An extract of Elderberry (Sambucus) proved effective in reducing symptoms associated with human influenza in a new placebo-controlled clinical trial.
Dolivaxil and Oscillococcinum are two of Europe’s most popular products for prevention and treatment of influenza, and they are starting to catch on big-time in the US as well. Both are based on homeopathic principles, but are derived from very different substances and have different modes of action.
Honey contains substances that inhibit bacterial infections and when applied topically, can help speed the healing of wounds. In particular, honey produced by bees feeding on the flowers of New Zealand’s Manuka trees is best at promoting wound healing.
A new nasal spray containing xylitol, a naturally occurring compound, can greatly reduce the ability of pathogenic bacteria to grow in the sinuses and throught. This can eliminate many ear and upper respiratory infections without the need for antibiotics.
Oil of oregano, a powerful natural antimicrobial, was able to eliminate human coronavirus, the virus thought to be responsible for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
The most important concept in medicine, I think, is the Law of Parsimony. It dictates that when explaining the cause for an event or series of events, the simplest explanation is likely to be most valid.
Nasal washes can be a big help for patients with seasonal allergies. Many people use salt water. But this not the best choice, as it is irritating and it inhibits natural defense mechanisms. Xylitol nasal washes are effective in stimulating allergen clearance without the risk of irritation, and with the added benefit of inhibiting bugs that cause upper respiratory and middle ear infections.
Stock prices are soaring for the drug companies that make and market Tamiflu, thanks to the Bird Flu scare, and prominent government officials particularly Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, are making big bucks as a result.
There’s a lot physicians can do to help people fend off the flu besides doling out flu shots. Roby Mitchell, MD, aka Dr. Fitt, offers some outside-the-box thinking and practical suggestions.
Once the epitome of public health success, childhood vaccine policies are under fire, owing to a growing concern that thimerosal, the mercury-containing preservative in many vaccines, may trigger autism, ADHD and other developmental problems. Federal authorities maintain vaccines are safe and thimerosal poses little threat, but an increasingly vocal movement of parents, politicians and physicians are unconvinced.
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