Researchers from Spain and Boston studied the relationship between age and cannabis use in patients with a first psychotic episode. Continue reading Effect of cannabis on the onset of psychosis
One-legged exercise for COPD
Researchers from West Park Healthcare Centre Toronto in Ontario ask, is there any benefit from one-legged exercise, at half the load of two-legged exercise in people with chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD)? Continue reading One-legged exercise for COPD
Rhodiola rosea treats depression
Standardized extract SHR-5 of Rhodiola rosea L. rhizomes (Sedum roseum; rose root) was studied in patients suffering from a current episode of mild/moderate depression. Continue reading Rhodiola rosea treats depression
Treating sweaty palms (and feet) with Kampo medicine
Palmoplantar hidrosis (aka hyperhydrosis) is excessive sweating from the palms and soles, which can be an embarrassing and disabling condition.
In this article, Dr. Fumino Ninomiya from Japan reports that a Kampo medicine, Shigyaku-san (Sini san, TJ-35: Tsumura & Co.), was associated with improvement of palmoplantar hidrosis. Continue reading Treating sweaty palms (and feet) with Kampo medicine
Acupuncture to treat insomnia
It was more effective than the benzodiazepine drug estazolam (ProSom, Eurodin) in this study by researchers at Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine in China.
But that’s not the entire story. Continue reading Acupuncture to treat insomnia
Fatty fish and the risk of “tiny” strokes
Among older adults, modest consumption of fish is associated with a lower prevalence of subclinical brain infarcts (“tiny” strokes) — changes in the brain consistent with a stroke, but without the usual outward signs and symptoms. Continue reading Fatty fish and the risk of “tiny” strokes
New perspective on acupuncture for headache
As you read this summary of a study conducted at Charité Medical Centre in Berlin, consider an earlier post that presents Prof. Ernst’s view of the A + B vs B study design. Continue reading New perspective on acupuncture for headache
Exercise does not reduce anxiety and depression
Genetically identical twins showed no difference in anxious and depressive symptoms when one exercised more than the other, according to this study from VU University Amsterdam.
But don’t put away your running shoes just yet. Continue reading Exercise does not reduce anxiety and depression
Interference by ginseng with a new digoxin immunoassay
Asian ginseng, Siberian ginseng, and the Indian Ayurvedic medicine Ashwagandha interfere with serum digoxin measurements obtained with commonly used fluorescent immunoassay tests.
Abbott Laboratories has marketed an alternative digoxin immunoassay, Digoxin III. Researchers at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center at Houston report on the risk of getting inaccurate digoxin levels in patients who take digoxin and one of these herbals at the same time. Continue reading Interference by ginseng with a new digoxin immunoassay
Using maggots to clean wounds
We’re talking about the soft-bodied legless grub that is the larva of certain flies. Their benefits include cleaning the wound and possibly speeding healing.
Medscape has a detailed review of the subject.
Continue reading Using maggots to clean wounds
Profiling consumers of natural health products
A series of focus group discussions across Canada help define today’s consumers of herbals, vitamins, and homeopathic medicines.
Here’s a summary of consumer views of natural health products (NHP) and the role of the pharmacist. I think there are insights for other healthcare professionals too. Continue reading Profiling consumers of natural health products
Acupuncture for dysphasia after stroke
Difficulty swallowing (dysphasia) after stroke occurs in up to 60% of patients, and is associated with other complications and death, particularly if it’s prolonged.
Acupuncture is used to treat this complication in China. Cochrane reviews the scientific support. Continue reading Acupuncture for dysphasia after stroke
Eating fatty fish and the risk of atherosclerosis
The results from this study suggest that diet, rather than genetics, accounts for the two-fold lower coronary heart disease mortality in Japan than in the US. Continue reading Eating fatty fish and the risk of atherosclerosis
Lavender baths lower stress in mother and child
Researchers from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in Florida report that adding lavender-scented bath oil to the infant bath results in lower stress in the mother and child, less crying, and better sleep. Continue reading Lavender baths lower stress in mother and child
The omega-3 primer
The University of Maryland website has a review of omega-3 fatty acids.
Here are the essentials
Feeding synbiotics to newborn infants
Live probiotic bacteria and dietary prebiotic oligosaccharides (together termed synbiotics) are being used in infancy, but evidence of their long-term effects and safety is lacking.
Now, researchers from Helsinki University Central Hospital in Finland report their effects. Continue reading Feeding synbiotics to newborn infants
The Gilchrest view of vitamin D and sun exposure
Dr. Barbara Gilchrest is professor and head of the Department of Dermatology at Boston University School of Medicine.
Here’s a summary of her take on vitamin D deficiency and the risks and benefits of exposure to the sun. Continue reading The Gilchrest view of vitamin D and sun exposure
Boswellia treatment of osteoarthritis
5-Loxin is a product made from Boswellia serrata (aka Salai guggal in Ayurvedic medicine).
It has anti-inflammatory action, and was used in this study to treat osteoarthritis of the knee. Continue reading Boswellia treatment of osteoarthritis
Pelargonium for treating acute respiratory infections
Pelargonium sidoides (aka EPs 7630 and Umckaloabo) is an herbal extract derived from the gerenium. It’s used to treat acute respiratory tract infections (ARIs) where antibiotics are unnecessary.
The Cochrane Library has reviewed the evidence, as has Prof. Ernst. Continue reading Pelargonium for treating acute respiratory infections
Lowering cholesterol with functional foods
This study shows it can be done, with reductions that are relatively small. But read the comment to see what can be accomplished with diet, exercise, and omega-3.
Continue reading Lowering cholesterol with functional foods