Posts from — December 2008

Introduction

This fact sheet provides basic information about the herbA plant or part of a plant used for its flavor, scent, or potential therapeutic properties. Includes flowers, leaves, bark, fruit, seeds, stems, and roots. ginkgo–common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. The ginkgo tree is one of the oldest types of trees in the world. Ginkgo seeds have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years, and cooked seeds are occasionally eaten.

Common Names—ginkgo, Ginkgo biloba, fossil tree, maidenhair tree, Japanese silver apricot, baiguo, bai guo ye, kew tree, yinhsing (yin-hsing)

Latin Name—Ginkgo biloba

What It Is Used For

• Ginkgo leaf extract has been used to treat a variety of ailments and conditions, including asthma, bronchitis, fatigue, and tinnitus (ringing or roaring sounds in the ears).
• Today, people use ginkgo leaf extracts hoping to improve memory; to treat or help prevent Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia; to decrease intermittent claudication (leg pain caused by narrowing arteries); and to treat sexual dysfunction, multiple sclerosis, tinnitus, and other health conditions.

How It Is Used

Extracts are usually taken from the ginkgo leaf and are used to make tablets, capsules, or teas. Occasionally, ginkgo extracts are used in skin products.

What the Science Says

• Numerous studies of ginkgo have been done for a variety of conditions. Some promising results have been seen for Alzheimer’s disease/dementia and intermittent claudication, among others, but larger, well-designed research studies are needed.
• Some smaller studies for memory enhancement have had promising results, but a trial sponsored by the National Institute on Aging of more than 200 healthy adults over age 60 found that ginkgo taken for 6 weeks did not improve memory.
• NCCAM is conducting a large clinical trial of ginkgo with more than 3,000 volunteers. The aim is to see if the herb prevents the onset of dementia and, specifically, Alzheimer’s disease; slows cognitive decline and functional disability (for example, inability to prepare meals); reduces the incidence of cardiovascular disease; and decreases the rate of premature death.
• Other NCCAM-funded research includes studies on ginkgo for asthma, symptoms of multiple sclerosis, vascular function (intermittent claudication), cognitive decline, sexual dysfunction due to antidepressants, and insulin resistance. NCCAM is also looking at potential interactions between ginkgo and prescription drugs.

Side Effects and Cautions

• Side effects of ginkgo may include headache, nausea, gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, dizziness, or allergic skin reactions. More severe allergic reactions have occasionally been reported.
• There are some data to suggest that ginkgo can increase bleeding risk, so people who take anticoagulant drugs, have bleeding disorders, or have scheduled surgery or dental procedures should use caution and talk to a health care provider if using ginkgo.
• Uncooked ginkgo seeds contain a chemical known as ginkgotoxin, which can cause seizures. Consuming large quantities of seeds over time can cause death. Ginkgo leaf and ginkgo leaf extracts appear to contain little ginkgotoxin.
• Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

Sources

• Solomon PR, Adams F, Silver A, et al. Ginkgo for memory enhancement: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of the American Medical Association. 2002;288(7):835-840.
• Ginkgo biloba. In: Coates P, Blackman M, Cragg G, et al., eds. Encyclopedia of Dietary Supplements. New York, NY: Marcel Dekker; 2005:249-257.
• Ginkgo. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturaldatabase.com on July 2, 2007.
• Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba L.). Natural Standard Database Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturalstandard.com on June 28, 2007.
• Ginkgo biloba leaf extract. In: Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckman J, eds. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E
• Monographs. Newton, MA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2000:359-366.
• De Smet PA. Herbal remedies. New England Journal of Medicine. 2002;347(25):2046-2056.

Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine & Health Sciences renowned faculty and dynamic student body share a passion for innovative learning and technology, rigorous clinical training, public health service and the advancement of naturopathic medicine. The college has pioneered programs in environmental medicine, women’s health and pediatrics – all built upon the core naturopathic modalities of clinical nutrition, botanical and physical medicine, homeopathy and acupuncture. The modern campus in Phoenix is only a 20-minute drive from desert mountain parks and many outdoor attractions, to be enjoyed thanks to over 300 days of sunshine.

Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine & Health Sciences Degrees Offered

• Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine

Contact Information:

Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine and Health Sciences
2140 E Broadway Road
Tempe, AZ 85282
(480) 858-9100
Web site: http://www.scnm.edu/

President: Paul Mittman, ND
Approved by the State of Arizona Naturopathic Physicians Board of Medical Examiners
Approved by the State of Arizona Board of Private Post secondary Education
Accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education, Inc.
Candidate for accreditation by the North Central Association of Colleges and Universities

Introduction

This fact sheet provides basic information about the herbA plant or part of a plant used for its flavor, scent, or potential therapeutic properties. Includes flowers, leaves, bark, fruit, seeds, stems, and roots. ginger—uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. Ginger is a tropical plant that has green-purple flowers and an aromatic underground stem (called a rhizome). It is commonly used for cooking and medicinal purposes.

Common Name—ginger

Latin Name—Zingiber officinale

What It Is Used For

• Ginger is used in Asian medicine to treat stomach aches, nausea, and diarrhea.
• Many digestive, antinausea, and cold and flu dietary supplements sold in the United States contain ginger extract as an ingredient.
• Ginger is used to alleviate postsurgery nausea as well as nausea caused by motion, chemotherapy, and pregnancy.
• Ginger has been used for rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and joint and muscle pain.

How It Is Used

The underground stems of the ginger plant are used in cooking, baking, and for health purposes. Common forms of ginger include fresh or dried root, tablets, capsules, liquid extracts (tinctures), and teas.

What the Science Says

• Studies suggest that the short-term use of ginger can safely relieve pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting.
• Studies are mixed on whether ginger is effective for nausea caused by motion, chemotherapy, or surgery.
• It is unclear whether ginger is effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or joint and muscle pain.
• NCCAM-funded investigators are studying:
  • Whether ginger interacts with drugs, such as those used to suppress the immune system
  • Ginger’s effect on reducing nausea in patients on chemotherapy
  • The general safety and effectiveness of ginger’s use for health purposes, as well as its active components and effects on inflammation

Side Effects and Cautions

• Few side effects are linked to ginger when it is taken in small doses.
  • Side effects most often reported are gas, bloating, heartburn, and nausea. These effects are most often associated with powdered ginger.
  • Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.
  • Ginger. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturaldatabase.com onJuly 6, 2007.
  • Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe). Natural Standard Database Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturalstandard.com on July 3, 2007.
  • Ginger root. In: Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckman J, eds. Herbal Medicine Expanded Commission E Monographs.
  • Newton, MA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2000:153-159.
  • Ginger (Zingiber officinale). In: Coates P, Blackman M, Cragg G, et al., eds. Encyclopedia of Dietary Supplements. New York, NY: Marcel Dekker; 2005:241-248.

Sources

Introduction

This fact sheet provides basic information about garlic—uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. Garlic is the edible bulb from a plant in the lily family. It has been used as both a medicine and a spice for thousands of years.

Common Names—fenugreek, fenugreek seed

Latin Name—Trigonella foenum-graecum

What It Is Used For

• Historically, fenugreek was used for a variety of health conditions, including menopausal symptoms and digestive problems. It was also used for inducing childbirth.
• Today, it is used for diabetes and loss of appetite, and to stimulate milk production in breastfeeding women. It is also applied to the skin to treat inflammation.

How It Is Used

The dried seeds are ground and taken by mouth or used to form a paste that is applied to the skin.

What the Science Says

• A few small studies have found that fenugreek may help lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.
• There is not enough scientific evidence to support the use of fenugreek for any other health condition.

Side Effects and Cautions

• Possible side effects of fenugreek when taken by mouth include gas, bloating, and diarrhea. Fenugreek can cause irritation when applied to the skin.
• Given its historical use for inducing childbirth, women should use caution when taking fenugreek during pregnancy.
• Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

Sources

• Fenugreek. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturaldatabase.com on December 28, 2006.
• Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L. Leguminosae). Natural Standard Database Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturalstandard.com on December 28, 2006.
• Fenugreek seed. In: Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckman J, eds. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs.
• Newton, MA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2000:130-133.

Introduction

This fact sheet provides basic information about European elder—common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. European elder is a tree native to Europe and parts of Asia and Africa, and it also grows in the United States. There are several different types of elder, such as American elder, but European elder is the type most often used as a supplement.

Common Names—European elder, black elder, elder, elderberry, elder flower, sambucus

Latin Name—Sambucus nigra

What It Is Used For

• Parts of the elder tree—such as the berries and flowers—have long been used for pain, swelling, infections, coughs, and skin conditions.
• Today, elderberry and elder flower are used for flu, colds, fevers, constipation, and sinus infections.

How It Is Used

The dried flowers (elder flower) and the cooked blue/black berries (elderberry) of the European elder tree are used in teas, liquid extracts, and capsules.

What the Science Says

• Although some small studies show that elderberry may relieve flu symptoms, the evidence is not strong enough to support this use of the berry.
• A few studies have suggested that a product containing elder flower and other herbs can help treat sinus infections when used with antibiotics, but further research is needed to confirm any benefit.
• No reliable information is available on the effectiveness of elderberry and elder flower for other uses.

Side Effects and Cautions

• Uncooked or unripe elderberries are toxic and can cause nausea, vomiting, or severe diarrhea. Only the blue/black berries of elder are edible.
• Because of elder flower’s possible diuretic effects, use caution if taking it with drugs that increase urination.
• Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This helps to ensure coordinated and safe care.

Sources

• Elderberry. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturaldatabase.com on May 15, 2007.
• Elderflower. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturaldatabase.com on May 15, 2007.
• Elder (Sambucus nigra L.) Natural Standard Database Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturalstandard.com on May 16, 2007.
• Elder flower. In: Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckman J, eds. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs.
• Newton, MA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2000:103-105.

Licensure for naturopathic doctors provides many benefits:

* Allows for better patient healthcare.
* Creates public safety in relation to alternative therapies.
* Reduces healthcare costs via prevention.
* Ultimately has a positive effect on the entire medical community.

In order to be licensed as a primary care, general practice physician by a state or jurisdiction which requires licensing, one must:

1. Graduate from a four-year, professional-level program at a federally accredited naturopathic medical school.
2. Study a curriculum which includes current medical science and traditional naturopathic theory.
3. Take and pass national board exams: Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Exam (NPLEX). This rigorous exam covers basic sciences, diagnostic and therapeutic subjects and clinical sciences.

Candidates for full licensure must also satisfy all licensing requirements for the individual state or province in which they hope to practice. Most of the states and provinces that license naturopathic physicians also have health care systems which allow patients to use naturopathic doctors as their primary care physician.

Licensed States and Provinces

Currently, 14 states, four Canadian provinces, the District of Columbia, and the US territories of Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands all have licensing laws for naturopathic doctors.

Currently, 15 states, four Canadian provinces, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. territories of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands all have laws regulating naturopathic doctors (NDs). In these states and provinces, naturopathic doctors are required to graduate from a four-year, residential naturopathic medical school and pass an extensive postdoctoral board examination (NPLEX) in order to receive a license.

Licensed naturopathic physicians must fulfill state- or province-mandated continuing education requirements annually, and have a specific scope of practice defined by the law in their state or province.

States and provinces currently offering licensure to naturopathic physicians include:

Alaska
Arizona
California (Became law January 1, 2004.)
Connecticut
District of Columbia
Hawaii
Idaho (Became law July 1, 2005.)
Kansas
Maine
Minnesota (Became law May 23, 2008.)
Montana
New Hampshire
Oregon
Utah
Vermont
Washington
US Territories: Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands
British Columbia
Manitoba
Ontario
Saskatchewan

New York state: ND licensing bill currently pending.

Scope of practice regulations vary among licensed states, as do the parameters and restrictions for practitioners located in as yet unlicensed venues. Legal provisions allow for the practice of naturopathic medicine in several of the yet unlicensed states.

Source: Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges

The federal government has responded to the American public’s accelerating interest in complementary and alternative medicine. Learn what’s being done now to ensure the quality of complementary and alternative medicine and to increase the public’s access to it …

White House Commission on Complementary And Alternative Medicine Policy

In March 2002, the White House Commission on Complementary and Alternative Medicine Policy (WHCCAMP) presented to President George W. Bush its recommended blue print for increasing public access to safe and effective complementary and alternative medicine health care services.

Representing hundreds of hours of research and deliberation by some of the nation’s leading health care professionals, the commission’s report is a significant milestone in the advancement of natural medicine.

Full implementation of the report’s recommendations and action steps would fundamentally change the face of complementary and alternative medicine legislation and would expedite the integration of complementary and alternative medicine within the U.S. health care system.

The report includes 104 action steps and 29 recommendations, among them:

* Improve public access to complementary and alternative medicine providers by removing inappropriate barriers to insurance coverage.
* Incorporate complementary and alternative medicine concepts and practices into federal and corporate health promotion.
* Increase financial support for complementary and alternative medicine research.
* Provide education on complementary and alternative medicine practices and professions to conventional practitioners.
* Provide complementary and alternative medicine education grants, including curriculum and faculty development.
* Provide assistance to states to develop more consistent regulatory standards.

National Center for Complementary And Alternative Medicine

In response to the accelerating interest in complementary and alternative medicine, the U.S. Congress created the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) within the National Institutes of Health. The NCCAM is dedicated to exploring complementary and alternative medicine practices in the context of rigorous science. To this end, it partners with and provides grants to research centers and academic institutions, including some AANMC member schools.

Source: Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges

The principles of naturopathic medicine form the matrix upon which a whole and holistic system of healing is built.

These principles are:

• Vis Medicatrix Naturae – The Healing Power of Nature
• Primum Non Nocere – First, Do No Harm
• Tolle Causum – Find and Treat the Cause
• Tolle Totum – Treat the Whole Person
• Prevenir – Prevent Disease
• Docere – Physician as Teacher

The major belief is in the healing power of nature (vis medicatrix naturae). Respect for nature includes honoring our fellow human beings, and our natural healing processes. Naturopathic treatments work in harmony with our body’s immune systems to increase our strength and vitality.

Another philosophy underlying naturopathic medicine is to first do no harm (primum non nocere). The approaches used in treatment are safe, non-invasive, and minimize the risks of side effects.

The third principle is to find the cause of a disease (tolle causam). Naturopathic physicians honor symptoms as the body’s way of communicating deeper problems. They generally do not treat the symptoms, as this would be analogous to fixing the warning light of one’s car. When the cause of an illness is addressed, the symptoms leave as well.

Naturopathic physicians treat the whole person (tolle totem). A patient is unique in his life experiences as well as his genetics. Therefore, disease manifests differently for each individual. Each has his unique complex of physical, emotional, and mental interactions. These interactions out of balance determine one’s susceptibility to disease and ability to relinquish it. In order to balance these interactions, the individual should have his appropriate medicine.

Naturopathic medicine also emphasizes preventative medicine. If we take responsibility for our life situations, lifestyles, habits, and patterns, we can begin to recognize imbalances and then work to change them for the better. We can prevent minor illnesses from developing into more serious or chronic degenerative diseases.

The last principle of naturopathic medicine is physician as teacher. Naturopathic physicians educate their patients about their bodies and how to live healthy lifestyles. Disease not only encourages our innate healing abilities, but also allows us to open up and accept the help and love of others. When this interaction takes place, healing occurs. Then we can share the experience and compassion and catalyze the healing process in others.1

Source: With a little guidance from the AANP pamphlet: Naturopathic Medicine: What it is…What it can do for you!

Introduction

This fact sheet provides basic information about flaxseed and flaxseed oil—common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. Flaxseed is the seed of the flax plant, which is believed to have originated in Egypt. It grows throughout Canada and the northwestern United States. Flaxseed oil comes from flaxseeds.

Common Names—flaxseed, linseed

Latin Name—Linum usitatissimum

What It Is Used For

• Flaxseed is most commonly used as a laxative.
• Flaxseed is also used for hot flashes and breast pain.
• Flaxseed oil is used for different conditions than flaxseed, including arthritis.
• Both flaxseed and flaxseed oil have been used for high cholesterol levels and in an effort to prevent cancer.

How It Is Used

Whole or crushed flaxseed can be mixed with water or juice and taken by mouth. Flaxseed is also available in powder form. Flaxseed oil is available in liquid and capsule form. Flaxseed contains lignans (phytoestrogens, or plant estrogens), while flaxseed oil preparations lack lignans.

What the Science Says

• Flaxseed contains soluble fiber, like that found in oat bran, and is an effective laxative.
• Studies of flaxseed preparations to lower cholesterol levels report mixed results.
• Some studies suggest that alpha-linolenic acid (a substance found in flaxseed and flaxseed oil) may benefit people with heart disease. But not enough reliable data are available to determine whether flaxseed is effective for heart conditions.
• Study results are mixed on whether flaxseed decreases hot flashes.
• NCCAM is funding studies on flaxseed. Recent studies have looked at the effects of flaxseed on high cholesterol levels, as well as its possible role in preventing conditions such as heart disease and osteoporosis.

Side Effects and Cautions

• Flaxseed and flaxseed oil supplements seem to be well tolerated. Few side effects have been reported.
• Flaxseed, like any supplemental fiber source, should be taken with plenty of water; otherwise, it could worsen constipation or, in rare cases, even cause intestinal blockage.
• The fiber in flaxseed may lower the body’s ability to absorb medications that are taken by mouth. Flaxseed should not be taken at the same time as any conventional oral medications or other dietary supplements.
• Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

Sources

• Flaxseed. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturaldatabase.com on July 3, 2007.
• Flaxseed oil. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturaldatabase.com on July 3, 2007.
• Flaxseed and flaxseed oil (Linum usitatissimum). Natural Standard Database Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturalstandard.com on June 28, 2007.
• Flaxseed. In: Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckman J, eds. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Newton, MA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2000:134-138.

Licensed naturopathic physicians have attended four-year professional-level programs at accredited institutions, where they have been educated in the same basic sciences as allopathic physicians. Some member schools in the Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges actually require more hours of basic and clinical science than many top allopathic medical schools.

During their first two years of study, the curriculum focuses on basic and clinical sciences, covering…

* Biochemistry
* Human Physiology
* Histology
* Anatomy
* Macro- and Microbiology
* Immunology
* Human Pathology
* Neuroscience
* Pharmacology

Take your first step to becoming a naturopathic physician today.

For at least the final two years of their medical program, students intern in clinical settings under the close supervision of licensed professionals.

Students of naturopathic medicine use the Western medical sciences as a foundation on which to build a thorough knowledge of holistic, non-toxic therapies and develop skills in diagnosis, disease prevention and wellness optimization.

While earning their degree, doctors of naturopathic medicine learn virtually all the modalities of proven natural therapies…

* Clinical Nutrition
* Botanical Medicine
* Homeopathy
* Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
* Lifestyle Counseling
* Massage
* Physical Medicine
* Hydrotherapy

Graduates from naturopathic medical schools must pass the comprehensive naturopathic physicians licensing examinations (NPLEX) to be licensed as primary care physicians. Candidates for full licensure must also satisfy all licensing requirements for the individual state or province in which they plan to practice.

Today’s naturopathic physicians artfully blend modern, cutting-edge diagnostic and therapeutic procedures with ancient and traditional methods. They offer the world a healing paradigm founded on a rational balance of tradition, science and respect for nature.

Naturopathic Doctor Career Paths

Because of the exploding interest in natural health care, there are more career opportunities in natural medicine than ever before. Graduates of naturopathic programs are establishing thriving practices, with many choosing multi-faceted careers. They are working as primary care physicians in private practice and in integrative clinics. They are working as research scientists and faculty members in alternative or conventional medical institutions. And they’re filling positions as:

* Natural pharmacists
* Wellness educators
* Public health administrators
* Research and development scientists in the natural products industry
* Consultants to industry, insurance companies, public service, political and other organizations

The broad scope and flexibility of natural medicine allows naturopathic physicians to create careers and lifestyles suited to their personality, their goals and dreams.

Source: Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges