Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to L Veal.
The use of complementary therapies in Iceland and Australia is compared in this paper, along with information regarding research into native plants in both countries. Attitudes towards complementary therapists from the medical profession are discussed, and the use of complementary medicine by pregnant women and midwives is given special emphasis.
Complementary therapists take a more holistic view of inferitility treatment than do allopathic health professionals. Lifestyle and nutritional factors may be considered and possibly changed, and psychological and emotional problems such as stress will be treated. Hormonal imbalance in both sexes may be treated with Chinese herbal mixtures such as Hachimijiogan, herbs such as Vitex agnus-castus, or a blend of essential oils designed to treat amenorrhoea or scanty/irregular periods. Herbalists, practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine, aromatherpists, homeopaths and Ayurvedic practitioners all have a range of treatments for infertile people.
The Alaskan lupin, Lupinus nootkatensis, has become a contentious issue in Iceland, where it was introduced earlier this century for the stabilization of soil erosion. Controversy stems from its ability to spread like a weed, especially in areas where there is no grazing. However, the plant also seems to have clear medicinal properties, and may be especially useful in addition to conventional cancer treatment.
In general, complementary health is blossoming in Iceland, although, as in other countries, many people do not realize the full potential of the different therapies in terms of the range of ailments that can be treated. Reflexology and other types of massage are probably the most popular therapies, but there is a general awareness of herbal medicine and the use of vitamin and mineral supplements.
Essential oils of aniseed, cinnamon leaf, red thyme, tea tree, peppermint, nutmeg, rosemary, and pine were tested in vitro against lice, Pediculus humanus. All the oils except for rosemary and pine were found to be effective in the laboratory when applied in an alcoholic solution and followed by a rinse the following morning in an essential oil/vinegar/water mixture. Peppermint and nutmeg were only used as a blend rather than as individual oils. Problems of solubility and toxicity are discussed, as are possible mechanisms of action. Phenols, phenolic ethers, ketones, and oxides (1,8-cineole) appear to be the major toxic components of these essential oils when used on lice. Aldehydes and sesquiterpenes may also play a role.