http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/alternative_medicine/ From yoga to acupuncture and herbal supplements, learn all about alternative therapies, medicines and nutrition. en-us Thu, 23 Feb 2012 06:05:02 EST Thu, 23 Feb 2012 06:05:02 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/alternative_medicine/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120212192733.htm For roughly two thousand years, Chinese herbalists have treated Malaria using a root extract, commonly known as Chang Shan, from a type of hydrangea that grows in Tibet and Nepal. More recent studies suggest that halofuginone, a compound derived from this extract's bioactive ingredient, could be used to treat many autoimmune disorders as well. Now, researchers have discovered the molecular secrets behind this herbal extract's power. Sun, 12 Feb 2012 19:27:27 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120212192733.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201173226.htm Researchers have discovered a brief 10-minute massage helps reduce inflammation in muscle. As a non-drug therapy, massage holds the potential to help not just bone-weary athletes but those with inflammation-related chronic conditions, such as arthritis or muscular dystrophy. While massage is well accepted as a therapy for relieving muscle tension and pain, the researchers delved deeper to find it also triggers biochemical sensors that can send inflammation-reducing signals to muscle cells. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:32:32 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201173226.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201141710.htm About 18 million individuals undergo massage therapy annually in the U.S. Despite several reports that long-term massage therapy reduces chronic pain and improves range of motion in clinical trials, the biological effects of massage on skeletal tissue have remained unclear -- until now. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:17:17 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201141710.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124134425.htm Every year between 3 and 10 percent of school-age children in this country are diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Increasingly, families are using natural or complementary therapies to improve their child’s attention or behavior, and often seek advice from an integrative pediatrician, according to a new study. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 13:44:44 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124134425.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120123115539.htm In a recent study, scientists showed that human colon cancer cells die when they are exposed to the approximate number of bioactive compounds present in one cup of mate tea, which has long been consumed in South America for its medicinal properties. Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:55:55 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120123115539.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120116095929.htm Yoga is one of the hottest fitness trends and a style known as “hot yoga” is gaining in popularity. While the practice can offer health benefits, people practicing hot yoga, especially beginners, should take certain precautions, according to an expert. Mon, 16 Jan 2012 09:59:59 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120116095929.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104115106.htm Scientists are reporting identification of two substances in licorice -- used extensively in Chinese traditional medicine -- that kill the major bacteria responsible for tooth decay and gum disease, the leading causes of tooth loss in children and adults. In a new study, they say that these substances could have a role in treating and preventing tooth decay and gum disease. Wed, 04 Jan 2012 11:51:51 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104115106.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111229203000.htm Women recently diagnosed with breast cancer have higher survival rates than those diagnosed in previous decades, according to new research. However, survivors continue to face health challenges after their treatments end. Previous research reports as many as 50 percent of breast cancer survivors are depressed. Now, researchers say a meditation technique can help breast cancer survivors improve their emotional and physical well-being. Thu, 29 Dec 2011 20:30:30 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111229203000.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111219150915.htm Acupuncture significantly reduces levels of a protein in rats linked to chronic stress, researchers have found. They say their animal study may help explain the sense of well-being that many people receive from this ancient Chinese therapy. Mon, 19 Dec 2011 15:09:09 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111219150915.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205191728.htm Acupuncture may help ease the severe nerve pain associated with certain cancer drugs, suggests a small preliminary study. Mon, 05 Dec 2011 19:17:17 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205191728.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111201132501.htm Age-old remedies could hold the key to treating a wide range of serious medical problems, as well as keeping skin firmer and less wrinkled, according to scientists. Experts have discovered that white tea, witch hazel and the simple rose hold potential health and beauty properties which could be simply too good to ignore. Thu, 01 Dec 2011 13:25:25 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111201132501.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111123132933.htm Biologists have developed a method which can detect the use of illegal or counterfeit plants in medicine and could also be used to boost conservation by identifying and monitoring the exploitation of endangered plant species. Wed, 23 Nov 2011 13:29:29 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111123132933.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111110130108.htm When given alongside radiation therapy for head and neck cancer, acupuncture has shown for the first time to reduce the debilitating side effect of xerostomia, according to new research. Thu, 10 Nov 2011 13:01:01 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111110130108.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031220257.htm Yoga can provide more effective treatment for chronic lower back pain than more conventional methods, according to the UK's largest ever study into the benefits of yoga. The study found that people offered a specially-designed 12-week yoga program experienced greater improvements in back function and more confidence in performing everyday tasks than those offered conventional forms of care. Mon, 31 Oct 2011 22:02:02 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031220257.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111024164710.htm Yoga classes were found to be more effective than a self-care book for patients with chronic low back pain at reducing symptoms and improving function, but they were not more effective than stretching classes, according to a new study. Mon, 24 Oct 2011 16:47:47 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111024164710.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111024164708.htm Yoga classes were linked to better back-related function and diminished symptoms from chronic low back pain in the largest U.S. randomized controlled trial of yoga to date. Mon, 24 Oct 2011 16:47:47 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111024164708.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111020122200.htm Spas that offer massage therapy using fragrant essential oils, called aromatherapy, may have elevated levels of potentially harmful indoor air pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and ultrafine particles, according to a new article. Thu, 20 Oct 2011 12:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111020122200.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111017092033.htm More than one in four kindergarten children, and one in five teachers, had difficulty distinguishing between medicine and candy in new research conducted by two, now seventh-grade students. Mon, 17 Oct 2011 09:20:20 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111017092033.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111011102103.htm Complementary and alternative medical treatments such as herbal supplements have become increasingly popular in the United States, especially among older patients and those with chronic pain. However, many of these products can have serious and potentially harmful side effects when combined with medications prescribed during and after surgery, according to a review article. Tue, 11 Oct 2011 10:21:21 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111011102103.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111004154222.htm Patients who are fed more calories while in intensive care have lower mortality rates than those who receive less of their daily-prescribed calories, according to a recent study of data from the largest critical care nutrition database in the world. Tue, 04 Oct 2011 15:42:42 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111004154222.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111004123824.htm Green tea may slow down weight gain and serve as another tool in the fight against obesity, according to food scientists. Tue, 04 Oct 2011 12:38:38 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111004123824.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111003161709.htm Healthier dietary choices by pregnant women are associated with reduced risks of birth defects, including neural tube defects and orofacial clefts, according to a new study. Mon, 03 Oct 2011 16:17:17 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111003161709.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110927161811.htm Saw palmetto, a widely used herbal dietary supplement, does not reduce urinary problems associated with prostate enlargement any better than a placebo, according to new research. Tue, 27 Sep 2011 16:18:18 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110927161811.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110927161658.htm The most widely used over-the-counter supplement for prostate health is no more effective than a placebo in treating men's lower urinary tract symptoms, according to new findings. Tue, 27 Sep 2011 16:16:16 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110927161658.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110927161656.htm The fruit of the saw palmetto tree does not relieve symptoms of an enlarged prostate, even when men take the herbal supplement in very high doses, a new study shows. Tue, 27 Sep 2011 16:16:16 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110927161656.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110927161640.htm Long-term adminstration of the dietary supplement saw palmetto, even at three times the usual dose, did not reduce symptoms of prostate enlargement significantly better than placebo in a large group of middle-aged men. Tue, 27 Sep 2011 16:16:16 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110927161640.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110905074338.htm A report of a study investigating over the counter medicine (OTC) abuse provides evidence that there is a group of individuals experiencing a range of problems often with codeine-based medicines purchased from pharmacies, and for whom help and support varied. Mon, 05 Sep 2011 07:43:43 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110905074338.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110830111253.htm More and more, patients show up to appointments with hypertension experts carrying bags full of "natural" products that they hope will help lower their blood pressure. And like most physicians, hypertension experts don't always know if these products will do any good, or if they will cause any harm. To better educate physicians and patients, researchers have now conducted the most comprehensive review to date of the evidence behind a range of non-drug interventions. Tue, 30 Aug 2011 11:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110830111253.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110826111214.htm Researchers from Denmark have examined a number of plants which are used for illegal abortions in Tanzania. Several of the plants can be used to stop lethal bleeding after birth. Fri, 26 Aug 2011 11:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110826111214.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110817101937.htm Acai berry, cumin, herbal tea, turmeric and long-term use of garlic -- all herbal supplements commonly believed to be beneficial to your health -- may negatively impact chemotherapy treatment according to a new report. Wed, 17 Aug 2011 10:19:19 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110817101937.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110815113607.htm A compound found in green tea shows great promise for the development of drugs to treat two types of tumors and a deadly congenital disease. Mon, 15 Aug 2011 11:36:36 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110815113607.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110808202506.htm Many herbal remedies available over-the-counter in pharmacies and health food shops are still lacking important information needed for safe use, according to researchers. Mon, 08 Aug 2011 20:25:25 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110808202506.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110802091033.htm According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 25 percent of Americans have inactive lifestyles (they take fewer than 5,000 steps a day) and 75 percent do not meet the weekly exercise recommendations (150 minutes of moderate activity each week and muscle-strengthening activity twice a week) to maintain good health. After reviewing recent literature, researchers contend that physical inactivity is the primary cause of chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity and fatty liver disease. Tue, 02 Aug 2011 09:10:10 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110802091033.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110801122948.htm Colon cleansing -- it's been described as a natural way to enhance well-being, but doctors say there's no evidence to back that claim. In fact, their review of scientific literature demonstrates that colon cleansing can cause side effects ranging from cramping and to renal failure and death. Mon, 01 Aug 2011 12:29:29 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110801122948.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110801094724.htm Attending a non-denominational spiritual retreat can help patients with severe heart trouble feel less depressed and more hopeful about the future, a new study has found. Mon, 01 Aug 2011 09:47:47 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110801094724.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110727131421.htm A new study finds that practicing yoga reduces the physical and psychological symptoms of chronic pain in women with fibromyalgia. The study is the first to look at the effects of yoga on cortisol levels in women with fibromyalgia. Participants' saliva revealed elevated levels of total cortisol following a program of 75 minutes of hatha yoga twice weekly over the course of eight weeks. Wed, 27 Jul 2011 13:14:14 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110727131421.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110727122705.htm Approximately 60 million people across the globe have chronic kidney disease, and many will need dialysis or a transplant. Breakthrough research indicates that patients' own kidney cells can be gathered and reprogrammed. Reprogramming patients' kidney cells could mean that in the future, fewer patients with kidney disease would require complicated, expensive procedures that affect their quality of life. Wed, 27 Jul 2011 12:27:27 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110727122705.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110713182215.htm A study provides new insights into the placebo effect and suggests that in addition to active therapies, the idea of being cared for is important to patients' health. Wed, 13 Jul 2011 18:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110713182215.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110713121313.htm A new study gauging the impact of consuming more fish oil showed a marked reduction both in inflammation and, surprisingly, in anxiety among a cohort of healthy young people. The findings suggest that if young participants can get such improvements from specific dietary supplements, then the elderly and people at high risk for certain diseases might benefit even more. Wed, 13 Jul 2011 12:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110713121313.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110713102019.htm A major new review of scientific knowledge on kava -- a plant used to make dietary supplements and a trendy drink with calming effects -- has left unsolved the mystery of why Pacific Island people can consume it safely, while people in the United States, Europe and other Western cultures sometimes experience toxic effects. Wed, 13 Jul 2011 10:20:20 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110713102019.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110712143006.htm Indirubin, the active ingredient in a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, might offer a new strategy for treating glioblastoma, a deadly form of brain cancer. A new study shows that indirubin both blocks the migration of glioblastoma cells, preventing their spread to other areas of the brain, and the migration of endothelial cells, preventing them from forming the new blood vessels the tumor needs to grow. Tue, 12 Jul 2011 14:30:30 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110712143006.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110711131330.htm An extract of the poisonous shrub Jatropha curcas acts as a strong painkiller and may have a mode of action different from conventional analgesics, such as morphine and other pharmaceuticals. Mon, 11 Jul 2011 13:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110711131330.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110705211018.htm Chronic non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, arthritis, chronic respiratory disorders and cancer represent the major global health problem of the 21st century and affect all age groups. The cost of treating these diseases is substantial. In a new article, an international group of scientists and medical doctors proposes an integrated method, using systems medicine, research, and personalized patient centered treatment, to look at chronic disease as a whole. Tue, 05 Jul 2011 21:10:10 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110705211018.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110704174603.htm Massage therapy helps ease chronic back pain and improve function, according to results of a randomized controlled trial. The first study to compare structural and relaxation (Swedish) massage, the trial found that both types of massage worked well, with few side effects. Massage helped people with back pain to function even after six months. They were more able to work, take care of themselves, and be active. Mon, 04 Jul 2011 17:46:46 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110704174603.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110621121316.htm The answer to treating painful arthritis could lie in an age old herbal remedy -- frankincense, according to scientists. They have been examining the potential benefits of frankincense to help relieve and alleviate the symptoms of the condition. Tue, 21 Jun 2011 12:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110621121316.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110616113016.htm More than half of the women in a recently published survey reported that near the end of their pregnancies, they took it upon themselves to try to induce labor, mostly by walking, having sex, eating spicy food or stimulating their nipples. Of the 201 women who responded to the survey at a Midwestern hospital, 102, or 50.7 percent, used these or other unprescribed methods to try to bring on labor. Thu, 16 Jun 2011 11:30:30 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110616113016.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110606152208.htm Previous studies have indicated that a significant number of patients who receive chemotherapy also experience cognitive declines, including decreases in verbal fluency and memory. Now, one psychologist has found evidence that indicates Tai Chi, a Chinese martial art, might help overcome some of those problems. Mon, 06 Jun 2011 15:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110606152208.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110604181903.htm A recent study that exposed older veterans with stroke to yoga produced promising results as researchers explore whether this popular mind-body practice can help stroke victims cope with their increased risk for painful and even deadly falls. A range of balance items measured by the Berg Balance Scale and Fullerton Advance Balance Scale improved by 17 percent and 34 percent respectively, participants had more confidence in their balance -- and they enjoyed the practice. Sat, 04 Jun 2011 18:19:19 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110604181903.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110530080513.htm Researchers have carried out a randomized control trial and a linked interview study regarding 80 such patients from GP practices across London, to investigate their experiences of having five-element acupuncture added to their usual care. This is the first trial of traditional acupuncture for people with unexplained symptoms. Mon, 30 May 2011 08:05:05 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110530080513.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110526064641.htm Individuals with rheumatoid arthritis who practice yoga showed statistically significant improvements in disease activity, according to a small study. Thu, 26 May 2011 06:46:46 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110526064641.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110519202718.htm Bitter cumin is used extensively in traditional medicine to treat a range of diseases from vitiligo to hyperglycemia. It is considered to be antiparasitic and antimicrobial and science has backed up claims of its use to reduce fever or as a painkiller. New research shows that this humble spice also contains high levels of antioxidants. Thu, 19 May 2011 20:27:27 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110519202718.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110518181257.htm For women with breast cancer undergoing radiation therapy, yoga offers unique benefits beyond fighting fatigue, according to new research. Wed, 18 May 2011 18:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110518181257.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110516201053.htm T'ai chi has particular health benefits for older people, including helping to prevent falls and improving mental wellbeing, reveals a new review. Mon, 16 May 2011 20:10:10 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110516201053.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110516161823.htm A traditional Chinese herbal paste known as Xiao Chuan, or XCP, may help reduce winter exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, according to a new study conducted by researchers in Beijing. The paste has been used to treat breathing difficulties in China for more than a thousand years. Mon, 16 May 2011 16:18:18 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110516161823.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110509161642.htm Prior research suggests that mind-body therapies, while used by millions of patients, is still on the fringe of mainstream medical care in America. New research suggests that attitudes are changing. Mon, 09 May 2011 16:16:16 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110509161642.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110509065749.htm A bioethics expert has denounced the public funding of homeopathy at a time where Scotland’s health budget is under unprecedented pressure. Mon, 09 May 2011 06:57:57 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110509065749.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110427131924.htm When a 34-year-old bicyclist was found collapsed on a roadside and rushed to the emergency room on the verge of kidney failure and muscle breakdown, doctors were surprised to discover that a trendy tea derived from the kava plant was the cause of his ills. Wed, 27 Apr 2011 13:19:19 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110427131924.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110425173838.htm Tai chi exercise appears to be associated with improved quality of life, mood and exercise self-efficacy in patients with chronic heart failure, according to a new study. Mon, 25 Apr 2011 17:38:38 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110425173838.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110421122406.htm Acupuncture provides long-lasting relief to hot flashes, heart palpitations and anxiety due to side effects of the hormone given to counteract testosterone, the hormone that induces prostate cancer, according to a new study. Thu, 21 Apr 2011 12:24:24 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110421122406.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110420125504.htm To help alleviate the effects of severe traumatic brain injury, the US Department of Defense should ensure that all military personnel with this type of injury receive adequate protein and calories immediately after the trauma and through the first two weeks of treatment, says a new report from the Institute of Medicine. Wed, 20 Apr 2011 12:55:55 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110420125504.htm