Feverfew, used for centuries in European folk-medicine as a remedy for headaches, continues to be popular in Europe and Great Britain as a preventative treatment for migraines. The mechanism of action is unclear but may be related to a compound called parthenolide, which has been shown to block serotonin release from blood platelets. Whereas some studies of feverfew extracts, with standardized concentrations of parthenolide, failed to show benefit while others done with less-processed, whole-leaf preparations of feverfew did, suggests that there may be other compounds in feverfew that may also be effective against migraines. Continue reading "Feverfew for Migraines"

Hormone replacement therapy not recommended
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), heavily touted in the 1990’s as the answer to hot flashes, is now not recommended for hot flashes or other menopausal symptoms due to an increased risk of strokes, heart attacks, blood clots and breast cancer. These dangerous side effects of HRT were the findings of the Women’s Health Initiative, involving over 16,000 women. Continue reading "Black Cohosh for menopause"

Several studies show that lavender oil, frequently used in aromatherapy, helps alleviate insomnia. In one study of four elderly patients, medications used for sleep were removed and as one would expect, time spent asleep decreased. When the sleep medications were replaced with lavender oil aromatherapy, time asleep return to the same level as seen with the medications. Continue reading "Lavender Oil for Insomnia"