Perceived effectiveness of complementary medicine by mothers of infants with colic in Gauteng

Background: Infantile colic is a self-limiting condition, characterised by spasmodic, excessive and inconsolable crying without apparent cause. Although common, there is no widely accepted conventional treatment approach for colic. Complementary medicine is often promoted as an alternative therapeutic option for infantile colic; however, there is limited research available on its use, safety and effectiveness. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the perceived effectiveness of complementary medicine by mothers of infants with colic by means of the Infantile Colic Questionnaire. Setting: Mothers of infants who had colic were recruited from complementary medicine pharmacies, schools, baby clinics and various businesses in Gauteng, South Africa. Methods: A quantitative-descriptive design was used whereby data was collected through a randomised, cross-sectional questionnaire. The research sample consisted of 152 participants (mothers), aged between 18 and 45 years, with one or more children who suffered from symptoms of infantile colic, who had used complementary medicine as a form of treatment. Results: Results indicated that most participants made use of both complementary and conventional medicines for their infant’s colic; the most commonly used complementary medicine products were homeopathic remedies, probiotics and herbal medicines. Some participants were, however, unfamiliar with the term ‘complementary medicine’, indicating a need for further patient education. Conclusions: The participants perceived complementary medicines as safe and effective forms of treatment for infantile colic. However, further, larger scale studies should be conducted to validate this finding

A study to determine the effect of homoeopathic Baptisia tinctoria (3ch, 15ch and 30ch) and Thuja occidentalis (3ch, 15ch and 30ch) on the growth production of streptococcus pyogenes and Candida albicans respectively

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Knowledge and attitudes towards complementary medicine by nursing students at a University in South Africa

Abstract: Background: The increased popularity of complementary medicine has created the need for patients to receive accurate information from nurses who are front-line healthcare providers. Studies have demonstrated that patients are more likely to discuss other medication and therapy use with nurses, rather than with general practitioners or other health professionals. It is, therefore, important to determine nurses’ knowledge and attitudes towards complementary medicine. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine nursing students’ knowledge and attitudes toward the use of complementary medicine..

A pilot study on the efficacy of Valeriana officinalis mother tincture and Valeriana officinalis 3X in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is an increasingly prevalent behavioural disorder characterised by inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity.  Valeriana officinalis is a botanical medicine that has been found to be beneficial in the treatment of disorders characterised by restlessness. To date, no research has been conducted on homeopathic preparations of Valeriana officinalis for this condition. The aim of this three-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study was to determine the efficacy of homeopathic Valeriana officinalis mother tincture (MT) and 3X potency on ADHD. Thirty children between the ages of five and 11 years, pre-diagnosed with ADHD, were recruited. Valeriana officinalis MT (n = 10), 3X (n = 10) or placebo (n = 10) were administered orally three times a day for two weeks. Efficacy was assessed by the Barkley and DuPaul teacher rating scale, the children’s checking task and the parent symptom questionnaire scores on day 1 (prior to treatment), at the end of weeks two and three (with treatment), and then after the third week following no treatment. A statistically significant improvement was found in the participants’ behaviour in the MT and 3X groups, with particular reference to sustained attention, anxiety and impulsivity and/or hyperactivity. Preliminary findings suggested that Valeriana officinalis MT and 3X may have applications in the management of ADHD. Aandagsgebrek-hiperaktiwiteitsindroom  (AGHS)  is  toenemend  ’n algemene gedragsongesteldheid,  wat  gekenmerk  word  deur  onoplettendheid,  impulsiwiteit  en hiperaktiwiteit. Daar is vasgestel dat Valeriana officinalis ’n plantaardige medisyne is wat voordelig kan wees in die behandeling van ongesteldhede wat gekenmerk word deur rusteloosheid. Tot op hede is geen navorsing uitgevoer op die gebruik van homeopatiese preparate  van  Valeriana  officinalis vir  hierdie  ongesteldheid  nie.  Die  doel  van  hierdie drieweeklange,  dubbelblinde,  troosmedisyne-gekontroleerde  loodsstudie  was  om  die effektiwiteit van homeopatiese Valeriana officinalis Moertinktuur (MT) en 3X sterkte vir die behandeling van AGHS te bepaal. Dertig kinders tussen die ouderdomme van 5 en 11 jaar, wat vantevore gediagnoseer is met OGHO, is gewerf. Valeriana officinalis MT (n = 10), 3X (n = 10) of troosmedisyne (n = 10) is mondeliks drie keer per dag vir twee weke toegedien. Effektiwiteit is gemeet op dag 1 (voor behandeling), aan die einde van weke twee en drie (tydens behandeling), en na die derde week sonder behandeling deur middel van tellings wat behaal is op die Barkley and DuPaul teacher rating scale, die children’s checking task en die parent symptom questionnaire. ’n Statisties beduidende verbetering is gevind in die gedrag van die deelnemers in die MT en 3X groepe, in die besonder met betrekking tot volgehoue oplettendheid, angstigheid en impulsiwiteit en/of hiperaktiwiteit. Voorlopige bevindinge dui daarop dat Valeriana officinalis MT en 3X moontlik gebruik kan word in die behandeling van AGHS

A pilot study on the efficacy of Valeriana officinalis mother tincture and Valeriana officinalis 3X in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is an increasingly prevalent behavioural disorder characterised by inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. Valeriana officinalis is a botanical medicine that has been found to be beneficial in the treatment of disorders characterised by restlessness. To date, no research has been conducted on homeopathic preparations of Valeriana officinalis for this condition. The aim of this three-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study was to determine the efficacy of homeopathic Valeriana officinalis mother tincture (MT) and 3X potency on ADHD. Thirty children between the ages of five and 11 years, pre-diagnosed with ADHD, were recruited. Valeriana officinalis MT (n = 10), 3X (n = 10) or placebo (n = 10) were administered orally three times a day for two weeks. Efficacy was assessed by the Barkley and DuPaul teacher rating scale, the children’s checking task and the parent symptom questionnaire scores on day 1 (prior to treatment), at the end of weeks two and three (with treatment), and then after the third week following no treatment. A statistically significant improvement was found in the participants’ behaviour in the MT and 3X groups, with particular reference to sustained attention, anxiety and impulsivity and/or hyperactivity. Preliminary findings suggested that Valeriana officinalis MT and 3X may have applications in the management of ADHD.Aandagsgebrek-hiperaktiwiteitsindroom (AGHS) is toenemend ’n algemene gedragsongesteldheid, wat gekenmerk word deur onoplettendheid, impulsiwiteit en hiperaktiwiteit. Daar is vasgestel dat Valeriana officinalis ’n plantaardige medisyne is wat voordelig kan wees in die behandeling van ongesteldhede wat gekenmerk word deur rusteloosheid. Tot op hede is geen navorsing uitgevoer op die gebruik van homeopatiese preparate van Valeriana officinalis vir hierdie ongesteldheid nie. Die doel van hierdie drieweeklange, dubbelblinde, troosmedisyne-gekontroleerde loodsstudie was om die effektiwiteit van homeopatiese Valeriana officinalis Moertinktuur (MT) en 3X sterkte vir die behandeling van AGHS te bepaal. Dertig kinders tussen die ouderdomme van 5 en 11 jaar, wat vantevore gediagnoseer is met OGHO, is gewerf. Valeriana officinalis MT (n = 10), 3X (n = 10) of troosmedisyne (n = 10) is mondeliks drie keer per dag vir twee weke toegedien. Effektiwiteit is gemeet op dag 1 (voor behandeling), aan die einde van weke twee en drie (tydens behandeling), en na die derde week sonder behandeling deur middel van tellings wat behaal is op die Barkley and DuPaul teacher rating scale, die children’s checking task en die parent symptom questionnaire. ’n Statisties beduidende verbetering is gevind in die gedrag van die deelnemers in die MT en 3X groepe, in die besonder met betrekking tot volgehoue oplettendheid, angstigheid en impulsiwiteit en/of hiperaktiwiteit. Voorlopige bevindinge dui daarop dat Valeriana officinalis MT en 3X moontlik gebruik kan word in die behandeling van AGHS

Case studies on the homeopathic treatment of binge eating in adult males

AbstractBackgroundHomeopathy seeks to treat holistically. The role of homeopathy for treating binge eating however remains poorly explored.ObjectiveTo determine the efficacy of individualized homeopathic treatment on binge eating.MethodThis was a nine-week pilot study using a case study design. Individualized homeopathic remedies were prescribed to each participant for six weeks and case analysis evaluated changes over time.ResultsAll participants reported a decrease in the severity and frequency of binging behaviour; concurrent improvements in general health were also noted.ConclusionThis pilot study shows the potential benefits of individualized homeopathic treatment in binge eating in males