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Natural Therapies for Allergic Rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis affects up to one-fifth of the US population, causing a great deal of discomfort. It can also be an indicator of dysfunction in the adrenals, liver or immune system, all of which warrant careful assessment and treatment. Natural therapies like peppermint and lavender essential oils, omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, quercetin and the B vitamins, can all help in treating and preventing chronic allergic rhinitis.
Vol. 9, No. 3. Fall, 2008
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Black Cohosh Compares Favorably With Drug Therapy for Menopausal Symptoms
In the first head to head comparison of a botanical therapy versus a drug for management of menopausal symptoms, a standardized formulation of Black Cohosh was equally effective as tibolone, a drug widely used in Europe and Asia; the herbal formula had fewer adverse effects. Pycnogenol, an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory derived from the bark of French Maritime Pine trees, can reduce menopausal symptoms while improving women’s lipid profiles.
Vol. 9, No. 3. Fall, 2008
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To Sleep, Perchance To Heal: Managing Sleep Disorders Without Medications
Chronic sleep problems are so common that many people simply accept them as an inevitable part of modern life. But lack of sleep is extremely detrimental to health. According to Anne McClenon, ND, chronic sleep loss should be considered a medical emergency. But quick-fix drugs are not the answer. Nutrients like melatonin, herbs like Valerian, and elimination of late night TV or computer use, are a lot safer and more effective in restoring healthy sleep.
Vol. 9, No. 3. Fall, 2008
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Japanese Researchers Find Ampelopsis Vine Harbors Potential Hepatitis Therapy
Ampelopsis brevipedunculata aka Porcelainberry, a rapidly growing vine in the grape family, has become a bane of many American gardeners and landscapers, owing to its rapid and invasive growth. In Japan, it has been used as a medicinal for centuries. Recent research suggests the "grapes" from this plant can halt liver fibrosis and improve liver function in people with hepatitis.
Vol. 8, No. 4. Winter, 2007
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Black Cohosh is Back, Soy Nuts Shine
Two new studies reassert the value of Black Cohosh in managing menopausal symptoms and depression. A separate study indicates that a handful of roasted soy nuts per day can reduce blood pressure as well as menopausal symptoms. Dr. Tori Hudson reviews the data and offers her opinions on the findings.
Vol. 8, No. 4. Winter, 2007
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New Data Reveal Anti-Inflammatory, Cartilage-Sparing Effect of Shea Extract in Osteoarthritis
A new study of 89 people with osteoarthritis shows that a triterpene extract from Shea nut butter can markedly reduce inflammation and collagen breakdown, leading to improvement in symptoms and better joint function.
Vol. 8, No. 4. Winter, 2007
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Going Against the Flow: Botanical Allies Help Mitigate Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence is common, and incidence will only increase as the population ages. Conventional drugs often have unwanted side-effects. Fortunately, there are a number of herbal allies like rosehips, saw palmetto, and teasel, as well as homeopathic remedies that can help strengthen urinary tract smooth muscle and reduce involuntary urine flow.
Vol. 8, No. 3. Fall, 2007
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Angelica Extract Brings New Mechanism to Bear on Alzheimer's Disease
In the 100 years since Dr. Alois Alzheimer described the devastating brain disease that bears his name, neurologists have learned a lot about the disease process, but there have been few treatment advances. Korean researchers have found that substances from Angelica gigans, an Asian medicinal plant, reduces amyloid plaque formation and improve cognitive function in people with early Alzheimer's disease.
Vol. 8, No. 2. Summer, 2007
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A Golden Wonder: Turmeric Compounds Trigger Apoptosis in Lymphoma, Lower LDL Cholesterol
Long valued for its culinary zing, turmeric also contains potent anti-inflammatory compounds. New data suggest that it could be an ally in treating certain types of lymphoma, and also that it reduces "bad" cholesterol.
Vol. 8, No. 1. Spring, 2007
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Birth and Botanicals: Herbal Allies During Pregnancy and Lactation
The idea of pregnant women taking herbal medicines makes a lot of physicians nervous. Dr. Paul Saunders believes the fear is largely unfounded. Herbs, like Viburnum, Mitchella, Rubus, Aletris, and Melissa, can safely mitigate many different health challenges during pregnancy and lactation.
Vol. 8, No. 1. Spring, 2007
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Intensive Essential Oil Therapy: Effective Treatment for Common Acute Infections
In the US, most people use aromatic essential oils for relaxation and other forms of aromatherapy. In France, they have a long history of internal use for the prevention and treatment of common infections. Corinne Andrion-Israelsen, who trained in the French tradition, explores the history and clinical application of plant essential oils.
Vol. 7, No. 4. Winter, 2006
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Botanical Medicine's Shiny Horse Rides to the Rescue of Damaged Mucous Membranes
Named for Pegasus, the flying horse of Greek myth, Sea Buckthorn plant (Hippophae rhamnoides) has been mainstay of traditional medicine in Eastern Europe and Asia for centuries. Its orange berries are very rich in Omega 7 fatty acids as well as vitamin E and other compounds speed the healing and support the integrity of the skin and other mucous membranes. It may have an important role in treating irritable bowel syndrome and other gut problems.
Vol. 7, No. 3. Fall, 2006
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TCM Herbs Help Break the Stress-Insomnia-Obesity Triad
Stress, sleeplessness and weight gain are inter-related and self-reinforcing problems that wreak havoc on an individual's health. Researchers are starting to understand how these problems are connected. The good news is, a combination of two Chinese herbs, Magnolia and Phellodendron, can safely and effectively break the metabolic cycles that drive these conditions.
Vol. 7, No. 3. Fall, 2006
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Birth and Botanicals: Herbal Allies During Pregnancy and Lactation
The idea of pregnant women taking herbal medicines makes a lot of physicians nervous. Dr. Paul Saunders believes the fear is largely unfounded. Many herbs, including Viburnum, Mitchella, Rubus, Aletris, and Melissa, can safely mitigate many different health challenges during pregnancy and lactation.
Online Feature. Summer, 2006
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Bitter Melon May Sweeten Life for Type 2 Diabetics
Bitter Melon, a beloved vegetable in countless Asian households, contains compounds that increase insulin secretion, promote insulin uptake in muscle, and help control blood sugar. Charantea, a new tea product containing dried ground Bitter Melon is a useful adjunct in treating Type 2 Diabetes.
Vol. 7, No. 1. Spring, 2006
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New Botanical Medicines Help Diabetics Maintain Glycemic Control
HPB 84, a fixed dose combination of 7 Ayurvedic herbs can help type 2 diabetics control their blood sugar. In many cases, patients can reduce or eliminate anti-diabetic drugs. Essential oils from oregano and other Mediterranean herbs also reduce blood sugar, as well as blood pressure.
Vol. 6, No. 3. Fall, 2005
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Anti-Inflammatory Herbs in the Clinic
Many medicinal plants, including willow, ginger, turmeric, Devil's claw, nd chili peppers, contain anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving compounds. Some of these have even compared favorably with pharmaceuticals like Vioxx and Celebrex for treatment of arthritis and other chronic pain syndromes.
Vol. 5, No. 4. Winter, 2004
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Adaptogen Research Roundup
A brief review of some of the key scientific papers on use of adaptogenic herbs to improve exercise performance, cognitive function, and cardiovascular health.
Vol. 4, No. 3. July, 2003
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Adaptogens and Tonic Herbs: Old World Preventive Health Care for the Modern World
The use of herbal "tonics" to enhance vitality and stamina has a long history in many cultures. Russian sports physicians and athletic trainers have done much research in this field, paying close attention to Eleutherococcus, Panax Ginseng, and other "adaptogenic" herbs. Ben Tabachnik, PhD, a Russian sports physiologist, and Donald Yance, an American clinical herbalist, have used that research to guide development of a new line of adaptogenic products.
Vol. 4, No. 3. July, 2003
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American Botanical Council Launches Clinical Guide, CME Program
The nation's premier education and information organization on botanical medicine has recently completed a new practitioner-oriented textbook called "The ABC Clinical Guide to Herbs." The book covers 29 commonly used medicinal herbs and serves as the basis for a home-study course carrying 13 hours of continuing education credit.
Vol. 4, No. 2. April, 2003
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Endobiogenic Medicine: A Neuroendocrine Approach to Botanical Therapies
Botanical medicine is much more effective for a host of chronic diseases if one understands the ways in which plant compounds affect human neuroendocrine functions, according to Drs. Jean-Claude Lapraz and Christian Durrafourd. The French physicians are pioneers of endobiogenic medicine, an emerging discipline that brings together endocrinology, neurophysiology, and plant medicine.
Vol. 4, No. 1. January, 2003
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Optimizing the Use of Cardiovascular Herbs
Garlic, Capsicum, Hawthorn, and Ginkgo are among a number of herbs that can help in preventing or treating cardiovascular disease. Judicious use of these herbs can eliminate the need for expensive medications in many cases. Paul Saunders, ND, PhD, offers his extensive experience using herbs for heart health.
Vol. 3, No. 3. October 15, 2002
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Dances with Mushrooms: Clinical Researchers Discover Maitake Medicine
Maitake literally translates as "Dancing Mushroom," so named for the joy experienced by Japanese mushroom lovers on finding a thick cluster of these delicacies. Maitakes are not only delicious; they contain powerful immunomodulating compounds that are proving effective in the management of insulin resistance and diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
Vol. 3, No. 2. June 15, 2002
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Japanese Diarrhea Cure
Seirogan, a combination of wood creosote, geranium extract, and phellodendron bark, was first developed by the Japanese army over 100 years ago, for the treatment of diarrhea and other intestinal ailments. Today, Seirogan is a household name in most of Asia, and it recently entered the American market as a safe botanical medicine for diarrhea.
Vol. 3, No. 2. June 15, 2002
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Psychoactive Herbals: A Modern Identity Crisis?
St. John's Wort, Valerian, and other herbs now sold as natural alternatives to antidepressants or antianxiety drugs, had other very different uses in past centuries. Simon Mills, a clinical herbalist and authority on botanical medicine, believes it is important to look back at historical uses of herbs, which often contain clues for how best to utilize them, even today.
Vol. 3, No. 1. April 15, 2002
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Palm Oils, Breast Milk Share Potent Antimicrobial Compounds
Coconuts, like the human breast, produce medium-chain fatty acids, which have strong antimicrobial properties. Monolaurin, a monoglyceride of lauric acid, one of the key fatty acids in coconuts, is proving effective as a treatment for Staphylococcal and Streptococcal infections. It also appears to work against pathogenic fungi and some viruses as well.
Vol. 3, No. 1. April 15, 2002
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Enzyme Awareness Can Clear Herb-Drug Interactions Fog
Many herbal compounds are metabolized by the same set of liver enzymes, the Cytochrome P450 group, as are pharmaceuticals. A clear knowledge of which herbs are metabolized by which enzymes will help clear up much of the confusion and concern about herb-drug interactions.
Vol. 3, No. 1. April 15, 2002
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Oregano Oil Offers Alternative for Fungal, Bacterial Infections
Like many plants we now think of as food seasonings, oregano has a long history of use to prevent and treat common infections. Recent research has verified that medical grade oil of oregano can inhibit growth of candida and other fungi, as well as Staphylococcus aureus and other bacterial pathogens. It is also an excellent antioxidant.
Vol. 3, No. 1. April 15, 2002
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Hispanic Healing Herbs
Latin Americans use a wide range of herbal medicines that are not as common in other cultural communities. Cumin, Sage, Rue, Wormwood, and Chamomile are especially common. Drs. Jose Loera and Victor Sierpina, who have been studying patterns of herbal medicine use in Hispanic communities, are at work on a textbook to educate physicians about the most commonly used herbs in Latin American communities.
Vol. 2, No. 3. June 15, 2001
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Hispanic Communities Show Unique Patterns of Herb Use
Use of herbal medicine is widespread in Latin American communities, according to a study by researchers at the University of Texas. People from Hispanic cultures tend to favor herbs in tea and tincture form, rather than as pills or capsules. They are also more likely to use herbal plasters, baths and poultices than members of other ethnic groups.
Vol. 2, No. 3. June 15, 2001
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Extracts of Coriolus Improve Survival in GI, Lung, Breast Cancer Patients
The coriolus or "Turkey Tail" mushroom is a common denizen of dead tree stumps worldwide. But it is proving to be uncommon medicine for a number of cancer types. Used for centuries in Asian medicine, coriolus extracts are now being studied in modern medical settings.
Vol. 2, No. 3. June 15, 2001
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Mushroom Extracts: Powerful Medicine from Humble Sources
Mushrooms are mysterious, and where there is mystery, there is often medicine. Asian traditional medicine has known this for centuries, and various kinds of mushrooms occupy a prominent place in Chinese, Japanese and Tibetan medicine. A review of some modern mushroom medicines making their way into Western clinical practice.
Vol. 2, No. 3. June 15, 2001
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New SPES Formula Offers Promise for Liver Cancer
A combination of herbs based on a traditional Chinese formula, is proving effective in inducing necrosis in various types of liver cancer cells.
Vol. 2, No. 2. April 15, 2001
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Honoring the Spiritual Roots of Plant Medicine
Herbal medicine can take many forms. Herbs can be used as simple "green pills" for symptom relief, but they can also serve as "teachers," helping us re-connect our human lives to the life of Earth as a whole. Bill Mitchell, ND, one of the nation's true medical visionaries, reminds us "The plants…figured out how Gaia could have a relationship with the Sun in a way that supports life." He shares his views on the spiritual and practical aspects of plant medicine.
Vol. 2, No. 1. February 14, 2001
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Harvesting the Best of the Botanical Book Bloom
Books on botanical medicine are multiplying almost as fast as the botanical products themselves. Varro Tyler, PhD, a world-renowned botanical medicine expert, now deceased, gave us his picks for essential herbal medicine reference books.
Vol. 2, No. 1. February 14, 2001
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The Trade Name Game: A Guide to the Most Studied Botanical Extracts
Standardized botanical extracts are sold under a plethora of different brand names, making it difficult for physicians and consumers to choose the most effective products. A guide to the most well researched herbal extract ingredients and the brands under which they are marketed.
Vol. 2, No. 1. February 14, 2001
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Colds, Hot and Cold: Herbal Approaches to a Common Condition
In Chinese medicine, the common cold comes in several "flavors." There are "hot" colds, "cold" colds and "part hot, part cold" colds. Each type can be treated with common herbal remedies. Dr. Marcey Shapiro explains how to use warming and cooling herbs to best effect in managing this common condition.
Vol. 1, No. 2. December 15, 2000
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NIDDK Will Test Milk Thistle in Hepatitis C
Silymarin, a mixture of compounds derived from Milk Thistle, is a popular herbal medicine for hepatitis C, cirrhosis, and other liver disorders. Clinical trials show that these compounds have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that can slow the progression of these diseases. Researchers at the National Institutes of Health have begun a large-scale trial of silymarin in conjunction with conventional drugs for treatment of hepatitis C.
Vol. 1, No. 2. December 15, 2000
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Indie Labs Play Supplement Rating Game
A number of independent companies have stepped up to fill what they perceive as a gap in the regulation of dietary supplement quality. ConsumerLab, Supplement Watch, and BioFIT each apply unique methods to evaluate supplement quality and reliability. Each approach has its strengths, but none of these systems is perfect.
Vol. 1, No. 1. October 15, 2000
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Herb Side Effects Need Better Tracking
While herbal medicines are generally considered to be quite safe, there are currently no laws mandating physicians to report adverse events associated with herbs to federal authorities. Similarly, there are no laws requiring the FDA to investigate reported incidents. Without better national reporting and follow-up systems, it is difficult to gauge the true safety of common herbal medicines.
Vol. 1, No. 1. October 15, 2000
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Herb Industry Grows Increasingly Quality-Conscious
As use of herbal medicines continues to grow, supplement industry trade groups are implementing a number of self-regulation systems to try and improve the quality and reliability of botanical medicine products.
Vol. 1, No. 1. October 15, 2000
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Teas, Tinctures, and Extracts: Understanding the Forms of Herbal Medicine
It's not just what herbs you take but how you take them. The form in which an herb is taken has a big impact on its clinical effects. Teas, tinctures, decoctions, standardized extracts and pills containing the same herb may have somewhat different effects. Tieraona Low Dog, MD, a physician and herbalist, defines the different forms of herbal therapy and their merits and faults.
Vol. 1, No. 1. October 15, 2000
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