Herbs at a Glance

Dietary supplements

Dietary supplements (Photo credit: Andrei Z)

 

Excerpted from the National Center for Complementary &Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) Publication Herbs at a glance: A quick guide to herbal substances, 2010.

In the United States, nearly 1 in 5 adults—or over 38 million people—reported using a natural product, such as herbs, for health purposes in a 2007 survey. Among the top 10 natural products used were several botanicals covered in this booklet: echinacea, flaxseed, ginseng, ginkgo, and garlic.

People have used herbs as medicine since ancient times. For example, aloe vera’s use can be traced back to early Egypt, where the plant was depicted on stone carvings. Known as the “plant of immortality,” it was presented as a burial gift to deceased pharaohs. Lavender, native to the Mediterranean region, was used in ancient Egypt as part of the process for mummifying bodies. Chasteberry, the fruit of the chaste tree, has long been used by women to ease menstrual problems and to stimulate the production of breast milk. Cat’s claw, which grows wild in Central and South America, especially in the Amazon rainforest, has been used for centuries to prevent and treat disease. Hoodia, a flowering, cactus-like plant native to the Kalahari Desert in southern Africa, has been used by the Kalahari Bushmen to reduce hunger and thirst during long hunts.

Herbs still play a part in the health practices of many countries and cultures. Ayurvedic medicine, which originated in India, uses herbs, plants, oils, common spices(such as ginger and turmeric), and other naturally occurring substances. Traditional Chinese medicine uses herbs such as astragalus, bitter orange, and ginkgo for various health conditions. Herbs are also an important part of Native American healing traditions. Dandelion and goldenseal are examples of herbs used by Native Americans for different health conditions.

NCCAM’s Research on Herbs

While millions of Americans use herbal supplements, much remains to be learned about their safety and effectiveness. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) at the National Institutes of Health is the Federal Government’s lead agency for studying all types of complementary and alternative medicine, including herbal supplements. This research covers a wide range of studies—from laboratory-based research studying how herbs might affect the body, to large clinical trials testing their use in people, such as studying ginkgo’s effects on memory in older adults, or whether St. John’s wort may help people with minor depression. Exploring how and why botanicals act in the body is an important step in evaluating their safety and effectiveness.

A word about safety

Although herbs have been used for thousands of years as natural medicines, natural does not always mean safe. Herbs can act in your body in ways similar to prescription drugs, and herbs may have side effects. They may also affect how your body responds to prescription drugs or over-the-counter medicines you take—possibly decreasing or increasing their effects.

How are herbal supplements regulated?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates herbal and other dietary supplements differently from conventional medicines. The standards of safety and effectiveness that prescription and over-the-counter medicines have to meet before they are marketed do not apply to supplements. The standards for supplements are found in the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA), a Federal law that defines dietary supplements and sets product-labeling standards and health claim limits. To learn more about DSHEA, visit the FDA Web site at www.fda.gov/RegulatoryInformation/Legislation/ .

Use Caution

If you are considering or using an herbal supplement, think about these points:

• Some herbal supplements are known to interact with medicines (both prescription and over-the-counter). For example, St. John’s wort can interact with birth control pills.

• Research has shown that what’s listed on the label of an herbal supplement may not be what’s in the bottle. You may be getting less—or more—of an ingredient than the label indicates, even if it uses the word “standardized” or “certified.” Many factors, including manufacturing and storage methods, can affect the contents of an herbal product.

• Some herbal supplements have been found to be contaminated with metals, unlabeled prescription drugs, microorganisms, or other substances.

• If you use herbal supplements, it is best to do so under the guidance of a medical professional who has been properly trained in herbal medicine. This is especially important for herbs that are part of a whole medical system, such as traditional Chinese medicine or Ayurvedic medicine.

• Women who are pregnant or nursing should be especially cautious about using herbal supplements. This caution also applies to giving children herbal supplements.

Talk to Your Health Care Providers

Be an informed consumer. Tell all of your health care providers about any herbs or supplements you are using or considering. Your health care providers need a full picture of everything you do to manage your health, including all complementary and alternative medicine practices. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care. It is especially important if you are taking any prescription or over-the-counter medications that could interact with an herbal supplement.

If you would like the full text of this publication, it is in the public domain and available at no cost at http://nccam.nih.gov/health/herbsataglance.htm

If you would like to read this entire booklet and receive one hour of continuing education credit, visit Professional Development Resources at https://pdresources.org/course/index/1/1097/Alternative-Therapies-Herbs-I-What-Every-Clinician-Should-Know

 

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Acupuncture – An Introduction

New 1-Hour Online CE Course

Acupuncture – An Introduction

CE Credit: 1 Hours (0.1 CEUs)
Target Audience: Psychologists, Counselors, Social Workers, MFTs, OTs, RDs
Learning Level: Introductory

Course Abstract:

This course is divided into two parts. Part I – “Introduction to Acupuncture” – provides an overview of acupuncture

Acupuncture – An Introduction

Click to view course details

as presented by a fact sheet from NCCAM and includes a number of video clips illustrating its use. Acupuncture is among the oldest healing practices in the world. As part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), acupuncture aims to restore and maintain health through the stimulation of specific points on the body. In the United States, where practitioners incorporate healing traditions from China, Japan, Korea, and other countries, acupuncture is considered part of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).

Part II – “Acupuncture for Pain” – is also a fact sheet from NCCAM. Physical pain is a common occurrence for many Americans; in fact, a national survey found that more than one-quarter of U.S. adults had recently experienced some sort of pain lasting more than a day. In addition to conventional treatments, such as over-the-counter and prescription medications, people may try acupuncture in an effort to relieve pain. This fact sheet provides basic information about pain and acupuncture, summarizes scientific research on acupuncture for specific kinds of pain, and suggests sources for additional information. It also includes a video clip.

Course #10-47 | 2011 | 16 pages | 10 posttest questions

Learning Objectives:

  1. Describe the fundamental procedure that is involved in acupuncture
  2. Identify the concepts of “balanced” and “unbalanced” states in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)
  3. List cautions to observe when seeking a qualified acupuncture practitioner
  4. Identify conditions for which there is scientific evidence of the efficacy of acupuncture
  5. List complications that can occur as a consequence of improper delivery of acupuncture treatments

About the Author(s):

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) is the Federal Government’s lead agency for scientific research on the diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not generally considered part of conventional medicine. http://nccam.nih.gov/

Accreditation Statement:

Professional Development Resources is recognized as a provider of continuing education by the following:
AOTA: American Occupational Therapy Association (#3159)
APA: American Psychological Association
ASWB: Association of Social Work Boards (#1046)
CDR: Commission on Dietetic Registration (#PR001)
NBCC: National Board for Certified Counselors (#5590)
NAADAC: National Association of Alcohol & Drug Abuse Counselors (#00279)
California: Board of Behavioral Sciences (#PCE1625)
Florida: Boards of SW, MFT & MHC (#BAP346); Psychology & School Psychology (#50-1635); Dietetics & Nutrition (#50-1635); Occupational Therapy Practice (#34). PDResources is CE Broker compliant.
Illinois: DPR for Social Work (#159-00531)
Ohio: Counselor, Social Worker & MFT Board (#RCST100501)
South Carolina: Board of Professional Counselors & MFTs (#193)
Texas: Board of Examiners of Marriage & Family Therapists (#114) & State Board of Social Worker Examiners (#5678)

New CE Courses Address Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)

new CE courses address complementary and alternative medicine

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We (Professional Development Resources) have expanded our course catalog to include a variety of new continuing education (CE) courses dealing with various aspects of complementary and alternative medicine. New topics include mindfulness meditation, yoga as medicine, self-healing through breathing exercises, and the use of herbal medicines. The courses are intended to introduce health professionals to the healing power of traditional approaches to health and wellness.

According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCAAM), defining complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is not easy. It is generally considered to be a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not generally considered part of conventional medicine. “Complementary medicine” refers to use of CAM together with conventional medicine, such as using acupuncture in addition to usual care to help lessen pain. “Alternative medicine” refers to use of CAM in place of conventional medicine. “Integrative medicine” (also called integrated medicine) refers to a practice that combines both conventional and CAM treatments for which there is evidence of safety and effectiveness.

“We think it is important for clinicians to be familiar with these approaches for two reasons,” says Leo Christie, PhD, CEO of Professional Development Resources. “First, many of the clients we see are using such treatments, so we need to know about them. A recent survey indicated that about 38% of adult Americans use CAM. Are the treatments safe? Do they work? We need to worry about interactions between certain herbal supplements and prescription medications. Second, researchers are starting to produce a body of scientific evidence on the efficacy of complementary and alternative approaches. As new and effective treatments become available, we need to be in a position to discuss them with our clients.”

Among the new courses offered are:

Christie adds “we emphasize in our courses that – as with any medical treatment – there can be risks with CAM therapies.” These general precautions from NCAAM can help to minimize risks:

  • Select CAM practitioners with care. Find out about the practitioner’s training and experience.
  • Be aware that some dietary supplements may interact with medications or other supplements, may have side effects of their own, or may contain potentially harmful ingredients not listed on the label. Also keep in mind that most supplements have not been tested in pregnant women, nursing mothers, or children.
  • Tell all your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use.
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Alternative Therapies: Herbs I (What Every Clinician Should Know)

Alternative Therapies: Herbs I (What Every Clinician Should Know)

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This new CE course provides a very brief introduction to the use of herbal remedies, based on a publication from the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Herbs at a Glance – A Quick Guide to Herbal Supplements (2010, 55 pages). In this course, clinicians will learn about the historical use of herbal medicine, the beneficial effects and potential dangers of commonly used herbs, and the scientific evidence for their effectiveness. Completion of this course does not provide sufficient education for prescribing herbs professionally; however, any clinician may provide self-help and educational materials to clients. Course #10-43 | 7 posttest questions

This is a web-based course requiring an internet connection to access the online reading materials. Course instructions provide a direct link to the public-access online document.
1 hour CE for only $9!

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify the historical use of herbal medicine
2. Describe the regulation of herbal supplements in the United States
3. List cautions associated with the use of herbs, including interactions with medicines

4. Identify over 40 commonly used herbs and their uses

About the Author(s):

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, Maryland 20892. http://nccam.nih.gov/

Accreditation Statement:

Professional Development Resources is recognized as a provider of continuing education by the following:
AOTA: American Occupational Therapy Association (#3159)
APA: American Psychological Association
ASWB: Association of Social Work Boards (#1046)
CDR: Commission on Dietetic Registration (#PR001)
NBCC: National Board for Certified Counselors (#5590)
NAADAC: National Association of Alcohol & Drug Abuse Counselors (#00279)
California: Board of Behavioral Sciences (#PCE1625)
Florida: Boards of SW, MFT & MHC (#BAP346); Psychology & School Psychology (#50-1635); Dietetics & Nutrition (#50-1635); Occupational Therapy Practice (#34). PDResources is CE Broker compliant.
Illinois: DPR for Social Work (#159-00531)
Ohio: Counselor, Social Worker & MFT Board (#RCST100501)
South Carolina: Board of Professional Counselors & MFTs (#193)
Texas: Board of Examiners of Marriage & Family Therapists (#114) & State Board of Social Worker Examiners (#5678)
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What Do You Know About CAM?

complementary and alternative medicine Alternative medicine can mean any healing practice that is not covered by conventional medicine. The most common are naturopathy, chiropractic, herbalism, traditional Chinese medicine, meditation, yoga, biofeedback, hypnosis, homeopathy, acupuncture, Unai and Ayurveda.

The popularity of complementary and alternative medicine (known as CAM in medical circles) varies from country to country and from culture to culture. In Western countries, it is often used as a complimentary medicine in conjunction with or to complement conventional medical treatments and can be classified into five major groups: whole medical systems (including traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda); mind-body medicine; biologically based practices; manipulative and body based practices (including chiropractic and osteopathic manipulation); and bioelectromagnetic based therapies.

According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), many Americans use CAM in pursuit of health and well-being. The 2007 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), which included a comprehensive survey of CAM use by Americans, showed that approximately 38 percent of adults use CAM.

Defining CAM is difficult, because the field is very broad and constantly changing. NCCAM defines CAM as a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not generally considered part of conventional medicine. Conventional medicine (also called Western or allopathic medicine) is medicine as practiced by holders of M.D. (medical doctor) and D.O. (doctor of osteopathy) degrees and by allied health professionals, such as physical therapists, psychologists, and registered nurses. The boundaries between CAM and conventional medicine are not absolute, and specific CAM practices may, over time, become widely accepted.

“Complementary medicine” refers to use of CAM together with conventional medicine, such as using acupuncture in addition to usual care to help lessen pain. Most use of CAM by Americans is complementary. “Alternative medicine” refers to use of CAM in place of conventional medicine. “Integrative medicine” (also called integrated medicine) refers to a practice that combines both conventional and CAM treatments for which there is evidence of safety and effectiveness.

Steven Novella writes in his blog post CAM in Medical Schools on the Science-Based Medicine blog, “When we look a little closer at the numbers we find that the vast majority of so-called CAM use in the US is either massage (16%), chiropractic or osteopathic manipulation (21.9%), and yoga (9.5%). (There is overlap in use so you can’t simply add these percentages, but the vast majority of the mythical “40%” figure comes from these categories.) So some form of exercise, stretching, or muscle manipulation accounts for the vast majority of CAM use. Throw in some other modalities that are not really CAM, like relaxation and nutrition (since when has the science of nutrition been alternative to science) and that accounts for even more. The difference between the scientific approach and the typical CAM approach is that science is based in reality. It slowly builds a knowledge base that is internally consistent. Whereas most CAM modalities are philosophy-based – they are based on pre-scientific superstitious notions of health and illness that have not been subjected to any kind of systematic study, or that have been left behind by scientific advance (such as the notion of life energy). These philosophies are often mutually exclusive, which doesn’t seem to bother the “big tent” CAM movement. In the end, the alleged underlying “imbalances” sought for by CAM practitioners are illusory and not based in reality. That doesn’t stop them from being smug in their dismissal of scientific medicine.”

Despite the arguments for or against complementary, alternative, or even integrative medicine, the fact remains that healthcare consumers want to know their options. If they read on the internet about an alternative ‘cure’ for their son’s Autism, they’ll (hopefully) ask their healthcare provider for more information. For this reason alone, healthcare providers need to educate themselves so they can, in turn, educate their patients.

Professional Development Resources offers two continuing education courses for healthcare professionals that address various CAM modalities. Both courses are based on a series of live lectures given by NCCAM experts and are transcribed verbatim.

CAM Part 1: Overview & Dietary Supplements is a 3-hour CE course that is comprised of the first two lectures in the NCCAM series. The first half of the course is presented by Stephen E. Straus, MD, Director at the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine of the National Institutes of Health and is an overview of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), including biologically-based systems, mind-body medicine, manipulative and body-based approaches, alternative medical systems, and energy therapies. The second half is presented by Paul M. Coates, PhD, Director of the Office of Dietary Supplements of the National Institutes of Health and addresses herbs and other dietary supplements, including an overview of dietary supplements, research on their efficacy and safety, research highlights, and sources of information. Course #30-22 | 2006 | 31 pages | 24 posttest questions

CAM Part 2: Mind-Body Medicine & Acupuncture is a 3-hour CE course comprised of the third and fourth lectures in the NCCAM series. David Spiegel, MD, Professor and Associate Chair of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University School of Medicine, reviews the relationship between stress, stressful situations, including medical illness, and altered mental states. Richard Hammerschlag, PhD, President of the Society for Acupuncture Research then addresses acupuncture, its history, what it is, what it does, and whether it works. Course #30-23 | 2006 | 35 pages | 20 posttest questions

Professional Development Resources is recognized as a provider of continuing education by the following:

AOTA: American Occupational Therapy Association (#3159)
APA: American Psychological Association
ASWB: Association of Social Work Boards (#1046)
CDR: Commission on Dietetic Registration (#PR001)
NBCC: National Board for Certified Counselors (#5590)
NAADAC: National Association of Alcohol & Drug Abuse Counselors (#00279)
California: Board of Behavioral Sciences (#PCE1625)
Florida: Boards of SW, MFT & MHC (#BAP346); Psychology & School Psychology (#50-1635); Dietetics & Nutrition (#50-1635); Occupational Therapy Practice (#34). PDResources is CE Broker compliant.
Illinois: DPR for Social Work (#159-00531)
South Carolina: Board of Professional Counselors & MFTs (#193)
Texas: Board of Examiners of Marriage & Family Therapists (#114) & State Board of Social Worker Examiners (#5678)

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