Nov 27

Ulcers

Disease, Herbs No Comments »


Researchers have discovered that Dracaena cochinchinensis, used in Chinese medicine, is effective against the bacterium that causes ulcers:

“Researchers have discovered that a plant widely used in traditional Chinese medicine contains compounds that slow the growth of the germ that causes most peptic ulcers.

The chemists, led by Weimin Zhao of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, isolated 22 compounds from the treelike plant, Dracaena cochinchinensis, which gives off a dark-red resinous substance called dragon’s blood. They found two that were effective against the ulcer bacterium, Helicobacter pylori, and eight others that worked as blood thinners.

Their report appears in the October issue of The Journal of Natural Products.

“Many traditional Chinese medicines have been confirmed to possess various beneficial effects,” Dr. Zhao said in an e-mail message, “but it is still not easy to understand thoroughly how they work.”

Dr. Zhao does not claim that Dracaena, used in China for stomach ailments, fractures and wounds, is a substitute for modern medicine. Its antibacterial compounds would need to be taken in much higher concentrations than amoxicillin, an antibiotic used for peptic ulcers. The blood-thinning compounds the researchers found were effective, but not nearly as powerful as, for example, heparin, a common blood thinner.”

Nov 27

Music and medicine

Culture, General No Comments »

Fascinating article about the link between medicine and music:

“Pleasant music works to cultivate one’s temperament, to purify one’s mind, and to deliver a sense of beauty. But has it ever occurred to you that the creation of music was originally intended as a medicine to cure? The origin of music can be traced back to the creation of Chinese characters by Cangjie (2650 B.C.), a legendary figure in ancient China. The Chinese character “Yao,” which means medicine, is derived from the character “Yue,” which means music. The character Yao is composed of two parts: a radical, meaning grass or herb, and the character for music. In addition to carrying the meaning of medicine or cure, this character can stand for music itself, happiness, or enjoyment. Music is therefore the ancestor of medicine. Cangjie, according to one legend, created the Chinese character Yue based on an historic event, in which Huangdi (Yellow Emperor) defeated Chi You (war deity). In ancient China, soldiers commonly beat war drums on the battlefields to inspire their bravery and gain the advantage. After the fight between the Yellow Emperor and Chi You, the beating of the war drums knocked Chi You’s soldiers unconscious. To cure the defeated soldiers, the merciful Yellow Emperor created a metal object in the shape of a bell, which is now called a musical instrument.”

Nov 27

Alternative therapies and cancer pain

Acupuncture, Disease No Comments »

Studies show that alternative treatments like acupuncture and massage can help relieve cancer pain:

“Patients and their doctors are increasingly turning to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) techniques, such as massage, acupuncture, and herbal supplements to relieve cancer pain in conjunction with medication. These treatments not only have fewer adverse side effects than conventional pain drugs, but they are actually very effective at relieving pain and anxiety in cancer patients, according to a review of current research in the August 2007 issue of Current Pain and Headache Reports.*

“Complementary therapies are generally safe, non-invasive, and free of toxicity,” explains one of the authors, Jyothirmai Gubili, Assistant Editor in the Integrative Medicine Service of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. “They can be used along with standard pain management techniques to improve outcomes and reduce the need for pain medication.”

The study reviewed several popular CAM therapies:

Acupuncture
This staple of Chinese medicine has been practiced for more than 2,000 years, and recently it has caught on in the U.S. as an effective treatment for many painful conditions. Acupuncture stimulates pressure points in certain areas of the body, triggering the release of natural opoid painkillers. A 2003 study demonstrated that acupuncture of the ear significantly reduced the intensity of pain in cancer patients. Acupuncture also has been shown to relieve cancer-related nausea and fatigue.”

Nov 21

Alternative treatments for women’s health

Herbs, Women's Health No Comments »

Alternative treatments, such as acupuncture, herbs, and yoga are some of elements that can be used to help relieve the symptoms of PMS:

“Since women’s health is such a huge topic, I have chosen to concentrate on one aspect of women’s health which continues to be an issue.

There are over a hundred symptoms associated with PMS. Unfortunately, because each woman is different, there is no agreed upon cause or treatment for the effects of PMS within the medical community.

What they do all agree on is that a regular menstrual cycle is a sign of good health. Isn’t that special? Doesn’t help to know you’re healthy if you are in pain or having mood swings that cause you to have to make the decision to stay home for a day rather than risk the chance of having to call your best friend for bail money.

Well, conventional medicine can offer pain pills, water pills, and hormonal therapy, but alternatives to these forms of comfort can be more relaxing and have fewer side effects. And while I for one am not going to “run with the wolves”, I would like to achieve some sort of balance between seeing cramps as a medical “problem” and a “gift of mother earth.” Give me a break, I just want to not cry or punch out people at the drop of a hat for a week out of each month. Let’s explore those options:

Acupuncture relieves pain and stress, and can leave you feeling so relaxed that you’re feeling too good to punch anyone out. Same goes for massage, and your massage therapist can show you self massage to do on your lower abdomen any time you need to relax cramps. No medicine is involved, and both of these alternative therapies are non-invasive.

Chinese medicinal herbs are used in concocting teas and poultices for the relief of PMS symptoms. These include Kava Kava Chai and ginseng teas. The top recommended teas are made from Viburnum and help with cramping, irritability, and swelling. Dandelion helps with swollen breasts, muscle spasms, and acne. Your herbalist can recommend the appropriate combination of herbs for your individual symptoms, as well as bath soaks and foot rubs.”

Nov 21

Diabetes from the traditional Chinese medicine perspective

Disease, East and West No Comments »

A good article about how Chinese medicine looks at diabetes–as a deficiency of yin:

” In Chinese, diabetes may be referred to as Xiao ke or Wasting Thirst syndrome. The cause of Wasting Thirst syndrome is understood to be a deficiency of Yin in the body, along with a heat pathogen affecting the lungs, stomach and kidneys. When yin is deficient, heat is produced; in the same way, when heat is present it “burns up” yin.

Thus, the most common symptoms of diabetes are excessive thirst, hunger and urination, associated respectively with the upper, middle and lower burners. Diabetes is often referred to as Upper Burner, Middle Burner and Lower Burner Wasting-Thirst Patterns of Disharmony. They are all associated with yin deficiency.

In Chinese medicine, it is understood that people who partake in alcohol, sweet or fatty foods and lead an irregular, unhealthy or sedentary lifestyle have a tendency to develop Xiao ke syndrome. Emotional disturbances can also contribute to Xiao ke. A yin deficiency may be characterised by lethargy, weakness and a pale complexion. Energy channels are blocked and a stagnation or thickening of the blood results. Eventually, toxic heat is generated. This consumes the vital organs’ fluid, causing organ malfunction and disharmony between the lung, stomach and kidney.

How does Chinese medicine treat diabetes?

Chinese medicine does not measure food glucose levels like Western medicine. Rather, Chinese medicine seeks an individualised treatment in order to address and treat the symptoms of individual patients, their patterns of disharmony and points of deficiency.

When looking at diabetes, Chinese medicine takes a holistic approach and making detailed observations about their current state. This includes a four-part examination—looking, listening or smelling, touching and asking. It includes examining the shape, colour and coating of the tongue, the colour and expression of the face, the odour of the breath and body, and the strength, rhythm and quality of the pulse.

Chinese herbs can help to replenish yin deficiencies that contribute to diabetes. Depending on the specific case, herbs that will stimulate yin in the lungs, stomach, spleen or kidneys may be prescribed. Acupuncture therapy may also be employed in treating diabetes. “

Nov 21

Australian center to study Chinese medicine

East and West, General No Comments »

Australia is setting up a new research center devoted to Chinese medicine:

“A new research centre into Chinese medicine will be set up next year.

The Australia-China Centre for Research in Chinese Medicines will research and develop new medicines as well as test the effectiveness of existing treatments and how they can be integrated with western medicine.

The move is a collaboration between the University of Sydney and Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou, China, who will jointly fund the project, along with possible government funding.

Herbal product manufacturers had been reluctant to fund research into the efficacy of their products, said the University of Sydney’s deputy vice-chancellor for international programs, John Hearn.

“But I think we’re now moving to the stage where I think the technology is able to test them better,” said Professor Hearn, who chaired a taskforce on the World Health Organisation.

“The main objective of the centre is to validate the approach and the synergies between Chinese medicine and western medicine.”"

Nov 15

Magnolia bark

General, Herbs No Comments »

Magnolia bark, long used in Chinese medicine to treat headaches and stress, is found to reduce bad breath and kills the germs responsible for ulcers:

“Adding a pinch of magnolia bark to mints or gum can eliminate bad breath by killing most odor-causing germs, U.S. researchers reported on Wednesday.

Most bad breath occurs when bacteria in the mouth break down proteins, producing foul-smelling sulfur compounds. But many anti-bacterial agents cause nasty side effects like tooth staining, making them impractical for oral care.

Magnolia bark extract — a traditional Chinese medicine used to treat fever, headache and stress — has proven effective against germs that cause ulcers, and recent studies have shown it has low toxicity and few side effects.

Scientists at chewing gum maker Wm Wrigley Jr Co wanted to see if it could kill halitosis-causing bacteria, and if it could be used in a gum or mint.

Researchers Minmin Tan and colleagues, reporting in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, tested magnolia bark’s germ-killing ability in a Wrigley lab.

They found it highly effective against three types of oral microorganisms, killing 99.9 percent of bad breath bacteria within five minutes.”

Speaking of stress–browse through some of the DAAN products used to relieve stress. If you have any questions, drop us a line.

Nov 15

Using herbs with other medications

East and West, General No Comments »

Another reminder that herbal remedies, although derived from natural ingredients, should always be taken in consultation with your physician, especially if you are taking other medications:

“The researchers aim to produce a systematic overview of the effects different herbal remedies could have in combination with different drugs. The methods they are using will reveal whether the herbal remedies need to queue up with different drugs on their way through our bodies.

It is when the drugs and the herbs are fighting for space in the body’s systems that the effect of the drugs is influenced. This competition mainly takes place in the intestines and the liver. The intestines regulate how quickly the drugs are absorbed into the body. The liver consists of enzymes that regulate how quickly medication is broken down and filtrated from your body.

”We all know what it is like when there is a queue in front of a door,” Nilsen says. “People are piling up, and the strongest or most impertinent ones get in first. It is the same with herbal remedies and medication standing in front of the same gate and wanting to go through.”

If the herbal remedy is the strongest, the medication will move more slowly to the place where it is needed. The result is reduced or delayed effect. If it is the filtration that is restrained, the medication could accumulate and cause a stronger effect, perhaps with adverse effects.

The testing is performed in different test systems in the laboratory. Cells from intestines and the liver are fed with a combination of herbal remedies and medication, and then it is possible to measure who wins the battle of the cells’ favour.”

Always tell your doctor all the herbal remedies you are taking.

Nov 15

Herbal treatments

East and West, Herbs No Comments »

Herbs have been used to maintain health and treat illnesses for thousands of years, and such treatments are growing in popularity:

“Herbs have been used as a prime ingredient is alleviating illnesses for centuries. Herbal medicine, which originated in Asian countries, is becoming more popular in the West. As Western remedies like over-the-counter drugs become more expensive and less popular, herbal remedies are making their way into mainstream culture.

According to herbpalace.com, herbalism is the use of herbs for their therapeutic or medicinal value. Herbalists use the leaves, flowers, stems, roots and berries of plants to prevent and treat illnesses, from the common cold to sinus infections to depression.

Medicines employing herbs have been in existence since the dawn of man. Scientists have found various herbs like marshmallow root, hyacinth and yarrow around the skeleton of a prehistoric man.

Dating back to 2735 B.C., records indicate that the Chinese emperor Shen Nong wrote an authoritative treatise on herbs that is still in use today. In the Middle Ages, herbal remedies were passed down from generation to generation, or by the village herbalist to a promising apprentice.

Herbal remedies that were once harvested by hand are now easily accessible by a trip to a local herbal supply store.

The Herbalist, located on 65th and 21st in the University District, is Seattle’s premier store for herbal remedies. Having been in operation for 23 years, various herbal remedies, teas and bulk herbs are available for sale.

Employee David Tucker specializes in Chinese Herbal Medicine, specifically acupuncture and massage. Tucker, who’s been involved in the herbal medicinal field for more than five years, believes in the healing power of herbs.

“Although I like to see what the body can do naturally in terms of healing itself, I believe that herbs have amazing abilities to help with health problems,” he said.

Tucker said most clients that go to The Herbalist have some sort of health issue, or they want to cleanse. Cleansing releases toxins from the body, and usually requires a strict diet and the omission of mostly everything a person would normally eat.”

Nov 04

Snake oil–good for you after all!

General No Comments »

For decades a “snake oil salesman” meant someone selling something that didn’t work. But researchers studying some traditional Chinese remedies have discovered that snake oil might actually be good for you:

“For centuries snake oil has been a folk remedy in Chinese medicine, used primarily to treat joint pain such as arthritis and bursitis. Its introduction to the U.S. most likely occurred with the arrival of Chinese laborers who came to build the Transcontinental Railroad in the mid 1800s. They may have offered snake oil to fellow workers as relief for suffering long days of physical toil.

Richard Kunin, a California psychiatrist with a background in neurophysiology research, became intrigued with the idea of snake oil in the 1980s. He had been following early research on the importance of omega-3 fatty acids for health and it dawned on him that the much maligned snake oil might be a particularly rich source. Omega-3’s proliferate in cold-blooded creatures that live primarily in cooler environments because the fats don’t harden in chilly water like omega-6 fatty acids do (hence, the high level of omega-3’s in cold-water fish such as salmon). “Snakes and fish share one thing, they’re both cold-blooded animals,” Kunin says.

Kunin visited San Francisco’s Chinatown to buy such snake oil and analyze it. He also acquired two live rattlesnakes and extracted their fat sacks. According to his 1989 analysis published in the Western Journal of Medicine, Chinese water-snake oil contains 20 percent eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), one of the two types of omega-3 fatty acids most readily used by our bodies. In comparison, the rattlesnakes had only 8.5 percent EPA. And salmon, one of the most popular food sources of omega-3’s, contains a maximum of 18 percent EPA, lower than that of snake oil.

Research since the 1980s has demonstrated the necessity—and efficacy—of omega-3 fatty acids. These acids not only reduce inflammation, such as arthritis pain, but also improve cognitive function and reduce blood pressure, cholesterol and even depression. “Because of their chemical structure, omega-3’s behave very differently in cell membranes than any other fat,” says Susan Allport, author of The Queen of Fats: Why Omega-3s Were Removed from the Western Diet and What We Can Do To Replace Them. “They’re much more dynamic, they move around much more, so they allow a lot to happen in the cell membranes. And that’s where enzymes do their work. So these fats allow enzymes to work.”

Recently in Japan, a group of scientists at the Japanese National Food Research Institute led by Nobuya Shirai turned their attention to snake oil as well. In 2002, in Fisheries Science, they evaluated the composition of oil from the Erabu sea snake—the source of snake oil in traditional Chinese medicine. They analyzed such snakes caught in both the Pacific Ocean and the South China Sea and determined that the amount of beneficial omega-3s in sea snakes does not vary depending on their capture location.

In a series of later papers, the most recent published in the Annals of Nutrition & Metabolism in July 2007, Shirai and his team evaluated the effects of Erabu sea-snake oil on a number of outcomes in mice, including maze-learning ability and swimming endurance. In both cases, snake oil significantly improved the ability of the mice in comparison with those fed lard.”

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