Alternative Meds Update

Red palm oil: A nutrient rich in vitamins and antioxidants

Red palm oil: A nutrient rich in vitamins and antioxidants By

When used as a part of one's daily fat intake, red palm oil, which is rich in carotenoids and vitamin E, may help prevent various illnesses.

Lycopene: 'The Tomato Vitamin'

Lycopene: 'The Tomato Vitamin' By

Lycopene, an antioxidant that occurs abundantly in plants, is known as a potential mitigating agent for cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Fenugreek aids weight-loss, and promotes lactation, healthy glucose and lipids

Fenugreek aids weight-loss, and promotes lactation, healthy glucose and lipids By

The seeds of the fenugreek plant, which are used for medicinal purposes, contain saponins, alkaloids and other antioxidants.

Reflexology for managing pain and anxiety

Reflexology for managing pain and anxiety By

Reflexology uses subtle pressure on specific muscle areas of the feet or hands to stimulate blood flow and nerve impulses that then trigger the release of endorphins and retained toxins.

Iridology: Detecting impaired organ function with the iris

Iridology: Detecting impaired organ function with the iris By

Despite its long history, there are scarce scientific data supporting the clinical utility of iridology, an alternative medicine technique.

Rosemary boasts cognitive and anti-inflammatory benefits

Rosemary boasts cognitive and anti-inflammatory benefits By

Rosmarinus officinalis is rich in iron, calcium and vitamin B6, and has been credited with improving cognition and memory.

Medicinal uses of eucalyptus oil

Medicinal uses of eucalyptus oil By

Although the mechanism of action in eucalyptus oil is still unclear, the agent is generally thought to be anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial, and there is some evidence that it can be used as an antifungal.

DHEA: Improves anxiety and depressive symptoms in schizophrenics

DHEA: Improves anxiety and depressive symptoms in schizophrenics By

Dehydroepiandrosterone may help ease anxiety and depressive symptoms, and medication-induced extrapyramidal symptoms in schizophrenics.

Stinging nettle: Alternative treatment for BPH, osteoarthritis, other pro-inflammatory ailments

Stinging nettle: Alternative treatment for BPH, osteoarthritis, other pro-inflammatory ailments By

Stinging nettle has been used to treat arthritis and other inflammatory conditions since the 10th century.

Marigold: Calendula may help mitigate dermatitis, other ailments

Marigold: Calendula may help mitigate dermatitis, other ailments By

Medicinal properties of marigold-derived compounds include antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antitumor effects.

Acupuncture best for chronic low back pain and osteoarthritis management

Acupuncture best for chronic low back pain and osteoarthritis management By

The National Institutes of Health noted that there is enough scientific evidence of acupuncture's efficacy to warrant its use in certain clinical situations.

Niacin: An antioxidant and nutrition supplement

Niacin: An antioxidant and nutrition supplement By

While niacin is well known for preventing pellagra, it is only in the past 15 to 20 years that other medicinal uses for this common vitamin have emerged.

Tart cherry: A superfruit with antiinflammatory and cardiac benefits

Tart cherry: A superfruit with antiinflammatory and cardiac benefits By

A growing body of evidence has linked the tart cherry to substantial anti-inflammatory benefits, including reduced arthritic and gout pain, and several cardiac benefits.

Antioxidants in saffron fight depression, dementia and PMS

Antioxidants in saffron fight depression, dementia and PMS By

Saffron contains more than 50% of the USDA's recommended daily allowance of vitamin C, iron and magnesium, and more than 30 % of the recommended daily phosphorus and potassium.

Hypnosis for pain management, anxiety and behavioral disorders

Hypnosis for pain management, anxiety and behavioral disorders By

Medical hypnotherapy today is most commonly used for pain management, treatment of anxiety or psychosomatic illness, and treatment of behavioral disorders.

Wild Yam: An herbal remedy for menstrual pain and menopause

Wild Yam: An herbal remedy for menstrual pain and menopause

Wild yam is an herbal remedy for menstrual discomfort and menopausal symptoms, and has also been suggested as an alternative to hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Goldenseal: An herbal antibacterial agent and digestive

Goldenseal: An herbal antibacterial agent and digestive

Goldenseal, one of the most popular herbs in the United States today, is used as a base in many herbal preparations. Also known as yellow root, ground raspberry or Indian turmeric, goldenseal is credited with a number of different medicinal properties.

Rose hips prized for high vitamin C content, antiinflammatory properties

Rose hips prized for high vitamin C content, antiinflammatory properties

Rose hips are a mild, pleasant supplement that are safe for routine use. Providers may recommend this product as adjunctive therapy for a wide range of conditions or as a routine preventive regimen.

Quercetin may be a useful complementary therapy for conditions involving oxidative damage

Quercetin may be a useful complementary therapy for conditions involving oxidative damage

Quercetin, a potent antioxidant, is found in red wine, onions, green tea, apples, berries and cruciferous vegetables and is a popular component in the herbal and supplemental marketplace due to it's value in treating and preventing many illnesses.

Puzzling GI upset in a teenager

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, colonoscopy, complement fixation, celiac, sonogram, gynecologic workup and routine labs have all been negative in a teen with a three-year history of recurrent chronic abdominal pain and diarrhea. What steps should be taken next?

Royal jelly beneficial for hypertension and cholesterol

Royal jelly beneficial for hypertension and cholesterol

Royal jelly contains a complex mixture of proteins, vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates that offer health benefits to patients with medical conditions, including hypertension, hyperlipidemia and inflammation.

Coffee: Potent chemical properties may offer health benefits

Coffee: Potent chemical properties may offer health benefits

Drinking coffee has shown to be protective against Parkinson disease, Alzheimer disease and certain forms of cancer.

Brewer's yeast: Medical uses in cancer, therapy for premenstrual syndrome and antibiotic-associated diarrhea

Brewer's yeast: Medical uses in cancer, therapy for premenstrual syndrome and antibiotic-associated diarrhea

Brewer's yeast, or Saccharomyces cerevisiae, is specifically grown as a nutritional substance rich in chromium, selenium, proteins and B-complex vitamins.

Salvia: A treatment option for depression and mental illness?

Salvia: A treatment option for depression and mental illness?

Despite salvia's growing notoriety as a hallucinogenic drug abused by teenagers, the herb has medicinal properties and has been used to treat various ailments including diarrhea, headache, rheumatism and mental illnesses.

Willow bark relieves pain and inflammation

Willow bark relieves pain and inflammation

Willow bark contains the chemical salicin, which is the precursor to aspirin.The active salicin in white willow bark acts primarily as both an analgesic and an antipyretic. The actual mechanism of action of salicin is very similar to that of modern prescription medications in the cyclo-oxygenase-1 and 2 (COX-1, COX-2) pathways.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12, also called cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin that is involved in the metabolism of every cell of the body and plays a key role in the normal functioning of the brain and nervous system and the formation of blood.

Licorice

Licorice

Medically, licorice traditionally has been used as a general anti-inflammatory, antitussive, GI soothant, and for respiratory support. The potential for antiviral activity and hepatocellular protection in cases of hepatitis C has also been discussed.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E

Vitamin E supplements are typically found as an oil-filled gel capsule. Dietary experts, however, agree that the only effective way to increase vitamin E levels is by consuming foods high in the molecule, such as nuts and seeds.

Black Currant

Black Currant

Black currants are being considered for their potential in treating a wide range of conditions involving inflammation.

L-carnitine

L-carnitine

The human body requires L-carnitine for fat metabolism. This amino acid is manufactured in the liver and kidneys and stored in the muscles, heart, brain, and sperm.

Selenium

Selenium

Selenium is a stable trace-metal element that is found in such cruciferous foods as broccoli, garlic, and onions, as well as in meats, seafood, and nuts. In the human body, selenium is essential for protein synthesis and multiple enzymatic functions.

Magnesium

Magnesium

Use of magnesium as a supplement is probably most well known in such laxative preparations as milk of magnesia. In more emergent scenarios, IV magnesium is used in cases of pre-eclampsia and preterm labor.

Quinine treatment now highly regulated

Quinine treatment now highly regulated

Quinine was once available as an OTC remedy used to treat leg cramps and malaria. Concerns over side effects led to its being banned by the FDA.

An effective natural remedy for migraine and allergies

An effective natural remedy for migraine and allergies

Butterbur, once discouraged because of its potential to cause liver damage, is now widely used in Europe to combat allergic rhinitis, asthma, and migraine.

Maca root used to enhance sexual performance

Maca root used to enhance sexual performance

Valued for its energy-boosting and aphrodisiac qualities, maca root has been shown to increase libido and reduce symptoms of sexual dysfunction.

Is DHEA the new fountain of youth?

Is DHEA the new fountain of youth?

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a precursor of testosterone and estrogen, is purported to enhance muscle building, increase vitality, and improve sexual function.

L-arginine used for heart failure and erectile dysfunction

L-arginine used for heart failure and erectile dysfunction

This amino acid is mainly taken for its vasodilatory effects, but serious safety issues limit its use.

Concerned about refined sugar intake? Try honey

Concerned about refined sugar intake? Try honey

Most sweeteners receive a fair amount of negative press. Honey, in contrast, has remarkably beneficial traits including a mild antioxidant capacity.

The versatile soybean: Beyond tofu

The versatile soybean: Beyond tofu

Soy products have been the subject of a great deal of medical research, most notably in the areas of cardiovascular health, endocrinology, and oncology.

Pomegranate packs a powerful punch

Pomegranate packs a powerful punch

The juice of the pomegranate provides abundant antioxidants and has potential as an anticarcinogenic and anti-inflammatory.

Grape seed beneficial in fight against cancer and heart disease

Grape seed beneficial in fight against cancer and heart disease

Considering the health benefits of drinking red wine, it's not surprising to learn that grape seeds may contain significant levels of antioxidants.

Vitamin D important for more than bone density

Vitamin D important for more than bone density

An estimated 50% of colon cancers and 30% of breast cancers could be prevented with adequate levels of vitamin D.

Is the aronia berry the newest superfruit?

Is the aronia berry the newest superfruit?

The aronia berry, high in vitamin C and other antioxidants, reduces gastric irritation and prevents swelling associated with allergic reactions.

Colloidal silver—science or fraud?

Colloidal silver—science or fraud?

While topical and implanted silver products are safe, there is no clinical indication for oral colloidal silver use.

Zinc

Zinc

Do we finally have a cure for the common cold? The manufacturers of zinc preparations think so, but the data remain inconsistent.

Olive oil

Olive oil

The benefits of olive oil go beyond its well-deserved reputation for lowering cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

Red yeast rice

Red yeast rice is being hailed as a natural cholesterol-lowering agent. Perhaps more significant is its apparent anti-inflammatory action.

Vinegar

Vinegar

Researchers have become extremely interested in some of vinegar's possible health-enhancing properties. Growing evidence indicates that vinegar has impressive qualities and might make a big difference in the current obesity and diabetes epidemics.

Noni

The juice of the tropical noni fruit is best known for its antioxidant properties. Studies also show evidence of anti-angiogenic and analgesic effects.

Probiotics

Probiotics are used to maintain a homeostatic balance of bacteria in the gut.

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