“Want to feel fruity? Try oranges for orgasms” is the title of an article that appeared recently (read: today) in the renowned British newspaper “The Times”. It shows the controversy that exists around the use of alternative medical solutions, no matter the purpose, being for sexual purposes like vitamin C, or for useful purposes like blackcurrants.
“The news this week that scientific studies show that the herb echinacea really
does fight colds came as no surprise to Jayney Goddard, the editor of Complementary
and Alternative Health. This remedy bible examines the scientific evidence
behind every alternative treatment. But what sets it apart is that it draws
only on double-blind placebo-controlled trials, one of the most rigorous
types of study, though some, admittedly, are small.
Goddard discovered many other treatments supported by scientific evidence,
which she shares with us below. If you’re tempted to give them a whirl,
remember always to read the label and to check with your GP if you’re
already on medication.
1 VITAMIN C FOR INCREASED LIBIDO
In a trial of 42 women, those who were given daily doses of 3,000mg of vitamin
C had better libido and orgasms compared with the placebo group.
However, this dose is the equivalent of consuming about 10 litres of orange
juice or 100 oranges. Plus the Food Standards Agency doesn’t recommend
anything higher than 1,000mg, as excess vitamin C can cause loose stools.
Other less robust studies have suggested that vitamin C improves mood and
energy levels.
2 BLACKCURRANTS FOR NIGHT VISION
Blackcurrants contain vision-boosting antioxidants called anthocyanosides, and
a small study has indicated that the berries may boost night vision.
Scientists stumbled on the fruit’s vision-boosting powers when investigating
stories that Second World War pilots had a good helping of bilberry jam to
improve their eyesight before their night missions. Subsequent trials failed
to produce concrete evidence for bilberries, but they found that
blackcurrants may help to improve night vision.
3 ARTICHOKE FOR HIGH CHOLESTEROL
There is evidence that this vegetable lowers cholesterol levels. In a study of
143 people with high cholesterol levels, taking a daily artichoke extract
(450mg) was found to lower their readings significantly. Total cholesterol
fell by 18.5 per cent. The researchers were unclear why, but they thought
that it may have something to do with an artichoke compound called luteolin.
Unfortunately for all artichoke fans, the amount needed for any therapeutic
benefit can be obtained only from supplements.
4 NETTLE ROOT FOR ENLARGED PROSTATE
Ditch the prickly bits; nettle root may be good for enlarged prostate, also
called benign prostatic hyperplasmia. This condition is not cancerous and
isn’t associated with prostate cancer. It mostly affects the over40s, and
one of the symptoms is the frequent need to go to the loo. A six-month study
of 558 Iranian men found that the root was more effective than a placebo.
However, it’s always best to have prostate complaints checked by your GP
before embarking on any treatment.
5 DEVIL’S CLAW FOR RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
The rather scary-sounding southern African herb devil’s claw (so called
because of its appearance) seems to have antiinflammatory properties that
work on rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease in which the joints
become swollen and painful. One study followed 89 patients for two months;
the treatment group showed an increase in mobility and a decrease in pain
compared with the placebo group. Another alternative treatment for the
condition, backed by scientific evidence, is Boswellia, a herb used in
Ayurvedic medicine for about 6,000 years. Two recent studies have reported a
reduction in pain and swelling over three months, which is thought to be due
to Boswellia’s antiinflammatory activity. Both of these herbs are taken as
capsules.
6 CHILLI PEPPER FOR INDIGESTION
Wolf down a chilli if you’ve got indigestion, as chilli pepper, also called
cayenne pepper, has been found to combat it. A small study found that
compared with a placebo, people who were taking 2.5g of pepper powder had
significant reductions in pain and discomfort. It is thought that the pepper
works on our neurological pain pathways, not on the acid produced in the
stomach. Look for supplements that contain cayenne pepper.
7 PROBIOTICS FOR ECZEMA
Increasing your “friendly bacteria” has been linked to reducing allergies and
most, but not all, double-blind trials have found that infants and children
with eczema may benefit from probiotics. The effect may even start in the
womb. A trial involving 159 pregnant women found that the children whose
mums took probiotic capsules during pregnancy (2-4 weeks before delivery)
and while breast-feeding had a 50 per cent reduced risk of developing
eczema.
8 HAWTHORN FOR HEARTS
The extract of hawthorn tree has been found to be an effective treatment for
congestive heart failure, when the heart can’t pump enough blood around the
body. Medication and lifestyle changes help, although sufferers have a
higher risk of heart attack. In a 16-week study of 209 people with a
relatively advanced condition, a 900mg daily dose of hawthorn extract was
more effective than placebo. However, it’s vital that you see your GP before
taking supplements.
9 CHRYSANTHEMUM FOR ROSACEA
Rosacea makes the skin look red or flushed. Used for centuries in Chinese
medicine, chrysanthemum cream is increasingly prescribed for rosacea in the
US. In a 12-week study of 246 people, a 1 per cent Chrysanthellum indicum
cream was found to significantly improve rosacea compared with a placebo.
The cream is also called golden chamomile.
10 MAGNESIUM FOR PMS
Magnesium could beat period pains. A six-month, double-blind
placebo-controlled study of 50 women found that daily magnesium tablets
significantly reduced the symptoms. Plus a study this year found that a
250mg daily dose reduced PMS symptoms, but the study was not double-blind
and so was not as thorough. Magnesium is also available in foods such as
spinach and nuts, and the daily recommended intake is 270mg.”
Source: The Times
Comment: Again The Times has done a great work in creating a comprehensive list of the most useful alternatives to modern pharmaceutical medicines. I hope most people who’ve red this article, use the given information…
I wonder what the next article will be: “Want a hard one? Try Viagra?” or so?
technorati tags:The, Times, medicines, UK, medical, research, development, alternative
