Prof. Ernst reviewed all cases in which chiropractic spinal manipulation was followed by death. Continue reading Review: Death after chiropractic
Category Archives: THINGS THAT DON’T FIT ABOVE
NHS will not ban homeopathy
Despite ongoing and building criticism by the British Medical Association and others, the NHS (National Health Services) will continue to fund homeopathy in the UK. Continue reading NHS will not ban homeopathy
Treating hypertension with time-released garlic tablets
Researchers from the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences, in Moscow report that time-released tablets (Allicor) are more effective than regular garlic supplements (Kwai). Continue reading Treating hypertension with time-released garlic tablets
Consumer Alert: Joyful Slim Herb Supplement
It has been a big week for product recalls.
Joyful Slim Herb Supplement is the third so far. Continue reading Consumer Alert: Joyful Slim Herb Supplement
Consumer Alert: Vialipro
Vialipro is sold as a dietary supplement in the US.
The FDA found that certain batches of Vialipro contain sulfoaildenafil, an analogue of sildenafil, which is used to treat male erectile dysfunction (impotence). Continue reading Consumer Alert: Vialipro
Consumer Alert: Slim-30 Herb Supplement
Slim-30 Herb Supplement is marketed as a “natural” herb for weight loss.
But an FDA lab analysis of this product revealed undeclared N-desmethyl sibutramine and traces of sibutramine (Meridia). Continue reading Consumer Alert: Slim-30 Herb Supplement
Evidence-based practice in CAM
In practice, evidence-based medicine means integrating individual expertise with the best available scientific research.
Prof. Ernst thinks evidence-based practice is “essential for any form of health care.” But how many professional CAM societies incorporate it in their codes of ethics? Continue reading Evidence-based practice in CAM
Consumer Alert: Que She
This “all-natural blend of Chinese herbs” will get this year’s award for the most fraudulently labeled supplement. Continue reading Consumer Alert: Que She
Consumer Alert: Magic Power Coffee
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns that this instant coffee product, marketed as a dietary supplement for sexual enhancement, contains an active drug ingredient that can dangerously lower blood pressure.
Goodness! How could this happen? Continue reading Consumer Alert: Magic Power Coffee
Is there a genetic predisposition to vitamin D deficiency?
The SUNLIGHT (Study of Underlying Genetic Determinants of Vitamin D and Highly Related Traits) Consortium reports its results.
The abstract in The Lancet is poor, but here’s a summary of the details from Medical News Today. Continue reading Is there a genetic predisposition to vitamin D deficiency?
Internet-based arthritis self-management
Researchers from Stanford University School of Medicine in California studied arthritis patients who were unable or unwilling to attend a small-group arthritis self-management program (ASMP). Continue reading Internet-based arthritis self-management
Telephone therapy for depression
Researchers at Brigham Young University, in Provo, Utah studied cognitive behavioral therapy–telephone treatment (CBT-TT) as a stand-alone treatment for adult depression. Continue reading Telephone therapy for depression
Sad state of CAM education in Wales’ medical schools
Despite recommendations that CAM be offered to medical students in Wales, little is offered.
Here’s what we know.
Continue reading Sad state of CAM education in Wales’ medical schools
Increasing prevalence of side effects with yohimbine
Yohimbine (yo HIM bean) increases the amount of blood flowing into the penis and prevents blood from flowing out, resulting in an erection. It’s sold under many brand names.
Here’s a report on side effect reported to the California Poison Control System. Continue reading Increasing prevalence of side effects with yohimbine
Consumer Alert: Vita Breath
The FDA advises consumers not to purchase nor consume Vita Breath, a dietary supplement manufactured by American Herbal Lab Inc. of Rosemead, California.
This product may contain hazardous levels of lead. Continue reading Consumer Alert: Vita Breath
Vitamin E and the risk of bleeding
Thanks to a barrage of recent studies and conflicting media messages, consumers are confused about the benefits (if any) from vitamin E supplements.
Until all this is sorted out, remember, high doses of vitamin E increase the risk of bleeding.
Here’s what we know about that. Continue reading Vitamin E and the risk of bleeding
Lack of drug interactions with echinacea
Researchers from Georgetown University in Washington, DC report that when taken short term, Echinacea purpurea products (roots and/or aerial parts) do not appear to be a risk to consumers. Continue reading Lack of drug interactions with echinacea
UK doctors rate their knowledge of herbal medicines
Here are the results of the British Medical Journal survey.
88% of respondents came from the UK, with the rest coming from 10 countries. Continue reading UK doctors rate their knowledge of herbal medicines
Effects of US healthcare reform on CAM
Jane Hoback, writing in Natural Foods Merchandiser, has listed areas of interest to CAM practitioners. Continue reading Effects of US healthcare reform on CAM
Web- and computer-based smoking cessation programs
Researchers from South Korea and California reviewed the evidence. Continue reading Web- and computer-based smoking cessation programs