Kava kava is claimed to have relaxant effects. People in the Pacific islands have used kava kava for centuries. The active compounds in this herb, called kavalactones or kavapyrones, act on the same proteins in the nervous system as diazepam (Valium), an anti-anxiety medication. Some research suggests that kava kava may improve mild anxiety, although it does […]
Hypnosis is a mind-body approach which uses mental processes to change physical processes. Other mind-body techniques include biofeedback and meditation. There has been an interest in the therapeutic potential of hypnosis for centuries. Franz Mesmer, an 18th century Austrian physician, used a technique called mesmerism to relax his patients. Magicians and vaudeville performers have popularized hypnosis. […]
Hyperbaric oxygen is one form of oxygen therapy thought to be effective for treating many diseases. Some claim that it is beneficial for treating MS. These claims are, unfortunately, unsubstantiated. Treatment Approach In hyperbaric oxygen therapy, a person is put into a specially designed chamber. Inside the chamber, the person breathes oxygen under increased pressure. […]
Samuel Hahnemann, a German physician developed homeopathy in the 19th century. Homeopathy is a controversial type of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Many of the basic principles of homeopathy directly conflict with conventional understanding of chemistry, physics, biology, and medicine. Despite these concerns, homeopathy is one of the most popular forms of CAM in the […]
Hippotherapy refers to the use of horseback riding as a treatment for medical conditions. Therapeutic horseback riding, a treatment similar to hippotherapy, aims to both provide this treatment and to train people in proper riding technique. Horseback riding has a long history as a therapeutic intervention. In the fifth century B.C., it was used in […]
Coffee and Other Caffeine-Containing Herbs and Supplements Caffeine-containing herbs and supplements are consumed around the world. Of these, coffee is the most popular. The caffeine in coffee increases alertness and decreases fatigue, as anyone who enjoys a morning cup of coffee is well aware. Despite widespread caffeine use, no rigorous, well designed study has evaluated […]
Guided imagery, a type of mind-body medicine, is used most commonly to induce relaxation. It can also be used for other purposes. Treatment Approach In guided imagery, a person imagines and focuses on images that are intended to have specific effects on the body. To produce a relaxed state, one might imagine a peaceful place, […]
Many different types of ginseng are commercially available. Among them, the most common and also the most studied type is Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng). Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus), also called eleuthero, is another relatively common form. Ginseng is an adaptogen, a compound claimed to increase both energy levels and resistance to stress. The biological actions of […]
Ginkgo biloba is the most extensively researched herb. Numerous clinical studies have been conducted to evaluate its therapeutic value in many different conditions. In general, Ginkgo biloba refers to an extract produced from the leaves of the Ginkgo biloba tree. Some have recommended this herb as a therapy for MS. The recent popularity of Ginkgo biloba can be […]
Studies In 1989, a large-scale study of omega-three fatty acid supplementation with fish oil in MS was completed. The results of the study showed a trend towards improvement in the treatment group, but this trend was not statistically significant. Another, smaller study combined supplements with glatiramer acetate (Copaxone) or interferons (Rebif, Betaseron, Avonex). Conventional MS […]