Report Analysis: Article on KSWB as an example of inadequate information in journalism

Read the complete article on the KSBW website.

MONTEREY, Calif. — While many are lining up in droves to get the H1N1 vaccine, others are seeking a more natural way to fight the virus. One of these alternatives is using naturopathic medicine, which is based on the belief that the body can heal itself through diet, exercise and lifestyle changes.

“I don’t recommend vaccinations for H1N1,” said Beatrice Levinson, owner of Monterey Bay’s Naturopathy. “My recommendation: the very basics are exercise, diet, water and sleep. I call them the four pillars of health.” Besides a diet full of natural health foods and getting plenty of exercise, naturopaths also recommend certain natural products and supplements to boost the body’s immune system.

This is actually something that pops up quite often whenever the flu is in the news for an extended period of times. It seems that there is already a well established desire to look into preventative measures and treatments outside of the avenues of modern medical practices.

Of particular interest here are two oddities that I felt warranted pointing out:

1. Many of the claims made here are, un-journalistically in my opinion, not citing references or attributing a source. Who says elderberry syrup contains compounds that can fight off viruses?
2. The author has gone so far as to mention silver as being of particular concern as an ingredient in some of the ‘remedies’ that the FDA has somehow confiscated from the internet. It does not mention why this is of particular importance.

It is precisely this lack of precision that breeds misunderstandings and irrationality on the part of the reading public. I’m all for finding a more traditional method for virus prevention, but do articles such as these do more harm then good?

Poll: What is the definition of Naturopathy?

Naturopathy is one of those terms that seems to suffer from a bit of an identity crisis. Depending on the person or textbook, naturopathy can take on many different definitions and interpretations. It can be Holistic, or not. It can be spiritual, or not. It can be plant-based, or not. There seems to be as many answers to the question “what is naturopathy exactly” as there are people asking it.

So perhaps, as with so many things, Naturopathy is, on the grander scale, defined by its definor. I am interested to see what the general inclination of that more personal definition might be. If you have a moment, let me know what your definition is.

Your definition doesn’t fit? Let me know your thoughts in the comments section.

Component of the Moment: Cedar Oil

Lebanon Cedar: historical source of cedar oil

Obtained from the heartwood of cedars, Cedar Oil (aka Cedarwood Oil) is a good all-around worker that smells reminiscent of its potentially wallet-lightening cousin Sandalwood oil.

Many of cedar oil’s benefits reside in its sedating abilities. Cedar oil benefits the skin by relieving itching, and its  astringent action is great for many skin problems including acne, excessive oil, as well as for hair and dandruff. As an added bonus, cedar oil is also known to help with chest and urinary infections, act as a general tonic and has a pronounced effect on mucus membranes.

On the aromatic end, those familiar with cedar’s pencil-like smell will generally agree that cedar oil has a calming and soothing effect on the mind and is of great help in conditions associated with anxiety and nervous tension. It is also of value in cases of arthritis and rheumatism.

Rating for burners: Yes
Rating for baths/massage: Yes
Rating for creams/lotions: Yes
Safe for use during pregnancy: No
Other notes of note: High concentrations applied directly to skin may cause irritation.

For a more in-depth look at this oil, check out http://www.essentialoils.co.za/essential-oils/cedarwood.htm.

NB Community Website – Excellent resource for skin, hair and nail naturopathy knowledge

http://naturalfacialrecipes.homestead.com/

The navigation leaves a great deal to be desired, but you can spend a good chunk of time reading about the varying benefits of carrier oils, essential oils, etc. There’s also a good number of recipes that look reasonable enough as well.

 

Note to flu-phobes: Vitamin D is your friend

With the advent of the dreaded(?) H1N1 virus, Vitamin D is popping up in the news again as a hot-topic flu-fighter (see this article). Ever the sceptic, my first question (after “Really?”) was “How exactly?”

As it turns out, the vitamin in question is purportedly not your average vitamin. It’s a secosteroid (a steroid where one of the bonds has been broken). Most other vitamins aren’t, and so the behaviour is a bit different.

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