Here’s a hint.
The most comprehensive study of aromatherapy failed to show improvement in immune status, wound healing, or pain control. Continue reading Aromatherapy: Feel good or make well?
Category Archives: G. BOTANICALS
Ginkgo delays progression to dementia
But only if you remember to take it.
That’s the conclusion from researchers at the Oregon Health & Science University in Portland. Continue reading Ginkgo delays progression to dementia
Black cohosh has no estrogenic effects on the breast
Black cohosh is an alternative to hormonal therapy to treat hot flashes, mood disturbances, sweating, heart palpitations, and vaginal dryness.
Apparently, this is accomplished in the absence of any “systemic or breast-specific estrogenic effects.” According to researchers from the University of Missouri in Columbia. Continue reading Black cohosh has no estrogenic effects on the breast
Kampo medicine to treat atopic dermatitis
Hochu-ekki-to (TJ-41) is an herbal medicine that contains a mixture of 10 medicinal plants (listed below). It’s produced by Tsumura Co., Ltd. in Tokyo, which specializes in selling Kampo medicine — the adaptation of traditional Chinese medicine to Japanese culture.
In this study, the use of topical medicines (steroids and/or tacrolimus [Protopic]) decreased when patients with atopic dermatitis took Hochu-ekki-to. Continue reading Kampo medicine to treat atopic dermatitis
What we know about black cohosh
A continuing education article on Medscape presents a nice summary on the use of black cohosh to treat the symptoms of menopause. Continue reading What we know about black cohosh
Should you consider kava to treat anxiety?
The results of a combined analysis of 3 studies of kava kava (Piper methysticum) to treat anxiety do not support the use of kava in DSM-IV generalized anxiety disorder.
Well then, where does the support for kava come from?
Dolly Parton has back pain
It’s so bad that she canceled her concert tour.
Here’s the state-of-the-art (not including pharmacology and surgery) for treating lower back pain (LBP) from the North American Spine Society. Continue reading Dolly Parton has back pain
ConsumerLab flunks 8 of 38 bone health products
The products were purported to contain glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM (methylsulfonylmethane). You can buy the full report here, or MSNBC gives a glimpse of the findings here.
Two products exposed include Nature’s Plus Ultra Maximum Strength Chondroitin 600 for people and Nutri-Vet Nutritionals Hip and Joint Soft Chews for dogs. Continue reading ConsumerLab flunks 8 of 38 bone health products
Can you commit to butterbur?
Placebo-controlled trials document the effectiveness of butterbur to treat the runny nose, sneezing, congestion, and irritation in the nose, eyes, throat and ears associated with allergic rhinitis. It’s as effective as two widely used prescription drugs.
Continue reading Can you commit to butterbur?
Periodontal disease in kids who smoke pot
Periodontal disease is a gum disease (such as periodontitis or gingivitis) that, if untreated, inflames and eventually destroys the bone and tissues that support and anchor the teeth.
Cannabis smoking is a risk factor for periodontal disease, according to this study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Continue reading Periodontal disease in kids who smoke pot
A review of suxiao jiuxin wan as treatment for angina pectoris
Suxiao jiuxin wan is a mixture of herbs that is used in China along with western medicine to treat angina.
This Cochrane review concluded that the evidence does not support its use. Continue reading A review of suxiao jiuxin wan as treatment for angina pectoris
CAM: Complementary or alternative treatment for HIV/AIDS?
Research from Emory University in Atlanta indicates that patients with HIV/AIDS might be using CAM as an alternative to highly active anti-retroviral (HAART) HIV/AIDS treatment regimens.
At least among Black women in Alabama and Georgia. Continue reading CAM: Complementary or alternative treatment for HIV/AIDS?
No interaction between danshen and theophylline
Danshen (Radix Salviae Miltiorrhiza Bge, Salvia Root P.E.) extract is used to treat and prevent heart disease and senility in Asia, according to researchers from China. In some cases, patients might take danshen combined with theophylline (used to treat asthma).
Since they are both metabolized by the same liver enzyme system (CYP1A2), this study was conducted to determine the risk of a drug interaction. Continue reading No interaction between danshen and theophylline
The value of CAM for pain relief during labor
Professor Michel Tournaire and Dr. Anne Theau-Yonneau have reviewed the literature.
Few publications report a statistically significant reduction in labor pain? Here’s what we know about pain relief and other outcomes. I’ll summarize the more familiar options. Continue reading The value of CAM for pain relief during labor
Determining the best options to evaluate CAM
A special issue of Integrative Cancer Therapies questions the validity of evidence-based medicine (EBM) for evaluating CAM.
Continue reading Determining the best options to evaluate CAM
Marijuana available from vending machines in California
Here’s a CBS video on the subject.
It saddens me, but it’s instructive regarding the bias at CBS. Notice there’s no attempt to balance the report with any of the risks of marijuana or the lack of science on its “benefits.”
Go here for balance. Continue reading Marijuana available from vending machines in California
Spinning the effect of marijuana abuse in schizophrenics
NORML, the medical marijuana advocacy group, thinks this is a positive study.
I don’t see it that way. Continue reading Spinning the effect of marijuana abuse in schizophrenics
Medical students in Wales want more education on CAM
In 2000, the House of Lords Select Committee’s Report on CAM recommended familiarization with CAM for medical students and doctors.
According to this article, little has been done. But it confirms an interest in greater exposure to CAM education among medical students in Wales. Continue reading Medical students in Wales want more education on CAM
The relationship between cannabis use and early psychosis
It’s part of the highlights of the 5th International Conference on Early Psychosis held in Birmingham, UK and published on Medscape.
Here are the highlights of the highlights as they relate to marijuana and psychosis — a mental disorder characterized by delusions or hallucinations that indicate impaired contact with reality. Continue reading The relationship between cannabis use and early psychosis
Attitudes and perceptions regarding herbals among Canadian medical students
They don’t feel prepared to advise their patients. Continue reading Attitudes and perceptions regarding herbals among Canadian medical students