London – He’s known as one of alternative medicine’s fiercest critics, devoting decades to debunking what he calls “quack medicine”.
In his new book, A Scientist In Wonderland: A Memoir Of Searching For Truth And Finding Trouble, no one in alternative medicine is safe from Professor Edzard Ernst’s firing line.
He claims chiropractors and osteopaths fill people’s heads with bogus claims about the benefits of spinal manipulation. And he says homeopathy is at best useless and at worst life-threatening.
But there are some alternative treatments that Ernst, the world’s first professor of complementary medicine, says do get results.
“Many treatments are useless and a few do more good than harm,” he says. “It is essential you consult your doctor before trying anything new, but the scientific evidence is there to show these treatments do work.”
Here, Ernst offers his definitive list of 10 complementary treatments proven to work on common conditions, backed by sound medical evidence.
Cut cholesterol
Condition: High cholesterol.
Treatment: Soy protein.
Studies have found soy can make small reductions in low-density lipoprotein or “bad” cholesterol levels by stimulating the liver to break down cholesterol.
Ernst says: “Lots of products are available, such as soy capsules, soya milk and tofu. You can make small reductions with soy, but conventional medicines such as statins are the only way to make a significant difference.”
Relaxation
Condition: Anxiety.
Treatment: Music therapy.
Ernst says there’s evidence that music therapy, whether playing an instrument or simply listening to music, can help to reduce anxiety.
Studies have shown soothing music can have a positive effect on heart rate and benefit patients by reducing anxiety related to brain injury and cancer.
Soothe swollen legs
Condition: Chronic venous insufficiency.
Treatment: Horse chestnut
Chronic venous insufficiency occurs when poor blood flow in the veins interferes with the way the skin exchanges oxygen, nutrients and waste products with the blood. It can cause swelling, tightness, heavy legs and pain with walking.
Horse chestnut contains the inflammation-reducing chemical aescin. A study of 240 people over three months found it was as effective as compression stockings – a standard treatment – at reducing swelling.
Ernst says: “Horse chestnut helps to improve capillary flow and vascular tone by contracting the tiny muscles behind the veins so that they do not dilate.”
Banish back pain
Condition: Backache.
Treatment: Yoga and massage.
There’s evidence that yoga is an effective treatment for chronic or recurrent lower back pain.
A UK study of 313 chronic back pain patients on a 12-week yoga programme designed to boost mobility, strength and posture and reduce pain showed improvements.
Soft-tissue massage can be effective in easing chronic lower back pain in the short term.
Ernst says: “Clinical trials show both the postural exercises in yoga and massage will help with back pain, but it needs to be done in conjunction with conventional medicine.’
Lower blood pressure
Condition: High blood pressure.
Treatment: Co-enzyme Q10.
This is a compound found in every cell and symptoms of deficiency include heart failure, high blood pressure and chest pain. Clinical studies have shown that boosting your coenzyme Q10 levels with supplements lowers blood pressure, but may take up to 12 weeks to have an effect. Professor Ernst says: “The evidence is overwhelmingly positive that it helps lower high blood pressure, but it isn’t as effective as mainstream medication.”
Beat the blues
Condition: Depression.
Treatment: St John’s Wort.
Studies have shown it is beneficial in the treatment of mild-to-moderate depressive illness in adults. Hypericin and hyperforin, chemicals found in the plant, have been shown to help regulate mood.
St John’s Wort is available as tablets and capsules, tea or a tincture. It can interact with other over-the-counter and prescription medicines (so consult your doctor before taking it).
Ernst says: “More than 40 clinical trials show it is effective in the treatment of the condition.”
Protect your prostate
Condition: Enlarged prostate.
Treatment: African plum and saw palmetto.
As men age, the cells of the prostate begin to swell, which increases the prostate’s size. This isn’t usually serious, but can put pressure on your urethra, making going to the bathroom difficult.
Ernst says: “An enlarged prostate can cause incontinence or poor urine flow. Both African plum and saw palmetto contain chemicals that help decrease inflammation in the prostate.”
Help for diabetics
Condition: Type 2 diabetes.
Treatment: Guar gum.
This glue-like substance from the seed of the guar plant contains fibres called glucomannans and galactomannans. “Guar gum can help slow down the amount of sugars absorbed in the stomach and intestines,” says Ernst.
Queasy? Try this
Condition: Nausea.
Treatment: Acupuncture.
A study at Adelaide University of 600 pregnant women found 20 minutes a week of acupuncture – the practice of the inserting fine needles into the skin – focusing on points on the forearm or abdomen reduced nausea.
Ernst says: “One theory is that acupuncture can help stimulate feel-good chemicals in the brain, leading to feelings of nausea subsiding.
“Studies have shown it to be effective for morning sickness, patients undergoing chemotherapy and for post-operative nausea.”
Get a good night’s sleep
Condition: Insomnia.
Treatment: Melatonin.
The hormone helps regulate the wake/sleep cycle by activating chemical receptors in the brain that encourage sleep. Melatonin is also popular with long-haul travellers as a jet lag aid.
It’s available only on prescription, to people over 55.
Daily Mail