A reader who gets pain relief from this Chinese “herbal” product asks why it’s illegal in the US. Continue reading Tung Shueh Pills not legal in the US
Smoking marijuana increases the risk of driving accidents
Are you surprised? Continue reading Smoking marijuana increases the risk of driving accidents
Testing soy shakes for fibromyalgia
Studies suggest that soy relieves neuropathic pain in animals and reduces pain and improves range of motion in people with osteoarthritis.
Based on this, researchers from the Mayo Clinic thought it reasonable to look for benefits of soy in people with fibromyalgia. Continue reading Testing soy shakes for fibromyalgia
Making ayurveda an international medical system
Dr. Raghunath Anant Mashelkar is the former Director General of the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research in India.
During the Second World Ayurveda Congress he shared his thoughts about bhasmas — the Ayurvedic “supplements” with the highest reported heavy metal (lead, tin, iron, arsenic) content. Continue reading Making ayurveda an international medical system
Reviewing acupuncture to treat chronic headache
Reviewers from Duke University Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina conclude it’s better than sham acupuncture and even drugs. Continue reading Reviewing acupuncture to treat chronic headache
Risk factors for liver toxicity from kava
Researchers from Goethe-University Frankfurt/Main in Germany took a detailed look at reports of liver toxicity associated with taking kava.
They uncover potential risks associated with taking this popular herbal. Continue reading Risk factors for liver toxicity from kava
Black cohosh not associated with liver disease, again
This is the second review published this year, and the second to conclude “there is no evidence for a causal relationship between treatment by black cohosh and the observed liver disease.” Continue reading Black cohosh not associated with liver disease, again
Benefits of biofeedback in older women with urge urinary incontinence
It’s mostly in your head. Continue reading Benefits of biofeedback in older women with urge urinary incontinence
More evidence against intensive whiplash treatment
Once again, less is more. Continue reading More evidence against intensive whiplash treatment
Does it make sense to take dietary supplements?
Dr. Jamaluddin Moloo is Chief of the Department of Medicine at Palmetto Health Richland Memorial Hospital in Columbia, South Carolina. He has reviewed the evidence and finds it lacking.
Here are the highlights for beta-carotene, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and selenium supplementation. Continue reading Does it make sense to take dietary supplements?
Skills of the healers
It’s recognized that doctors’ relationships with their patients can have healing effects, but the skills in this area of medical practice are understudied.
How does one recognize a “healer?” Continue reading Skills of the healers
Is there a role for acupuncture to lower blood pressure?
“The notion that acupuncture may lower high blood pressure is inconclusive, according to reviewers from the Sangji University in Kangwondo, South Korea. Continue reading Is there a role for acupuncture to lower blood pressure?
More tooth tunes? Music therapy during root canal
A while back, there was a toothbrush that played music to encourage kids to brush their teeth. That was fun.
Now, researchers from Tzu Chi University in Taiwan have studied the potential benefits of music therapy for a more serious activity — root canal treatment. Continue reading More tooth tunes? Music therapy during root canal
Success with peppermint oil for IBS symptoms
An international group of researchers report that peppermint oil is “more effective than placebo in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).”
It compared favorably to fiber and antispasmodic drugs too. Continue reading Success with peppermint oil for IBS symptoms
Music helps breathing in people with COPD
Get out your MP3 player if you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
As the researchers from the University of Hamburg state in their ivory tower way, “Auditory distraction might… serve as an intervention for the reduction of dyspnea [difficulty breathing] during exercise in this patient group.” Continue reading Music helps breathing in people with COPD
Should you buy omega-3 enriched eggs?
I do. Although I was never sure if it made a difference.
Now, researchers from Uppsala University Hospital in Sweden report that eating 1 enriched egg each day leads to changes that might lower the risk for diabetes and death due to cardiovascular disease. Continue reading Should you buy omega-3 enriched eggs?
Hibiscus tea lowers blood pressure
Researchers from Tufts University in Boston reported during the American Heart Association 2008 Scientific Sessions in New Orleans that drinking 3 cups of hibiscus tea daily for 6 weeks lowered systolic blood pressure (SBP) by about 7 mmHg in prehypertensive and mildly hypertensive subjects. Continue reading Hibiscus tea lowers blood pressure
Religion and the influence of social contacts on alcohol use
It’s known that religiosity and the personal importance of religion are associated with lower levels of alcohol use among both adolescents and college students.
This study looked at the influence of the religious beliefs of close friends and typical college students on alcohol use. Continue reading Religion and the influence of social contacts on alcohol use
Tuina: Chinese manipulative therapy
The Traverse City Record-Eagle has a story about a pilgrimage to China to learn about tuina (aka Tui Na).
Here’s what we know about tuina and research that’s been published in 2008. Continue reading Tuina: Chinese manipulative therapy
Benefits of a lower energy dense breakfast
The concept of energy density can help you feel satisfied with fewer calories, according to MayoClinic.com.
In this study, eating a lower energy density breakfast was associated with better weight control. Continue reading Benefits of a lower energy dense breakfast