Over the counter and out of your mind  

Studies done at Yale University revealed that some so-called psychotic patients were actually suffering from a chronic overdose of Benadryl. Many of the "symptoms" of psychosis, such as delirium, speech disorganization, alternating states of consciousness, and poor attention span, are some of the signs of chronic overdose with this sedative that has been popular for over 50 years.

The medication was first introduced as an antihistamine. One reason Benadryl has been popular with physicians and patients alike is because it was believed to have few side effects. It was considered so safe that it became one of the first prescription items to go "over-the-counter" as an antihistamine. Today its function is the same, but it has been specifically noted for use against cold and allergy symptoms. But it does, in fact, have one rather severe side effect: It produces serious drowsiness.

The recent findings are clear: Patients taking Benadryl or Unisom (as it is now marketed) were at a 70 percent increased risk of symptoms of delirium compared to those who were not. Researchers found the patients to be three times more likely to be inattentive, three times more likely to have altered consciousness, and more than five times more likely to show disorganized speech compared with patients not taking diphenhydramine [the generic name of the drug].

If you have a parent or grandparent in a nursing home, be sure to check their medication occasionally, especially if they are acting abnormally. Never take for granted that it is senile dementia or the dreaded Alzheimer's disease without doing some homework regarding their daily "meds."

Inching toward a cancer cure with wormwood

The herb Artemisinin ("arty-MISS-in-in") is extracted from wormwood and has been used by Chinese doctors for centuries to treat various diseases. However, this practice remained largely unknown until 1970 when archeologists rediscovered it. The herb is primarily used today in the treatment of malaria.

However, at June's World Conference on Breast Cancer Dr. Narenda Singh of the University of Washington discussed study testing Artemisinin's effects against breast cancer. Results showed that the herb killed all breast cancer cells within 16 hours. As if this observation wasn't dramatic enough on its own, researchers also noted that although the cancer cells were killed, Artemisinin largely spared healthy cells.

Artemisinin apparently works the same way that lactoferrin works in breast milk, by binding with iron in cancer cells and bacteria. This kills the foreign cells by giving them an iron-deficiency anemia. The malaria parasite requires a lot of iron for good health, as do cancer cells, which is why Artemisinin appears to be so effective for both conditions.

Remember, these studies are not even at the clinical trail stage (most of the work so far has been done in vitro) so Artemisinin is difficult to obtain. I will watch for further developments and continue to keep you informed.