liver disease.” Continue reading Black cohosh not associated with liver disease, again
Researchers from Tufts University in Boston reported during the American Heart Association 2008 Scientific Sessions in New Orleans that drinking 3 cups of hibiscus tea daily for 6 weeks lowered systolic blood pressure (SBP) by about 7 mmHg in prehypertensive and mildly hypertensive subjects. Continue reading Hibiscus tea lowers blood pressure
A negative review of homeopathy published in 2005 reverberates still in blogs, journals, and press releases.
A reader comments, and I wax philosophical. But let’s start with summary of the issues. Continue reading Cooking the books against homeopathy?
Dr. John Ashton from the University of Otago in New Zealand tells an interesting story about the potential for acetaminophen (paracetamol; Tylenol) to act as a “better” cannabinoid. Continue reading Using acetaminophen to get safer cannabinoid effects
Researchers from Italy and the US studied changes in psychological symptoms, reasoning, abuse, tolerability, quality of life, fatigue, and ability to control movement in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) who had never before been exposed to cannabis. Continue reading Response to cannabis by non-smokers with MS
Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) is used to treat symptoms of menopause.
Prof. Ernst and a colleague from the University of Naples Federico II in Italy delve into the scientific literature on its safety. Continue reading Safety of black cohosh
Another result from Tuesday’s US election — 63% of voters in Michigan approved of letting people who are ill grow their own pot. Continue reading Michigan voters say OK to medical marijuana
November is diabetes month at the CAM Report.
Here’s what we covered so far this year. Continue reading CAM and diabetes: A round up of studies from 2008
The World Health Organization has predicted a 39% rise in the worldwide prevalence of diabetes by 2030. And an article in The Lancet indicates this might be an underestimation.
Since November is Diabetes Month, here’s a round-up of CAM options for people with diabetes from 2006 through March 2007.
Continue reading CAM and diabetes: An update of recent studies
Drugs to protect the liver are prescribed in some countries as a routine part of tuberculosis treatment.
But do they work? Continue reading Herbs used to treat liver toxicity due to tuberculosis therapy
Panax ginseng should be consumed with caution during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester, and during lactation.
Here’s what we know. Continue reading Is it safe? Ginseng during pregnancy and lactation
Here’s a review of the evidence by researchers at the University of Western Australia in Perth. Continue reading The role of CAM to treat anxiety and depression
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania report negative effects on school-age children’s intellectual development. Continue reading The effects of smoking pot by pregnant mums on their offspring.
Chastetree (Vitex agnus castus) is a deciduous shrub used to treat a variety of gynecologic conditions, including menstrual irregularities.
Researchers from the University of Toronto and McMaster University in Hamilton, Canada reviewed the evidence as it pertains to its use by pregnant women. Continue reading No support for chastetree during pregnancy and lactation