Neuropathic pain is a complex, chronic pain state that usually is accompanied by tissue injury.
Researchers at McGill University, in Montreal, Quebec, report that inhaled medical marijuana is better than no treatment… but not by much. Continue reading Smoking cannabis to treat neuropathic pain
Oops. Topically applied Arnica montana is reputed to decrease bruising and muscle pain.
But in this study, researchers at the Memorial Family Medicine Residency Program, in Sugar Land, Texas, found an opposite effect. Continue reading Topical arnica increases muscle pain
Here’s the rationale supporting this study by researchers at the Mayo Clinic, in Rochester, Minnesota.
St. John’s wort treats mild-to-moderate depression. Antidepressants are often used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). But no one has studied the effects of St. John’s wort in patients with IBS. Continue reading St. John’s wort to treat IBS?
Researchers at Prince of Wales Hospital, in New South Wales, Australia, reviewed the evidence to determine the extent to which use of cannabis, alcohol, and other psychoactive substances affect the age at onset of psychosis. Continue reading Cannabis use and the risk of psychosis
Researchers from Rheinischen Friedrich Wilhelms-UniVersitat, in Bonn, Germany think is should.
Here’s a summary of their rationale. Continue reading Should the use of Ginkgo biloba be restricted?
Researchers at the University of Queensland, in St Lucia, Australia, evaluated tea tree oil + lavender oil. Continue reading Treating head lice, naturally
Researchers at Universite de Toulouse, in France, assessed cannabis-related adverse events leading to hospitalization, and the corresponding annual risk. Continue reading Hospitalizations due to smoking marijuana
Dr. Désirée Lie’s post on Medscape reviews nopal (prickly pear cactus), fenugreek, cinnamon, and Gymnema.
Here are the highpoints. Continue reading Herbs and dietary supplements for diabetes control
Ms. Leslie Bohner at Touro University in Vallejo, California summarizes the risks of medical marijuana. Continue reading Safety risks of marijuana
Lorazepam (Ativan) is a member of a group of drugs called benzodiazepines that are used to treat anxiety.
Researchers from Germany compared lorazepam to a lavender oil preparation called Silexan in patients with generalized anxiety disorder. Continue reading Lavender vs lorazepam to treat anxiety
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) refers to physical or emotional symptoms that typically occur about 5 to 11 days before a woman starts her monthly menstrual cycle.
Researchers at Kyung Hee University, in Seoul, Korea reviewed the evidence. Continue reading Review: Acupuncture to manage PMS
Yes, but…
Echinacea has an effect on the “blood thinner” warfarin (Coumadin), but it’s not likely to be life threatening, according to researchers at the University of Sydney, in Australia. Continue reading Is there a significant risk of an echinacea/warfarin interaction
Back pain is the second most common reason patients seek ambulatory medical care in the United States.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School, in Boston surveyed the nation about CAM use for back pain. Continue reading Perceived benefit from CAM in people with back pain
Prof. Ernst sees encouraging evidence for some treatments.
But does it matter? Continue reading CAM use among US adolescents
Researchers at Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, in Iran studied Aloe vera cream to reduce pain and promote healing. Continue reading Aloe vera following hemorrhoidectomy
Past studies on the impact of driving under the influence of cannabis on traffic safety showed that during the acute period of intoxication, cannabis diminishes driving faculties and raises the risk of collision.
Researchers from University de Montreal, in Quebec studied the association between impulsivity or sensation-seeking and the risk of driving under the influence of cannabis. Continue reading Driving under the influence of cannabis
There’s evidence that about 5% of hypertensive Nigerians use aloe vera to lower blood pressure.
Researchers at the University of the Pacific, in Stockton, California, studied the effects of oral aloe vera on blood pressure measurements. Continue reading Does aloe vera affect blood pressure?
Researchers at the National University of Singapore surveyed the use of CAM in residents of Singapore who had head and neck cancer.
Here are their findings compared to other countries where similar studies have been conducted. Continue reading Use of CAM in patients with head and neck cancer
Researchers from the Mayo Clinic, in Rochester, Minnesota have listed drugs to avoid when taking tamoxifen (Nolvadex) to treat breast cancer, but they omit reference to herbal supplements.
A study from the University of Arkansas helps correct their oversight. Continue reading Herbals and the risk of an interaction with tamoxifen
Evidence for CAM to treat depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been reviewed by researchers at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, in Kenner.
Here’s what we know. Continue reading Review of CAM for behavioral health