Mark Branyon asked:


The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) defines complementary and alternative medicine as “a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine.” New Hope Medical Center, an alternative cancer treatment center located in Scottsdale, AZ, offers patients suffering from cancer a unique, individualized way to fight this disease. The staff at New Hope brings together over 50 years of experience, and as a result, the New Hope Treatment Method has been created. With this alternative cancer treatment method, each patient receives a plan specialized for his or her needs.

The entire staff at the New Hope Medical Center works hard to help cancer patients who are looking for alternative cancer treatments that are effective and non-invasive. The knowledgeable and friendly staff provides a warm environment for cancer patients. The New Hope Medical Center doctors, nurses, oncologists, and nutritionists strive to meet individual alternative cancer treatment needs.

Many people who suffer from cancer experience fatigue, nausea and vomiting, pain, stress, and anxiety. There are several types of non-invasive, effective alternative cancer treatments that New Hope Medical Center offers in order to suppress and heal a patient. Acupuncture is an example of just one of the many alternative cancer treatment options. The following is a brief explanation of acupuncture. For further information, contact New Hope Medical Center, where the medical staff will work to design an individual treatment plan that could include acupuncture among other treatments.

-Acupuncture: Acupuncture can be used to aid in the suppression of cancer-related symptoms including nausea, vomiting, anxiety, depression, and overall pain. Acupuncture is considered to be part of traditional Chinese medicine, and has been practiced for thousands of years in other Asian countries besides China. Only until recently has acupuncture gained notoriety in the United States. According to the National Cancer Institute, acupuncture is defined as “the application of stimulation such as needling, moxibustion, cupping, and acupressure on specific sites of the body known as acupuncture points.” The most common form of acupuncture involves the use of tiny metallic needles that are inserted into certain points of the skin to stimulate anatomical points on the body. Acupuncture should only be done by a licensed practitioner.

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) only regulates acupuncture needles for licensed practitioners and requires sterile, nontoxic needles labeled for single use. There are few side effects that come with acupuncture, although some experience what is described as a deep aching sensation as soon as the needle reaches a certain depth in the skin. It is important for a potential acupuncture patient to speak with a doctor to find out more information on this alternative cancer treatment, and how it could potentially help him or her.

New Hope Medical Center offers acupuncture as one of the many viable alternative cancer treatment options. Patients wishing to obtain more information on acupuncture should contact the medical staff at New Hope Medical Center, where the New Hope Treatment Method offers an effective, non-invasive manner in which to treat cancer and the side effects that come with this disease.

Alan Wighton asked:


 

We are conditioned throughout life to turn to our mainstream medical system the moment we have any health problem. Most of the time it serves us well but with cancer it often doesn’t. Why? Here is factual information on both orthodox treatments and alternative treatments so you can make a better informed decision on which form of treatment to turn to if you have cancer.



Orthodox treatments carried out by our mainstream medical system focus solely on removing the cancer growths and never address the reason why the cancer first grew.

Orthodox treatments only shrink cancer, they don’t remove it entirely.

Orthodox treatments of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy all weaken the body’s natural defence system, our built in self-repair system which we all have.

Orthodox treatments are expensive, costing hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Orthodox treatments can permanently damage the body with the side effects from all three treatments, especially chemotherapy.

Orthodox treatments of radiation and chemotherapy can cause cancer to return again at some later stage, being the direct result of those earlier treatments.



Most alternative treatments share certain characteristics and focus on strengthening the body and the body itself will get rid of the cancer growths.

Alternatives attack the cause of the problem, and the cause of the problem is why the cancer first grew.

Alternative treatments aim to strengthen the body, especially the immune system, our built in defence system.

Alternatives mainly use natural products and are very cheap compared to surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.

Alternative treatments attack all cancers regardless of where they are in the body.

Alternatives have no side effects.

Alternatives have a high safety record.



 Cancer is simply a disease of the immune system or more correctly it’s a disease of a weak immune system that has been weakened by our modern way of living. Any form of treatment for cancer whether it’s orthodox or alternative should be to strengthen the immune system, which is of paramount importance. Unfortunately there are three concepts you wont find today with our current mainstream health system and that is prevention, nutrition and strengthening the immune system. What we see today is treatments that slash, burn or poison the growths or tumours, which further weakens  the immune system  and only worsens the condition which lead to the cancer in the first place.

The root cause of the cancer growths or why it first grew should be the main focus of every cancer treatment, yet most oncologists typically ignore these. Also a real cure for cancer should not occur at the expensive of destroying other vital parts of the body, and this often happens.

.

I appreciate that it takes a massive shift in thinking to realise that your body can heal itself, but with a strong immune system it can overcome cancer, even terminal cancer and can rid the body of the disease forever.

Unlike much of the orthodox medicine, alternative approaches to healing, typically honour the wisdom and capability of the human body. Their goal is often to support and strengthen the powerful healing forces already at work within us. There are of course alternative methods that have no merit and some that make fraudulent claims but there are many that have been of great value to countless number of people. The sadness is that very few have been given the opportunity to be tested or appraised impartially and most doctors will have little to do with them.

 When considering alternative treatments for cancer, they must include a healthy diet of fresh fruit and vegetables, removing all toxic products that we are exposed to and to get plenty of exercise, because they are the main factors that is causing cancer today.

DR.PARMOD BANSAL asked:


You want to get started a paid membership site - you’ve heard all about its’ potential to make long term, residual profits. For More details login to : www.start-ownbiz.com  You may have even read some suggestions on getting started.

He has  written how important it is to develop a member’s site on something you love.

But, the problem is, if you don’t have a clear idea on how to apply what you love to the actual implementation of a paid, members-only area, then

you’re stuck on the monopoly board without even a dice to roll.

So, He has put together some suggestions to get you started:

* How about Fashion tips for professional women aged 30 up. These women have a decent disposable income and an interest in looking good. Maybe they need to present well for their work, or more probably, they just want to impress their friends. Never underestimate the importance of social pressure in fashion.

* Or Medical information products - you could give this a twist by finding information from people who have survived an illness, such as cancer, and using it in your membership site. You could even provide interviews with them, as well as interviews with medical professionals and natural therapists.

* Job hunting online in niche areas - You probably don’t want to go for a broad, job hunting membership, as you’d find a lot of competition with large, well established sites. But if you have some expertise in a niche, you could include these special insider tips in a job hunting membership site.

* What are the particular needs of professionals in an area in which you have expertise? It’s going to be much easier to target professionals with needs that relate to their business than consumers with only a vague interest in the field. For example, instead of developing a membership site on gardening, what about a site for landscape design professionals?

* Moving overseas - there’s a lot involved in relocating to a different country, and it can be daunting when people don’t know anyone there. And you can be sure that the people involved here have money to spend, as it’s not a cheap exercise. Even if they’re relocating for work, they’re probably in well-paid jobs if their company is paying for them.

* Travel guide - to a specific country - Do you know another country like a local? Do you have good contacts, or are willing to develop them, so you can deliver to travelers ‘insider knowledge’ and access to experiences that regular guide books can’t? Done well, this can make for a very successful paid membership site, with a lot of back-end products.There are many ways to approach a membership site, even for one topic. How you do so will depend on the type of potential members your niche has. By using your own interests and experience as a starting point, you can develop a list of possible topics to research.

Then, it’s just a matter of picking the one with the most potential profit.

Some membership sites will be able to charge more than others, and some will have a greater potential demand. For More details visit to : www.starting-membership-site.com Ultimately though, you have to have some interest in the topic - or enough money that you can outsource all the content development whilst still maintaining the quality of the end result.

John Critz asked:


Prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis in American men. It is also the most common cancer found among men over fifty in the United States and continues to grow at a rampant rate. If prostate cancer is detected early, it is very curable with the proper treatment.

There are quite a few treatment options to choose from when selecting the appropriate procedure. One of the best procedure options for you to consider is a radical prostatectomy. A radical prostatectomy is a common treatment method that involves the surgical removal of the prostate gland. The radical prostatectomy procedure is mainly encouraged for young, healthy men under the age of 70. A prostatectomy is not typically performed on men 70 and above because of the serious complications that can occur.

Choosing a Surgeon:

It’s suggested that patients seeking the best treatment outcome seek a qualified urologist with training in prostate cancer prostatectomy. With an experienced surgeon, the radical prostatectomy should take no more than two hours to perform, with no need for blood transfusion. Depending upon the urologist’s skill set in performing the procedure, the patient may wear a catheter for only a few days instead of the maximum three weeks.

Radical Prostatectomy:

A radical prostatectomy is the surgical removal of the prostate gland. It is a major surgical procedure which is performed in a hospital with the patient under general anesthesia. This procedure is considered to offer the second greatest chance for long-term survival (the highest cure rates are found at a radiation therapy practice in Georgia where they use a combined radiation procedure). During a radical prostatectomy, the surgeon removes the entire prostate and then reconnects the urethra and bladder. After surgery is complete, patients usually remain in the hospital from two to four days.

Complications to the Prostatectomy Procedure:

The outcome of the treatment, cure and complication rates vary based on the urologist performing the surgery. However, the most common complications following prostate cancer treatment are urinary incontinence (uncontrolled urine leakage) and erectile dysfunction (ED, the inability to sustain an ******** sufficient for sexual intercourse). The majority of men receiving this treatment will suffer from some degree of urinary incontinence and ED immediately following surgery, but should gradually improve over time.

A prostate cancer radical prostatectomy is one potential solution. Let’s look at the issue of prostate cancer from a higher level.

Selecting the Proper Treatment that’s Right for You:

Choosing the most appropriate prostate cancer treatment for an individual depends upon several factors. These include:

- Which treatment option is going to offer the best chance of curing the cancer (and be careful here as there are many definitions of “cure” - but the only one that has been proven reliable is 0.2 ng/ml five years post-treatment).

- Potential side effects associated with the different forms of treatment.

- Examining the rate at which the cancer is growing and how fast it’s spreading to determine the most effective course of treatment

- Patient age, life expectancy and general health, including any other medical conditions

- The experience and training of the treating physician

There is always some form of shock to men when diagnosed with this type of cancer. Men need time to react and not rush into any healthcare decision early. Its recommended men review all prostate cancer treatment options, outcomes and complications, with a physician to select the best treatment that’s right for them. And don’t be afraid to ask your physician tough questions - ask them how long they trained on the procedure they recommend, and what their personal cure rate is.

Where to Get Additional Information:

While your healthcare provider is a good source for prostate cancer information and answering your questions/concerns related to your medical condition, it’s also important that if you are diagnosed with prostate cancer that you take the time to educate yourself on this disease. Prostate cancer is usually slow-growing, so you have time to do the research on the best treatment option for you, so check the web, read articles and books, and try to talk with others who have faced the battle you are now facing yourself and find out what they did.

No two patient’s healthcare conditions are exactly alike and recommendations can vary with physicians. You should conduct your own research to learn and understand prostate cancer and all the available treatment options. With very few exceptions, you only have one chance at being cured; with proper knowledge you’ll be able to make the most efficient and effective decision.

Reed Langdon asked:


Im writing this for pet lovers who care, and I know, like myself, there are many out there who are very close to their pets. Pets as Ive mentioned before, are always there for you, good friends , that never complain.

If youve read some of my prior publications , I last wrote on my experience with pets, and how many had lived a shorter than normal life , and I offered tips for pet lovers everywhere, with hopes you can learn some critical , simple things for your pets survival, from my own unfortunate experiences.

My last publication touched on my Golden Lab and how important nutrition is for pets everywhere.

My next shock experience with pets was with my Doberman, named Scarlet. No, dont jump to conclusions, not scarlet fever, but yet another good companion I remember well, that needed special care for a very unique illness.

At this point in my life I had moved to northern California, in the coastal Redwood trees.

Now, so what, big deal, but another unique pet lesson learned. Scarlet was great, big hearted, certainly not an attack Doberman as portrayed in many movies, but a very friendly, peaceful companion, actually I was a bit concerned owning a Doberman, but found from many people they are certainly loyal, and only trained to be mean.

One day, I noticed her daily pattern had shifted a bit. Now, I was fortunate, she was free to roam the mountain land without a rope or chain, a free spirit at that.

I watched her closely for a few days, and things started to become more obvious, less food, loss of a few pounds, more sleeping during the day and night, which started to be of real concern.

Well, of course at this point I was more sensitive after my Golden Lab passed away with Cancer, so I didnt wait long to get help, yep, right to the Vet. Well what happened next was a second jolt of unfortunate news.

I learned, after reading all those books on care, preventive steps with animals, and so on, what did I miss. The Vet had taken x rays, blood tests, etc, just like a person at the doctors. It made me realize how similar your pet is to us humans.

I spoke with the Vet., he couldnt get into details until all tests were done the next day, and could pin point the cause. OK, very professional, but I didnt sleep that night, come back tomorrow, and we can confirm the findings, was difficult to accept.

Well, take note, another rare unique experience you might learn from. I did return the next day, and met the Vet, which right away I read the body language, not good. Well this was a new one on me, Scarlet had three yes 3 heart worms which had drilled three holes through her heart. Now I had never heard of Heart Worms, what they were, what to do, etc. Living in South California, I never heard this before, similar to colder regions, where Fleas cant survive. Well, again, here I was, what is the bottom line I asked. I was ready for anything this time around.

I had a few options, which was good, and then difficult, such as put her to sleep was one. Enough said. There was the option to remove the Heart worms, but very dangerous for Scarlet, frankly it was a dose of poison, and she may not recover, or result in a heart attack.

So, where does this Heartworm come from. This was like making a serious family decision. I decided since she had such strong spirit, it wasnt her time, and the Vet reassured me, worst case no suffering. So I went for this option, lets attempt to fix the problem and save her life.

Amazing, but within weeks, she slowly showed signs of recovery. I could read her signs just from her eyes, everything is going to be OK, dont worry.

Gosh, another painful experience with pets, although the right decision was made, Scarlet went on to live past 14 years old, which is abnormal for Dobermans, typically 9 to 12 years.

I had made the right decision this time, but certainly is a tiring experience, the thought I may have possibly avoided the entire episode.

Last, where do these aweful parasites come from. Well as strange as it may be if you dont know, mosquito bites. Possibly from the region, wild animals, etc. Its worth reading up on.

If I had only understood this, and living up north in the forest was different with a new set of rules for Pet Lovers.

Living in a lush Redwood forest sounded great, but in fact was a different environment. There are preventive things that can be done to protect your pets from many unique cases like heartworms, as in this case.

So, from experience, just a few tips for Pet Lovers everywhere.

One, dont assume anything, read up on a few how to guides for a preventive approach caring for your pets.

Second, dont wait to the last minute if you see a pattern shift in your pets daily habits, diet, sleeping, activity in general, but head for your nearest Vet, and get professional advice or help.

Third , I last touched on how important a pets diet is, and overall nutrition. I cant emphasis this enough, just like people, watch the diet, daily activities, exercise, just as you would for yourself.

Take these real life experience tips, and apply them to your pets overall health condition for a safe and healthy life. Enjoy your pets to the fullest. You will feel good about their health, and taking the responsible approach for their future.

I hope these experiences have helped pet lovers out there. At least get some ideas on how to take care of, and at least recognize a pet in distress.

Hans Hasselfors asked:


When you sit and ponder the hardships of our contemporary world, it’s often difficult not to be saddened. There are just so many illnesses and diseases out there now days that make our health situation even worse and more complicated. Inexplicable terrors such as cancer have plagued our world for decades now. However, we still don’t know the absolute best or ideal way to deal with them. Although most people assume chemotherapy is the only way to deal with the big bad “C,” there are alternative cancer treatments available. Now, whether or not you find an alternative cancer treatment effective is a different story. A great deal depends on the person and his/her condition.

Do you know of a successful alternative cancer treatment? I knew a guy back in Oregon, who claimed he used regular acupuncture treatments along with meditation and yoga to treat his cancer. This was something I had never heard of before. In fact, I couldn’t help but wonder how effective it would truly be. Regardless, he did appear to be doing well, and looked healthy to the ***** eye. I had just always heard everyone talk about chemotherapy like it was the be-all end-all to cancer treatments. I must admit that it makes me cringe to think about the effect it has on ones body. If you didn’t already know, chemotherapy is a radiation treatment that is used to kill the cancer cells/growth in the human body. Unfortunately it has to poison your body to accomplish this task. Hence the hair falling out and the vomiting. It’s a terrible process to watch first hand. This actually may be why certain individuals search for an alternative cancer treatment.

Are you looking for some alternative cancer treatment to deal with your affliction? Hey, if to find a quality and effective alternative cancer treatment is your goal, then I would suggest research via the World-Wide-Web. I believe this will save a great deal of time and effort on your part. If your personal doctor knows of no legitimate alternative cancer treatment, then you must take matters into your own hands. Although this horrific disease continuously affects a number of human beings, sometimes leaving us hopeless, we certainly can’t give up on finding the ideal cure. That choice alternative cancer treatment is out there. It’s all about being tenacious and never quitting.

This information is not presented by a medical practitioner and is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read.

Since natural and/or dietary supplements are not FDA approved they must be accompanied by a two-part disclaimer on the product label: that the statement has not been evaluated by FDA and that the product is not intended to “diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease”.

John Critz asked:


With prostate cancer estimated to affect as many as 1 in 6 men, any new research developments that may affect treatment are extremely noteworthy. Because the risks of having prostate cancer increase dramatically with age, every generation is in a race against the clock to find the most effective treatment methods, or prevention methods, possible.

Recently a medical study on men with prostate cancer introduced very interesting news that contradicted some previously held beliefs in the medical community. Some physicians have withheld potentially curative treatment in older men because of a concern about side effects of radiation or surgery. Other physicians have used hormone therapy as a means of delaying cancer progression instead of offering potentially curative treatment.

This new study by Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, however, suggests that drug treatment alone does not improve survival rates of men taking it, and might actually be hindering their improvement. The study was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in July.

The prostate cancer information generated by this article studied about 20,000 men, including Medicare patients, whose prostate cancer had not spread to other areas of the body. The study took 6 years to complete, as information was gathered and the men were studied. All study participants were over the age of 66, which means that the data drawn from the study is particularly relevant to older men, but not necessarily accurate for younger men. Average age of a study participant was 77.

Researchers found that the typical treatment of testosterone-blocking drugs might have more drawbacks than benefits. The testosterone-blockers are meant to keep cancer cells from growing, but also have side effects such as bone loss, impotence, and increased risk for diabetes and heart disease. Ultimately, a treatment plan of the testosterone-blocking drugs alone, in older men, didn’t appear to be effective.

For men considering Georgia prostate cancer surgery, this study does not influence the need for curative surgery or radiation. Often the antihormone drugs can be very effective when they are paired with surgery or radiation. To maximize the effectiveness of a cancer treatment plan for Georgia men, prostate cancer might require surgery or radiation, rather than drug treatment alone.

Researchers theorized that many men felt they were improving their health by taking the drugs without surgery or radiation, because it was a better course of action than doing nothing. Now that their research has shown this to be an ineffective method of treatment by itself, the researchers hope that doctors will avoid the drug treatments except in combination with radiation and/or surgery.

For older men looking for information about Georgia prostate cancer treatment, the study offers an important topic to bring up with their doctors. While surgery and radiation can seem scary, the solution to prostate cancer doesn’t appear to be as easy as popping a pill or receiving an injection, at least for older men. For Georgia men, prostate cancer treatment might require surgery, rather than the simpler approach of a drug treatment.

With the continued research and studies being done, advances in Georgia prostate cancer treatment are continually being made. At this point in time, however, drug treatment alone doesn’t seem to be an effective method in the fight against prostate cancer.

Alien asked:


Description

Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women. Women between the ages of 30 and 55 have the highest incidence of cervical cancer. Women who have had sexually transmitted disease, and those who have had many pregnancies beginning at a young age, are at greater risk. If you smoke, quit. Cigarette smoking is a suspected risk factor for cervical cancer. Getting an annual pelvic examination and Pap test is the only way to screen for cervical cancer. A Pap test can detect malignant cells before symptoms are present.

Fortunately, cervical cancer is slow to develop. If diagnosed at an early stage, when the cancer is still confined to the outermost layers of cervical tissue, cervical cancer has a cure rate of almost 100 percent. Even in more advanced cases, when the cancer spreads deeper into the cervical wall, the chances of recovery are good. On the other hand, if the cancer is allowed to spread to other organs, the prognosis is not as good.

Signs and Symptoms

Cervical cancer in its early stages usually does not produce symptoms. Later, the most common symptoms are:

Bleeding from the ****** after intercourse, between periods, or after menopause

Bloody vaginal discharge

Conventional Medical Treatment

If you notice any type of unexplained bleeding or discharge, see your gynecologist immediately, who performs a pelvic examination and Pap smear. If the Pap smear reveals abnormalities, your doctor examines your cervix closely (using a device called a colposcope) and takes a tissue sample to check for malignant cells. If cancer is confirmed, your doctor may take X-rays to determine if the cancer has spread to any of the surrounding organs.

Treatment for cervical cancer depends on what stage it is in. If it is caught early, laser surgery, freezing, or cauterization may be used to remove the malignant cells from the outer layer of tissue. If the cancer has advanced into the cervical wall, radiation may be performed. (See “Conventional Medical Treatment” in the “Bladder Cancer” entry for more information on radiation therapy.) Your doctor also may recommend a hysterectomy, an operation in which the cervix and uterus are removed.

Complementary and Alternative Treatments

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Acupuncture Acupuncture may be used as an adjunct treatment during the early stages of cervical cancer to boost the body’s immune system and improve the flow of chi to diseased cells.

Acupressure Acupressure may be useful in alleviating the pain of cervical cancer and the stomach upset caused by conventional treatments.

Chinese Herbal Therapy Garlic has been shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cell while promoting the production of healthy cells, which may account for this herb’s popularity in the prevention and treatment of all types of cancer, including cervical. Ginseng also is known for its immunity-boosting, anti-cancer properties.

Juliet Cohen asked:


Beauty is a part of the women. Beauty is defined as a prominent practice of optimistic expression associated to one’s own survival. Eye liner is a makeup that is used to better define the eyes. Eyes are not just a part of your face but they are very important feature as well. Eyeliner can make even the smallest eyes appear larger. The eyeliner is there to help you out in this regard. Eyebrows play an important role in heightening the beauty of eyes. Perfect eyebrows almost transcend the beauty of the face and make an immediate visible impact in a makeover session. Eyebrows are shaped and colored all the time. Today, there are a variety of pencils for the eyebrows, in different colors and brands. Your hair reflects your general health. Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet is important for healthy hair. There are certain specific foods that are important for healthy hair. Don’t use hair removing lotion on your eyebrows. Also, it is perfectly normal for hair to grow quickly on your eyebrows.

Summer, like winter, requires it’s own special beauty tips. During the summer your skin can change quite a bit. It’s usually a few shades darker (hopefully from self-tanner only, of course), oilier due to heat and humidity or a bit parched in dry heat climates which can upset your tried-and-true makeup and skin care routine.A good water-resistant sunscreen, with an SPF of 15 or higher, should be applied to dry skin at least 15 minutes before going outdoors. It should be reapplied after swimming or spending any length of time in the sun. Certain foods and beverages, such as herbal teas, avocados, and fruit, help in purifying and nourishing the skin in summer. Spicy or hot foods should be avoided if you plan on spending any length of time outdoors, as these may cause skin irritations or inflammations. Drinking lots of water is absolutely essential to replenish moisture lost to the drying effects of the sun.

Summer Beauty Tips

1. Skin tends to get oilier in summer.

2. Use lighter ****** skin care products to avoid clogging your pores.

3. Rehydrate your skin after exposure to the sun, sand and salt at the beach.

4. Protect your skin from the sun. The sun’s UV rays can cause skin cancer, so be wise and use sunblocks.

5. Apply a bit of conditioner to hair before shampooing, concentrating on ends.

6. Be sure to get a trim every 4-6 weeks to keep ends healthy.

7. Apply 3 tablespoons of olive oil to dry hair. Let sit for up to an hour, wash thoroughly.

8. Hair needs protection from the sun just like the skin. Use a shampoo and conditioner that contains sunscreen.

9. Never Underestimate the Power of Moisturizer.

Fredclay asked:


Results from a national survey in 2007 showed that, 17.7 percent of American adults had used “natural products” in the past 12 months. These natural or herbal supplements didn’t include vitamins and minerals.

Of late there have been a slew of discussions, debates, and studies that have questioned the efficacy and safety of herbal supplements, e.g. herbal supplements viz. Echinacea, Glucosamine, Kava, etc. could lead to dangerous side effects during plastic surgery. And an NIH supported study found that the herbal supplement black cohosh used alone or with other herbal dietary supplements, wasn’t effective in relieving hot flashes in postmenopausal women.

Nevertheless, the following are 5 promising health benefits of several herbal supplements.

1. Prostate Cancer Prevention - An increased consumption of dietary isoflavones is linked with reduced risk of prostate cancer. One source of the compound is Red clover (Trifolium pretense). However, there’s little information about these supplements’ safety. These results were reported in Cancer Prevention Research, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR).

2. Prostate Cancer Treatment - According to a report published in the October 2005 edition of Nutrition and Cancer, Zyflamend - a unique herbal extract preparation, suppresses the growth of prostate cancer cells and causes them to self-destruct.

3. Managing Cocaine Cravings - A study presented at the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology’s (ACNP) annual conference 2005, showed that the compound N-acetylcysteine (NAC) could modulate the effects of cocaine addiction. NAC is an herbal supplement known for its antioxidant properties and is sold over-the-counter.

4. Fertility Boost in women - Chasteberry was the herb that showed an improved ovulation and restoration of progesterone balance in women. These results published in the April 2004 issue of the Journal of Reproductive Medicine were an outcome of a small pilot study in by Stanford researchers.

5. Combating Liver Cancer – The aqueous leaf extract (ALE) from the plant Acanthus ilicifolius – found across India, increased the survival of cancer ridden animals (mice) to a significant extent. Suggesting that the plant extract may be used to guard against liver cancer. The study appeared in the World Journal of Gastroenterology (volume 13, issue 48).

It’s exciting to see that effective cures and treatments could very well lie outside the purview of conventional medicine. And that researches only help separate the wheat from chaff.