tag:typepad.com,2003:weblog-1250480 %ISSUE_DATE%T09:25:32-07:00 New and traditional products for drug-free care. TypePad tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56513 2013-05-08T12:00:32-07:00 2013-05-08T12:00:07-07:00

Kerry Bone, co-founder, former chair, and current director of research and development of MediHerb, will soon be teaching students of NYCC's School of Applied Clinical Nutrition, where he will serve as a guest lecturer, curriculum consultant and presenter for the highly regarded online master's degree program.

Kerry Bone, co-founder, former chair, and current director of research and development of MediHerb, will soon be teaching students of NYCC's School of Applied Clinical Nutrition, where he will serve as a guest lecturer, curriculum consultant and presenter for the highly regarded online master's degree program. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56410 2013-03-15T12:00:32-07:00 2013-03-15T12:00:07-07:00

In recent years, researchers have discovered a proven, natural alternative to narcotic and other analgesic drugs for relief of night pain and night pain-associated insomnia. Individuals with acute or chronic pain know that pain is intensified during the night. In turn, this produces sleep deprivation, which further slows the healing process, produces ongoing fatigue and can lead to despondency, personality changes, and even depression. In recent years governments around the world have recognized the safe and effective pain-killing effects of the isoquinoline alkaloids from Eschscholzia californica. This herb has beenshown to reduce night pain and induce sleep in patients with night pain without producing euphoria, addiction potential, physical dependency or serious side effects of any kind.

By James P. Meschino, DC, MS In recent years, researchers have discovered a proven, natural alternative to narcotic and other analgesic drugs for relief of night pain and night pain-associated insomnia. Individuals with acute or chronic pain know that pain is intensified during the night. In turn, this produces sleep deprivation, which further slows the healing process, produces ongoing fatigue and can lead to despondency, personality changes, and even depression. In recent years governments around the world have recognized the safe and effective pain-killing effects of the isoquinoline alkaloids from Eschscholzia californica. This herb has beenshown to reduce night pain and induce sleep in patients with night pain without producing euphoria, addiction potential, physical dependency or serious side effects of any kind. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56409 2013-03-15T12:00:32-07:00 2013-03-15T12:00:07-07:00

One of the first lessons taught in organic chemistry is the dance of functional groups on and off of the carbon skeleton, and the unique properties these groups bestow. The function of any molecule, its chemical and physical properties, is determined by its shape. As chiropractors well know, structure determines function.

By Jeanne D'Brant, DC, DACBN, CTN, RH One of the first lessons taught in organic chemistry is the dance of functional groups on and off of the carbon skeleton, and the unique properties these groups bestow. The function of any molecule, its chemical and physical properties, is determined by its shape. As chiropractors well know, structure determines function. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56211 2012-11-04T12:00:32-07:00 2012-11-04T12:00:07-07:00

An important, but underestimated Western herb for the management of anxiety is the vine of the medicinal species of passion flower (Passiflora incarnata). Its unusual name is not a reference to Earthly passions, but instead comes from the Christian symbolism (Christ's Passion) seen in the flower by the Spanish conquistadores when they first saw the herb growing in South America.

By Kerry Bone, BSc (hons), Dipl. Phyto. An important, but underestimated Western herb for the management of anxiety is the vine of the medicinal species of passion flower (Passiflora incarnata). Its unusual name is not a reference to Earthly passions, but instead comes from the Christian symbolism (Christ's Passion) seen in the flower by the Spanish conquistadores when they first saw the herb growing in South America. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56179 2012-10-21T12:00:32-07:00 2012-10-21T12:00:07-07:00

Nettle leaf has been widely employed for centuries, while cinnamon has been utilized in the Chinese herbal tradition for millennia. Recently, cinnamon has been widely acclaimed for its abilities to lower glucose, triglycerides, and LDL, and other dysglycemic parameters. However, this traditional Chinese botanical has other qualities, largely ignored, which may preclude its use as a stand-alone herbfor treating diabetes and other inflammatory conditions.

By Jeanne D'Brant, DC, DACBN, CTN, RH Nettle leaf has been widely employed for centuries, while cinnamon has been utilized in the Chinese herbal tradition for millennia. Recently, cinnamon has been widely acclaimed for its abilities to lower glucose, triglycerides, and LDL, and other dysglycemic parameters. However, this traditional Chinese botanical has other qualities, largely ignored, which may preclude its use as a stand-alone herbfor treating diabetes and other inflammatory conditions. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56134 2012-09-23T12:00:32-07:00 2012-09-23T12:00:07-07:00

Herbs exert anti-inflammatory effects through a variety of pathways. As COX and LOX inhibitors, their effects can be superior to pharmaceuticals because they preserve baseline COX / LOX activity. Beneficial herbal actions have been found for nitric oxide induction, NFkB modulation, downregulation of arachadonic acid and proinflammatory cytokines, and upregulation of anti-inflammatory molecules. Let's continue our discussion of herbs that have beneficial influences upon the induction and inhibition of chronic inflammatory responses, including an investigation of neuroprotective neurotransmitter regulation via herbals.

By Jeanne D'Brant, DC, DACBN, CTN, RH Herbs exert anti-inflammatory effects through a variety of pathways. As COX and LOX inhibitors, their effects can be superior to pharmaceuticals because they preserve baseline COX / LOX activity. Beneficial herbal actions have been found for nitric oxide induction, NFkB modulation, downregulation of arachadonic acid and proinflammatory cytokines, and upregulation of anti-inflammatory molecules. Let's continue our discussion of herbs that have beneficial influences upon the induction and inhibition of chronic inflammatory responses, including an investigation of neuroprotective neurotransmitter regulation via herbals. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56063 2012-08-12T12:00:32-07:00 2012-08-12T12:00:07-07:00

A persistent caution that appears in the herbal literature and teachings is the concern that "immune" herbs, plants regarded as having an immune-enhancing effect, might exacerbate autoimmune diseases. This concern, or even contraindication, is especially prevalent for the use of Echinacea in all its species and forms. Is there any solid evidence to support these warnings?

By Kerry Bone, BSc (hons), Dipl. Phyto. A persistent caution that appears in the herbal literature and teachings is the concern that "immune" herbs, plants regarded as having an immune-enhancing effect, might exacerbate autoimmune diseases. This concern, or even contraindication, is especially prevalent for the use of Echinacea in all its species and forms. Is there any solid evidence to support these warnings? tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55974 2012-07-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-07-01T12:00:07-07:00

Most chiropractors who incorporate nutrition in their practices are by now quite familiar with basic anti-inflammatory protocols. Fish oil and GLA, vitamin D, antioxidants, enhancing alkalinity, and recommending less consumption of processed food, dairy and grain are common strategies. Many of our patients are aware of anti-inflammatory herbs such as turmeric, ginger, garlic, and perhaps chamomile and peppermint teas. These culinaries and botanicals can serve as an introduction to a wealth of modulators of anti-inflammatory pathways that have been documented to influence specific cytokine and DNA expression.

By Jeanne D'Brant, DC, DACBN, CTN, RH Most chiropractors who incorporate nutrition in their practices are by now quite familiar with basic anti-inflammatory protocols. Fish oil and GLA, vitamin D, antioxidants, enhancing alkalinity, and recommending less consumption of processed food, dairy and grain are common strategies. Many of our patients are aware of anti-inflammatory herbs such as turmeric, ginger, garlic, and perhaps chamomile and peppermint teas. These culinaries and botanicals can serve as an introduction to a wealth of modulators of anti-inflammatory pathways that have been documented to influence specific cytokine and DNA expression. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55921 2012-05-20T12:00:32-07:00 2012-05-20T12:00:07-07:00

Many cultures still recognize the value of bitter herbs in promoting digestive function and general health. Bitter drinks taken before meals are still called aperitifs, due reference to their value in aiding digestion. In Holland, older people would celebrate the bitter hour in the early evening when they would partake of bitter food and drink to support their fading digestive powers. In India, it is said that people with liver problems seek bitter-tasting substances. In Africa, the medicinal value of bitter herbs, particularly as digestive stimulants, is commonly recognized in traditional medical systems.

By Kerry Bone, BSc (hons), Dipl. Phyto. Many cultures still recognize the value of bitter herbs in promoting digestive function and general health. Bitter drinks taken before meals are still called aperitifs, due reference to their value in aiding digestion. In Holland, older people would celebrate the bitter hour in the early evening when they would partake of bitter food and drink to support their fading digestive powers. In India, it is said that people with liver problems seek bitter-tasting substances. In Africa, the medicinal value of bitter herbs, particularly as digestive stimulants, is commonly recognized in traditional medical systems. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55904 2012-05-06T12:00:32-07:00 2012-05-06T12:00:07-07:00

Medicinal herbs contain polyphenols and thousands of other chemical constituents which influence metabolic pathways and gene expression. The largest categories include triterpenes (30,000-plus) and alkaloids (16,000-plus). Medical nutrition has focused on the benefits of polyphenol bioflavonoids (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory) and the much-publicized saponins (adaptogenic triterpenoids). Research into the benefits of medicinal plant compounds is still rudimentary, but developing knowledge of the workings of the secondary metabolites of plants is expanding established concepts of metabolic modification and expression of genetic polymorphisms.

By Jeanne D'Brant, DC, DACBN, CTN, RH Medicinal herbs contain polyphenols and thousands of other chemical constituents which influence metabolic pathways and gene expression. The largest categories include triterpenes (30,000-plus) and alkaloids (16,000-plus). Medical nutrition has focused on the benefits of polyphenol bioflavonoids (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory) and the much-publicized saponins (adaptogenic triterpenoids). Research into the benefits of medicinal plant compounds is still rudimentary, but developing knowledge of the workings of the secondary metabolites of plants is expanding established concepts of metabolic modification and expression of genetic polymorphisms. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55761 2012-02-12T12:00:32-07:00 2012-02-12T12:00:07-07:00

In the normal aging process, the decline in sex hormone levels and number of functioning nerve endings in the genitalia region often contribute to a reduction in sex drive, arousal capabilities, climax and intensity of pleasure-full sensations. This can become a source of frustration and disappointment that affects quality of life for many men and women over the age of 50.

By James P. Meschino, DC, MS In the normal aging process, the decline in sex hormone levels and number of functioning nerve endings in the genitalia region often contribute to a reduction in sex drive, arousal capabilities, climax and intensity of pleasure-full sensations. This can become a source of frustration and disappointment that affects quality of life for many men and women over the age of 50. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55616 2011-11-04T12:00:32-07:00 2011-11-04T12:00:07-07:00

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a progressive, benign growth of the prostate gland that gradually narrows the urethra. The clamping effect eventually obstructs the flow of urine. As a result, the bladder fails to empty completely. Urine remaining in the bladder stagnates, leaving the patient vulnerable to infections, bladder stones and kidney damage. The poor bladder capacity can cause frequent urination, especially at night. Therefore, associated with BPH is a set of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). However, there is not always an exact correlation between the size of the prostate and the degree of LUTS, suggesting that other urodynamic factors are also involved.

By Kerry Bone, BSc (hons), Dipl. Phyto. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a progressive, benign growth of the prostate gland that gradually narrows the urethra. The clamping effect eventually obstructs the flow of urine. As a result, the bladder fails to empty completely. Urine remaining in the bladder stagnates, leaving the patient vulnerable to infections, bladder stones and kidney damage. The poor bladder capacity can cause frequent urination, especially at night. Therefore, associated with BPH is a set of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). However, there is not always an exact correlation between the size of the prostate and the degree of LUTS, suggesting that other urodynamic factors are also involved. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55474 2011-08-12T12:00:32-07:00 2011-08-12T12:00:07-07:00

Currently resveratrol is probably the most actively researched phytochemical worldwide and many favorable properties have been demonstrated in pharmacological models. A PubMed search in June 2011 retrieved more than 4,000 articles on resveratrol, which demonstrates an amazing array of favorable pharmacological activities including antioxidant, cardioprotective, antidiabetic, anticancer, antiviral, neuroprotective, antiplatelet, anti-inflammatory and modulation of fat metabolism.

By Kerry Bone, BSc (hons), Dipl. Phyto. Currently resveratrol is probably the most actively researched phytochemical worldwide and many favorable properties have been demonstrated in pharmacological models. A PubMed search in June 2011 retrieved more than 4,000 articles on resveratrol, which demonstrates an amazing array of favorable pharmacological activities including antioxidant, cardioprotective, antidiabetic, anticancer, antiviral, neuroprotective, antiplatelet, anti-inflammatory and modulation of fat metabolism. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55345 2011-05-20T12:00:32-07:00 2011-05-20T12:00:07-07:00

An Old Therapy Is Rediscovered. In 1973, at the suggestion of a friend and apparently based on the advice of a traditional Welsh healer, a Welsh woman, Mrs. Anne Jenkins, tried taking three fresh leaves of feverfew each day in an attempt to rid herself of severe and recurrent migraines. After 10 months, Mrs. Jenkins' headaches had vanished and did not return so long as she kept taking feverfew. Her enthusiasm rapidly led to widespread use of feverfew in the U.K. Dr. Stewart Johnson a London migraine specialist, became interested and initiated a survey that was then followed up by a clinical trial.

By Kerry Bone, BSc (hons), Dipl. Phyto. An Old Therapy Is Rediscovered. In 1973, at the suggestion of a friend and apparently based on the advice of a traditional Welsh healer, a Welsh woman, Mrs. Anne Jenkins, tried taking three fresh leaves of feverfew each day in an attempt to rid herself of severe and recurrent migraines. After 10 months, Mrs. Jenkins' headaches had vanished and did not return so long as she kept taking feverfew. Her enthusiasm rapidly led to widespread use of feverfew in the U.K. Dr. Stewart Johnson a London migraine specialist, became interested and initiated a survey that was then followed up by a clinical trial. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55000 2010-11-04T12:00:32-07:00 2010-11-04T12:00:07-07:00

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum), especially as the concentrated extract containing a defined level of the silymarin complex of flavanolignans, is being increasingly prescribed by herbal clinicians around cancer chemotherapy. It is mainly being used to assist recovery after chemotherapy, for liver protection during chemotherapy and to ameliorate any long-term effects of cancer treatment. The aim is to not only improve quality of life, but also to favorably affect treatment outcomes, since the patient might be able to better tolerate chemotherapy at the optimum dose.

By Kerry Bone, BSc (hons), Dipl. Phyto. Milk thistle (Silybum marianum), especially as the concentrated extract containing a defined level of the silymarin complex of flavanolignans, is being increasingly prescribed by herbal clinicians around cancer chemotherapy. It is mainly being used to assist recovery after chemotherapy, for liver protection during chemotherapy and to ameliorate any long-term effects of cancer treatment. The aim is to not only improve quality of life, but also to favorably affect treatment outcomes, since the patient might be able to better tolerate chemotherapy at the optimum dose. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54885 2010-09-09T12:00:32-07:00 2010-09-09T12:00:07-07:00

Migraine headaches afflict one in 19 adults, of which 75 percent are women. Migraines also occur in an estimated 3 percent to 7 percent of children. Overall, one in four households has a resident who is a migraine sufferer. Migraines are most often described as one-sided, severe, pulsating headache pain that lasts from four to 72 hours. Other symptoms that often occur during a migraine attack include nausea, vomiting and extreme sensitivity to light and noise.

By James P. Meschino, DC, MS Migraine headaches afflict one in 19 adults, of which 75 percent are women. Migraines also occur in an estimated 3 percent to 7 percent of children. Overall, one in four households has a resident who is a migraine sufferer. Migraines are most often described as one-sided, severe, pulsating headache pain that lasts from four to 72 hours. Other symptoms that often occur during a migraine attack include nausea, vomiting and extreme sensitivity to light and noise. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54823 2010-08-12T12:00:32-07:00 2010-08-12T12:00:07-07:00

When the famous physiologist Hans Selye was conducting his original research on the stress response in the 1930s, he observed that prolonged and sustained stress eventually attacked the adrenal glands themselves. The end stage of maladaption to stress was the exhaustion phase, during which levels of cortisol production declined to below those needed to sustain health because of the atrophy of the adrenals.

By Kerry Bone, BSc (hons), Dipl. Phyto. When the famous physiologist Hans Selye was conducting his original research on the stress response in the 1930s, he observed that prolonged and sustained stress eventually attacked the adrenal glands themselves. The end stage of maladaption to stress was the exhaustion phase, during which levels of cortisol production declined to below those needed to sustain health because of the atrophy of the adrenals. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54680 2010-05-20T12:00:32-07:00 2010-05-20T12:00:07-07:00

Most of us know about the impressive research on milk thistle (Silybum marianum) and the liver. This herb, and more specifically a concentrated extract from it known as silymarin, has been shown in many lab experiments and clinical trials to protect the liver from toxic attack. This has led to its clinical uses for liver damage or disease, including abnormal liver function tests, toxic mushroom poisoning, fatty liver and even (more controversially) hepatitis.

By Kerry Bone, BSc (hons), Dipl. Phyto. Most of us know about the impressive research on milk thistle (Silybum marianum) and the liver. This herb, and more specifically a concentrated extract from it known as silymarin, has been shown in many lab experiments and clinical trials to protect the liver from toxic attack. This has led to its clinical uses for liver damage or disease, including abnormal liver function tests, toxic mushroom poisoning, fatty liver and even (more controversially) hepatitis. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54479 2010-02-12T12:00:32-07:00 2010-02-12T12:00:07-07:00

According to the U.S. National Osteoporosis Foundation, 10 million people over the age of 50 have the disease and about 80 percent are women. A further 34 million are at risk due to low bone mass (osteopenia). Hence, 55 percent of the population over 50 years of age either have osteoporosis or are at risk. This is a serious public health issue and raises the question of whether there is any evidence that herbs can help strengthen bones. Fortunately, there is a growing body of research on the role that herbs can play in helping patients with osteopenia and even osteoporosis.

By Kerry Bone, BSc (hons), Dipl. Phyto. According to the U.S. National Osteoporosis Foundation, 10 million people over the age of 50 have the disease and about 80 percent are women. A further 34 million are at risk due to low bone mass (osteopenia). Hence, 55 percent of the population over 50 years of age either have osteoporosis or are at risk. This is a serious public health issue and raises the question of whether there is any evidence that herbs can help strengthen bones. Fortunately, there is a growing body of research on the role that herbs can play in helping patients with osteopenia and even osteoporosis. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54455 2010-02-26T12:00:32-07:00 2010-02-26T12:00:07-07:00

In the largest, longest tral on ginkgo biloba and neurocognitive decline to date, the results were unimpressive to some and disappointing to others. That said, if you have a patient, family member or friend with Alzheimer's disease and ginkgo helps them, keep giving it. Hopefully more studies will be performed to confirm or refute the findings of this one.

By G. Douglas Andersen, DC, DACBSP, CCN In the largest, longest tral on ginkgo biloba and neurocognitive decline to date, the results were unimpressive to some and disappointing to others. That said, if you have a patient, family member or friend with Alzheimer's disease and ginkgo helps them, keep giving it. Hopefully more studies will be performed to confirm or refute the findings of this one. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54343 2009-11-04T12:00:32-07:00 2009-11-04T12:00:07-07:00

A team of British and Australian scientists recently undertook a series of investigations on plants that may improve memory and might therefore be relevant to the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD).3,4,7 One of the herbs they chose for investigation was sage (Salvia officinalis) because of its traditional reputation as a tonic for the nervous system and memory.

By Kerry Bone, BSc (hons), Dipl. Phyto. A team of British and Australian scientists recently undertook a series of investigations on plants that may improve memory and might therefore be relevant to the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD).3,4,7 One of the herbs they chose for investigation was sage (Salvia officinalis) because of its traditional reputation as a tonic for the nervous system and memory. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54323 2009-11-03T12:00:32-07:00 2009-11-03T12:00:07-07:00

Chinese American Cultural Bridge Center (CACBC), a nonprofit cultural exchange organization, is arranging a 12-day "Ancient Healing Arts of China" tour for chiropractors and other healing arts professionals. Participants will visit five cities: Beijing, Nanjing, Suzhou, Hangzhou, and Shanghai, all-important centers of Chinese medical education.

Chinese American Cultural Bridge Center (CACBC), a nonprofit cultural exchange organization, is arranging a 12-day "Ancient Healing Arts of China" tour for chiropractors and other healing arts professionals. Participants will visit five cities: Beijing, Nanjing, Suzhou, Hangzhou, and Shanghai, all-important centers of Chinese medical education.