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Alternative treatment. Holistic therapy. Natural remedies. These are all buzzwords for a growing phenomenon - utilizing herbs, homeopathic treatments and alternative therapies like acupressure and yoga instead of chemical formulations and traditional medicine and surgery to combat ills throughout the body. Happily, some of these treatments have been found to be effective. But many remedies have been shown to contain inconsistent or low levels of active ingredients, and others can even be dangerous.
"Currently, consumers have no clear basis for determining product quality," said Larry Augsburger, a professor with the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy. "Until government or industry standards are put into place, consumers must take it upon themselves to learn the nuances of dietary supplements and to protect themselves from potential dangers, not to mention from wasting their money on less than efficacious products," Augsburger said. The Food and Drug Administration currently does not have standards for evaluating dosage levels or ingredients in herbal supplements, but it can legally prevent supplement manufacturers from claiming their products can cure disease.
Many traditional health care professionals are quick to label herbal remedies as "quackery," because the results they are said to produce are difficult - if not impossible - to measure. After all, how do you quantify increased vitality, a more positive attitude, and relieved stress? Despite this apparent lack of concrete scientific evidence, the World Health Organization estimates that 80% of the world's population use some form of herbs for medicinal purposes. And those that do rely on herbal remedies are quick to attest to their benefits.
Additionally, some health care providers prescribe herbal remedies to complement traditional medicine. Herbal remedies "don't replace what's taught in medical schools, but rather complete it. They fill in what's been missing - an appreciation for the body's innate self-healing abilities," said Michael Castleman, author of "Nature's Cures" (Rodale Press, 1996).
A toothpaste containing the herbs Echinacea, goldenseal calendula, aloe vera, bloodroot and grapefruit seed extract was discovered in a three-month study to be as effective as a leading brand of toothpaste at reducing plaque and staining on the teeth. Similarly, a mouthwash containing these same herbs was found to be more effective in fighting oral bacteria than the old standby, Listerine.
Warren Scherer, a professor of restorative dentistry at the New York University School of Dentistry, completed the study on these two products. "We were a bit surprised," he said. "Before the study, I couldn't even pronounce Echinacea. This may lead to more (dentists) learning about the benefits of herbs," he added. "I'm not sure holistic medicine will interact with dentistry, but I see that both consumers and dentists need more education," Scherer said. A spokesperson with the Academy of General Dentistry said, "Although we do not have a policy or position statement regarding alternative dentistry, the academy does recognize and credit a variety of continuing education courses that help the members stay up to date on the latest procedures and technology, including those on alternative dentistry."
"Consumers may not understand how the possible side effects of herbal remedies relate to their oral health," said Eric Shapira, DDS, of the AGD. You should consult with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis before taking any over-the-counter herbal remedies. It's also vital that your dentist and other health care providers are aware of the herbal remedies you are taking before they provide treatment, so they can take the appropriate precautions and avoid any drugs that may have negative interactions.
Gingko biloba is widely used to aid in circulation, and brings about mild improvement in the memory and cognitive function in Alzheimer's patients. It's also recommended in the treatment of sexual dysfunction. Side effects: gingko affects the platelets in your blood and may delay clotting after surgery or an injury. It may also cause uncontrollable bleeding or accelerate gum disease. Therefore it should not be taken two weeks prior to surgery.
The herb ma huang - also called ephedra - has been used as an energy booster and an appetite suppressant. Side effects: earlier this year, the FDA said that between 1997 and 1999 it had received 140 reports of illness or death linked to ephedra, primarily due to cardiac arrest and stroke. The FDA is in the process of establishing regulations for the sales of ephedra supplements; lobbyists say that supplements containing ephedra should carry warning labels cautioning their use only by people over 18. Labels should also warn that individuals should have no more than 25 milligrams per serving of the substance.
Comfrey and pennyroyal are two herbs that been proven to be toxic, and should not be taken under any circumstances. Echinacea is one of the most popular herbal supplements in the U.S. today, and is taken for its immune system boosting properties. Side effects: Echinacea shouldn't be taken with steroids or cholesterol drugs, as negative interactions may result. It can also cause allergic reactions.
Feverfew is taken by many people on a daily basis to prevent migraine headaches. Side effects: feverfew may have blood-thinning properties and should not be taken before dental surgery or extractions. Kava and valerian are used for their sedative properties. Side effects: these herbs should not be taken with alcohol, anti-anxiety medications or other sedatives, as the combination could result in over-sedation, muscle spasms, tremors, and a depressed central nervous system.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women shouldn't take any herbal supplements, because of the herbs' tendency to cross through the placental barrier, or even cause premature uterine contractions. Children under age 15 and elderly patients seem to be more prone to the possible adverse affects, and should avoid taking herbs except at the advice of their healthcare provider.
First, get an accurate diagnosis from your healthcare provider, to uncover the source of your symptoms, before you go in search of an herbal cure. Don't believe everything you hear - or read - about herbal remedies. Consider the source (are they trying to sell you something?), and do your research. Dr. Mary Hardy of the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, Calif., recommends the following Web sites for reliable herb information: the National Institutes of Health's Office of Dietary Supplements (odp.od.nih.gov/ods), The American Botanical Council (www.herbalgram.org) and the Herb Research Foundation (www.herbs.org), and www.consumerlabs.com. "The Internet's ability to provide instant access to information has allowed people to manage their health more effectively," she said. But it also fosters questionable products and unrealistic benefit claims.
Take the information that you glean from these sites to your dentist or physician for his/her input. Before you buy an herbal supplement, read the label. Dr. Hardy recommends that you look for information about the company, as well as expiration dates and amounts of the active ingredient. You should also find the botanical name for the herb. For more information, check out the book "What the Labels Won't Tell You: A Consumer Guide to Herbal Supplements," by Logan Chamberlain.
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www.arlingtondentalarts.com/.