Pelargonium sidoides (aka EPs 7630 and Umckaloabo) is an herbal extract derived from the gerenium. It’s used to treat acute respiratory tract infections (ARIs) where antibiotics are unnecessary.

The Cochrane Library has reviewed the evidence, as has Prof. Ernst. (more…)

This study shows it can be done, with reductions that are relatively small. But read the comment to see what can be accomplished with diet, exercise, and omega-3.
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Dr. Hans Baer from the University of Melbourne in Victoria, Australia thinks he knows.

It might be a window on what would occur with government funded universal healthcare in the US. (more…)

Based on this safety review, the US Pharmacopeia may develop monographs about black cohosh (Actaea racemosa, formerly Cimicifuga racemosa). (more…)

 This meta-analysis concludes, “Hypnosis could be a clinically valuable intervention [to reduce] anticipatory and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in children with cancer.” (more…)

The reviewers conclude, “There is insufficient evidence to support the use of injection therapy in subacute and chronic low-back pain.” (more…)

Researchers from Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital in London have reviewed the literature. (more…)

This Cochrane review concludes, “Uterine massage after delivery of the placenta is advised to prevent postpartum hemorrhage.” (more…)

Garlic preparations are better than placebo in reducing blood pressure in people with high blood pressure, according to this review by researchers from The University of Adelaide in Australia. (more…)

It’s the first state to outlaw a vegetable oil. (more…)

Researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston tell us eating (a lot) more soy food results in lower sperm counts. (more…)

The New England Journal of Medicine has published a report of 3 boys aged 4, 7, and 10 who were diagnosed with gynecomastia, which the authors attributed to the use of the oils when it resolved after they stopped using them.

Thanks to a reader who brings us up to date. (more…)

Dr. Stephen Bent is Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Osher Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco.

Here’s his view. (more…)

In this study, conventional physiotherapy was compared to physiotherapy with the addition of postural biofeedback. (more…)

Some studies suggest that cancer patients who take antioxidants are more likely to tolerate more full doses of chemotherapy. (more…)

The supporting evidence is marginal according to this Cochrane Library review. (more…)

There appear to be beneficial effects on the skeleton. (more…)

As we age, zinc deficiency combined with impaired immunity increase our susceptibility to infection.

Now, a study hows that zinc supplementation raises zinc blood levels, and lowers circulating proteins that increase the risk of infection. Most importantly, it also lowered the rate of infection in the elderly.

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Two white physicians simply sat for a time and respectfully and attentively conversed about end-of-life care with 23 terminally ill Black patients at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta Georgia. Almost every patient willingly brought up spirituality.

In their article based on this experience they conclude that to understand and show respect for patients’ spiritual views in the context of the patient doctor relationship are keys to providing excellent palliative care.

Here are some quotes from their experience.

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Teaching children to recognize stroke. (more…)