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Tuesday, January 21, 2003
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By Maureen Williams, ND
Healthnotes Newswire (January 16, 2003)—A natural remedy containing the oils of anise (Pimpinella anisum) and ylang ylang (Cananga odorata) may be effective in clearing infestations of head lice, according to a recent study in the Israel Medical Association Journal (2002;4:790–3).
Head-louse infestation, or pediculosis, is a common problem worldwide, especially among school children. The National Pediculosis Association estimates that 10 to 12 million children in the United States are infested with head lice every year. An itchy scalp may be the only symptom of pediculosis, but allergic reactions to the lice and bacterial infections brought on by excessive scratching can also occur. Eradication is particularly difficult due to the easy spread of infestation from person to person, leading to epidemics in some schools and communities.
Common therapies for pediculosis include lotions and shampoos made from malathion, pyrethrins, permethrins, lindane, and other insecticides. As well as causing minor rashes and skin irritations in some people, some of these insecticides are known to be toxic to the nervous system and the immune system. Repeated use of these preparations increases their toxicity. Furthermore, head lice can quickly develop resistance to these substances and become more difficult to control in regions where they are frequently used, leading to multiple applications for many children. Other effective treatments for pediculosis are constantly sought for this reason.
In this study, a natural spray containing anise, ylang ylang, and coconut oils was compared with a conventional spray containing permethrin and malathion for effectiveness in treating pediculosis. The participants were 119 Israeli school children with head lice. These children were randomly assigned to treatment with either the natural spray or the conventional spray. The natural treatment was applied for fifteen minutes on days 1, 6, and 11 of the trial, and the conventional treatment was applied for ten minutes on days 1 and 11. The treatments were found to be equally effective, with complete eradication occurring in 92% of the children in each group. The only side effect noted was an itchy scalp immediately following treatment in one child receiving the natural spray and one child receiving the conventional spray.
The fragrant substances in the oils of herbs such as anise and ylang ylang are known as essential oils. Essential oils are generally antibacterial, antifungal, and insecticidal, and have a long history of use for these effects. Studies have demonstrated the insecticidal effects of various essential oils against some agricultural pests and other insects, but few have looked at their effects on head lice. One other study examined the effectiveness of the essential oil of an African plant, Lippia multiflora, against head and body lice (scabies) and found it to be faster in action and more effective than the conventional treatment. The promising results from these recent studies could lead to more widespread use of essential oil preparations for pediculosis.
The herbal preparation used in this study is marketed in Israel under the brand name Chick-Chack; in the United States it is available as a cosmetic shampoo called Hair Clear 1-2-3 (distributed by Quantum, Inc.).
Maureen Williams, ND, received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania and her Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University in Seattle, WA. She has a private practice in Quechee, Vermont, and does extensive work with traditional herbal medicine in Guatemala and Honduras. Dr. Williams is a regular contributor to Healthnotes Newswire.
Copyright © 2003 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of the Healthnotes® content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Healthnotes, Inc. Healthnotes Newswire is for educational or informational purposes only, and is not intended to diagnose or provide treatment for any condition. If you have any concerns about your own health, you should always consult with a healthcare professional. Healthnotes, Inc. shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. Healthnotes and the Healthnotes logo are registered trademarks of Healthnotes, Inc.
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4:18:21 PM 
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By Darin Ingels, ND
Healthnotes Newswire (January 16, 2003)—Administering a vitamin and mineral formula (known as the “Myers cocktail”) intravenously may be useful in treating a variety of medical problems, according to a report in Alternative Medicine Review (2002;7:389–403). Although few studies have been published on this therapy, many physicians have observed its benefit in treating migraine headaches, fatigue, allergies, heart disease, acute asthma attacks, fibromyalgia, infections, and other conditions.
The Myers cocktail was pioneered by John Myers, MD, a physician from Baltimore, Maryland, who developed this treatment more than 30 years ago. The doses of the various nutrients were subsequently modified, based on more recent information, by Alan R. Gaby, MD, the author of the report.
The vitamin-mineral combination includes magnesium, calcium, vitamin B12 (hydroxocobalamin), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin B5 (dexpanthenol), vitamin B complex, and vitamin C. Intravenous therapy can raise blood levels of nutrients to a considerably greater extent than oral therapy can, and some doctors believe that achieving these high blood levels has therapeutic benefits in certain clinical situations. The benefits of the Myers cocktail may be due to the drug-like (pharmacological) effects of some nutrients (for example, high concentrations of vitamin C kills viruses), or to improved transport of nutrients from the blood into the cells. More research is necessary to clarify this issue.
Some physicians who use the Myers cocktail report that it is particularly useful in treating acute asthma attacks and acute migraine headaches. Relief of symptoms usually occurs within minutes of administering the concoction. It is not clear whether the benefits are due to one nutrient or to the combination of nutrients, but other studies have shown that intravenous magnesium alone can reduce the symptoms of asthma and migraines. However, the author’s observation is that the Myers cocktail is more beneficial for acute asthma attacks than is magnesium alone.
The author and other physicians have found that the Myers cocktail is also useful in treating angina, chronic fatigue syndrome, bronchitis, sinusitis, fibromyalgia, hayfever, chronic hives, narcotic withdrawal, hyperthyroidism, muscles spasms, tension headaches, and some cases of mild to moderate depression. While many people improved after the first treatment, others required several treatments to achieve the maximum benefit, suggesting this therapy may have a cumulative effect. The number of treatments needed varies by person and condition. Some individuals obtain long-lasting relief after a few treatments, while others require ongoing treatments to maintain the benefit. The risk of serious adverse reactions is said to be low and the treatment is usually well tolerated.
The most common side effect of the Myers cocktail is a sensation of warmth, particularly if the injection is given rapidly. This effect is primarily due to magnesium, although calcium may also be a contributing factor. People with low blood pressure may be more prone to this side effect than those with normal or high blood pressure. People taking digoxin (Lanoxin®) and medications that deplete potassium should be cautious in using this treatment, since giving magnesium intravenously to such individuals could induce an irregular heart beat. The Myers cocktail can be prescribed only by a medical doctor, osteopath, or, in some states, a naturopath.
Although most of the reported benefits of the Myers cocktail are anecdotal, doctors who use this treatment are convinced that it often produces results not achievable by any other means. Controlled studies are needed to verify these clinical observations.
Darin Ingels, ND, MT (ASCP), received his bachelor’s degree from Purdue University and his Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University in Kenmore, WA. Dr. Ingels is the author of The Natural Pharmacist: Lowering Cholesterol (Prima, 1999) and Natural Treatments for High Cholesterol (Prima, 2000). He currently is in private practice at New England Family Health Associates located in Southport, CT, where he specializes in environmental medicine and allergies. Dr. Ingels is a regular contributor to Healthnotes and Healthnotes Newswire.
Copyright © 2003 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of the Healthnotes® content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Healthnotes, Inc. Healthnotes Newswire is for educational or informational purposes only, and is not intended to diagnose or provide treatment for any condition. If you have any concerns about your own health, you should always consult with a healthcare professional. Healthnotes, Inc. shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. Healthnotes and the Healthnotes logo are registered trademarks of Healthnotes, Inc.
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4:17:36 PM
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A Healthnotes Newswire Opinion
By Darin Ingels, ND, and Alan R. Gaby, MD
Healthnotes Newswire (January 16, 2003)—People who take supplements that are supposed to contain beneficial bacteria (probiotics) may not be getting their money’s worth, according to a study presented by researchers from Bastyr University (Kenmore, WA) at a recent American Public Health Association meeting. The finding that some of these products do not contain viable bacteria or are contaminated with other potentially harmful bacteria raises concerns about the safety and efficacy of these products.
The intestinal tract contains billions of beneficial bacteria that perform various necessary functions, such as aiding in the digestion and absorption of food and protecting the body against microorganisms that can cause infection. While there are dozens of different types of friendly bacteria, Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. bulgaricus, L. thermophilus, L. reuteri, and Bifidobacterium bifidum are some of the more common strains found in the gut. Studies suggest that taking supplements containing these bacteria can help boost immune function and prevent or relieve certain health conditions including irritable bowel syndrome, vaginal yeast infections, and traveler’s diarrhea. However, commercially available probiotic products that do not contain what they are purported to contain will not deliver these benefits.
According to this new report, laboratory testing of 12 refrigerated and 8 non-refrigerated, randomly selected probiotic supplements obtained from different health food stores revealed that only one product contained the same bacteria as those listed on the label. Many of the refrigerated products had some beneficial bacteria, but contained fewer species of organisms than the label claimed. More than 30% of all supplements were contaminated with other microorganisms and 50% of the non-refrigerated products were completely dead. Dead probiotics have no impact on improving intestinal function or restoring the balance of normal intestinal flora.
The deficiencies found in these probiotic supplements may be due to poor manufacturing processes, poor quality control, or other environmental factors that cause the bacteria to deteriorate. While some probiotics are stable at room temperature, most require refrigeration to maintain live cultures. The findings in the new study suggest that many probiotic supplements will provide no benefit due to lack of viable organisms and may cause infection if contaminated with organisms that cause disease. However, no reports have been published linking a probiotic supplement to an intestinal infection. It is unclear at this point whether there are any adverse effects from the bacterial contaminants found in probiotic supplements.
Despite the quality-control concerns with probiotic supplements, many of the available products appear to be safe and effective in clinical practice. The one product that contained exactly what was listed on the label was Lactobacillus GG, a specific strain of beneficial bacteria. Studies have shown that Lactobacillus GG is useful in treating acute and chronic intestinal infections, preventing eczema in children, and stimulating the immune system.
Choosing a probiotic supplement can be difficult since it is not possible to know whether the product contains live cultures at the time of purchase. Selecting a refrigerated product may be more beneficial, since they were found to be more likely to contain live bacteria. If taking a particular product does not appear to be effective, some physicians recommend trying another product before discontinuing the treatment altogether. Probiotics may also be found in some cultured dairy products, such as some yogurt products and some types of milk. However, people with a dairy allergy or lactose intolerance may prefer taking a supplement. Some physicians recommend taking a supplement that contains 3 to 5 billion live organisms per day in between meals.
Darin Ingels, ND, MT (ASCP), received his bachelor’s degree from Purdue University and his Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University in Kenmore, WA. Dr. Ingels is the author of The Natural Pharmacist: Lowering Cholesterol (Prima, 1999) and Natural Treatments for High Cholesterol (Prima, 2000). He currently is in private practice at New England Family Health Associates located in Southport, CT, where he specializes in environmental medicine and allergies. Dr. Ingels is a regular contributor to Healthnotes and Healthnotes Newswire.
Alan R. Gaby, MD, an expert in nutritional therapies, testified to the White House Commission on CAM upon request in December 2001. Dr. Gaby served as a member of the Ad-Hoc Advisory Panel of the National Institutes of Health Office of Alternative Medicine. He is the author of Preventing and Reversing Osteoporosis (Prima, 1994), and co-author of The Natural Pharmacy, 2nd Edition (Healthnotes, Prima, 1999), the A–Z Guide to Drug-Herb-Vitamin Interactions (Healthnotes, Prima, 1999), Clinical Essentials Volume 1 and 2 (Healthnotes, 2000), and The Patient’s Book of Natural Healing (Prima, 1999). A former professor at Bastyr University of Natural Health Sciences, in Kenmore, WA, where he served as the Endowed Professor of Nutrition, Dr. Gaby is the Chief Medical Editor for Healthnotes, Inc.
Copyright © 2003 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of the Healthnotes® content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Healthnotes, Inc. Healthnotes Newswire is for educational or informational purposes only, and is not intended to diagnose or provide treatment for any condition. If you have any concerns about your own health, you should always consult with a healthcare professional. Healthnotes, Inc. shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. Healthnotes and the Healthnotes logo are registered trademarks of Healthnotes, Inc.
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4:14:13 PM
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© Copyright
2003
Rick@Leaders.net.
Last update:
2/5/2003; 2:57:28 PM.
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