Herbal Remedies as Alternative Medicine?

What you need to know when deciding whether herbal remedies will work for you

 http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/health/2011/1025/1224306439300.html

 

DOES IT WORK? BACKGROUND For the past three and a half years, the evidence for different herbs and supplements has been examined here. This will be the last of this series, although a book of the columns will be published mid-2012 by Glasnevin Publishing. In this final column, I’d like to leave you with some general guidance about herbal remedies.

People have been using herbal remedies for thousands of years, but this doesn’t necessarily mean they are all useful. Some are effective for specific conditions, others are poisonous, and still others will do little more than waste your money. For example, St John’s wort has good evidence to support its effectiveness for mild depression, while Aristolochia species have caused the deaths of hundreds of people. Meanwhile, new herbs appear on the market all the time with little or no evidence to guide people.

The complexity here is reflected in the number of products available. One report in the US a few years ago found that 1,400 different species of herbs were available in more than 30,000 different products.
Many products contain several herbs. A market analysis published earlier in 2011 found that multi-herb products dominate this market and are predicted to “race ahead” of single-herb remedies. This makes it even more difficult to determine if a product works or is good value for money. Products may contain several herbs with similar reputations, but it becomes difficult to know if enough of any of them is present in these mixtures to have an effect. The potential for interactions, both good and bad, also arises.

For this reason, products with a single herb offer the best chance of getting a clearer understanding of their evidence. Uncovering that evidence can then be a challenge. As with many topics, the internet provides much information – some of it good, and some of it bad.

Discernment is vital when searching the internet, especially for health information. Be critical. If a website recommends a herb and is also selling it (as three-quarters of the sites are), be wary. If a website claims a herbal remedy will cure everything, surf away. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is too good to be true.

To help when searching the web for health information, various accreditations are available. Websites agree to abide by a code of conduct and in return can display a certification logo. One is the Health On the Net (HON) Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation based in Switzerland. In general, websites with such logos should be trustworthy (but check out what the logo really means).

The best type of evidence for the effectiveness and safety of herbs, supplements or medicines are controlled clinical trials. These are increasingly available for herbal remedies and published in peer-reviewed journals. However, these are not written for popular consumption, and often provide so much detail that even busy professionals don’t have time to examine them. For this reason, systematic reviews are conducted to summarise the available research. These are designed to remove as much bias as possible from the conclusions.

One of the best sources of systematic reviews is the Cochrane Library, available at TheCochrane Library.com. This is produced by independent professionals and available both in great detail and in plain language summaries. Reviews of several dozen herbs are available, and more are added each month.

PROBLEMATIC ASPECTS

The impression is often given that natural is safe. Hemlock, the death cap mushroom (Amanita phalloides) and deadly nightshade (Atropa belladonna), should be enough to remind us that nature can be dangerous. Consuming enough capsaicin from chilli peppers will kill you. Many herbs have adverse effects, and unfortunately some herbal remedies (especially those bought over the internet) can be impure. Batches of “herbal viagra” in particular have been found to be contaminated with pharmaceuticals.

Herbal remedies can be a way to avoid expensive medicines. For short-term conditions, these may be an option. But for serious conditions, or if symptoms persist, it is important not to avoid medical attention. Self-diagnosis has its limitations.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Although thousands of herbs are used, only a few dozen have received extensive research. Many have not been studied in controlled trials and trying them is, at best, guesswork. For others, a few studies may be available.

Be wary of general claims about products being “scientifically proven” unless specific references are given to that evidence. Also, ask your doctor or pharmacist about herbs or supplements you are using or considering. They should have access to the growing number of professional databases addressing herbal remedies (such as NaturalDatabase.com). It is also important that they know about all the herbs, supplements and medicines you are taking as some of them can interact with one another.

If a herb works, it does so because it contains chemicals that affect our bodies. In that way, they are naturally occurring drugs that should be taken with due caution.

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Dónal O’Mathúna has a PhD in pharmacy, researching herbal remedies, and an MA in bioethics, and is a senior lecturer in the School of Nursing Human Sciences, DCU. His Irish Times columns will be published mid-2012 by Glasnevin Publishing.Series concluded

My Thoughts

Yesterday I got bitten by some bug.  I went picking some star fruit and found myself itching all over.  I needed immediate cure, an alternative medicine.  I tried every alternative medicine I can get hold of.  And then I remembered vinegar- the alternative medicine for a lot of things, including bites. 

Well, I smelled kind of awful.  But the itching did stop.  The rashes are still reddish, but not as uncomfortable as it was the first time. 

I don't think vinegar is considered herbal.  But I'm convinced it is an alternative medicine.

Banana Bread as Alternative Medicine for Libido

Boost Libido With Banana Bread
Natural Remedies For Hormonal Health Problems
Brenda Kearns on Aug 2, 2011 at 11:17AM

Quick and simple kitchen cures to tame your worst symptoms fast (13 Photos)

Monthly ups and downs in sex hormones -- and the estrogen shortfalls that strike after menopause -- can stall blood flow to the genitals, leading to disappointing lulls in arousal and vaginal lubrication, explains Mary Jane Minkin, M.D. and professor of gynecology at Yale University. But studies show smelling banana bread increases pelvic blood flow as much as 40 percent in 10 minutes (whether or not you eat the bread!). Researchers aren’t sure yet why, but studies have shown that this enticing smell actually switches on the arousal center in the brain, explains Alan Hirsch, M.D., neurological director of Chicago’s Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation.

MY THOUGHTS

Well, that's certainly something new.  I've heard of papaya.  But banana bread as an alternative medicine is definitely never heard of.  Until now.   

IS CUCUMBER REALLY THAT WONDERFUL?

IS CUCUMBER REALLY THAT WONDERFUL?

(photo from ufseeds.com)

A friend forwarded me this mail.  I am sharing it because it's very interesting.  However, please be very discerning. I have not checked the veracity of any information here.  I do not even know where this article came from.  So, have fun reading it. Use wisdom and caution when trying the tips.  And own up.  Whatever the results, you were warned and you were the one who made the decision to try.

In short, don't blame me if you fall asleep after eating a cucumber. And don't blame the cucumber if people still shy away from you because of foul odor coming from your not-so-kissable mouth.  Even if you put 10 cucumbers at the roof of your mouth, the article didn't say you should stop brushing your teeth.  The cucumber is supposed to be a stop-gap measure. It was never meant to be a toothbrush, much less, a toothpaste.

Here goes:

"1. Cucumbers contain most of the vitamins you need.  Every day, just one cucumber contains Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Zinc.

2. Feeling tired in the afternoon, put down the caffeinated soda and pick up a
Cucumber. Cucumbers are a good source of B Vitamins and Carbohydrates that can provide that Quick pick-me-up that can last for Hours.

3. Tired of your bathroom mirror fogging up after a shower? Try rubbing a
Cucumber slice along the mirror, it will eliminate the fog and provide a soothing, Spa-like fragrance.

4. Are grubs and slugs ruining your planting beds? Place a few slices in a small pie tin and your garden will be free of pests all season long. The chemicals in the cucumber react with the aluminum to give Off a scent undetectable to humans but drive garden pests crazy and make them flee the
Area.

5 Looking for a fast and easy way to remove cellulite before going out or to the pool? Try rubbing a slice or two of cucumbers along your problem area for a few minutes, the phytochemicals in the cucumber cause the collagen in your skin to tighten, firming up the outer layer and reducing the visibility of cellulite. Works great on wrinkles too!!!

6.. Want to avoid a hangover or Terrible headache? Eat a few cucumber slices
Before going to bed and wake up refreshed and Headache free. Cucumbers contain enough sugar, B Vitamins and electrolytes to replenish essential nutrients the body lost, keeping everything in equilibrium, avoiding both a hangover and
headache!!

7. Looking to fight off that afternoon or evening snacking binge? Cucumbers
Have been used for centuries and often used by European trappers, traders and explores for quick meals to thwart off starvation.

8. Have an important meeting or job interview and you realize that you don't have enough time to polish your shoes? Rub a freshly cut cucumber over the shoe, its chemicals will provide a Quick and durable shine that not only looks
great but also repels Water.

9. Out of WD 40 and need to fix a squeaky hinge? Take a Cucumber slice and rub it along the problematic Hinge, and voila, the squeak is gone!

10. Stressed out and don't have time for massage, Facial or visit to the spa? Cut up an entire Cucumber and place it in a boiling pot of water, the chemicals and nutrients from the cucumber will react with the boiling water and be released in the steam, creating a soothing, relaxing aroma that has been shown the reduce stress in new mothers and college students during final exams.

11. Just finish a business lunch and realize you don't have gum or Mints? Take a slice of cucumber and press it to the roof of your mouth with your tongue for 30 Seconds to eliminate bad breath, the Phytochemcials will kill the bacteria in your Mouth responsible for causing bad Breath.

12. Looking for a 'green' way to clean your faucets, sinks or stainless steel?
Take a slice of cucumber and rub it on the Surface you want to clean, not only will it Remove years of tarnish and bring back the Shine, but is won't leave streaks and won't harm You fingers or fingernails while you clean.

13. Using a Pen and made a mistake? Take the outside of the cucumber and slowly use it to erase the pen Writing, also works great on crayons and markers that the kids have used to decorate the walls!!"

Careful with your Tea

Twig tea, anyone? Study says labels often mislead
Published July 21, 2011

OSLO (Reuters) - Herbal teas often contain unlisted extra ingredients such as weeds, ferns or bits of tree, according to a study by New York high school students that could help tighten labeling rules.

"A third of the herbal teas had things in them that are not on the label," Mark Stoeckle, of the Rockefeller University who helped oversee the project, told Reuters by telephone.

The students collected dozens of teas and herbal teas and found extra ingredients in some including ferns, grass, parsley, other weeds and even traces of an ornamental tree, Taiwanese cheesewood, they said.

"For me, the most surprising ingredient was the annual bluegrass," said Catherine Gamble, 18, of Trinity School. "It seems kind of outrageous to have it in a tea."

"I think nothing was outright poisonous...but things like chamomile (found in some samples) have been known to cause allergic reactions to people. To have those in tea and unlabelled could be dangerous," she told Reuters.

The students said that three of 70 tea products tested and 21 of 60 herbal products contained rogue ingredients not on the labels.

The tea study, using $5,000 equipment for genetic testing and a technique known as DNA barcoding, could help regulators tighten labeling rules for teabags and make manufacturers improve what they put in the brews, they said.

Testing can be done for about $15 a sample and takes about 24 hours. The teas and infusions were from 33 manufacturers in 17 nations, according to the findings, published on Thursday in the online journal Scientific Reports.

"It's a mystery why ingredients are unlisted," said Grace Young, 15. "It might just be a weed picked up during harvesting or the residue of a plant used in one product gets passed to the next product in a processing facility."

Stoeckle said extra ingredients such as chamomile or parsley might be added deliberately to provide flavor or color. Or manufacturers may seek to sell full-looking tea bags and so pad them with filler.

"This is something that manufacturers and regulators could use," Stoeckle said of the DNA technique for tea. Importers, for instance, could double check if a shipment of dried leaves is really tea.

SOURCE: http://bit.ly/qNdUjy Scientific Reports, online July 21, 2011.

MY THOUGHTS

Is there cause for alarm?  For me, yes!  I don't want to take in anything that  I am not aware of.  Chamomile is fine. I'm not allergic to it.  But bluegrass? check out the pic.  i doubt you'd like to eat that.  unless you're a cow?

from ipm.msu.edu

Chiropractors have an ethical duty

Chiropractors have an ethical duty to tell their patients about risks
http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/blog/2011/jul/12/chiropractors-ethical-duty-patients-risks

A survey suggests fewer than half of chiropractors always discuss the risks of cervical manipulation with patients

Most consumers seem to think all alternative treatments are natural and therefore safe. I have repeatedly pointed out that this is not necessarily true. Some alternative therapies are associated with very significant risks. Chiropractic, for instance, has left many patients in wheelchairs and some have even died.1 Yet most chiropractors vehemently deny any responsibility.

A recent article by researchers from the Anglo-European College of Chiropractic in Bournemouth started with the telling statement that "the risk associated with cervical manipulation is controversial".2 This is certainly true. About every second patient experiences transient adverse effects after chiropractic, and several hundred cases of permanent neurological deficits or death are on record.1,3,4 Most of these serious complications are caused when an artery in the neck gets damaged during extreme manipulations of the upper spine. When this happens, the patient suffers a stroke and, as we all know, one can die of a stroke.

The Bournemouth team sent questionnaires about risk-related issues to 200 randomly selected UK chiropractors and received 92 responses. Their results show, among other things, that "only 45% indicated they always discuss [the risks of cervical manipulation] with patients ... "2

In plain language, this means that the majority of UK chiropractors seem to violate the most basic ethical standards in healthcare. If we assume that the 92 responders were from the more ethical end of the chiropractic spectrum, it might even be the vast majority of UK chiropractors who are violating the axiom of informed consent.

I applaud the authors for their courage in publishing their findings. They conclude that, "notwithstanding legal obligations, reluctance to disclose risk ... still remains, despite acknowledgement of moral and ethical responsibility."2 There is nothing to add to this clear message.

MY THOUGHTS

Better hash up on this issue.  I love going to the chiro.  But this is scary.

FLAXSEED: AN ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE FOR HOT FLASHES?

Hot flash: Flaxseed may not help menopause symptoms
June 6th, 2011 8:53 pm ET

If you’re one of many women turning to alternative medicine as a way of dealing with hot flashes during menopause or breast cancer treatment, you might want to cross flaxseed off your list. That's the suggestion of a new study presented today at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology  which found this natural treatment ineffective in controlling hot flashes.

In this randomized, placebo-controlled study of 188 women, doctors from the Mayo Clinic and the North Central Cancer Treatment Group report they found no statistically significant difference in hot flash episodes among women eating crushed  flax seed compared to those who didn’t. 

This finding contradicts earlier research by the same group which suggested that 40 grams of crushed flax seed daily might be a safe and effective way to treat hot flashes.

"While our preliminary data from our 2007 pilot study showed a reduction in hot flashes associated with the consumption of ground flaxseed, our new study did not result in a significant decrease in hot flashes with eating flaxseed compared to placebo,” said Sandhya Pruthis, M.D., of Mayo’s Breast Diagnostic Clinic and a researcher at  North Central.

Flax is a plant grown for both it's seeds and it's fiber. The seeds are what contain the nutritional value while the fiber is used in the manufacture of cloth and paper.

What Causes a Hot Flash?

Hot flashes can occur for many reasons, but the two most common are related to menopause and certain breast cancer treatments.  The flashes themselves  occur due  to rapid changes in body temperature - changes  that are  ultimately linked to fluctuations in hormones, particularly estrogen.

In fact,  while most women believe it is low estrogen that causes a hot flash, in truth, it is really the fluctuations of estrogen– the up-and-down movement  that occurs during the “change of life” -  that is really behind many menopause symptoms, including hot flashes.

Indeed, as estrogens levels rise and fall they send an erroneous message to your brain, specifically your hypothalamus gland the command central responsible for keeping your body temperature on an even keel.   This erroneous message tells your brain that your body is overheated - even when you're not - and must dispense of all this excess heat immediately.

As a result your hypothalamus gland sends a chemical message to your blood vessels to rapidly dilate and release that excess heat.

This rapid release of body heat is what you experience when a “hot flash” occurs.

However, usally within about 5 to 10 minutes your brain figures out that your hypothalamus was “tricked” by those bouncing hormones,  and that you really weren’t overheated at all.  This in turn causes your brain to send out a new message to immediately stop releasing heat – which is turn causes blood vessels to constrict and the hot flash to subside.

Indeed, the fact that all this heat was released when you really weren't overheated is one reason why many women experience a brief bout of the "chills" after each hot flash.

Natural treatments for hot flashes

Natural treatments such as flax seed are thought to help hot flashes by stabilizing estrogen levels, thus keeping the fluctuations at bay.  By doing so, the hypothalamus gland gets fewer “wrong” messages, so fewer hot flashes occur.

Now, however, this new study suggests that flax seed  does not appear to have the ability to do this - and might not be the right answer for women seeking natural hot flash relief.

What the study does not tell us, however, is whether or not higher doses of the flax seed might work, or if  using this treatment for a longer period of time might change the outcome.

That said,  Dr. Pruthis suggests that if you enjoy including flax seed in your diet, you should continue to do so since there it has many other healthful benefits.  In addition to being a good source of fiber which can help manage constipation and blood sugar (two other problems related to menopause) flax seed can also be a good source of omega 3 fatty acids, which have other important health benefits during menopause , including helping to control mood swings.

Other natural treatments for hot flashes include herbs such as black cohash, red clover and dong quai.

To learn more about natural treatments for menopause symptoms, including bioidentical hormones visit www.yourMenopause.com .

Colette Bouchez is an award winning medical journalist and author of ten books on women’s health including “The Hot Flash Solution”, a breakthrough guide for treating hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause naturally.

MY THOUGHTS

If flaxseed is not an alternative medicine for hot flashes, take note of the other herbs mentioned in the article.

INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE

Combining the old and the new
from Bangkok Post

    Published: 24/05/2011 at 12:00 AM
    Newspaper section: Life


The duty of a doctor has always been the same - to cure diseases. Good doctors are those who can cure diseases quickly and effectively. How good a doctor is depends on whether he can treat the diseases, whether he can save lives and whether the diseases recur.

In reality, there are only a few diseases that can be healed permanently without a chance of recurring. Many diseases will go away in exchange with other symptoms, such as side effects from the medication. There are diseases that modern medicine cannot cure but traditional medicine can, such as non-herpetic cold sores.

In treating patients, doctors know there are limits and decades of research still have not cured all diseases in the world. Even specialists cannot heal every patient. Sometimes the patients seek alternative medicine, which is not completely accepted by modern conventional doctors, so the patients have to sneak around behind the doctor's back.

A patient of mine had narrowed arteries for a long time. One day, she said her shoulders hurt, but I checked and it was not related to her heart disease - it could have been, but in this case it was not. I prescribed some medication to treat her shoulder problem, but months later she came back without any progress. Due to her heart condition, diabetes and high blood pressure, the amount of tablets prescribed had to be limited. I had no other option so I sent her to see a Chinese acupuncturist. Soon, she returned with a happy smile, saying her shoulders were fine and her blood pressure was back to normal.

Although this option is not recognised by all doctors, alternative medicine has become increasingly popular. Traditional medicine is only a part of this. Alternative medicine includes massage, acupuncture, hypnotherapy, breathing techniques, and even future medicine (that's what I call it - it's not the formal name) such as electro-magnetic fields and many forms of energy medicine. Some people do not treat the illness but use certain foods to battle the disease. It can be regarded as a treatment, such as the Mediterranean diet, which is full of olive oil, nuts and vegetables.

In Thailand, there is also food therapy. We've been taught that we should eat mangosteen after we eat durian. It has been proven that mangosteens contain antioxidants, which would be good for people who eat durian, which is high in calories and fat. Spices such as garlic and chilli, which are widely used in most Thai recipes, can help reduce inflammation - one of the causes of many chronic diseases and even artery disease. It was believed that the latter was caused by fat clogging the blood vessel, but it was later found that it could be due to artery wall inflammation, which triggers the clogging in the first place.

Modern medicine does not fully recognise these alternatives, partly because modern doctors have been taught to think rationally based on statistics and medical research. For a medicine to be used, it has to be tested to prove that it works on most patients (not all, unfortunately) and has an acceptable level of side effects (meaning there will be some side effects). The medicine has to be tested on a large group of people and the effectiveness has to be satisfactory and clear. This is the way how modern conventional medicine is controlled by statistics!

Alternative medicine usually has no scientific proof or research to back it up as reliable. It has been passed on from generation to generation, through observation and apprenticeship. Scientific research and data accumulation might not be suitable for alternative medicine because traditional medicine is more of an art than a science.

The purpose is not to treat the symptoms based on numerical data (statistics), but to make the patient feel better and relieve the symptoms. In other words, modern medicine is about the physical aspect while alternative medicine targets emotional and physical aspects together.

For example, the benefits of ginger and garlic, scientifically, might be difficult to surmise. Some research claims they can reduce blood pressure, while other studies say they can't. It could be due to the difference in the ginger and garlic places of origin, how they are stored, prepared and used. Since they are natural, their effects will gradually appear, not dramatically, so the studies might not be able to detect their effects. Plus, emotional effects cannot be measured by any modern statistics.

Both traditional and modern medicines have pros and cons, so it is better to approach both in the right way. This is called integrative medicine. However, the doctor has to know how to use both approaches in order to obtain best benefits for the patients.

A patient of mine felt pain in his chest because of cardiac syndrome X, which is harder to treat than narrowed arteries. I had tried all the medicines available, but it was not until EECP (Enhanced External Counterpulsation) treatment that he felt better.

The effect was, however, only temporary and soon the pain came back. As some reports say it could work, I tried acupuncture and miraculously the patient felt better. By better, I mean the symptoms went away and there was no need to use medication or EECP. That was years ago, and recently, I checked his heart and it was perfectly normal.

Integrative medicine is now widely recognised. Some universities in the US offer this field of study. Other than medical treatments, it also includes meditation, hypnosis, detoxification, acupuncture and food therapy. However, the focus is not only on physical wellness but also emotional wellness. This definitely has no statistical proof as it can't be measured.

It sounds like the past is the future. However, it is up to your consideration. My suggestion is no method can cure every patient. If it claims to do so, it's a lie. Don't believe the hype!

MY THOUGHTS

Whatever works, go for it!

Alternative Medicine and Your Family

Alternative Medicine and Your Family

Do you rely on alternative therapies when treating illness in your family?

By Cindy Drabick | Email the author | May 4, 2011

Modern medicine is a wonderful thing. Dating back from the discovery that antibiotics could save a life, we have grown to rely on the wonders of modern medicine. We still don’t clearly know how aspirin works, or do we know how to cure to the common cold but technology and research continue to make great strides in medicine.

Sometimes, doctors don’t have all of the answers to our medical problems and some look to alternative therapies to find relief. While drugs are beneficial, sometimes the side effects can outweigh the benefits. People then turn to alternative ways of dealing with their illness. These would include acupuncture, herbal remedies, massage therapy, and even aromatherapy.

“Acupuncture can be very helpful in helping treat a variety of things such as anxiety, depression, PMS, and other physical conditions,” shared Kathy Koch, Master Acupuncturist.

She adds, “It is my hope that insurance companies will realize how beneficial alternative therapies can be and continue to move in the direction of accepting these therapies for overall wellness.”

So, what do you think? Are you quick to find a prescription to ease your symptoms or do you look for alternative therapies when your family gets sick? Tell us in the comments.

MY COMMENTS

I'm a believer. I go for alternative cures when they are available.

HERBAL MEDS FOR INFANTS?

Infants getting herbal remedies, despite questions
Published May 03, 2011

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Parents commonly give infants teas or herbal supplements said to soothe "fussiness," even though there's no good evidence that the products work, a U.S. government study finds.

There are a number of teas and botanical products with ingredients like chamomile, ginger and fennel that are marketed for easing infants' tummy troubles, fussiness and sleep issues.

The problem is there is little evidence that they work, or that they are completely safe.

In the new study published Monday, Dr. Yuanting Zhang and colleagues at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) wanted to find out how common it is for parents to give infants tea or herbal products.

Surveying more than 2,600 U.S. mothers, they found that 9 percent had given their baby at least one of those products in the first year of life.

The products included teas with chamomile or other herbs said to soothe; gripe water, a botanical marketed for easing colic that includes ingredients like ginger and fennel; and "teething tablets," which may contain ingredients like calcium and chamomile.

Mothers most often said they used the products to help with their babies' fussiness, colic, digestion or teething, the FDA team reports in the journal Pediatrics.

But whether the products actually work as advertised is another matter.

A recent review of 15 studies, also published in Pediatrics, found scant support for using herbal extracts, sugar water or digestion-aiding "probiotics" for colic.

Infants are considered "colicky" if they are healthy but cry excessively -- for more than about 3 hours per day. Colic is very common, and usually disappears after the first few months of life.

Experts often recommend that parents try tactics like giving their colicky infants smaller, more frequent feedings, or more touch and attention. But there are no products known to ease colic.

Because dietary supplements are not regulated in the same way drugs are, they do not have to be proven safe and effective before they go on store shelves.

They may also contain contaminants, like heavy metals, that could be particularly unsafe for infants, according to the FDA researchers.

There have been cases, they note, in which infants and adults have been poisoned by contaminants in alternative-medicine products, including traditional Indian Ayurvedic remedies tainted with lead.

And even if the products are safe, Zhang's team writes, experts generally recommend that babies receive only breast milk or infant formula for the first 4 to 6 months of life. Giving babies tea or other liquids may dampen their desire for the nutrient-rich milk that they need.

In general, experts recommend against giving infants any medications or supplements without talking with your pediatrician first.

SOURCE: http://bit.ly/jsN8aW Pediatrics, online May 2, 2011.

SOURCE: Pediatrics 2011;

MY THOUGHTS

Better safe than sorry!

Honey as Alternative Medicine

Healing with Honey

By EatingWell Editors, March/April 2009

The ancient Egyptians, Chinese, Greeks and Romans all considered honey a basic component of any first-aid kit and today, we’re hearing more and more about honey’s healing power. We sort through the claims and the science.
A Diet Helper?

In a 2008 study in the Journal of Food Science, scientists reported that rats that were fed a honey-sweetened diet gained 23 percent less weight than those that ate food spiked with refined sugar over one year. (One rat year equals about 20 human ones.) “The honey we used was high in antioxidants so it is possible that this led to greater fat burning,” says Lynne Chepulis, Ph.D., lead researcher and author of the book Healing Honey (Brown Walker Press, 2008). Chepulis points to research linking other antioxidant-rich foods (e.g., green tea) with speeding up your metabolism. But not all honeys are rich in antioxidants. Another study, published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, found that the most common type of honey—clover—doesn’t have many more antioxidants than refined sugar.

Bottom line: Research linking honey with weight-loss benefits is preliminary at best. Adding any sweetener to your diet without subtracting another can lead to weight gain.

A Cough syrup?

Researchers at Penn State University tested honey against dextromethorphan—the active ingredient in most cough medicines—as a cough suppressant in children and found honey to be more effective. Sweetness may be honey’s “active ingredient.” The brain part that registers sweet tastes and the part that causes coughing are located near each other so sensing sweetness may affect coughing, says author Ian M. Paul, M.D., who published the study in 2007 in the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine.

Bottom line: If you’re trying to soothe a child’s cough, or yours, try honey. Don’t give it to a baby younger than one: honey may contain spores of a bacteria that causes botulism, which an infant’s immature immune system can’t handle.
Relief from Allergies?

The theory is this: Honeybees gather pollen from the very plants that cause your itchy eyes, so consuming a small daily dose of the local honey—and subsequently these pollens—may stimulate your immune system and reduce allergies, explains Miguel P. Wolbert, an allergist and immunologist at the Allergy & Asthma Care Center in Evansville, Indiana. But the pollens that cause sneezing and congestion—such as ragweed—are windborne, while the pollens bees collect are too heavy to fly in the breeze. Windborne pollens can fall onto flowers, get picked up by bees and end up in honey, says Wolbert, “but it’s likely to be a very, very small amount.” Not enough to make a difference. And, so far, no clinical evidence shows that honey alleviates allergy symptoms.

Bottom line: It’s not likely that honey will help your allergies, says Wolbert, but, “I don’t tell my patients not to eat it.”

MY THOUGHTS

Awww!  My confidence in honey as an alternative medicine just got shot to pieces.

MASSAGE: LUXURY OR NECESSITY

Massage: Luxury or Necessity?
YOUR DAILY FIT TIP
By The Lifescript Editorial Staff
Published April 24, 2011

Should regular massages be considered a luxury or necessity? If you exercise regularly, you’re putting your body through a lot, and you could benefit from receiving regular massages, which can help combat body strain through a number of mechanisms. Massage improves circulation and increases blood flow to your muscles, which may increase the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to your working tissues. It also helps to prevent injuries to your muscles, tendons and ligaments, as well as help speed healing at injury sites.

The benefits of massage don’t stop there – it can improve your flexibility by increasing the range of motion at your joints as well as reduce muscle recovery time in between exercise sessions by aiding in the removal of waste products, like lactic acid. The power of touch through massage is also a great tool in general for helping you to relax and reduce your stress levels.

Many insurance programs cover the cost of massages, so don’t get stuck thinking you just can’t afford one. If you really can’t get to a professional, enlist the help of your mate to give you a rub-down once a week, and don’t forget to return the favor.


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ALMONDS: Alternative Medicine for Headache and Joint Pains

ALMONDS as ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE FOR HEADACHE AND JOINT PAINS

Ask Suzy Cohen
By Suzy Cohen, R.Ph., Lifescript Pharmacist
Published April 23, 2011

http://www.lifescript.com/Health/Alternative-Therapies/Natural-Remedies/Ask_Suzy_Cohen_How_to_Fight_Radiation_Poisoning.aspx?utm_campaign=2011-04-23-78990&utm_source=healthy-advantage&utm_medium=email&utm_content=healthy-well-wise_Ask%20Suzy%20Cohen%20How%20to%20&FromNL=1&sc_date=20110423T000000


Dear Suzy Cohen,
My dad used to eat almonds all the time, because he said it helped with his headaches and joint pain. I inherited this condition, and I’m not sure if they work but I eat them once a week. Is there any medicinal truth to the almond folklore?

-C.P., Portland, Ore.

Research suggests that nuts are good for pain relief. Almonds, for example, contain salicin which, when consumed, forms salicylic acid, the primary by-product of aspirin metabolization. This is why your dad feels better eating them.

In anecdotal evidence, some headache sufferers claimed that eating almonds daily has a cumulative effect. Regular headaches might become less severe and/or disappear gradually with regular consumption of almonds. Over time, eating 10-15 almonds per day might give you relief from that jackhammer in your head.

I say “might” because some people are allergic to salicin. So if your throat itches, or tongue and lips swell whenever you eat almonds, then avoid the nuts.

Besides the natural pain pacifier, almonds are rich in magnesium, a mineral that helps increase muscle relaxation. They provide even higher amounts of vitamin E, potassium and manganese, and a bit of copper, riboflavin, zinc and phosphorous.

Even though a quarter cup of almonds contains 18 grams of fat, 11 of those are the heart-healthy monounsaturated kind.

Emerging research suggests that eating almonds doesn’t result in weight gain, and may even contribute to weight loss because of the nuts’ tendency to cause a feeling of fullness after eating them.

So next time you feel a headache coming on, go ahead and get a little nutty with almonds. You can make or buy commercially prepared almond butter. Almond butter is a healthier (and tastier, I think) alternative to peanut butter. It also seems to be less allergenic than peanuts.

MY THOUGHTS

So that's why I can eat all the almonds I want.  But not cashew nuts.  Cashew nuts trigger my severe migraines.  As in a week of delibitating pain.

Honey as Alternative Medicine for Infection

Honey May Be Effective Alternative Medicine For Infection

April 15, 2011 by Personal Liberty News Desk

http://www.personalliberty.com/news/honey-may-be-effective-alternative-medicine-for-infection-800484392/

A type of honey from New Zealand has been shown to reduce bacterial infection in wounds and also prevent antibiotic resistance, according to researchers at the University of Wales Institute Cardiff.

Manuka honey is produced by bees that collect nectar from the manuka tree. The sweet stuff is already used in some healing products, and scientists now believe that its antimicrobial properties may even be effective enough to act as alternative or complementary medicine to antibiotics.

"We need innovative and effective ways of controlling wound infections that are unlikely to contribute to increased antimicrobial resistance. We have already demonstrated that manuka honey is not likely to select for honey-resistant bacteria," said lead author Rose Cooper.

The scientists discovered that topical application of the honey helped prevent bacteria from sticking to a wound and also prevented a biofilm that protects the infection from treatment. Additionally, the substance appeared to weaken the superbug bacteria that causes the MSRA infection and is resistant to most antibiotics.

Authors are hopeful that the findings may lead to inexpensive, natural antibiotic therapies. 

Website TrueHealth.org has reported that honey has long been used as a household remedy for wounds, burns and sore throats, as well as a gentle facial cleanser due to its antibacterial properties.

MY THOUGHTS

Here's the bee and the manuka flowers

Here's bottled Manuka Honey. 

 Go to Ebay to check price

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE FOR THE HAIR

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE FOR YOUR HAIR
from www.oprah.com

Since diet plays such a vital role in the health and beauty of the hair, here is a list of food and nutrients that are particularly nourishing.

Seaweed: My friend once told me that he was starting to go gray, but after a few months of having a daily dose of seaweed, he had completely regained his haircolor. Seaweed contains a wealth of nutrients vital to overall health and healthy hair, including iodine, iron, calcium, magnesium, niacin, zinc, sodium, potassium and a range of vitamins. Seaweed also has the ability to bind with toxins and expel them from the body, keeping your body cleansed from the inside out. As an alternative, you could take a kelp supplement so you still get the benefits of the seaweed.

Leafy greens: Leafy greens contain large amounts of vitamins A and C, which the body uses to make sebum, which is secreted by the hair follicles and keeps the hair glossy and in good condition. Greens are also rich in minerals, including iron vital to hair health.

Pumpkin seeds, Brazil nuts: As well as being good sources of Omega-3 and Omega-6 oils, pumpkin seeds and Brazil nuts are good sources of zinc and selenium, which are vital nutrients for hair health.

Brown rice: I mentioned earlier the importance of good-quality protein for hair health, and I recommend leaning toward vegetable protein in the form of grains and beans for optimum nutrition. Brown rice is also a good source of the stress-relieving B vitamins.

Beans: Beans are an excellent vegetarian source of protein, essential to hair health. They're also a good source of iron, folic acid and B vitamins, nutrients necessary for healthy, shiny hair. Combine with whole grains such as brown rice or quinoa to make a complete protein.

Essential fatty acids (EFAs): As the name implies, these are essential for the structure of every cell membrane as well as healthy joints, circulation, heart function, glowing skin and shiny hair. The body cannot make its own supply, so it's essential to get them from foods. EFAs fall into two groups: omega-3, found in oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines and tuna, as well as flaxseeds and walnuts; and omega-6, found in seeds such as chia seeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds and nuts. Good-quality supplements of evening primrose oil and borage oil also provide omega-6 in a specially converted form known as gamma linoleic acid (GLA). Hemp seeds are another wonderful source of GLA and omega-3.

Silica: A trace mineral is a vital nutrient for healthy hair and also for strong teeth and bones. Silica helps the body utilize other minerals such as boron, copper, magnesium, zinc and phosphorus. There are several food sources of silica, including seaweed, oats, millet, barley and whole wheat. You could take a silica supplement if your hair needs a boost.

MY THOUGHTS

There you go - healthy food means healthy hair.  It's good that I love seaweed.  They're just not readily available. Better go for brown rice and leafy greens. Never mind the beans.

STRAWBERRIES AS ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

Strawberries Show Promise in Fighting Esophageal Cancer

Published April 07, 2011

| FoxNews.com

A common fruit may be an alternative to drugs for the prevention of esophageal cancer, according to new research presented at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research in Orlando, Fla.

In a small study of 36 participants in China, researchers found that freeze-dried strawberries can help decrease the risk of getting this common cancer.

“We concluded from this study that six months of eating strawberries is safe and easy to consume,” said lead researcher Dr. Tong Chen, lead researcher and assistant professor, division of medical oncology, department of internal medicine at Ohio State University, said in a news release. “In addition, our preliminary data suggests that strawberries can decrease histological grade of precancerous lesions and reduce cancer-related molecular events.”

Chen and her team specifically studied esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), which makes up 95 percent of cases of esophageal cancer worldwide. For the study, the participants ate 60 grams of freeze-dried strawberries a day for six months. They also completed a dietary diary chronicling their strawberry consumption.

“Using freeze-dried strawberries was important because by removing the water from the berries, they concentrated the preventive substances by nearly tenfold,” Chen said.

After the six months was up, researchers biopsied specimens before and after strawberry consumption, and the results showed that 29 out of 36 participants experienced a decrease in histological grade of the precancerous lesions during the study.

“Our study is important because it shows that strawberries may slow the progression of precancerous lesion in the esophagus. Strawberries may be an alternative or work together with other chemopreventive drugs for the prevention of esophageal cancer. But, we will need to test this in randomized placebo-controlled trials in the future,” Chen said.

Esophageal cancer is the third most common gastrointestinal cancer, and the sixth most frequent cause of cancer death in the world, according to Chen.

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/04/06/strawberries-promise-fighting-esophageal-cancer/#ixzz1Izli8OZk

MY THOUGHTS

This is not yet official.  But strawberries is a great low-calorie anti-oxidant.  Why wait?

DANCING CAN PREVENT DEMENTIA

Dancing can help offset dementia, weight gain, high blood pressure

Dancing fares well in studies.

By Drs. Kay Judge and Maxine Barish-Wreden

McClatchy Newspapers

Want to avoid your risk of dementia holistically? Besides controlling your weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugars and decreasing your intake of inflammatory foods, what else can you do?

Start dancing!

Dancing has been shown to have numerous health benefits in various studies. The most obvious are increased socialization and improved physical functioning. Two recent studies conducted by University of Missouri researchers found that participation in dance-based therapy can improve balance and gait in older adults. This can reduce the risk of falls and injuries in this population.

Studies also have shown a strong link to a decrease in the development of dementia among participants who danced. A study funded by the National Institute of Aging and published in 2003 in the New England Journal of Medicine showed a significantly reduced risk of dementia in older adults who danced frequently.

The study looked at almost 500 adults aged 75 and older, tracking their activities and incidence of dementia for 5 years.

It showed a surprisingly strong correlation between dancing and reduction in dementia — a whopping 76 percent.

Dancing also was the only physical activity that reduced dementia. There was, for example, no reduction in the development of dementia among those who golfed frequently. Other physical activities studied included playing tennis, swimming, bicycling, walking for exercise and doing housework.

Some mental activities that did reduce the risk of dementia were reading and doing crossword puzzles.

Why does dancing help maintain the brain? The principle of Neuroplasticity hypothesizes that we continue to rewires synapses in the brain with continuous activity.

This is literally a "use it or lose it" phenomenon.

When we are dancing, we are using our cerebral cortex and hippocampus, which are critical to dancing. These areas of the brain are remarkably plastic, and they rewire themselves based upon their use. Researchers hypothesize that perhaps this greater cognitive reserve and increased complexity of neuronal synapses keeps dementia at bay.

— — —

(Drs. Kay Judge and Maxine Barish-Wreden are medical directors of Sutter Downtown Integrative Medicine program. Have a question related to alternative medicine? E-mail adrenaline@sacbee.com.)

MY THOUGHTS

Dancing is fun.  And you do not even have to get out of the house to enjoy this exercise.

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE FOR KNEE PAIN

6 Alternative Medical Treatments for Knee Pain
News by Granny Med
(March 16, 2011) in Health / Alternative Medicine

By Kate Wharmby Seldman
http://www.opposingviews.com/i/6-alternative-medical-treatments-for-knee-pain

Many different treatments and therapies come under the umbrella of alternative medicine. Whereas traditional medicine usually prescribes only a few treatments for a particular ailment, there could be tens of alternative remedies for the same condition.

Let’s take knee pain as an example. Mainstream medicine treats a sore knee as follows: first, rest is prescribed, as well as ice or heat, stretching, and physical therapy. Alternative-medicine aficionados may practice these treatments as well, since they don’t involve medication or surgery. Next, the patient might take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDS, like ibuprofen. Cortisone shots into the knee are another option to treat inflammation. If all else fails, the patient may undergo arthroscopic surgery, which involves inserting a tiny camera into the knee and using it as a way to view and repair torn ligaments, cartilage, or other issues within the joint.

In terms of alternative medicine, the remedies available are myriad. Acupuncture is popular for knee pain - the needles are inserted into points on the knee in order to open up channels of qi, or life energy, that, when flowing properly, can ease discomfort in the joints. Stomach 36 and Spleen 9 acupuncture points, located around the knees, are important points to use when treating knee pain. Medical science is starting to back up the effects of acupuncture on knee pain: a 1999 study indicated that acupuncture helped osteoarthritis patients build strength and flexibility while relieving pain and stiffness.

Electromagnetic therapy, in which magnets placed on the knee generate pulses of electricity, isn’t widely used anymore, but some studies have suggested it can help relieve pain. More research is needed to see if this therapy really can increase blood flow to the knee, thereby decreasing pain.

Homeopaths prescribe several remedies for knee pain, especially arthritis-related discomfort: these include arnica montana, bryonia alba, ledum palustre, apis mellifica, and rhus toxicodendron. There’s also a homeopathic remedy called osteoarthritic nosode, which is made from the tissue and fluid of an osteoarthritic knee.

Massage can be useful for knee discomfort. Massage therapists work on the areas above and below the knee to try and ease swelling and stiffness. They sometimes also massage the area with ice packs, which supposedly helps stop pain by replacing it with temperature signals instead.

The dietary supplements glucosamine and chondroitin have helped knee pain sufferers get some relief. One study indicate that oddly, the worse the pain is, the better the supplement is at relieving it: it didn’t work very well for mild to moderate knee pain, but it helped sufferers of severe pain.

Herbal remedies for knee pain include comfrey and aloe vera gel. Another remedy involves wrapping the knee with cabbage leaves, which serve as a mild anti-inflammatory, and then surrounding the leaves with plastic wrap. The patient should leave the wrap on overnight, or change it every four hours when awake.

Read more at GrannyMed

MY THOUGHTS

These articles never fail to surprise me.  Cabbage? 

NATURAL REMEDIES FOR DIABETES

Natural remedies for Diabetes  
Monday, 21 March 2011 03:15

Diabetes affects over 23 million Americans, nearly 8 percent of the population, and these numbers are on the rise. Diabetes prevalence increased 13 percent in the two years between 2005 and 2007. Add to this the 24 percent of people who are believed to be undiagnosed and you can see the picture of the epidemic rise of diabetes in recent years. Adult onset diabetes, the most common form, can lead to complications such as heart disease, stroke, blindness, and kidney failure.

Prevention and lifestyle are still the best medicine. Though there is no known cure, a healthy lifestyle can reduce symptoms. The National Institute of Health has launched a campaign that focus on lifestyle and dietary choices for diabetes prevention. Alternative medicine has also been busy researching natural treatments for diabetes prevention and health maintenance. Numerous products—including foods, botanicals, and vitamins—offer promising results.

*Alpha-lipoic Acid

Three research trials of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) demonstrate ALA’s ability to increase insulin sensitivity and enhance glucose metabolism. ALA may also heal nerve damage in patients with diabetic neuropathy. Doses of 600 milligrams were shown to be effective and well tolerated.

*Gymnema

Gymnema sylvestre is a climbing plant that grows in Southeast Asia and Africa. It has been used in India to treat diabetes as part of Ayurvedic medicine for over 2,000 years. Modern research has shown gymnema to lower serum glucose levels by inhibiting the intestinal absorption of glucose. Gymnema has an added health benefit for diabetes treatment, in that it can be used alongside insulin. Other uses for this beneficial herb include weight loss and hypercholesterolaemia.

*Chromium

The element chromium is important in the regulatory function of insulin and blood glucose. Its action is similar to the prescription drugs used by diabetics: metformin and troglitazone. It is thought that chromium acts by decreasing the body’s insulin resistance. Chromium picolinate is the form that is best absorbed for this purpose.

*Beta-Glucan

Beta-glucan is a soluble fiber derived from the cell walls of algae, bacteria, fungi, yeast, and plants. It is also found in cereal grains like oat and barely. It is commonly used for its cholesterol-lowering effects and is now being cited for its ability to control blood sugar levels. You may have seen beta-glucan on the ingredient list on your morning cereal box because in 1997 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration allowed oat bran to be registered as the first cholesterol-reducing food. (The recommended amount for this purpose is three grams beta-glucan daily.) Several trials are underway investigating the use of beta-glucan in diabetes and for blood sugar control.

*Ginseng

For over 2,000 years, ginseng roots have been prized in Chinese medicine for their health-giving qualities. Its name is from the Greek, Panax, means “all cure” (pan—all, akos—cure). Panax is a member of the Araliaceae family and should not be confused with Siberian Ginseng, which is from a different plant family (Eleutherococcus senticosus). Research suggests that ginseng may lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

*Bitter Melon

Bitter melon is a melon in the Cucurbitaceae family and related to honeydew and Persian melon. Bitter melon extracts and tea contain the glycosides momordin and charant that can be used to treat hypoglycemia. A 1999 study of bitter melon pulp with type 2 diabetic patients show a reduction in serum blood sugar levels that lasted for up to twelve hours. The plant acts on liver and muscle glycogen synthesis and inhibits the enzymes involved in glucose production.

*There are numerous other products from nature that may prove to have a healing effect on diabetes and blood sugar control. Alfalfa, aloe vera, barley, bilberry, bladderwrack, burdock, evening primrose oil, flaxseed oil, fenugreek, fish oils, gotu kola, horse chestnut seed extract, marshmallow, milk thistle, rosemary, spirulina, stinging nettle, and white horehound are just a few of nature’s bountiful healing agents that have been used in treating diabetes with natural medicine in the past. Hopefully, modern science can investigate these natural substances, and find the quantizes needed for the healing doses needed to bring relief to those suffering from diabetes.

By Melanie Grimes

MT THOUGHTS

I've always known that bitter melon or bitter gourd is

(from alibaba.com)

but I didn't know that it's a relative of honey dew

(from alibaba.com)

And I didn't know that this is Persian Melon-another relative.

(from alibaba.com)

THE PET ALTERNATIVE

The Animal Alternative
By Michelle Fiscus | Email the author | March 22, 2011
http://herndon.patch.com/articles/the-animal-alternative

Why man’s best friend might help you stick with exercise, reduce blood pressure and alleviate depression

Call it alternative medicine, a placebo effect, or maybe just plain coincidence. However you want to justify it, turns out, pets actually do improve your health. It may sound crazy to some. But those who own and love a pet can vouch for the feelings and sense of well being animal affection can bring.

Several studies show stroking a dog or cat can lower blood pressure and heart rate.  Johns Hopkins Researchers say, “Heart attack sufferers recover more quickly and survive longer when they have a pet at home, and children who are exposed to pets early in life may have a reduced risk of allergies and asthma."

Besides the health benefits, pets often encourage us to get out and exercise. This is especially true if you own a dog. When your animal needs to do his/her “business,” chances are you are going to take it outside, maybe even go for a walk. Getting out of the house and into nature is great for your pet, but also for you. Exercise helps reduce stress to some degree. If you are taking your dog for three 10-minute walks a day, that’s 30 minutes of cardio you can check off your list.

Pets also provide a great emotional benefit to their owners. It has been said time after time a pet gives unconditional love. If you have a less than stellar day at work, coming home to an excited, energetic pet who greets you as you walk through the door is a pretty nice pick me up. Our attention shifts from our problems to the animal.

Research shows people report less loneliness when they have an animal companion. Pets also have the potential to reduce depression to some degree. The same research linked to blood pressure revealed caring for a pet boost levels of the feel good mood-related brain chemicals serotonin and dopamine.

Not everyone is going to benefit from having a pet. Owning an animal brings responsibilities of its own, which if too much to handle can lead to its own stress. But, in most situations, the “pros” of pet ownership outrank the “cons.”

When looking for a pet, be sure to spend plenty of time looking for one that fits your lifestyle. Whether you choose a shelter or breeder, the animal needs to be able to adapt to your living situation, family members and daily habits. And if owning a pet proves to be all the “medicine” you need, it certainly is a worthwhile investment.

MY THOUGHTS

Most people I know love pets.  I don't know if I do.  I never gave myself the chance to find out.  I doubt I can find one that would suit my lifestyle.  I had a baby lobster once-the type you would put on the fridge when you need to be away from home for some time. It's supposed to hibernate while you're away. Mine didn't.  I waited for it to wake up. For hours and hours.  Until, finally, I gave up. My lobster probably had a nightmare!  It broke my heart to have to throw away this tiny, pinkish creature.  I never dared get another pet again.

WHAT IS OSTEOPATHY?

Osteopathy: Lesser-Known Branch of Alternative Medicine
News by Kate Wharmby Seldman
(March 02, 2011) in Health / Alternative Medicine

http://www.opposingviews.com/i/osteopathy-lesser-known-branch-of-alternative-medicine

When you hear the words “alternative medicine,” you probably think of homeopathy, herbal remedies, perhaps even acupuncture. Osteopathy is another natural medical practice that fits under the alternative-medicine umbrella – but it’s less well known than its more famous, and often more controversial, cousins.

Osteopathy is a technique that practitioners believe can help heal the body. It involves massage, stretching, and manipulation of joints. Osteopaths say it works because all parts of the body – skin, muscles, tissue, bones, nerves, ligaments, and so on – are connected to one another. Osteopathy realigns the musculoskeletal structure and promotes proper blood flow, which is said to assist in pain relief.

Craniosacral therapy is part of osteopathy. Osteopaths place their hands on the patient’s head and tune in to what they call the “craniosacral rhythm.” This is thought to be a pulsing movement located in the spinal fluid: it comes in waves, and osteopaths say it’s responsible for the quality of a patient’s health. Osteopaths gently massage the patient’s head and manipulate the spine. This treatment is said to release restrictions of the nerve passages, realign cranial bones, and optimize the flow of spinal fluid. Practitioners of craniosacral therapy say it can relieve back and neck pain, headaches and migraines, stress, and TMJ, a jaw disorder that causes tension and pain. It’s also used to treat chronic pain of any kind.

Osteopaths go to school to obtain qualifications that allow them to practice. Universities who offer osteopathy programs include Michigan State, New York Institute of Technology, and William Carey University. The programs are generally four years in length.

Each state in the US has an osteopathic medical board that grants licenses to qualified practitioners. This regulation ensures that patients can find certified osteopaths who have undergone the necessary training, rather than people who have simply decided to call themselves osteopathic practitioners.

Originally published at GrannyMed

MY THOUGHTS

Some doctors would actually recommend you to an osteopath if they think osteopathy is best for you. I wouldn't go to one without a recommendation.  I won't feel comfortable having someone 'manipulate my spine' unless I'm sure he/she won't risk messing around with it.  Of course a recommendation is not foolproof.  But it beats the hell out of picking someone from the yellow pages.  Or a Google search.

Nail Fungus Natural Remedy Ingredients:

- Vinegar
- Water

Dr Oz’s Nail Fungus Remedy Instructions:

Dr. Oz says that 15 million Americans suffer from Onychomycosis or nail fungus. If your toenails are thick, yellow and/or chewed away at the edges, then there is a good chance that you too have fungus growing in your nails (or onychomycosis). When you are walking (particularly without shoes or socks and on a damp surface) fungus can embed itself into the cracks in the top of your nail (where the fungus can actually grow, live and thrive off of the nutrients in your nails). In addition to wearing flat shoes (so that you keep pressure off of your nails, and replacing cotton socks (which harbor moisture) with synthetic socks (which creates a dry atmosphere so the fungus can’t thrive), there are several options and home remedies. You can try pills for nail fungus, but this can be toxic for your liver. Instead, why not first try a simple vinegar bathe? Vinegar is proven to kill bacteria and may very well get rid of the fungi growing in your nails! Here is how to do it:

1. Mix 2 parts of vinegar with 4 parts of water (so twice the amount of water to vinegar). I generally use about 4 cups of vinegar and 8 cups of warm water.
2. Soak your feet in the vinegar bath for 20 minutes.
3. Rinse your feet and repeat as needed.

MY THOUGHTS

This is quite easy to do, right?  And cheap, too.  Vinegar is known to have a lot of medicinal properties.  Truly an alternative medicine.  So, if you see signs of nail fungus. Try this vinegar concoction as an alternative medicine. 

HOME REMEDY FOR EAR WAX

Home remedy for ear wax found effective
SOURCE: http://bit.ly/dVL4uH Annals of Family Medicine, March/April 2011.
Published March 15, 2011


NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - The so-called bulb syringes commonly sold over the counter for ear wax removal may work as advertised -- at least for some people, a new study finds.

In most cases, ear wax buildup can be managed with home treatments that soften the wax -- like placing a few drops of mineral oil or glycerin in the ear, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.

Another at-home option is ear "syringing," which involves placing drops of a wax-softening solution into the ear, then using a rubber-bulb syringe to flush the ear with water and clear the wax.

Home bulb-syringe kits are widely available in the U.S. and many other countries. But there has been little research into whether they actually work -- and no studies on whether they allow people to avoid visits to the doctor for ear wax removal.

For the new study, UK researchers followed 237 patients who visited a clinic for ear wax removal. They were randomly assigned to either use a bulb syringe at home, or have their ears "irrigated" by a nurse at the clinic.

Over the next 2 years, 73 percent of the professionally treated patients returned to the clinic for a repeat treatment. That compared with 60 percent of those in the bulb-syringe group.

And on average, patients in the syringe group had almost half the number of clinic visits versus those given a professional treatment the first time.

Presumably, some patients in the syringe group had kept the device and were using it to self-treat at home, according to study leader Dr. Richard Coppin, of The Surgery in Hampshire.

In an email, he told Reuters Health that bulb syringes could be worth a try for people bothered by ear wax.

"They appear to be effective, at least for some people," Coppin said.

And, he added, "it's probably easier to buy a bulb and clear your ears at home in your own time than to book up to be seen in a physician's office."

Despite its name, ear wax is not "wax," but a mixture of secretions from the outer ear, along with dead skin cells and hair. It is normal and necessary for healthy ears, acting as a self-cleaning agent with lubricating and antibacterial properties.

However, ear wax can accumulate inside the ear to the point where it causes an impaction and symptoms including hearing loss, "ringing" in the ears, pain or a feeling of fullness in the ear.

In those cases, wax removal may be necessary.

In general, experts advise against using cotton swabs, which tend to only push the wax farther into the ear. People should also avoid home "oral jet irrigators" -- which operate at a high pressure -- as well as so-called ear candling, which involves inserting a hollow cone-shaped device into the ear canal and lighting the exposed end.

Bulb syringes appear to be low-risk, according to Coppin. A recent research review concluded that the treatment appears "reasonably safe."

Ear irrigation in general carries some risk of perforating the eardrum. But with bulb syringes, Coppin noted, it is unlikely that a person would exert so much pressure as to harm the eardrum.

Unlike in the U.S. and many other countries, bulb syringes are not sold over the counter in the UK. Coppin and his colleagues estimate that if Britons could try bulb syringes before going to the doctor, that would nearly halve the 2 million professional ear wax removals done in the UK each year.

In the U.S., about 12 million people visit the doctor each year for ear wax buildup.

SOURCE: http://bit.ly/dVL4uH Annals of Family Medicine, March/April 2011.

MY THOUGHTS

i've never even heard of these ear syringes here.  maybe because i've never heard of anyone with ear wax problem.  because no one would probably want to discuss this with anyone except their doctor.

HUMMING CAN CURE SINUS PROBLEMS

The Claim: Humming Can Ease Sinus Problems
By ANAHAD O’CONNOR
Published: December 20, 2010

THE FACTS

Dealing with a cold is bad enough, but when it leads to a sinus infection, the misery can double. Some researchers have proposed a surprising remedy: channeling your inner Sinatra.

Sinus infections — which afflict more than 37 million Americans every year — generally occur when the lining of the sinuses becomes inflamed, trapping air and pus and other secretions, and leading to pain, headaches and congestion. Because the inflammation is often caused by upper-respiratory infections, people with asthma and allergies are more vulnerable than others to chronic sinusitis.

Keeping the sinuses healthy and infection-free requires ventilation — keeping air flowing smoothly between the sinus and nasal cavities. And what better way to keep air moving through the sinuses and nasal cavity than by humming a tune?

In a study in The American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, researchers examined this by comparing airflow in people when they hummed and when they quietly exhaled. Specifically, they looked to see if humming led to greater levels of exhaled nitric oxide, a gas produced in the sinuses. Ultimately, nitric oxides during humming rose 15-fold.

Another study a year later in The European Respiratory Journal found a similar effect: humming resulted in a large increase in nasal nitric oxide, “caused by a rapid gas exchange in the paranasal sinuses.” Since reduced airflow plays a major role in sinus infections, the researchers suggested that daily periods of humming might help people lower their risk of chronic problems. But further study is needed, they said.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Studies show that humming helps increase airflow between the sinus and nasal cavities, which could potentially help protect against sinus infections.

ANAHAD O’CONNOR scitimes@nytimes.com

MY THOUGHTS

that's such an easy way to be free of sinus infections.  i wonder if there's anyone who doesn't know how to hum?

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE FOR TOOTHACHE

Remedies: Clove Oil for Tooth Pain
February 17, 2011, 3:34 pm
By ANAHAD O'CONNOR
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com

Tony Cenicola/The New York Times What alternative remedies belong in your home medicine cabinet?

More than a third of American adults use some form of complementary or alternative medicine, according to a government report. Natural remedies have an obvious appeal, but how do you know which ones to choose and whether the claims are backed by science? In this occasional series, Anahad O’Connor, the New York Times “Really?” columnist, explores the claims and the science behind alternative remedies that you may want to consider for your family medicine cabinet.

The Remedy: Clove oil.

The Claim: It relieves toothaches.

The Science: What can you do in a pinch when you have a toothache?

Most people reach for age-old medicine-cabinet staples like Anbesol and Orajel, which contain benzocaine, an anesthetic, as their active ingredient. Benzocaine, like many other anesthetics, can cause allergic reactions and other side effects that some people find unpalatable.

But one natural alternative is clove oil, an essential oil from the clove plant, native to India and Indonesia and also known by the scientific but somewhat pleasant-sounding name Eugenia aromaticum. The essential oil has been shown in studies to have both analgesic and antibacterial properties, which can be particularly helpful in the case of a toothache instigated by bacteria.

Clove oil is not for everyone. It has a strong and sometimes unpleasant taste, and if large quantities are accidentally ingested, it too can have side effects. But it was widely used in dentistry before the advent of more commercial anesthetics, and research shows it works thanks to its active ingredient, eugenol, the same compound responsible for the plant’s aroma.

In a study published in The Journal of Dentistry in 2006, for example, a team of dentists recruited 73 adult volunteers and randomly split them into groups that had one of four substances applied to the gums just above the maxillary canine teeth: a clove gel, benzocaine, a placebo resembling the clove gel, or a placebo resembling benzocaine. Then, after five minutes, they compared what happened when the subjects received two needle sticks in those areas. Not surprisingly, the placebos failed to numb the tissue against the pain, but the clove and benzocaine applications numbed the tissue equally well.

“No significant difference was observed between clove and benzocaine regarding pain scores,” the scientists concluded.

The Risks: Clove oil can be found in most health food stores for a few dollars a bottle. To use it, apply a very small amount to a cotton swab or piece of tissue and apply gently to the affected area. Although considered safe when used correctly in small amounts, it can cause liver and respiratory problems when ingested in large quantities.

MY THOUGHTS

clove is sometimes confused with garlic. i'm not sure if we have it here but this is very common in most asian countries.  here's a pic.

i hope this really works as an alternative medicine. toothache is very uncomfortable.

ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE FOR BACKPAIN

ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE FOR BACKACHE

from the article 'When Ibuprofen Won't Cut It'
By Paige Greenfield
O, The Oprah Magazine | From the August 2010 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine

Painful condition: Backache

Alterna-Treatment: Alexander technique

Research published in the British Medical Journal found that patients trained in Alexander technique, which teaches proper posture and everyday movement habits to reduce strain, experienced an average of 18 fewer days of back pain over four weeks. Go to AlexanderTechnique.com to find an instructor in your area.


MY THOUGHTS

these are not my thoughts. these are wiki's thoughts - i'm simply quoting -

'The Alexander technique is an education/guidance system to "improve posture and movement, and to use muscles efficiently"[1] as defined by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). The "Alexander technique" denotes both the educational methods used by Alexander teachers and the individual bodily awareness methods taught. Students practice the technique to recognize and become free of habituated limitations in their manner of movement as well as for other benefits.'

i still don't get it so i searched for some pics-

members.shaw.ca

alanmars.wordpress.com

 

freeyourneck.co.uk

creativetransformation.org.uk

Alternative Cure for Knee Osteoarthritis

TAI CHI FOR KNEE OSTEOARTHRIRTIS

FROMTHE ARTICLE 'When Ibuprofen Won't Cut It'
By Paige Greenfield
O, The Oprah Magazine  |  From the August 2010 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine

Painful condition: Knee osteoarthritis
Alterna-Treatment: Tai chi

An hour of tai chi twice a week for three months reduced pain by 75 percent among patients with severe knee osteoarthritis, according to a study from Tufts University School of Medicine. Look for classes at gyms, hospitals, or community centers. Or practice at home (Netflix has more than 6,000 tai chi DVDs).

MY THOUGHTS

just one hour- that can be easily done, i think.  here's a sample tai chi video from youtube.

ACUPUNCTURE FOR TENSION HEADACHE

ACUPUNCTURE FOR TENSION HEADACHE

from the article 'When Ibuprofen Won't Cut It'
By Paige Greenfield
O, The Oprah Magazine  |  From the August 2010 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine

Painful condition: Tension headaches

Alterna-Treatment: Acupuncture

After just six to 15 acupuncture treatments, study participants reported that the number of days they experienced tension headaches was cut in half, report researchers at Technical University of Munich in Germany. Check with the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine to locate a certified acupuncturist.

MY THOUGHTS

one of these days,i just have to try acupuncture. i so badly need an alternative treatment to my perennial headaches.

THE HEALTHY ALTERNATIVE

The Healthy Alternative
By Dr. Mehmet Oz
Oprah Radio  |  October 17, 2006

Is it possible to live to be 100 with the vigor and vitality of a 20-something? Dr. Oz explores that question with longtime friend and alternative heath expert Dr. Andrew Weil. Drawing from Eastern medicine and alternative medical practices, Dr. Weil says you can stave-off sickness, improve your health and live longer.

Here are just a few of Dr. Weil's tips to combat a cold:

    * Wash your hands frequently—it's still one of the best ways to fight off colds, especially during the cold and flu season.

    * Eat plenty of garlic for its natural antiviral and antibacterial properties.

    * Add eucalyptus oil, which is naturally antibacterial, into a steam bath to soothe the respiratory passages and prevents secondary bacterial infections when you have a cold.

    * Echinacea can be taken at the first sign of a cold to assist with symptoms.

    * Ginger is excellent for motion sickness, nausea and has beneficial anti-inflammatory effects

MY THOUGHTS

if you can't have a steam bath, you can put eucalyptus oil in a nebulizer.  i actually put some in my facial sauna.  it is very soothing.

GINGKO for MEMORY LOSS?

Ginkgo: Take It or Leave It
O, The Oprah Magazine | From the August 2009 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine

Ginkgo has long been popular as a memory-saving herb. But a recent report from the multicenter Ginkgo Evaluation of Memory (GEM) study—which involved 3,000 adults who took the herb daily for an average of six years—has found that ginkgo didn't seem to halt the memory loss or mental decline of dementia and Alzheimer's disease. O asked Josephine P. Briggs, MD, director of the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (which funded the study), for her opinion of the findings.

Should people stop spending money on ginkgo?

The results pertain only to dementia and Alzheimer's disease in the elderly. But there is more data to come in the next few years. Ginkgo could be effective in other populations or for different purposes.

What other reasons might there be to take it?

We've seen promising results in improving blood vessel function and flow, but larger studies are needed. There is ongoing research on ginkgo for asthma, symptoms of multiple sclerosis, sexual dysfunction due to antidepressants, and insulin resistance. But before taking the herb, check with your doctor about any possible interactions with drugs such as warfarin or aspirin.

MY THOUGHTS

here's the gingko plant

and here's what the pill looks like.

do you recognize it? i don't. but i certainly hope those tests would be successful.
 

MUSIC HEALS

Music Can Heal
The healing power of music is beginning to be realized
The Sound of Music Heals
O, The Oprah Magazine | From the February 2010 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine

Are treatments that used to be considered far out, such as acupuncture, meditation and Reiki, now in? In recent years, many alternatives to traditional medicine have been gaining mainstream attention. Dr. Oz talks to Dr. Christy Mack, a leading proponent of integrative medicine, about the new frontiers of alternative medicine and the future of "mind-body medicine."

More and more healthcare practitioners are turning to music for healing. Dr. Oz talks to Dr. John Ortiz, one of the country's foremost authorities on "psycho-musicology," about using music to improve your health. Backed up by songs from Bette Midler, Bruce Springsteen, Barbara Streisand and John Denver, Dr. Oz and Dr. Ortiz create a musical map for better health and well-being. Dr. Oz and Dr. Ortiz talk about the affect different types of music have on mood-recovery and energy. A musician himself, Dr. Ortiz says he uses music and sound with traditional clinical strategies when working with patients. He stresses that he, unlike some other doctors who use music as therapy, is a strong proponent of using the patient's preferred genre of music. Whether it be classical, jazz, country, rap, or pop, Dr. Ortiz says the music, together with an eclectic assortment of traditional strategies, cognitive, emotional, behavioral, can drastically improve a patient's health.

Are treatments that used to be considered far out, such as acupuncture, meditation and Reiki, now in?

A musician himself, Dr. Ortiz says he uses music and sound with traditional clinical strategies when working with patients. He stresses that he, unlike some other doctors who use music as therapy, is a strong proponent of using the patient's preferred genre of music. Whether it be classical, jazz, country, rap, or pop, Dr. Ortiz says the music, together with an eclectic assortment of traditional strategies, cognitive, emotional, behavioral, can drastically improve a patient's health.

MY THOUGHTS

just try to remember how listening to music changes your mood. or how you would choose the music depending on your mood. you'll probably agree that music heals.

INDIAN SPICES MAY HELP CURE CANCER

Indian spices may help cure cancer
by Neharika Sabharwal - January 8, 2011

http://www.themedguru.com/20110108/newsfeature/indian-spices-may-help-cure-cancer-86143278.html

For the person with cancer [abnormal cells that divide without control, which can invade nearby tissues or spread through the bloodstream and lymphatic system to other parts of the body. ] or their family who are desperately seeking answers and have lost hope in mainline medicine, an alternative cure for the lethal disease may be on the Indian kitchen shelf.

According to Indian origin doctors based in US, kitchen spices such as turmeric, garlic, ginger, saffron, and capsicum known for their culinary versatility could be a powerful weapon to fight certain pathogens that can cause cancer [abnormal cells that divide without control, which can invade nearby tissues or spread through the bloodstream and lymphatic system to other parts of the body. ] .

Dr Shrikant Anant of the University of Kansas Medical Centre, US stated, “Over the last 10 years, almost every academic institution and industrial group in the United States has started researching on the cancer-fighting properties of natural substances. Primarily, Indian-American doctors are involved in this, followed by Chinese and Koreans."

Anti-cancer properties of curcumin and saffron
Laboratory research on animals suggests that curcumin (a derivative of the spice turmeric) has potent anticancer properties.

Now, researchers have launched the first phase of human trials to find out just how powerful it may be.

The researchers are also conducting experiments to determine whether the natural spices are effective in inhibiting cancerous tumors in isolation or when combined with existing therapy.

Lead researcher Dr Shrikanth Anant, professor of cancer research, University of Kansas stated, "Cancer is a complex disease. No therapy is a silver bullet. It has to be a combination. So, we're looking at options that can make treatment more effective.”

Meanwhile, Dr Animesh Dhar, associate professor in gastroenterology at the University of Kansas Medical Centre, is testing saffron for pancreatic cancer.

The studies on rodents revealed that orally administered crocetin, a natural carotenoid dicarboxylic acid found in saffron, appeared not only to slow the progression of the disease but also decreased the size of the tumor by half.

Dr Animesh Dhar stated, “Crocetin — a compound found in saffron, which has cancer-fighting properties — was extensively used in ancient Chinese and Egyptian medicine.”

Explaining further, he added, “Our experiments on small animals have shown that Crocetin prevents proliferation of cancer cells. We are waiting for permission from the government to carry out clinical trials.”

A herbal potion BIRM for prostate cancer
In addition, Addanki P Kumar of University of Texas Health Science Centre and Dr Bal Lokeshwar from the University of Miami have claimed success in reducing prostate cancer tumors by using a herbal potion extracted from the roots of Bryophyllum, known as BIRM.

Lokeshwar stated, “We conducted an experiment by injecting mice with cancerous cells and treated a few of them with BIRM for 28 days, while others were left untreated. In mice treated with BIRM, the size of the tumour reduced from 100 units to 50, while in the untreated, the tumour grew from 100 to 250 units.”

MY THOUGHTS

i hope something good turns out from the researches. maybe we should start including these indian spices in our the diet even without the big "C".