This product, when used as directed, produces an industrial bleach that can cause serious harm.

Swallowing doses of this bleach, such as those recommended in the labeling can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and symptoms of severe dehydration. (more…)

Maintenance acupuncture is recommended following successful clinic-based acupuncture.

Researchers at the University of Manchester, UK, assessed the effectiveness of self-maintenance acupuncture in the management of cancer-related fatigue (CRF). (more…)

In 2009, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reported that more than 13,000 emergency room visits were associated with energy drinks.

Now, The New York Times tells us, FDA reports the caffeine drink, 5-hour Energy, may have been involved in 13 deaths over the past four years.

There’s no absolute proof that these drinks were the sole cause of these events. And the makers of 5-Hour Energy and Monster Energy insist their products are safe and unrelated to the problems reported to the FDA.

Regardless. (more…)

As legislators dive headlong into legalization of marijuana, there is growing evidence that they may be harming their most loyal constituents.

Researchers at Temple University Hospital, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, reviewed what has become known as Cannabinoid Hyperemesis (severe and excessive vomiting) Syndrome.

As you read this summary it might be useful to consider the value of Pennsylvania detoxification programs.

(more…)

Acupuncture is often recommended for obstetrical and gynecological (Ob/Gyn) conditions.

Prof. Ernst has reviewed the evidence. (more…)

Researchers at the University of British Columbia, in Vancouver, compared acupuncture to nurse-led supportive care in patients with incurable cancer. (more…)

Although early studies were negative, Dr. Brent Bauer at the Mayo Clinic summarized 2 studies that support its use. (more…)

During the Clinical Oncological Society of Australia Annual Scientific Meeting, researchers at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, in Perth, Western Australia reported less distress, and improvements in pain, fatigue, nausea, appetite, sleep, breathing and bowel function. (more…)

Prof. Ernst and colleagues report, “All studies [of moxibustion] have a high risk of bias.”

And that’s the good news. (more…)

Testing by the MHRA (Britain’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) found that these supposedly natural products contain an undeclared pharmaceutical ingredient called sibutramine (Meridia). (more…)

So good they had to name it “slimming” twice.

Unfortunately, Slimming Beauty contains the active pharmaceutical ingredient sibutramine (Meridia), a stimulant. And the marketer, Beautiful Health Inc., formerly LL Health and Beauty, failed to list it among the ingredients on the label. (more…)

There are lots of options but little high-quality scientific support for any of them, according to this Cochrane review. (more…)

Dr. Ting Bao (photo) from The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, in Baltimore, Maryland tells us, “Despite recent advances in pharmacologic antiemetic therapy, additional treatment for breakthrough chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting is needed. (more…)

Researches from the University of Western Sydney, in New South Wales, Australia reviewed the effectiveness of acupuncture during pregnancy and birthing. (more…)

 Researchers at Shahid Beheshti Medical Science University in Tehran, Iran report it was effective. (more…)

 This study assessed magnetic acupressure to prevent nausea and vomiting following ear-nose-throat (ENT) or gynecological surgeries.

But should we apply these findings to other forms of acupuncture? (more…)

 Massage is a popular adjunct to cancer palliation.

And, Prof. Ernst says “the evidence is encouraging. (more…)

 Researchers from Saarland University in Homburg, Germany report it “seems to be effective.” (more…)

 Cochrane doesn’t explain why this review, which was prepared by researchers at the Marie Curie Palliative Care Research and Development Unit in London, was published and then withdrawn.

But just labeling it peaks my interest. (more…)

Professor Ernst presents an overview of Cochrane reviews on acupuncture. (more…)