It’s used for depression, headache, hypertension, insomnia, migraine, nervous tension, and other stress-related conditions.
Researchers in Germany and Iran conducted the first placebo-controlled study of lavender essential oil to treat migraine headaches. Continue reading Lavender essential oil to treat migraine
Different theories attempt to explain the relaxation response to lavender aromatherapy.
This study suggests there’s another reason. Continue reading The role of expectation on the response to lavender aromatherapy
Researchers at the Medical University of Vienna, in Austria, studied the anxiolytic effect of Silexan, an oral lavender oil capsule preparation, compared to placebo. Continue reading Antianxiety effects of silexan, an oral lavender preparation
Researchers in North Carolina and in China reviewed the association between dietary fiber intake and risk of breast cancer. Continue reading Dietary fiber and the risk of breast cancer
Researchers at the University of Helsinki, in Finland, examined whether the total daily dose of zinc might explain part of the variation in the results of previous studies. Continue reading Effect of the dose of zinc lozenges on the common cold
Psychosocial factors are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality, but the effects of psychosocial factor treatment on heart disease are uncertain.
Researchers at Uppsala University Hospital, in Sweden, studied the effects of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) on the recurrence of cardiovascular disease. Continue reading CBT and the risk for heart disease
Researchers in Winnipeg, Manitoba surveyed the prevalence of CAM use in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Continue reading CAM use in the Manitoba IBD Cohort Study
Researchers at the Foundation of Public Health, Mutuelle Generale de l’Education Nationale, in Paris, reanalyzed data from the Women’s Antioxidant Cardiovascular Study (WACS), a cohort of women with prevalent vascular disease or 3 cardiovascular risk factors. Continue reading Support for exercise to preserve cognitive function
Man Up Now claims to be “herbal” and “all natural.” Consumers may mistakenly assume the product is harmless and poses no health risk. One consumer below thinks it no big deal.
Consumers who have Man Up Now capsules should stop using them, because the FDA determined it contains sulfoaildenafil, a chemical similar to sildenafil, and the active ingredient in Viagra. Continue reading Consumer Alert: Man Up Now capsules
Fluid accumulation in the legs and its redistribution into the neck appears to play a role in obstructive sleep apnea (pauses in breathing during sleep).
Researchers at Hopitaux de Paris, Groupe Hospitalier Pitie-Salpetriere, in Paris, France, studied the response to wearing compression stockings during the day. Continue reading Using compression stockings to treat sleep apnea
Patients with Parkinson’s disease have impaired balance, which affects function and increases the risk of falling. Exercise is routinely encouraged by healthcare providers, but few programs have been proven effective.
Researchers at the Oregon Research Institute, in Eugene, studied whether a tailored tai chi program could improve postural control in patients with Parkinson’s disease. Continue reading Tai chi benefits in Parkinson’s disease
Cannabis is considered a cause of psychotic illness, interacting with genetic and other environmental risk factors.
Researchers at Maastricht University Medical Center, in The Netherlands, investigated whether an urban environment contributes to the effects of adolescent cannabis use on psychosis risk. Continue reading Effect of an urban environment on cannabis psychosis risk
In this Cochrane review, researchers at the Sydney Children’s Hospital, in New South Wales, Australia, evaluated the evidence that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation reduces morbidity and mortality. Continue reading Omega-3 for cystic fibrosis
Researchers at Norwegian University of Science and Technology, in Trondheim, assessed whether exercise during pregnancy might prevent gestational diabetes and improves insulin resistance. Continue reading Exercise during pregnancy
A higher intake of fruits and vegetables is associated with a lower risk of ischemic heart disease (reduced blood supply to the heart muscle).
Researchers at the University of Oxford, in the UK, assessed the relation between fruit and vegetable intake and risk of death from ischemic heart disease in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC)-Heart study. Continue reading Fruit, veggies, and the risk of death from ischemic heart disease
Apathy is prevalent among patients with Alzheimer’s disease and is associated with greater morbidity and worse outcomes.
Researchers in Spain report that the music+art combination reduced apathy in patients with mild or moderate dementia. Continue reading Music plus art therapy for dementia-related apathy
Researchers at the University of Witten/Herdecke, in Germany, reviewed the evidence. Continue reading Yoga appears to be beneficial for people with pain
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition with widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, depression, and low cortisol levels.
Researchers at York University, in Toronto, Ontario, evaluated women with fibromyalgia before and after a yoga class. Continue reading Potential benefits of yoga for fibromyalgia
Researchers at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, in Dallas, investigated the association between vitamin D blood levels and depression. Continue reading Linking vitamin D and depression
Despite the reported benefits, weight loss isn’t always advised for older adults because some studies have associated weight loss with increased mortality.
Researchers from North Carolina and Maryland, put this belief to the test. Continue reading Does losing weight reduce your risk of early death?