Robert A. Halberstein

Traditional medical practices and medicinal plant usage on a Bahamian Island

The traditional medical system of a small Bahamian island is explored through a health survey of 83% of the population and an analysis of the activities and materials of the two main native health ‘professionals’ — the healing specialist and the ‘herbalist’. The present findings suggest that the Bimini medical system has historically been efficacious in the treatment and management of many health problems on the island. Part of the success may be attributed to the resourceful utilization of indigenous medicinal plant species, several of which contain chemical substances that may be curatively effective against a number of diseases as claimed. In recent years the island has experienced a relatively smooth process of medical modernization including the increased availability of ‘Westernized’ health care and the gradual supplementation of the herbal remedies by imported patent and prescription medications.

When less is better: a comparison of Bach® flower remedies and homeopathy.

PURPOSE Homeopathy and Bach Flower Remedies (BFRs), historically-related complementary healing modalities classified as prescription/nonprescription drugs and over-the-counter homeopathic nutritional supplements, respectively, are compared with respect to indications, dosage philosophies, associated procedures, reported outcomes, safety profiles, and the possible operation of the placebo effect. METHODS Original data and published research reports, including case studies, retrospective meta-analyses, and double-blind clinical trials are compiled and evaluated for both healing systems. RESULTS Homeopathy and BFR therapy both feature highly diluted natural medicinal substances, flexible dosage schedules tailored to individual patients, and energy-based healing action. They differ with respect to practitioner training and certification, number and types of medicinal source materials, remedy combinations and applications, and potential toxicity or other side-effects. CONCLUSIONS Extensive testing has produced mixed or equivocal results regarding the efficacy of both of these health care systems. While a variety of positive outcomes have been frequently recorded with Homoeopathy and BFR treatments, it is likely that the placebo effect operates to a significant extent in both approaches.

Healing With Bach® Flower Essences: Testing a Complementary Therapy

Bach® Original Flower Essence (BFE) Rescue® Remedy, a modality used since 1930 but not yet thoroughly investigated scientifically, was evaluated for the reduction of acute situational stress. A double-blind clinical trial comparing a standard dosage of BFE Rescue Remedy against a placebo of identical appearance was conducted in a sample of 111 individuals aged 18 to 49, randomized into treatment (n = 53) and control (n = 58) groups. The Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was administered before and after the use of Rescue Remedy or placebo. Downward trends in anxiety level measurements were discovered in both the treatment (Rescue Remedy) and control (placebo) groups. Statistical analyses indicated that only the high-state anxiety treatment subgroup demonstrated a statistically significant difference between pretest and posttest scores. The results suggest that BFE Rescue Remedy may be effective in reducing high levels of situational anxiety.

Botanical Medicines for Diuresis: Cross-Cultural Comparisons

Abstract Throughout history and cross-culturally, healers have employed procedures and medicinal substances to expel toxins, poisons, evil spirits, etc. from a sick patients body. Purging, blood-letting, sweat induction and the use of natural laxatives, expectorants, and diuretics are all prominently featured in traditional medical systems. Diuretic herbs have been frequently prescribed to rid the body of excess fluids through increased urine production, as well as for detoxification and dehydration for such conditions as high blood pressure, kidney infections, obesity, and the edema associated with pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) or traumatic injuries. A survey of 92 medicinal plant shops (“botanicas”) in Miami, Florida discovered 13 botanical species sold specifically for their diuretic effects. An additional 394 species used for this purpose worldwide were catalogued in the literature for a total of 407. These plants contain a number of phytochemical compounds that induce diuresis, including saponin (C 27 H 42 O 3 ) and arbutin (C 12 H 16 O 7 ). Research suggests that saponin ingestion is associated with reduced incidence of kidney stones, and arbutin has an anti-bacterial effect on the urinary tract. Many of the plants contain a number of flavonoids and polyphenols which also may impart therapeutic benefits for the renal system. The two main preparation methods of herbal medicines—decoction and infusion—permit the extraction and concentration of their curative bioactive constituents while simultaneously eliminating or neutralizing toxins, irritants and impurities. The most commonly utilized plant parts to produce traditional diuretic medications are leaves, stems, seeds, roots, berries, barks, saps, resins, pollens, and fruit juices. Many of the plants used as diuretics are also recommended by traditional healers for a variety of other health problems, including high and low blood pressure, dental disorders, and fertility-related applications. Rigorous double-blind/placebo trials are needed to verify the therapeutic value and safety of botanical diuretics.Throughout history and cross-culturally, healers have employed procedures and medicinal substances to expel toxins, poisons, evil spirits, etc. from a sick patients body. Purging, blood-letting, sweat induction and the use of natural laxatives, expectorants, and diuretics are all prominently featured in traditional medical systems. Diuretic herbs have been frequently prescribed to rid the body of excess fluids through increased urine production, as well as for detoxification and dehydration for such conditions as high blood pressure, kidney infections, obesity, and the edema associated with pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) or traumatic injuries. A survey of 92 medicinal plant shops (“botanicas”) in Miami, Florida discovered 13 botanical species sold specifically for their diuretic effects. An additional 394 species used for this purpose worldwide were catalogued in the literature for a total of 407. These plants contain a number of phytochemical compounds that induce diuresis, including saponin (C27H42O3) and arbutin (C12H16O7). Research suggests that saponin ingestion is associated with reduced incidence of kidney stones, and arbutin has an anti-bacterial effect on the urinary tract. Many of the plants contain a number of flavonoids and polyphenols which also may impart therapeutic benefits for the renal system. The two main preparation methods of herbal medicines—decoction and infusion—permit the extraction and concentration of their curative bioactive constituents while simultaneously eliminating or neutralizing toxins, irritants and impurities. The most commonly utilized plant parts to produce traditional diuretic medications are leaves, stems, seeds, roots, berries, barks, saps, resins, pollens, and fruit juices. Many of the plants used as diuretics are also recommended by traditional healers for a variety of other health problems, including high and low blood pressure, dental disorders, and fertility-related applications. Rigorous double-blind/placebo trials are needed to verify the therapeutic value and safety of botanical diuretics.

Chapter 1 – Botanical Medicines for Diuresis: Cross-Cultural Comparisons

Abstract Throughout history and cross-culturally, healers have employed procedures and medicinal substances to expel toxins, poisons, evil spirits, etc. from a sick patients body. Purging, blood-letting, sweat induction and the use of natural laxatives, expectorants, and diuretics are all prominently featured in traditional medical systems. Diuretic herbs have been frequently prescribed to rid the body of excess fluids through increased urine production, as well as for detoxification and dehydration for such conditions as high blood pressure, kidney infections, obesity, and the edema associated with pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) or traumatic injuries. A survey of 92 medicinal plant shops (“botanicas”) in Miami, Florida discovered 13 botanical species sold specifically for their diuretic effects. An additional 394 species used for this purpose worldwide were catalogued in the literature for a total of 407. These plants contain a number of phytochemical compounds that induce diuresis, including saponin (C 27 H 42 O 3 ) and arbutin (C 12 H 16 O 7 ). Research suggests that saponin ingestion is associated with reduced incidence of kidney stones, and arbutin has an anti-bacterial effect on the urinary tract. Many of the plants contain a number of flavonoids and polyphenols which also may impart therapeutic benefits for the renal system. The two main preparation methods of herbal medicines—decoction and infusion—permit the extraction and concentration of their curative bioactive constituents while simultaneously eliminating or neutralizing toxins, irritants and impurities. The most commonly utilized plant parts to produce traditional diuretic medications are leaves, stems, seeds, roots, berries, barks, saps, resins, pollens, and fruit juices. Many of the plants used as diuretics are also recommended by traditional healers for a variety of other health problems, including high and low blood pressure, dental disorders, and fertility-related applications. Rigorous double-blind/placebo trials are needed to verify the therapeutic value and safety of botanical diuretics.Throughout history and cross-culturally, healers have employed procedures and medicinal substances to expel toxins, poisons, evil spirits, etc. from a sick patients body. Purging, blood-letting, sweat induction and the use of natural laxatives, expectorants, and diuretics are all prominently featured in traditional medical systems. Diuretic herbs have been frequently prescribed to rid the body of excess fluids through increased urine production, as well as for detoxification and dehydration for such conditions as high blood pressure, kidney infections, obesity, and the edema associated with pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) or traumatic injuries. A survey of 92 medicinal plant shops (“botanicas”) in Miami, Florida discovered 13 botanical species sold specifically for their diuretic effects. An additional 394 species used for this purpose worldwide were catalogued in the literature for a total of 407. These plants contain a number of phytochemical compounds that induce diuresis, including saponin (C27H42O3) and arbutin (C12H16O7). Research suggests that saponin ingestion is associated with reduced incidence of kidney stones, and arbutin has an anti-bacterial effect on the urinary tract. Many of the plants contain a number of flavonoids and polyphenols which also may impart therapeutic benefits for the renal system. The two main preparation methods of herbal medicines—decoction and infusion—permit the extraction and concentration of their curative bioactive constituents while simultaneously eliminating or neutralizing toxins, irritants and impurities. The most commonly utilized plant parts to produce traditional diuretic medications are leaves, stems, seeds, roots, berries, barks, saps, resins, pollens, and fruit juices. Many of the plants used as diuretics are also recommended by traditional healers for a variety of other health problems, including high and low blood pressure, dental disorders, and fertility-related applications. Rigorous double-blind/placebo trials are needed to verify the therapeutic value and safety of botanical diuretics.

Epidemiological profile of an urban immigrant population

Purpose – The health status and medical care of migrant populations is an increasingly important topic in light of the recent emergence of a number of global epidemics. This paper aims to investigate the prevalence of diseases, injuries, and other health problems in the Caribbean‐American population of Miami, Florida.Design/methodology/approach – A sample of 290 Caribbean‐born permanent adult residents of Miami, representing 17 different Caribbean countries of origin, was interviewed at three health clinics regarding current health problems and treatments. Demographic data were also collected.Findings – In total, 38 percent of the respondents indicated past or current health problems requiring professional medical care, while an additional 7 percent engaged in self‐care. The 62 different reported conditions ranged from lung cancer to ulcers, kidney stones, clinical depression, scoliosis, and diverticulitis. The most frequently stated disorders were hypertension, asthma, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, a...

Changing patterns of health and health care on a small Bahamian island

Abstract As part of a wider epidemiological investigation of a small island in the Bahamas, the present study focuses upon the biocultural, demographic and ecological variables that are shaping the rapidly changing profile of health and disease in this unique community. The administration of a census questionnaire and health survey to 85% of the 1450 island residents and the examination of religious and vital statistics records dating from 1886 have produced extensive anthropological data relevant to a number of important medical and clinical findings. Patterns of population growth and regulation, population structure and movement, fertility, mortality, mate selection and economic activities are all closely related to morbidity and health on the island. The three major health problems discovered on the island—hypertension, hemoglobinopathies and excessive infant mortality—are influenced by a diverse assortment of biosocial factors including economic behaviors, mate selection. sanitation, dietary habits and the usage of local medicinal plants. The gradual availability of improved drinking water supplies and the increased use of contraceptive devices in recent years have likewise contributed to the ongoing epidemiologic transition of the population. The introduction of “orthodox” primary health care in 1970 has also had a wide-ranging and positive impact on the health of the island. “Traditional” and “new” medical systems have effectively interacted in both approach and method. The data reveal a complex and dynamic picture of health and disease affected by multiple biocultural and ecological forces.