Alternative Medicine

Polyphenols, dietary substances from vegetables, fruits and green tea, bring about a change in the energy metabolism. Dutch researcher Vincent de Boer has discovered that polyphenols increase the fatty acid breakdown in rats and influence the glucose use in fat cells. »»»

A green tea extract may represent a new and natural compound for preventing and treating HIV-associated dementia, a study using a new mouse model for the devastating disease suggests. »»»

A new study from the University of Michigan Health System suggests that a compound in green tea may provide therapeutic benefits to people with rheumatoid arthritis. »»»

Green tea, which contains EGCG, may help protect against autoimmune disease, Medical College of Georgia researchers say. »»»

Foods rich in cocoa appear to reduce blood pressure but drinking tea may not, according to an analysis of previously published research. Compounds known as polyphenols or flavonoids in fruits and vegetables are thought to contribute to their beneficial effects on blood pressure and cardiovascular risk. »»»

Health Canada is advising consumers not to use Top Gun for Men Herbal because it contains a substance similar to tadalafil. »»»

FDA is preparing new guidelines that threaten new, costly regulation of complementary and alternative medicines (CAM). »»»

Two studies aim to evaluate the effect of combining conventional and alternative care on health quality and cost. »»»

Common and cassia cinnamon are well known for their medicinal properties in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. »»»

Researchers conducted a systematic review aims to assess the efficacy of Yoga) versus placebo or active control in the treatment of hypertension. »»»

Abbott has teamed up with Itsy Bitsy Yoga founder Helen Garabedian to release a new mom-and-baby yoga DVD. »»»

Hypnosis was superior to attention control regarding propofol and lidocaine use; pain, nausea, fatigue, discomfort, and emotional upset at discharge; and institutional cost. Overall, the present data support the use of hypnosis with breast cancer surgery patients. »»»

SeaSide Yoga Retreat is the brainchild of Jean Costa, an eight-year cancer survivor and the chair of the DCPSP's advisory board. »»»

The adverse effects of using prescription drugs side by side with natural health products (NHP) are being under-reported, so the potential risks may be underestimated by health-care professionals and the public. »»»

Trial Turns Over New Leaf for Traditional Herb. Ingredient from Chinese Club Moss to Be Tested Against Epilepsy. »»»

Stress levels among emergency department nurses fell from 54 percent in summer and 65 percent in winter to just 8 percent after 15-minute aromatherapy massages with music. Researchers believe the initiative could reduce anxiety and increase job satisfaction in a wide range of stressful workplace roles. »»»

Common physical symptoms such as fatigue, chest pain and lower back pain are related to the perception of everyday smells, according to a health psychologist. Symptoms were reported to worsen at the same time as the intensity of odour, and levels of stress, increased. However, only the intensity of odour, not stress, predicted future symptom reporting over a short half-day interval. »»»

Mind-body therapies, which focus on the interactions between the mind, body and behavior, and the ways in which emotional, mental, social and behavioral factors can affect health, may be of particular benefit to elderly chronic pain sufferers. A new study provides a structured review of eight mind-body interventions for older people, including progressive muscle relaxation, meditation, hypnosis, tai chi and yoga. »»»

Migraines are more than a bad headache. As nearly 30 million Americans can attest, the throbbing pain of a migraine can be debilitating, lasting from a few hours to several days. The condition can be aggravated by light, sounds, odors, exercise, even routine physical activities. Nausea, with or without vomiting, may occur. Fortunately, treatment helps most people who have migraines. »»»

Jennifer Sieck knew something had to be done when she would lie in bed most of the day and night. "It would be a big deal and everyone would get excited if I'd come down to the living room and could sit there for 10 or 20 minutes," the 38 year old says. Sieck was more than just drowsy; she was fatigued, and no amount of sleep could shake her exhaustion. "It's not about being tired, it's about being in a state where you are not yourself," she says. »»»