Extracts of chrysanthemum - a flowering plant native to Asia and Europe - may possess bacteria-fighting, anti-inflammatory, and immune-stimulating properties, according to a recent study. In lab tests on animal and human cell lines, scientists found that chrysanthemum extract also helped promote the death of cancer cells without harming normal cells. In ayurveda (the traditional medicine of India), chrysanthemum has long been used to treat fever, headache, and high blood pressure. The herb is also used as a remedy for a number of immune-related diseases in the traditional medicines of Korea, China, and Japan. Previous research suggests that chrysanthemum may help relieve dermatitis, as well as help treat rheumatoid arthritis. Chrysanthemum May Combat Cancer originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Tuesday, October 27th, 2009 at 06:00:06.Permalink | Comment | Email this

Guided imagery may help kids cope with functional abdominal pain, a new study suggests. A condition common among children, functional abdominal pain is marked by an ongoing stomach discomfort with no identifiable underlying cause. The study included 34 children (ages 6 to 15), all of whom had been diagnosed with functional abdominal pain. Each study member received standard medical care, and 19 participants were also assigned to eight weeks of guided imagery treatment. The treatment consisted of four biweekly, 20-minute guided-imagery sessions, as well as daily sessions that lasted ten minutes each. Study results showed that 73.3 percent of children in the guided-imagery group reduced their pain by half or more by the end of the treatment course, while just 26.7 of kids receiving only standard care had the same level of improvement. Guided imagery is a self-care technique that involves achieving deep relaxation by imagining yourself in a peaceful place. Previous studies show that the

Growing concerns about health has caused the scientific community to focus their interest on investigating functional foods which contribute to boosting the prevention and reduction of the risk of suffering from certain illnesses. The benefits of this product lies in its composition and, thus, its study, identification and subsequent extraction provides a useful tool which enables making high added-value products, given their high concentration of biologically active compounds.

As consumers look to save money in a tough economy, many turn to alternative health care options. CBS 4 reports: "Health care costs are soaring. Thousands of people are without jobs and without the benefits afforded them. Now, those people are turning to preventative or alternative measures. ...

" A statement of fact cannot be insolent ." The miscellaneous ramblings of a surgeon/scientist on medicine, quackery, science, pseudoscience, history, and pseudohistory Who is Orac? Orac is the nom de blog of a humble pseudonymous surgeon/scientist with an ego just big enough to delude himself that someone, somewhere might actually give a rodent's ...

While some Chinese herbal medicines may help reduce your risk of diabetes, there may not be enough scientific evidence to support their use. That's the finding of a recent review of 16 clinical trials (involving a total of 1,391 people who received 15 different herbal formulas). In traditional Chinese medicine, herbs have long been used to help stop people with impaired glucose tolerance from developing diabetes. Also known as pre-diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance is marked by higher-than-normal blood sugar levels. Chinese herbal medicine aims to normalize blood sugar levels in a number of ways, such as by boosting function of the pancreas and increasing availability of the blood-sugar-regulating hormone known as insulin. Although this approach shows promise in the treatment of pre-diabetes, more clinical trials need to be carried out to confirm its effectiviness, according to the review's authors. In past studies, natural substances such as cinnamon and ginseng have also been foun

Wearing a magnetic bracelet won't help you fight arthritis pain, according to a new study. Magnetic bracelets are a form of magnetic therapy, a type of alternative medicine based on the theory that magnetic fields can promote healing when administered directly to the body. For the study, researchers recruited 45 people (ages 50 or over) who suffered from osteoarthritis. For 16 weeks, each participant wore one of four devices in a random order: two wrist straps with differing levels of magnetism, a demagnetized wrist strap, and a copper bracelet. Study results showed no significant difference between the devices in terms of their ability to reduce pain, ease stiffness, and improve physical function. While magnetic therapy may not help relieve osteoarthritis pain, past research suggests that other alternative approaches (such as acupuncture, yoga, and glucosamine supplements) may help manage the condition. Magnetic Therapy Can't Conquer Arthritis Pain originally appeared on About.com A