Therapeutic touch (TT) reduced pain and fatigue in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, according to this study by researchers in Iran.

But, how do we account for the placebo effect? (more…)

And anyone else who’s interested.

The 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans provides science-based guidance to improve health through appropriate physical activity.

You can download the book for free here. (more…)

The immune system depends on this essential trace element.

Many (but not all) diseases respond positively when zinc is used to support immunity or correct a zinc deficiency. (more…)

Common recommendations to prevent back pain have no benefit, according to this review of the medical literature. (more…)

A company called Fashion Sanctuary is removing from the market all Zhen De Shou Fat Loss Capsules sold in 10-count blister cards.

In addition, Balanced Health Products, Inc. is voluntarily recalling Starcaps Diet System Dietary Supplement sold in 30-capsule plastic bottles. (more…)

As an update to yesterday’s discussion about undeclared ingredients in medicine and other products from China, here’s the latest FDA advisory, warning the public not to consume certain dairy products because of possible melamine contamination.

A list of the products and a brief discussion of the dangers of melamine follows. (more…)

A reader who gets pain relief from this Chinese “herbal” product asks why it’s illegal in the US. (more…)

Are you surprised? (more…)

Studies suggest that soy relieves neuropathic pain in animals and reduces pain and improves range of motion in people with osteoarthritis.

Based on this, researchers from the Mayo Clinic thought it reasonable to look for benefits of soy in people with fibromyalgia. (more…)

Dr. Raghunath Anant Mashelkar is the former Director General of the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research in India.

During the Second World Ayurveda Congress he shared his thoughts about bhasmas — the Ayurvedic “supplements” with the highest reported heavy metal (lead, tin, iron, arsenic) content. (more…)

Reviewers from Duke University Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina conclude it’s better than sham acupuncture and even drugs. (more…)

Researchers from Goethe-University Frankfurt/Main in Germany took a detailed look at reports of liver toxicity associated with taking kava.

They uncover potential risks associated with taking this popular herbal. (more…)

This is the second review published this year, and the second to conclude “there is no evidence for a causal relationship between treatment by black cohosh and the observed liver disease.” (more…)

It’s mostly in your head. (more…)

Once again, less is more. (more…)

Dr. Jamaluddin Moloo is Chief of the Department of Medicine at Palmetto Health Richland Memorial Hospital in Columbia, South Carolina. He has reviewed the evidence and finds it lacking.

Here are the highlights for beta-carotene, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and selenium supplementation. (more…)

It’s recognized that doctors’ relationships with their patients can have healing effects, but the skills in this area of medical practice are understudied.

How does one recognize a “healer?” (more…)

“The notion that acupuncture may lower high blood pressure is inconclusive, according to reviewers from the Sangji University in Kangwondo, South Korea. (more…)

A while back, there was a toothbrush that played music to encourage kids to brush their teeth. That was fun.

Now, researchers from Tzu Chi University in Taiwan have studied the potential benefits of music therapy for a more serious activity — root canal treatment. (more…)

An international group of researchers report that peppermint oil is “more effective than placebo in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).”

It compared favorably to fiber and antispasmodic drugs too. (more…)