Feverfew, Ginger: Effective for Migraine?

Are feverfew and ginger effective for migraines? Migraines can cause much disability, which is why people often look to alternative medicine for migraine pain relief when conventional Western medicine fails. However, is feverfew or ginger an effective migraine treatment? Let’s see what the best research has to say.

What is the most recent research on feverfew and ginger as migraine treatment?

In a randomized, double blind, placebo control (RDBPC) study by Cady et al, feverfew and ginger were found to be effective for mild headaches.

In the study, there were about 45 participants who complained of headaches. They were divided into two groups: one group received a preparation of feverfew and ginger, while the other groups received placebo, which had no active ingredients.

Was the above study reliable?

An RDBPC study, such as the one above, is the best study design because it eliminates bias. However, all studies, regardless of design, should be evaluated for other flaws.

What were the flaws of the feverfew and ginger study?

Several flaws were found in the study that determined the effectiveness of feverfew and ginger for migraines. Some are listed below:

• Randomization was incomplete. That means that although the researchers tried their best to group the patients without bias (without meaning to favor either the group receiving the treatment or the group receiving the placebo), those with less severe headaches were actually grouped under the feverfew plus ginger group. It would then suggest that because they had less severe headaches, they would also experience less pain after treatment with ginger and feverfew compared to placebo – and that lead to a false conclusion that ginger and feverfew are effective for migraines.
• Almost 17 percent of the participants might have discovered if they were receiving placebo or the actual feverfew + ginger combination. This was due to the difference in taste between the placebo and the feverfew-ginger combination. That would also influence their perception of what was effective and what wasn’t.

Does that mean that ginger and feverfew are not effective for migraine treatment?

No; it simply means that the study was flawed and that a better design is necessary to come up with reliable findings. The above study by Cady et al was a pilot study, so more studies should be done to supplement or improve its findings.

Is alternative medicine effective for migraines?

There is no magic bullet for migraines. Western medicine recommends that treatment be based on evidence gleaned from research; Eastern medicine, on the other hand, relies on cultural beliefs and anecdotal (story-based) evidence. However, Western Integrative Medicine (WIM) is on the rise, promoting the idea that Eastern medicine may be effective, and that they should be thoroughly researched based on Western medicine theories. Already, much about Eastern or alternative medicine is being proven (or disproven) as effective natural pain remedies.

It is not yet certain whether feverfew and ginger are effective in providing natural pain relief from migraines. The study mentioned above provides optimistic results, but the study was flawed. It may be best to stick to proven remedies; however, new research just might prove that feverfew and ginger provide natural relief from migraines in the future, fingers crossed.

Think the above post on feverfew and ginger for migraine treatment is inaccurate? Have any suggestions or comments? Do leave your comment below.

Sources:
Cady R, Goldstein J, Nett R, Mitchell R, Beach ME, Browning R. A DBL-blind controlled pilot study of sublingual feverfew and ginger in the treatment of migraine. Headache. 2011;51:1078–1086.

Zilongjin in Cancer Treatment

Zilongjin for cancer treatment has been used in China for many years before Western medicine took notice. After anecdotal success in the use of Zilongjin to treat cancer, different studies were conducted to prove whether or not this Chinese concoction is indeed a viable alternative medicine for cancer management.

How does Zilongjin work?

Zilongjin was thought to affect different receptors found in the cell membrane. The cell membrane is actually the outer covering of the cell and it contains receptors that control how certain substances enter and exit the cell. Zilongjin influences these receptors (Wang Dai-Shu, 2004).

One specific action of Zilongjin on cancer treatment is how it promotes the action of adenylyl cyclase. This enzyme, located in the cell membrane, acts to increase the production of cyclic adenosine monophosphate or cAMP. The substance cAMP, in turn, allows many other enzymes to influence cell function. Ultimately, cAMP increase results in decreased cell replication, decreasing the production of cancer cells (Wang Dai-Shu, 2004).

How does Zilongjin affect the cell cycle?

Zilongjin disrupts the cell cycle by preventing CDK4, a substance that promotes cell reproduction, from entering the nucleus. As a result, cell cycle does not ensue – and cell reproduction is stopped or delayed. Zilongjin also inhibits the synthesis phase of the cell cycle, again putting a stop to cell replication (Wang Dai-Shu, 2004).

How does Zilongjin affect the genes?

Zilongjin acts on oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. Oncogenes are actually normal genes, but once they mutate, they may lead to cancer. Tumor suppressor genes, on the other hand, help inhibit cancer cell proliferation. Zilongjin suppresses the activity of certain oncogenes while promoting the activity of tumor suppressor genes (Wang Dai-Shu, 2004).

What happens to cells when exposed to Zilongjin?

Cells are known to exhibit less cancer-like activities. For instance, the production of microvilli (finger-like projections) on a cell’s surface, which is known to be associated with cancer, is decreased (Wang Dai-Shu, 2004). Zilongjin does this by strengthening the microfilaments inside the cell, keeping the cell membrane from outpouching into microvilli.

Another interesting finding is that Zilongjin also controls pre-existing cancer cells. It stops cancer cells from producing really large tumors.

What research has been done to support the role of Zilongjin in cancer treatment?

One study by Zhang Xingi, et al (1995) determined how effective Zilongjin was when used in conjunction with chemotherapy. There were 63 patients, grouped into two: one group received chemotherapy alone, while the other received chemotherapy plus Zilongjin. The function scores of those who received both chemotherapy and Zilongjin were better after treatment than those who received chemotherapy only. More patients from the Zilongjin group were also able to complete their chemotherapy.

Another significant finding was that Zilongjin seemed to lower the side effects of chemotherapy. It was also found that T cell assays, which showed one’s immune function, was higher in the Zilongjin group.

Of course, more research is needed to establish the role of Zilongjin in cancer treatment. But according to the above study, Zilongjin as part of cancer management is a very promising option.

Sources:
Wang Dai-Shu, Latest Theories on the Genesis and Development of Cancer and Studies on Zilongjin, 2004
Zhang Xinqi et al, Zilongjin in combination with chemotherapy in the Treatment of Moderate and Advanced Cancers, 1995

Happy Valentine’s Day

Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone! Natural Pain Remedies is finally back. We have taken quite a long sabbatical but we are ready to provide you once again with updates on health and natural pain remedies. And, as always, we promote information that is supported by research.

No matter how natural, organic, or “alternative” the options we provide for pain management and other conditions, we always try our best to provide a foundation for our recommendations. We use studies, journal articles, and research for all our posts. So, even if you will read a recommended therapy from Eastern medicine, it will have been supported by Western medicine. And what’s better than both parties taking one side to help provide a cure?

So, enjoy reading our posts and always check back for more updates and natural pain remedies!

How Hot Compress for Pain is Used

Millions of people worldwide use a hot compress to relieve different kinds of aches and pains. About half of these people have no idea how to use it properly. How long are you supposed to leave a hot compress on? How hot is too hot?

How to prepare a hot compress

• Use a clean and absorbent cloth, such as a fresh towel.
• Soak in warm water (not boiling water!) for a few seconds.
• Squeeze to minimize dripping without totally wringing out all the water.
• Fold to achieve an ideal size based on the affected body part. It should cover enough surface area on the affected part to effectively relieve pain.

Many hot packs are also available in the market. They are easy to use but potentially carry the risk of burns, especially if they are overheated and not tested properly before use.

What happens when a hot compress is too hot

A hot compress should not be too hot that it scalds your skin. It should be comfortably warm, just enough to bring you comfort. If a compress is too hot, it can cause burns or erythema ab igne.

Burns can cause more pain and swelling; a second degree burn can even cause blistering of the skin and potential infection. Erythema ab igne, on the other hand, results in a marbled appearance of the skin due to heat insufficient to cause burns but still enough to cause tissue damage.

Compresses are usually used for 5 to 15 minutes every two hours. Some health practitioners will recommend continuous use of hot compresses as needed, but this can compromise the integrity of the skin.

When to use hot compresses

Hot compresses are effective in alleviating inflammation, especially after the first 24 hours. The warmth helps dilate blood vessels, making nutrient transport more efficient. Toxins are also cleared more effectively because of the increased caliber of the blood vessels.

During the first 24 hours, a cold compress is used. The low temperature constricts blood vessels, decreasing the seepage of inflammatory chemicals and water from vessels into tissues. This helps stop swelling and inflammation. One day after the initial insult, a hot compress is instituted.

Using a cold compress compress can also help relieve pain. Learn more about cold compresses and pain relief.