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-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-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-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. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54159 2009-10-07T12:00:32-07:00 2009-10-07T12:00:07-07:00

The catechins found in green tea have been shown to promote weight loss and reduction of body fat in human subjects, independent of any effects of caffeine.

By James P. Meschino, DC, MS The catechins found in green tea have been shown to promote weight loss and reduction of body fat in human subjects, independent of any effects of caffeine. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-53996 2009-08-12T12:00:32-07:00 2009-08-12T12:00:07-07:00

Two closely related viruses of herpes simplex, HSV-1 and HSV-2, can infect the human body. HSV-1 mostly infects the gums and skin, although it can cause more serious infection in the brain. HSV-2 mostly infects around the genital area. Infection with the virus can be unsightly and painful, especially for HSV-2.

By Kerry Bone, BSc (hons), Dipl. Phyto. Two closely related viruses of herpes simplex, HSV-1 and HSV-2, can infect the human body. HSV-1 mostly infects the gums and skin, although it can cause more serious infection in the brain. HSV-2 mostly infects around the genital area. Infection with the virus can be unsightly and painful, especially for HSV-2. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-53899 2009-07-01T12:00:32-07:00 2009-07-01T12:00:07-07:00

Flexeril is prescribed for the relief of muscle spasm. It is in a class of drugs called spasmolytics. It acts on the central nervous system rather than the muscles, per se - it is a central-nervous-system depressant. Flexeril is manufactured by Merck and Co., Inc., the third largest pharmaceutical company in the world. Merck's total 2006 sales were more than $22.5 billion.1 Price Rite Drug in Bozeman, Mont., where I practice, charges $10.60 for 30 tablets (10 mg each) of the generic equivalent of Flexeril, which is a 10-day supply.

By Daniel Hough, DC Flexeril is prescribed for the relief of muscle spasm. It is in a class of drugs called spasmolytics. It acts on the central nervous system rather than the muscles, per se - it is a central-nervous-system depressant. Flexeril is manufactured by Merck and Co., Inc., the third largest pharmaceutical company in the world. Merck's total 2006 sales were more than $22.5 billion.1 Price Rite Drug in Bozeman, Mont., where I practice, charges $10.60 for 30 tablets (10 mg each) of the generic equivalent of Flexeril, which is a 10-day supply. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-53768 2009-05-06T12:00:32-07:00 2009-05-06T12:00:07-07:00

Heliotherapy (sunlight therapy) has a long tradition in Eastern health philosophy. It also has its place in Western healing arts. However, in the past few years heliophobia concerning skin cancer and skin aging has been the stronger trend in the West. Indeed, we have become so careful about sun exposure that many experts argue the pendulum has swung too far. Let's examine some of the benefits of light on human health and lifetime wellness so you might better "enlighten" your patients as to the pros and cons of sunlight.

By John Maher, DC, DCBCN, BCIM Heliotherapy (sunlight therapy) has a long tradition in Eastern health philosophy. It also has its place in Western healing arts. However, in the past few years heliophobia concerning skin cancer and skin aging has been the stronger trend in the West. Indeed, we have become so careful about sun exposure that many experts argue the pendulum has swung too far. Let's examine some of the benefits of light on human health and lifetime wellness so you might better "enlighten" your patients as to the pros and cons of sunlight. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-53716 2009-04-09T12:00:32-07:00 2009-04-09T12:00:07-07:00

When I came across the latest findings from the Physicians' Health Study II, evaluating vitamins E and C in the prevention of prostate and total cancer in men, and the Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT), it occurred to me that the negative results join a growing list of recently published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on vitamins that have not confirmed what has been suggested via small and/or observational study data.

By G. Douglas Andersen, DC, DACBSP, CCN When I came across the latest findings from the Physicians' Health Study II, evaluating vitamins E and C in the prevention of prostate and total cancer in men, and the Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT), it occurred to me that the negative results join a growing list of recently published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on vitamins that have not confirmed what has been suggested via small and/or observational study data. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-53703 2009-03-26T12:00:32-07:00 2009-03-26T12:00:07-07:00

Huperzine A is an extract from a club moss (from the Lycopodiaceae family) that has been used for centuries in Chinese folk medicine for a variety of conditions. In modern times, Huperzine A research has focused on its ability to raise brain levels of the memory chemical acetylcholine; hence its potential role in the treatment and prevention of Alzheimer 's disease, dementia and other cases of memory and learning impairment.

By James P. Meschino, DC, MS Huperzine A is an extract from a club moss (from the Lycopodiaceae family) that has been used for centuries in Chinese folk medicine for a variety of conditions. In modern times, Huperzine A research has focused on its ability to raise brain levels of the memory chemical acetylcholine; hence its potential role in the treatment and prevention of Alzheimer 's disease, dementia and other cases of memory and learning impairment. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-53661 2009-02-26T12:00:32-07:00 2009-02-26T12:00:07-07:00

High blood pressure affects approximately 25 percent of the adult population in developed countries such as the United States and Canada. In up to 75 percent of these cases, hypertension manifests in a mild form that is highly sensitive to nutrition, supplementation and lifestyle practices. Hawthorn has been prescribed by European doctors for years to treat various heart conditions including hypertension, ischemic heart disease (angina) and congestive heart failure.

By James P. Meschino, DC, MS High blood pressure affects approximately 25 percent of the adult population in developed countries such as the United States and Canada. In up to 75 percent of these cases, hypertension manifests in a mild form that is highly sensitive to nutrition, supplementation and lifestyle practices. Hawthorn has been prescribed by European doctors for years to treat various heart conditions including hypertension, ischemic heart disease (angina) and congestive heart failure. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-53442 2008-10-07T12:00:32-07:00 2008-10-07T12:00:07-07:00

We have learned that caffeine ingested in doses under 500 mg during exercise does not cause dehydration, and there is ample evidence to prove it.1 But what about the scholarly support of caffeine as a diuretic? That also is not as solid as most people think. But if caffeine does cause diuresis and thus a negative fluid balance, this is important for those who treat musculoskeletal conditions. Why? Because a hydrated cell is an anabolic cell, and whether a patient is injured during sports, work or transportation, any deficiency will retard healing, including fluid balance.

By G. Douglas Andersen, DC, DACBSP, CCN We have learned that caffeine ingested in doses under 500 mg during exercise does not cause dehydration, and there is ample evidence to prove it.1 But what about the scholarly support of caffeine as a diuretic? That also is not as solid as most people think. But if caffeine does cause diuresis and thus a negative fluid balance, this is important for those who treat musculoskeletal conditions. Why? Because a hydrated cell is an anabolic cell, and whether a patient is injured during sports, work or transportation, any deficiency will retard healing, including fluid balance. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-53411 2008-09-09T12:00:32-07:00 2008-09-09T12:00:07-07:00

A few years ago, I wrote an article about the published research that suggests a supplement called policosanol could lower blood cholesterol to a significant degree in patients with hypercholesterolemia. However, recent studies have questioned the validity of this original research, all of which was done by the same Cuban-based research team, showing policosanol failed to produce any cholesterol-lowering effects whatsoever.

By James P. Meschino, DC, MS A few years ago, I wrote an article about the published research that suggests a supplement called policosanol could lower blood cholesterol to a significant degree in patients with hypercholesterolemia. However, recent studies have questioned the validity of this original research, all of which was done by the same Cuban-based research team, showing policosanol failed to produce any cholesterol-lowering effects whatsoever. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-53403 2008-09-09T12:00:32-07:00 2008-09-09T12:00:07-07:00

Stop! Before you put that lotion on your next patient’s back, make sure you read the list of ingredients – all the ingredients. Various ingredients in the products you use in your office can be absorbed through your patient’s skin into their bloodstream. Those same chemicals may be stored in their body fat at much higher concentrations. How do you choose the products you use on your patients’ skin, whether to ease their pain or in conjunction with physical therapy modalities? Have you ever looked at the ingredients in the products you use?

By Christine H. Farlow, DC Stop! Before you put that lotion on your next patient’s back, make sure you read the list of ingredients – all the ingredients. Various ingredients in the products you use in your office can be absorbed through your patient’s skin into their bloodstream. Those same chemicals may be stored in their body fat at much higher concentrations. How do you choose the products you use on your patients’ skin, whether to ease their pain or in conjunction with physical therapy modalities? Have you ever looked at the ingredients in the products you use? tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-52010 2007-01-01T12:00:32-07:00 2007-01-01T12:00:07-07:00

By James P. Meschino, DC, MS tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-51130 2006-03-26T12:00:32-07:00 2006-03-26T12:00:07-07:00

By Brian Sutton, DC