Complementary and alternative medicine in gastroenterology: The good, the bad, and the ugly

The use of medicinal herbs in gynecological and pregnancy-related disorders by Jordanian women: a review of folkloric practice vs. evidence-based pharmacology

“…Despite its common use as an anti-emetic herbal remedy among pregnant women for pregnancy related health ailments (Westfall 2004;Moussally et al 2009;Holst et al 2011;Kenney et al 2013); peppermint oil does not have the effect on anticipated pregnancy nausea and vomiting (Pasha et al 2012) and did not significantly increase the risk of low birth weight or preterm birth (Moussally & Berard 2010. Prophylactic peppermint gel in breastfeeding women is associated with few nipple cracks and is more effective than lanolin (Melli et al 2007); it has supportive evidence for use in dyspepsia (Koretz & Rotblatt 2004). Peppermint aromatherapy effectiveness on nausea in women post C-section is reported (Lane et al 2012); it reduces the severity of pruritus in pregnant women (Akhavan Amjadi et al 2012); it controls infantile colic via decreasing frequency and duration (Alves et al 2012).…”

Comparative activity of antiemetic drugs

“…Peppermint has supportive evidence for use in patients with dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome and as an intraluminal spasmolytic agent during barium enemas endoscopy [102]. Up to now, there is no published study using peppermint as an adjunctive therapy for patients receiving chemotherapy.…”

The Role of Patients’ Response Expectancies in Side Effect Development and Control

“…12,160 The high rate of CAM use by cancer patients and the lay population is in sharp contrast to the generally reported low opinions of CAM efficacy held by physicians practicing conventional medicine. 161,162 Even though physician referral rates as high as 43% for acupuncture, 40% for massage, and 21% for chiropractic therapy have been reported, 163 in general, most physicians believe that CAM therapies are nothing more than placebo or expectancy effects 124,[164][165][166][167][168][169][170][171] There is still uncertainty as to whether or not treatment effects of CAM are direct or due to nonspecific factors, such as patient belief, expectations, and faith. The most widely targeted CAM modality for the purpose of elucidating a mechanism of action has been acupuncture/acupressure.…”