Herbs used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) are abundant sources of bioactive compounds with beneficial pharmacological properties. For instance, Panax ginseng, also known as Asian ginseng, is a source of powerful ginsenosides that have anti-tumor, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Cinnamomum cassia, or Chinese cinnamon, contains cinnamaldehyde that has antibacterial, antifungal and antidiabetic properties. In a recent study, researchers at Jilin University in China explored … Continue reading Compound in TCM herbs can stop inflammation and cell destruction caused by devastating bacterial toxin
Researchers investigate green tea compounds that may help resolve antibiotic resistance
Scientists have reported that compounds present in green tea may improve the efficacy of antibiotics against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. In their report, researchers from the University of Surrey‘s School of Veterinary Medicine in the U.K. noted this effect is because of the compound epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which is present in green tea. EGCG is a plant compound with potent antioxidant properties. This means that … Continue reading Researchers investigate green tea compounds that may help resolve antibiotic resistance
Study: Excess iron may increase your risk of developing bacterial skin infections
Iron is an essential mineral that plays a key role in producing hemoglobin — a complex protein that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Aside from that, this mineral also has a wide variety of other beneficial effects on overall health, including eliminating fatigue, improving muscle strength, preventing anemia and … Continue reading Study: Excess iron may increase your risk of developing bacterial skin infections
Researchers investigate the antibacterial activity of Albizia adianthifolia
In this study, researchers from Cameroon and Turkey isolated phytochemicals from the root of Albizia adianthifolia and assessed their anti-microbial effects against Gram-negative and multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria. Their results were published in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. A. adianthifolia is used in Cameroon as a natural medicine for bronchitis and skin diseases. In their previous study, the … Continue reading Researchers investigate the antibacterial activity of Albizia adianthifolia
Those fun ball pits your child likes to play in are probably a breeding ground for killer germs
The next time you go to the pediatric clinic, it may be best not to let your child into the ball pit. A recent study warned that these physical therapy playgrounds were just as dirty and filled with disease-causing microbes as their counterparts in family restaurants. Published in the American Journal of Infection Control (AJIC), the study warned that … Continue reading Those fun ball pits your child likes to play in are probably a breeding ground for killer germs
Sugar: Cheap, effective wound treatment with a long shelf life
Processed sugar is bad for the health when consumed in sugary foods or sweetened beverages. However, it can potentially save lives when applied to wounds as a disinfectant and healing ingredient. In ancient times, Egyptian healers used sugar to speed up the healing of injuries. During the Napoleonic wars, soldiers stuffed sugar into wounds inflicted by muskets until … Continue reading Sugar: Cheap, effective wound treatment with a long shelf life
People who undergo “routine” colonoscopies found to be at risk of infections
Colonoscopies and endoscopies turn out to be more dangerous than healthcare professionals describe them to be. Recent research warns that undergoing these physical inspections could increase the chance of bacterial infection taking place inside the digestive tract. A colonoscopy is an examination that looks for abnormalities or alterations within the large intestine and rectum of a patient. Meanwhile, an endoscopy … Continue reading People who undergo “routine” colonoscopies found to be at risk of infections
These herbs have potent anti-inflammatory properties that may improve symptoms of chronic Lyme disease
Lyme disease is a severe infection caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi which is carried by ticks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that there are nearly 30,000 cases of Lyme disease each year. However, many cases remain undiagnosed and unreported, so the numbers could reach 300,000. People with Lyme disease often suffer from inflammatory conditions, such … Continue reading These herbs have potent anti-inflammatory properties that may improve symptoms of chronic Lyme disease
Antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections continue to rise: Just how inept is the conventional medical industry?
A storm of epic proportions is brewing. No, not your typical rain storm, but a bacterial storm in which antibiotic-resistant "superbugs" threaten to take over hospitals, critical care facilities, and various other elements of the healthcare system where sick patients traditionally go to get better. According to a new study by the U.S. Centers for … Continue reading Antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections continue to rise: Just how inept is the conventional medical industry?
Antibiotic resistance is causing numerous scientists to turn to natural, holistic immunity as a better option
With antibiotic resistance on the rise, health experts are increasingly expressing alarm about the future of medicine. One potential path is suggested by a recent study, published in the journal Science Translational Medicine, in which researchers from Lund University successfully induced the immune systems of mice to fight off a kidney infection without the use of … Continue reading Antibiotic resistance is causing numerous scientists to turn to natural, holistic immunity as a better option
Dr. Eddy Bettermann MD 