The use of herbal remedies, nutraceuticals, predates modern pharmacology. According to Winslow and Kroll (1998) consumers use nutraceutical because of cultural reasons, religious reasons, and belief that they are healthier than pharmacological interventions. There are fewer reports of negative effects with neutraceuticals. It is therefore not surprising that migraine sufferers turn to neutraceuticals as a popular CAM intervention. Nutraceuticals, considered a food supplement by the Food and Drug Administration are readily available in health food stores, pharmacies, and supermarkets. They are inexpensive and do not require a referral from the specialist or general medical provider. Taylor (2009) conducted a systematic review of neutraceuticals that included Petadolex, magnesium, feverfew and riboflavin. This study is important because it compares the effectiveness of various nutraceuticals. Petadolex, also known as P. hybridus or the butterbur root extract, has been used for migraine relief because of its combined anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory and calcium channel blocking effects. Some pharmaceuticals prescribed by medical providers also have these properties. Taylor reviewed the efficacy of magnesium. In a clinical report (as cited by Teitelbaum, 2007) there is circumstantial evidence that some the migraine sufferers have low levels of magnesium. Another nutraceutical that is popular for migraine relief is Feverfew, also called bachelor's button. Feverfew is an anti-inflammatory, which may inhibit chemicals that cause the blood vessels in the brain to spasm (Agosti, Duke, J.E Chrubasik, & S. Chrubasik, 2006). Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) has also been evaluated for its efficacy in migraine relief. The theoretical basis for using riboflavin is its ameliorating effect on the mitochondrial dysfunction that might be involved in the pathophysiology of migraines.
Despite the evidence, the use of nutraceuticals is largely trial and error. Consumers need to be aware of the potential hazards that neutraceutical pose, given the lack of quality control, information and research trials (Winslow & Kroll). The dangers of nutraceutical increase when they are used in conjunction with other prescription and non-prescription medications. In addition to nutraceuticals, consumers also turn to other CAM interventions in order to seek relief.
References
Agosti, R., Duke, R.K. Chrubasik, J.E. & Chrubasik, S. (2006). Effectiveness of Petasites hybridus preparations in the prophylaxis of migraine: A systematic review. Phytomedicine, 13(9-10), 743-746.
Taylor, F.R. (2009). Lifestyle changes, dietary restrictions, and neutraceuticals in migraine prevention. Techniques in Regional Anesthesia and Pain Management, 13, 28-37. doi:10.1053/j.trap.2009.03.008
Teitelbaum, J. (2007). Natural Rx for migraines. Townsend Letter: The Examiner of Alternative Medicine, 292(4), 121.
Winslow, L. C., & Kroll, D.J. (1998). Herbs as medicine. Archives of Internal Medicine, 158, 2192-2199.
Growing up in a Chinese family, herbal remedies and nutraceticals are part of my culture. I was taught by the elderly that Western medicine can only heal our body temporarily. In order to get well completely, we need to use herbal remedies on a daily basis to treat your body. Though, the downside of herbal remedies is that it requires a long time before we can see a result, whereas Western medicine you can see a difference within a day or two. Because of my culture and upbringing, I do believe in herbal remedies and nutraceticals. However, as a practitioners, I would not suggest my clients to use herbal remedies and nutraceticals over western medicine, because I believe clients should have the choice to choose the treatment that they are comfortable with. However, if my clients express concerns with the medicine that they are taking (i.e. side effect), I would advice them to look at other treatment options and help them explore.
ReplyDeleteI would tell my clients who are interested in using herbs, supplements and etc to consult with their primary care physician before using them. I would inform them to be aware that some dietary supplements may interact with their medications or other supplements. Also supplements may have their own side effects too. It is important to know that supplements do not go through the same rigorous testing like prescription medications before they hit the market. Also, many supplements have not been studied in pregnant women, nursing mothers or children. I am not against the use of alternative medicines and I am not saying that they are ineffective. What I am saying is limited research has been done to examine the evidence of such use. I would recommend my clients to talk with their doctor about any complementary and alternative medicine practices to ensure safety when using in addition to regular prescribed medication.
ReplyDeleteAnnie Yip, MSW Student
Hi Friends i am so glad to writing this article today to tell the world how Dr Omolowa cured my HSV VIRUS,i have been detected with HSV-1 AND HSV-2 since two years ago, ever since then my life has been in complete bizarre and agony,i have used so many drugs that was prescribed to me by several doctors,but it didn't cure my HSV VIRUS neither did it reduce the pain,until a certain i was checking for solution in the internet,then miraculously came across Dr Omolowa the powerful herbalist that cure numerous individuals HSV-1 AND HSV-2 INFECTION,then i contacted his whatsApp number at +2347014035034 or email: dr.omolowa@gmail.com i explained everything to him and prepared a cure that cure my HSV-1 AND HSV-2 disease totally after receiving his herbal medicine, so my friends viewers why wait and be suffer when there is someone like Dr Omolowa that can cure any disease HIV/ CANCER/ HEPATITIS B VIRUS, you can contact his via : dr.omolowa@gmail.com or WHATSAPP +2347014035034 GOD BLESS YOU ALL? Herpes, Asthma, Cancer, HSV1, & HSV2, Diabities , HIV/AID GENITAL WARTS, GENITAL HERPES,HSV 1AND2 ETC.
ReplyDeleteHave a nice day.
I was diagnosed with herpes virus i lived in pain with the knowledge that i wasn’t going to ever be well again i contacted so many doctors on this issue yet my condition never got better i was determined to get my life back so one day i saw Dr odion and told him my problems and all that i went through and he told me not to worry that everything will be fine again so he prepared the medicine and send it to me and told me how to use it, after 14days I went to see a medical doctor for test and the result was negative.i was so shocked and amazed,I'm the most happiest person on earth now.You too can also reach him via e-mail drodionherbalhome12@gmail.com or call/Whatsapp +2349019421176 Thanks and God bless you Dr odion
ReplyDeleteHi it's laa! 9 months ago my doctor told me I was diagnosed with HSV2. I was heart broken, However that same month i found a Dr. who helped me to cured the virus with natural herbal treatment permanently. thanks to Dr. omohan for his natural herbal treatment that eliminated this virus out in my body forever. his contact information for any incurable virus via; dromohanherbalmedicine@gmail.com or whatsapp him or call him through his phone number +2348164816038.
ReplyDeleteI got diagnosed with HPV, i have be dealing with this mess for the past 8yrs. On till i got review online about natural cure people testifies how they got curevd with natural treatment. And i order the treatment, after taking it for two weeks i totally got cured with herbal treatment. I'm recommending you diagnosis with HPV should get this treatment via: Dronokunherbalcure@gmail.com or Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/naturaltreatmentcenter1
ReplyDelete