At least when the herbalists who did the study use them. Continue reading Herbal therapy reduces menopausal symptoms
Category Archives: G. BOTANICALS
Black cohosh, menopausal symptoms, and the risk of breast cancer and heart disease
Hormone replacement therapy may increase breast cancer and cardiovascular disease risk in menopausal women. But what is the effect of black cohosh extract — a popular alternative for reducing menopausal symptoms? Continue reading Black cohosh, menopausal symptoms, and the risk of breast cancer and heart disease
No interaction between goldenseal or kava kava and digoxin
This seems to be the first time the potential for these interactions has been studied.
Continue reading No interaction between goldenseal or kava kava and digoxin
The effects of smoking marijuana on the lungs
Aside from the finding (summarized here) that marijuana smoking is not associated with lung cancer, here is a list of its effects on lung function.
Continue reading The effects of smoking marijuana on the lungs
Marijuana use not associated with lung cancer
People who smoked marijuana in their youth are getting to the age when cancers are seen. Therefore, we’re probably on the verge of seeing many studies on the effects marijuana’s long-term health consequences.
Among more than 2000 people living in Los Angeles County, long-term marijuana users who smoked more than 22,000 joints over a lifetime showed no greater risk than infrequent marijuana users or nonusers.
How could this be?
Continue reading Marijuana use not associated with lung cancer
My question about Hoodia and weight loss
Here is a key point about Hoodia and its active ingredient (P57) based on a supportive article. (Italics added for emphasis.) “P57 is an appetite suppressant with … no effects on behavior.”
Perhaps you heard the story of the Kalahari Bushmen who live off the land and eat part of the hoodia stem to ward off hunger and thirst during hunting trips.
OK, I understand how it might work for them, but…
Marijuana used to treat neuropathic pain in AIDs patients
Neuropathic pain occurs when damaged or dysfunctional nerve fibers send incorrect signals to pain centers leading to feelings of tingling, numbness, and shooting and burning pain. It’s very discomforting to the patient and difficult to treat.
Here’s a study where cannabis showed benefit. Continue reading Marijuana used to treat neuropathic pain in AIDs patients
Teaching CAM in allopathic and osteopathic medical schools
Yes, they teach CAM at osteopathic and allopathic medical schools.
This survey concludes we need less advocacy and more reliance on evidence-based medicine (ie, combining research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values).
Continue reading Teaching CAM in allopathic and osteopathic medical schools
Black cohosh and liver toxicity
Concern that black cohosh, a popular alternative to prescription hormonal therapy for treating menopausal symptoms, can cause liver toxicity has prompted agencies in the U.K. and Australia to require manufacturers to add safety warnings to their labels.
No more OTC meds to treat colds in children younger than 6 years old?
“The data that we have now is they don’t seem to work,” said Dr. Sean Hennessy, a University of Pennsylvania epidemiologist and one of the experts who testified to the FDA today.
But what about CAM as an alternative? Continue reading No more OTC meds to treat colds in children younger than 6 years old?
Integrating CAM into traditional cancer treatments in Chicago
The Cancer Integrative Medicine Program at Rush University Medical Center focuses on dealing with the emotional, psychological, and spiritual effects of cancer. Continue reading Integrating CAM into traditional cancer treatments in Chicago
Why new mums get depressed and what to do about it
Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett is a health psychologist and a board certified lactation consultant from the University of New Hampshire in Durham. Her work focuses on family violence and perinatal health.
Here are her thoughts on postpartum depression. Continue reading Why new mums get depressed and what to do about it
Ginkgo biloba vs nifedipine to treat Raynaud’s disease
Raynaud’s disease causes some areas of the body (fingers, toes, tip of the nose and ears) to feel numb and cool in response to cold temperatures or stress. During a Raynaud’s attack, the arteries become narrow and limit blood flow to affected areas.
During the American Academy of Family Physicians 2007 Annual Scientific Assembly Ginkgo biloba was reportedly less effective than the calcium channel blocker nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia). Continue reading Ginkgo biloba vs nifedipine to treat Raynaud’s disease
Toxic metals and pesticides in the ayurvedic formulation, Dashmoola
Dashmoola is a popular herbal formulation in ayurvedic medicine. It’s used to reduce fever and modify the immune response.
In this study, scientists from the National Botanical Research Institute in Lucknow, India tested the roots and stems from 10 herbs used to prepare Dashmoola. Continue reading Toxic metals and pesticides in the ayurvedic formulation, Dashmoola
Herbal supplements for weight loss: What works, what doesn’t
In preparation for the upcoming weight management conferences in Europe, here is what we know about the value of herbals as an aid to weight loss.
Continue reading Herbal supplements for weight loss: What works, what doesn’t
Defining the benefits of glucosamine for osteoarthritis
Earlier posts on this topic here and here might leave readers with the impression that the scientific literature doesn’t support glucosamine to help treat osteoporosis.
Considering it’s one of the most commonly used supplements, it’s worth another look. Continue reading Defining the benefits of glucosamine for osteoarthritis
A review of 3 treatments for osteoarthritis of the knee
The Health and Human Services’ Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality has reviewed the evidence and concludes that proof of benefit is lacking for dietary supplements, a common surgical procedure, and injected preparations. Continue reading A review of 3 treatments for osteoarthritis of the knee
Banning sales of herbals in the UK
This, just in from The Independent.
Dr. Peter Canter and Professor Edzard Ernst from the Peninsula Medical School at the University of Exeter called yesterday [Oct 3] for the sale of herbal medicines to be banned unless evidence of their efficacy can be shown. Continue reading Banning sales of herbals in the UK
The health risks of panic attacks in postmenopausal women and CAM options
The Women’s Health Initiative Observational Study reports “Panic attacks are relatively common among postmenopausal women and appear to be an independent risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in older women.”
Let’s review the study and then the CAM connection. Continue reading The health risks of panic attacks in postmenopausal women and CAM options
Good news on ephedra-free weight loss products
They don’t contain ephedra.
This might seem intuitive, but with supplements you can’t be sure until you test.
Continue reading Good news on ephedra-free weight loss products