Medicinal plants

Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Wellness: Ayurveda Surges in the US

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, September 13, 2023

MARINA, Calif., Sept. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The ancient holistic healing system of Ayurveda is experiencing a remarkable surge in popularity across the United States. Recent research has highlighted a significant rise in the adoption of Ayurvedic practices and therapies by health-conscious individuals seeking natural and holistic approaches to well-being.

Key Points: 
  • The resurgence of Ayurveda's timeless methodologies is captivating the attention of Americans who are increasingly embracing its principles for a comprehensive sense of wellness.
  • Seizing upon this upswing is the latest entrant Arth Botanicals, a distinctive brand under the umbrella of Serotonin LLC, headquartered in California.
  • In a market flooded with health and wellness options, Arth Botanicals stands out as a beacon of authenticity and dedication to ancient healing practices.
  • Through its exceptional products, grounded in Ayurvedic traditions and bolstered by modern scientific rigor, Arth Botanicals aims at playing a pivotal role in the resurgence of holistic health practices in the modern world.

Solaray Unveils ProSorb Peak Absorption™: New Supplement Line Featuring Superior Nutrient Delivery Technology

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, September 13, 2023

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Sept. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Solaray , one of the original pioneers in supplement health and wellness, today unveiled its new supplement line ProSorb Peak Absorption™ for superior nutrient absorption, guaranteed.† Addressing concerns of supplement efficacy and absorption challenges within the market, the four new products use groundbreaking nutrient delivery technology with clinically backed ingredients to help everyone, everywhere, Live Brighter.

Key Points: 
  • SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Sept. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Solaray , one of the original pioneers in supplement health and wellness, today unveiled its new supplement line ProSorb Peak Absorption™ for superior nutrient absorption, guaranteed.† Addressing concerns of supplement efficacy and absorption challenges within the market, the four new products use groundbreaking nutrient delivery technology with clinically backed ingredients to help everyone, everywhere, Live Brighter.
  • "Born out of our dedication to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the world of wellness, ProSorb confirms that the future of effective nutrient delivery has arrived," said Max Willis, Chief Innovation & Science Officer at Solaray.
  • "Our commitment to science-backed formulations and superior delivery technology reflects our legacy to support people—from every background and walk of life—in realizing their healthiest selves."
  • Recognizing that efficacy is the leading factor driving supplement purchases, ProSorb caters to consumers who demand results, delivering superior absorption, guaranteed.†
    Solaray's ProSorb Peak Absorption™ product line can be found at Solaray.com , Amazon.com , and locally at health food stores.

Traditional medicine provides health care to many around the globe – the WHO is trying to make it safer and more standardized

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, September 6, 2023

Instead, the first step is consulting traditional medicine, which cultures around the world have been using for thousands of years.

Key Points: 
  • Instead, the first step is consulting traditional medicine, which cultures around the world have been using for thousands of years.
  • Traditional medicine encompasses the healing knowledge, skills and practices used by a variety of cultures and groups.
  • In recognizing that traditional medicine and other alternative forms of healing are critical sources of health care for many people worldwide, the World Health Organization and the government of India co-hosted their first-ever Traditional Medicine Summit.

Critical health care for many

    • In many countries, traditional medicine costs less and is more accessible than conventional health care.
    • And many conventional medicines come from the same source as compounds used in traditional medicine – up to 50% of drugs have a natural product root, like aspirin.

A framework for traditional medicine

    • In the past, WHO has developed a “traditional medicine strategy” to help member states research, integrate and regulate traditional medicine in their national health systems.
    • The WHO also created international terminology standards for practicing various forms of traditional medicine.
    • The practice of traditional medicine varies greatly between countries, depending on how accessible it is and how culturally important it is in each country.

Acupuncture – a case study in safety and efficacy

    • But leaders at the summit emphasized a need for more research on the efficacy and safety of traditional medicine.
    • For example, acupuncture is a traditional healing practice that entails inserting needles at specific points on the body to relieve pain.
    • Still, acupuncture is the most commonly used traditional medicine practice across countries, with 113 WHO member states acknowledging their citizens practiced acupuncture in 2019.
    • There’s also some evidence supporting the use of traditional medicine, including acupuncture, meditation and yoga to treat post-traumatic stress disorder.

Wegovy was inspired by Gila monster venom – here are some other drugs with surprising origins

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, September 5, 2023

Indeed, many have exotic origins, including the blockbuster drugs Wegovy and Ozempic, which were inspired by the venom of the Gila monster.

Key Points: 
  • Indeed, many have exotic origins, including the blockbuster drugs Wegovy and Ozempic, which were inspired by the venom of the Gila monster.
  • Scientists found that a hormone in the Gila monster’s venom called exendin-4 could be used to treat type 2 diabetes.
  • The Gila monster is not the only reptile to inspire groundbreaking drugs.
  • Indeed, the venom of the Brazilian pit viper inspired a class of drugs known as ACE inhibitors.

Anticoagulants

    • The anticoagulant drugs bivalirudin and desirudin are derived from hirudin.
    • If a blood clot jams up an artery, it can cause a stroke or heart attack.
    • The drug really took off in 1955 after US president Dwight Eisenhower was successfully treated with it following a heart attack.

Explosive finding

    • Nitroglycerin was first discovered in the 19th century, and is derived from glycerol where its explosive properties were initially noted.
    • Middle-aged men who worked with explosives – such as those building the rail networks – would sometimes note that their chest pain subsided after handling sticks of dynamite.
    • The drug is still used today and is known for the annoying side-effect of triggering explosives scanners at airports.

As many states weigh legalising cannabis, here's what they can learn from the struggles of growers in Canberra

Retrieved on: 
Monday, September 4, 2023

Germany has recently become the latest country to move towards legalising recreational cannabis, following in the footsteps of Uruguay, Malta, Canada and parts of the United States.

Key Points: 
  • Germany has recently become the latest country to move towards legalising recreational cannabis, following in the footsteps of Uruguay, Malta, Canada and parts of the United States.
  • Even Thailand has begun distributing one million cannabis plants to households after dropping it from the official list of prohibited substances.
  • In the last couple months, Legalise Cannabis Party members in New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia have tabled bills to legalise recreational cannabis use.

Our research on cannabis growing in the ACT

    • In 2020, ACT passed a law to allow people to possess, use and grow cannabis.
    • We have been studying the experiences of these cannabis growers in the ACT.
    • We conducted in-depth interviews with 10 people who grow cannabis, exploring their growing techniques, what works well and what challenges they’ve faced.

Challenges aplenty

    • The people we interviewed are really interested in sharing their knowledge with others, but social barriers prevent many from doing so.
    • Gardening Australia hasn’t produced a feature on the preferred soil and nutritional needs of cannabis plants.
    • As one grower told us,
      The climate is really tough in Canberra for the type of plant that cannabis is.
    • It doesn’t do well over 30 degrees and it doesn’t do well under like 20-18 [degrees], maybe.
    • Lastly, we found that growing your own cannabis at home also requires an environment that supports it.
    • Passing laws to allow for cannabis community gardens or other open growing areas would address this problem.

What other states can learn

    • ACT growers have a lot to offer other Australian jurisdictions about how policies can better support home cannabis gardeners.
    • It’s important to learn from their experiences so states and territories can get their policies right.
    • Alison Ritter receives funding from the NHMRC, the ARC, state and federal governments, and non-government bodies.

EQS-News: Telecan°: Germany’s largest medical cannabis company launches online platform for cannabis on prescription 

Retrieved on: 
Friday, September 1, 2023

Berlin, September 1, 2023 – Cantourage Group SE ( www.cantourage.de ) is launching its own telemedicine platform for medical cannabis called Telecan° ( www.telecan.eu ) under the leadership of medical doctor Florian Wesemann.

Key Points: 
  • Berlin, September 1, 2023 – Cantourage Group SE ( www.cantourage.de ) is launching its own telemedicine platform for medical cannabis called Telecan° ( www.telecan.eu ) under the leadership of medical doctor Florian Wesemann.
  • The online platform provides potential patients with a simple and direct route into cannabis therapy.
  • On Telecan°’s user-friendly online portal, users can find out whether cannabis therapy might be an option for them.
  • Our goal is to facilitate access to treatment for people seeking an improvement in their quality of life with medical cannabis.

Herbal Aspect Announces Grand Opening of Third Madison Outlet with Custom Pre-Roll Bar

Retrieved on: 
Friday, September 1, 2023

MADISON, Wis., Aug. 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Herbal Aspect, the premier source for legal cannabis products in Wisconsin, announces the opening of a third store at 735 S Gammon Road, Madison, WI 53719.

Key Points: 
  • MADISON, Wis., Aug. 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Herbal Aspect, the premier source for legal cannabis products in Wisconsin, announces the opening of a third store at 735 S Gammon Road, Madison, WI 53719.
  • This new location will feature a custom pre-roll bar, where customers can personalize their own pre-rolls from a select range of strains and concentrates.
  • Founded in 2019 by Alan Robinson, Alex Gish, and Matt Nelson, Herbal Aspect has remained dedicated to providing safe and high-quality cannabis products made from hemp.
  • "Herbal Aspect is deeply committed to responsible adult use of cannabis products," says Alan Robinson, co-founder of Herbal Aspect.

Here's what new 60-day prescriptions mean for you and your hip pocket

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, August 31, 2023

This means you could walk away from the pharmacy with 60-days’ worth of your usual medicine from a single prescription.

Key Points: 
  • This means you could walk away from the pharmacy with 60-days’ worth of your usual medicine from a single prescription.
  • You would also need fewer trips to the GP for a prescription and fewer visits to the pharmacy to have your medicine dispensed.
  • But not all medicines are yet eligible for 60-day scripts and not everyone is prescribed 60-days’ worth of medicine at a time.

Can I get a 60-day script today?

    • To be eligible for a prescription that provides medicine for 60 days your medication needs to be on the approved list.
    • Under the new rules, this could mean up to 12 months’ supply of medicine (the initial script plus five “repeats”).
    • You would have to pay for each of these repeat scripts when your medicine is dispensed every 60 days.

Is my medicine on the list?

    • This includes some of the most common medicines prescribed in Australia, such as atorvastatin for lowering cholesterol, and perindopril for lowering blood pressure.
    • The following stages, set to be rolled out over the coming 12 months, include medicines for diabetes, epilepsy, glaucoma, asthma and Parkinson’s disease.
    • When fully implemented, these changes will affect more than 300 prescription medicines available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

Will I save money?

    • The maximum price you pay at the pharmacy for a PBS script (known as the co-payment) is not changing.
    • It’s still A$7.30 for concession card holders and $30 for non-concession card holders.
    • But not everyone will save money from a 60-day prescription because in some cases your pharmacy may already be discounting your medicine.
    • Read more:
      What is the PBS safety net and is it really the best way to cut the cost of medicines?

How should I store my medicine?

    • If you don’t store your medicines correctly at home they can become degraded and not work so well.
    • As a general rule of thumb, never store your medicines in hot rooms or your car (even in winter) and don’t store them in direct sunlight.
    • You can keep the bottle you are using in the cupboard but you need to store the unopened, second bottle in the fridge.

In a nutshell

    • When you next see your doctor, if your condition is stable and your medicine is suitable, you will be provided a 60-day script.
    • Information is also available from the Commonwealth health department and the Consumers Health Forum.

How folk remedies can fuel misinformation

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, August 30, 2023

One widely adopted method consisted of mixing two small cloves of garlic in a pint of fresh milk.

Key Points: 
  • One widely adopted method consisted of mixing two small cloves of garlic in a pint of fresh milk.
  • People believed that drinking this cocktail in the morning, on an empty stomach, would prevent the feared disease.
  • Folk remedies may sound benign, but they can hurt people.

Medical folk wisdom

    • The idea of garlic as a blanket cure has its foundation in medical folk wisdom, which is an umbrella term for unproven, widespread beliefs about anything to do with health and disease.
    • Folk wisdom often has a certain level of seductive intuitiveness and generally originates from cultural beliefs as well as long-held traditions.
    • Folk wisdom can involve herbal remedies, dietary recommendations and advice about following specific behaviours.

Don’t underestimate it

    • However, the idea that folk wisdom is predominantly benign might be why experts tend to pay less attention to it.
    • Folk wisdom, like other types of misinformation not backed by science, often proliferate on social media, which means it can pose a threat to public health.
    • So we need to understand what makes people believe in it and to what extent it challenges beliefs in science.
    • There seems to be a complex relationship between beliefs in folk wisdom and what people actually do to protect their health.

Many people think cannabis smoke is harmless − a physician explains how that belief can put people at risk

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, August 30, 2023

These changes mean an increasing number of people are likely to get exposed to cannabis smoke.

Key Points: 
  • These changes mean an increasing number of people are likely to get exposed to cannabis smoke.
  • In our survey of over 5,000 U.S. adults in 2017, 2020 and 2021, we found that people increasingly felt that exposure to cannabis smoke was safer than tobacco smoke.
  • People were similarly more likely to rate secondhand cannabis smoke as being “completely safe” compared with tobacco smoke, even for vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant women.
  • Despite these views, emerging research raises concerns about the health effects of cannabis smoke exposure.

Do opinions on cannabis match the science?

    • However, far fewer studies have been done on the long-term effects of cannabis smoke.
    • Since cannabis remains illegal at the federal level, it is more challenging for scientists to study.
    • Many advocates point to the lack of clear findings on negative health effects of cannabis smoke exposure as proof of its harmlessness.

Why do opinions on cannabis matter?

    • Opinions on cannabis safety will also shape medical and recreational cannabis use laws and other policies, such as whether cannabis smoke will be treated like tobacco smoke or whether exceptions will be made in smoke-free air laws.
    • Part of the complexity in decisions about cannabis use is that, unlike tobacco, clinical trials have demonstrated that cannabis can have benefits in certain settings.
    • Unfortunately, though Googling cannabis will return thousands of hits about the health benefits of cannabis, many of these claims aren’t supported by scientific research.