"Alternative Medicine" - Natural Health Care? - Reform?
Non-commercial, purely-educational facts you need for freedom of informed CHOICE -- not merely informed CONSENT.

Note -- If you're FOR one choice and against another, just remember: It may be FOR you, but it isn't FOR everybody; so don't "make a religion of it" (or a "crusade" or an "inquisition", either) by ASSUMING we all need the same things and have the same personal values. WE DON'T! Grant everyone else the same freedom of choice you cherish.
- Free E-Book - Continued -

The Truth About "Natural" Healing
-- Ten Things You Should Know

4. Is It Scientific?

Depends on what you consider "scientific". In common usage, the word has become rather ambiguous, while "UNscientific" is almost as meaningless as the non-German world of the 1930's and 40's calling anyone they didn't like a "Nazi". A decade later, in the "Western bloc" it was "Communist", while the exact ideological counterpart living behind the "Iron Curtain" might be labeled a "Western Capitalist spy". Pure hype??

True science, on the other hand, is FULL of meaning. Fascinating, beneficial, useful meaning. It surely isn't the only "light of the world", as some may be inclined to believe; but, exercised properly, (Writer/Astronomer Carl Sagan used to insist that science is more a METHOD of THINKING or WAY of LEARNING than a body of knowledge. Hence the expression "properly exercised") it can dispel much darkness of ignorance. Ignorance, not as ANOTHER derogatory label, understand, but simply a lack of knowledge about something. The kind of knowledge and understanding DEFICIENCY that can breed not only superstition and fear, but prejudice and even hatred. See how valuable truth is? We'll surely never have it all; but learning is what makes life interesting, while ASSUMING we know so much we can reject other possibilities "out of hand" is the height of arrogance. (AND the most insidiously willful ignorance)

Actually, the "uncientific" charge leveled against "natural" healing originated with those in the BEST position to KNOW BETTER saying or inferring that there are no positive or favorable "scientific" studies of any non-medical therapies; which was then repeated so many times by so many "information sources" that it has come to be considered "common knowledge" (IMPLYING "established fact", WHICH IT IS NOT!).

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IRONICALLY the U.S. Government "Office of Technology Assessment" on request of the Senate Committee on Human Resources "to examine ... current MEDICAL practices" reported on page 18 of their September, 1978 document " Assessing the Efficacy and Safety of Medical Technologies" (NTIS order #PB-286929; Library of Congress Catalog Card Number 78-600117):

"It has been estimated that ONLY 10 TO 20 PERCENT of all procedures currently used IN MEDICAL PRACTICE have been SHOWN to be efficacious BY CONTROLLED TRIAL."
(All-caps added by editor for emphasis)
NOW WHOSE THERAPIES are "unscientific", while their advocates CLAIM such inadequacy for "natural" health and healing? ---MORE HYPE!!

( For a copy of the complete report from U S Goverment Printing Office in PDF format, CLICK (or touch) HERE )
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"There's really very little, if any, absolute proof of anything. There's only evidence. It's proof only to those who accept the evidence."
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"Real" Science?

McDonald Observatory; Eric S. Kounce

Is "Real" Science ALWAYS High Tech?

Environmental Study "Down on the Bayou" (definitely in the "real world" ---probably NOT a place for white lab coats :)
USDA Photo by Scott Bauer
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You are reading --- The Truth About "Natural" Healing --- Ten Things You Should Know

Copyright 2007 Low Tech Concepts

[Click (Or Touch) Any Picture For It's OWN Story]

1. What IS It --- REALLY? --- Scientific "Alternative Medicine"? OR Psychosomatic Occult Superstition?

2. The Issues --- Widespread Claims & Misconceptions

3. Is It Safe?

THEREFORE ---- Low Tech Concepts hereby "presents for your viewing pleasure" the following minuscule sample of what one CAN turn up in only ONE SHORT EVENING'S research in MEDICAL journals (cited by folks like American Cancer Society, Cedars-Sinai Health System, U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health & Human Services), IF ONE REALLY WANTS TO:

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(One glance and you'll probably decide instantly you'd really rather not sift through all this, and that's OK for now. Just scan down the list quickly and look for two things: [1] "double blind" --- the "gold standard" scientific method in which neither field-researchers nor participants know who's getting the real therapy or a placebo; and [2] a generic, non-drug, UNPATENTABLE substance or therapy ---vitamin, mineral, plant, enzyme, etc. (meaning no "big bucks" in it --- the most likely reason these studies are not as widely publicized but you have to "dig" for them.)
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Tassman G, Zafran J, Zayon G. A double-blind crossover study of a plant proteolytic enzyme in oral surgery. J Dent Med 1965;20:51-4.

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The most well known and probably most used plant proteolytic enzymes are papain from papaya (a close "cousin" is found in kiwi and a few other fruits) and bromelain from pineapple and it's "cousins".
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Vaxman F, Olender S, Lambert A, et al. Effect of pantothenic acid and ascorbic acid supplementation on human skin wound healing process. A double-blind, prospective and randomized trial. Eur Surg Res 1995;27:158-66.



KEEP SCROLLING ON DOWN ---

--- COMMENTARY CONTINUES AFTER LIST

"Show Time!"
ENLARGE / CREDITS
Chinese theater, Indonesia. Frank Wouters, Antwerp, Belgium

Papaya "Melon"
ENLARGE / CREDITS
By Sakurai Midori

Carica papaya blossoms & young fruit, Franz Xaver
ENLARGE / CREDITS

Glowania HJ, RAulin C, Swoboda M. Effect of chamomile on wound healing-a clinical double-blind study. Z Hautkr 1987;62:162-71 [in German].

Glowania HJ, Raulin C, Swoboda M. The effect of chamomile on wound healing - a controlled, clinical, experimental double-blind trial. Z Hautkr 1987;62:1262-71.

Tassman GC, Zafran JN, Zayon GM. A double-blind crossover study of a plant proteolytic enzyme in oral surgery. J Dent Med 1965;20(2):51-54.

Chamomile in bloom, Rob Hille

Taub SJ. The use of bromelains in sinusitis: a double-blind clinical evaluation. Eye Ear Nose Throat Mon. 1967;46(3):361.

Weiss S, Scherrer M. [Crossed double-blind trial of potassium iodide and bromelain (Traumanase) in chronic bronchitis]. Schweiz.Rundsch.Med Prax. 10-24-1972;61(43):1331-1333.

Cowie DH, Fairweather DV, Newell DJ. A double-blind trial of bromelains as an adjunct to vaginal plastic repair operations. J Obstet Gynaecol Br Commonw. 1970;77(4):365-368.

Ginger in Bloom, Kauai, Hawaii; Tom Burke
ENLARGE / CREDITS

Balakrishnan V, Hareendran A, Nair CS. Double-blind cross-over trial of an enzyme preparation in pancreatic steatorrhoea. J Assoc Physicians India 1981;29(3):207-209.

Howat RC, Lewis GD. The effect of bromelain therapy on episiotomy wounds--a double blind controlled clinical trial. J Obstet.Gynaecol.Br.Commonw. 1972;79(10):951-953.

Mori S, Ojima Y, Hirose T, et al. The clinical effect of proteolytic enzyme containing bromelain and trypsin on urinary tract infection evaluated by double blind method. Acta Obstet.Gynaecol.Jpn. 1972;19(3):147-153.

Arnica Montana, Switzerland; Barbara Studer
ENLARGE / CREDITS

Ryan RE. A double-blind clinical evaluation of bromelains in the treatment of acute sinusitis. Headache 1967;7(1):13-17.

Baumuller M. Therapy of ankle joint distortions with hydrolytic enzymes-results from a double blind clinical trial. In Hermans GPH, Mosterd WL, eds. Sports, Medicine and Health. Amsterdam: Excerpta Medica, 1990, 1137.

Predel HG, Giannetti B, Koll R, et al. Efficacy of a comfrey root extract ointment in comparison to a diclofenac gel in the treatment of ankle distortions: results of an observer-blind, randomized, multicenter study. Phytomedicine 2005;12:707-14.

Comfrey, Poland; By Nova
ENLARGE / CREDITS

Hawthorn effective against heart failure: double-blind study Tauchert M. Efficacy and safety of crataegus extract WS 1442 in comparison with placebo in patients with chronic stable New York Heart Association class-III heart failure. Am Heart J 2002;143:910-915.

Peikert A, Wilimzig C, Kohne-Volland R. Prophylaxis of migraine with oral magnesium: results from a prospective, multi- center, placebo-controlled and double-blind randomized study. Cephalalgia. 1996;16(4):257-263. (PubMed)

Pfaffenrath V, Wessely P, Meyer C, et al. Magnesium in the prophylaxis of migraine--a double-blind placebo-controlled study. Cephalalgia. 1996;16(6):436-440. (PubMed)

Mossad SB, Macknin ML, Medendorp SV, Mason P. Zinc gluconate lozenges for treating the common cold. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Ann Intern Med. 1996;125:81-88.

Ben-Arye E, Goldin E, Wengrower D, Stamper A, Kohn R, Berry E. Wheat grass juice in the treatment of active distal ulcerative colitis: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Scand J Gastroenterol 2002; 37: 444-449.

Brand C, Snaddon J, Bailey M, et al. Vitamin E is ineffective for symptomatic relief of knee osteoarthritis: a six month double blind, randomised, placebo controlled study. Ann Rheum Dis 2001;60(10):946-949.

London RS, Sundaram G, Manimekalai S, et al. The effect of alpha- tocopherol on premenstrual symptomatology: a double-blind study. II. Endocrine correlates. J Am Coll Nutr 1984;3(4):351-356.

Hawthorn Berries
ENLARGE / CREDITS
The Tree (Dormant)
ENLARGE / CREDITS
Hawthorn Blossoms
ENLARGE / CREDITS
By Sannse

Ogunmekan AO, Hwang PA. A randomized, double-blind, placebo- controlled, clinical trial of D-alpha-tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E), as add-on therapy, for epilepsy in children. Epilepsia 1989;30(1):84-89.

Shriqui CL, Bradwejn J, Annable L, et al. Vitamin E in the treatment of tardive dyskinesia: a double-blind placebo-controlled study. Am J Psychiatry 1992;149(3):391-393.

Vetrugno M, Maino A, Cardia G, et al. A randomised, double masked, clinical trial of high dose vitamin A and vitamin E supplementation after photorefractive keratectomy. Br J Ophthalmol 2001;85(5):537-539.

ENLARGE / CREDITS
Echinacea purpurea, Purple Coneflower, Jacob Rus

Wluka AE, Stuckey S, Brand C, et al. Supplementary vitamin E does not affect the loss of cartilage volume in knee osteoarthritis: a 2 year double blind randomized placebo controlled study. J Rheumatol 2002;29(12):2585-2591.

Lind L, Wengle B, Wide L, et al. Reduction of blood pressure during long-term treatment with active vitamin D (alphacalcidol) is dependent on plasma renin activity and calcium status. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Am J Hypertens 1989;2(1):20-25.

Schleithoff SS, Zittermann A, Tenderich G, et al. Vitamin D supplementation improves cytokine profiles in patients with congestive heart failure: a double-blind, randomized, placebo- controlled trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 2006 Apr;83(4):754-9.

Trivedi DP, Doll R, Khaw KT. Effect of four monthly oral vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) supplementation on fractures and mortality in men and women living in the community: randomised double blind controlled trial. BMJ 2003;326(7387):469.

ENLARGE / CREDITS
Red Clover, Highwoods Country Park, Colchester, Essex, England. Photo by Sannse



PLEASE NOTE !!!

This list BY ITSELF is NOT INTENDED to prove ANY SUBSTANCE OR THERAPY is EFFECTIVE in treating ANY HEALTH PROBLEM

***** OR IS EVEN SAFE! *****

It's here merely to illustrate how utterly groundless the "uncientific" excuse really is. Probably the main reason this type of allegation has been so effective at suppressing alternative non-medical therapies (and many other rational efforts at true scientific and cultural progress) is because most of us seem a bit overawed by the opinions of professionals. They're the "authorities" on the subject whom we're not supposed to QUESTION ---- which would not really be REJECTION but rather the ADVANCEMENT of science.

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History indicates the feudal lords of the "Dark Ages" (1) kept the peasants in subjection by keeping them ignorant. Now we voluntarily do it to ourselves! --- Old habit?
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We must remember that scientists are only human. Not a shocking revelation? Consider the implications: Unlike the noble scientific ideal of completely impartial observation and reasoning, there is no human WITHOUT SOME personal bias and preconceived notions. Scientists, like the rest of us, often see what they already believe and, not looking for the unexpected, surely miss many astounding discoveries.

"The character or beliefs of the scientist are irrelevant. ... Arguments from authority simply do not count; too many authorities have been mistaken too often." ----Carl Sagan, "Sense and Nonsense at the Edge of Science"

Scientists also have to make a living like the rest of us. So sometimes they feel presured to find what they know those funding their research would like them to find or "prove". Add to this their professional and emotional need to be accepted by their peers ---who also as humans hate having THEIR beliefs challenged by new ideas--- and surely you see the potential. This doesn't make science useless; it has taught us much. It simply shows why it is not infallible and why we all need to think and reason and participate in the learning process instead of allowing ourselves to be helplessly intimidated and dominated by supposed "experts".

So far we've touched on "the good" and "the bad";
now we get to "the ugly" part:

"Is It Legal?"

[ Please Click Here To Continue ]

4. Is It Scientific?
( THE PAGE YOU ARE NOW READING.)
5. Is It Legal?
6. What's the REAL Problem?
7. Is It Enough? --- Growing Up REALLY Drug Free --- A True Story

a BIT overawed?
ENLARGE / CREDITS
"Osteographia" (Human Skeleton), William Cheselden, 1688-1752.
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<---(1) Yes, "Middle Ages" is now considered "politically correct", but some of us still think the historians got it right the first time AND that in many ways the description even fits our modern "Age of Enlightenment".
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See? Real People!
ENLARGE / CREDITS
Laboratory Research - USDA Photo
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More From Carl Sagan?
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8. Is It For YOU?
9. How Does It Work? --- Unconventional Concepts of Illness & Health You May or May Not Have Considered
10. How You Can Learn More

Appendix --- Other Observations and Questions You May or May Not Have Wondered About

Appendix 2 --- A Natural-Healing Perspective on Coronavirus and others that are blamed for various illnesses

Living Wills, Advance Medical Directives, and Serious Considerations

PLEASE NOTE!

NOTHING in these pages is intended to diagnose, treat or cure ANY illness or disease; nor to prescribe, endorse, OR EVEN RECOMMEND any substance, therapy or other health care choice. All material is provided as INFORMATION ONLY for the exclusive use of persons wishing to take greater PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY for their body and health or those desiring to defend the reasonableness of doing so.

This work is privately funded, purely educational, non- commercial, non-political, non-religious, and strives to be as neutral and non-partisan in every other way as presenting facts and correcting error can possibly be. While based on sources believed by the editor to be reliable, all statements not directly quoted from and referenced to other sources should be considered merely one person's unorthodox opinion.

Thanks for visiting the
Truly-Natural Health Information Center
provided as a "community service"
by
Low Tech Concepts.

Brief comments, questions and other observations - including constructive criticism - are welcome HERE . ( It's private, low-tech and non-commercial like the rest of these pages.)