Biologically based therapies
Biologically based therapies encompass the use of natural substances, such as herbs, vitamins, minerals, foods, and dietary supplements, aimed at promoting general well-being and treating illnesses. These therapies are often sought after for their holistic approach and the appeal of natural healing, and they can take various forms, including pills, powders, teas, and oils. Scientific backing exists for some therapies, like aromatherapy, which has shown potential benefits in managing stress and aiding recovery from infections, particularly in cancer patients undergoing treatment. However, it’s important to note that not all natural substances are safe; some can interact negatively with prescription medications, leading to unwanted side effects.
While certain products like milk thistle may offer benefits for liver health, others, such as amygdalin found in fruit pits, raise safety concerns due to their toxic byproducts. The use of biologically based therapies should ideally be integrated with conventional medicine to ensure comprehensive care and minimize risks. Moreover, while some natural remedies may help prevent conditions like urinary tract infections or support immune function during cold and flu seasons, many lack robust scientific validation. Therefore, it is essential to consult healthcare providers to assess potential interactions and make informed choices about incorporating these therapies into one’s health regimen.
Subject Terms
Biologically based therapies
DEFINITION: The use of natural substances for general well-being and for the prevention and treatment of illness.
Overview
Wellness and the allure of nature attract people to biologically based therapies, often known as herbs and herbal medicine. Biologically based products include a variety of natural substances, including herbs, vitamins, minerals, foods, and dietary supplements. Formulations include solids, liquids, or gels and are found in pills, powders, tablets, capsules, teas, syrups, and oils.
Clinical trials for prescription medications generate extensive lists of potential side effects. These lists often lead to apprehension about taking prescription medications. Natural substances, often mistakenly viewed as free of harmful side effects, can interact negatively with prescription medications or other natural substances. (Poison ivy, for example, is a natural substance, but most people experience negative skin rashes after contacting poison ivy.)
Uses and Applications
Scientific evidence supports some biologically based therapies, including aromatherapy and milk thistle. Aromatherapies improve infections caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi, and aromatherapies foster well-being, calm, and feelings of increased energy. Fragrant aromas from plants such as chamomile, lavender, cedar wood, and lemon help with infectious disease and can benefit persons being treated for cancer. Integrative medicine, the combination of alternative and conventional treatments, enables the effective use of many biologically based therapies. Aromatherapy lessens anxiety in persons with cancer who are treated with chemotherapy. Enhanced mood and an improved view of personal health can help persons who are receiving conventional treatment for illnesses such as cancer and infectious disease. Essential oils extracted from aromatic plants have been shown to improve problems associated with infectious agents such as the herpes simplex virus. Reported aromatherapy side effects include allergic reactions and skin rashes.
Milk thistle seeds contain a powerful antioxidant called silymarin, which regenerates diseased liver cells. Studies might demonstrate that milk thistle and its potent ingredient, silymarin, could also help with the treatment of hepatitis and liver cancers. The treatment of liver cancer presents another potential beneficial application for integrative medicine. The effective combined use of silymarin and chemotherapy may improve outcomes and enhance treatment.
The integration of biologically based therapies with conventional medicine can help to avoid problems associated with the use of amygdalin in cancer treatment. Amygdalin, which is found in the pits of fruits such as apricots, is used as an alternative treatment for cancer, but there is little scientific evidence to support its use in cancer treatment. Amygdalin metabolism produces cyanide, a poison that leads to blue skin in humans because it deprives the body of oxygen; it also can lead to liver injury, uncoordinated body movements, and hanging upper eyelids.
Although many persons with cancer are willing to try any available treatment, coordinated medical care can help to better assess the risk and benefits of alternative treatments and better direct efforts toward effective treatment and support.
Some biologically based therapies, such as the use of cranberries, have proven helpful in the prevention of urinary tract infections, but cranberries do not effectively treat existing infections. Sensible integrative medicine involves diagnosis and treatment of urinary tract infections with conventional medicine and the prevention of recurrences with cranberry preparations. Similarly, cranberries may prevent recurrence of stomach ulcers. Cranberries, however, also interact with blood-thinning drugs and with medications metabolized by the liver. Because of the potential for drug interactions, one should discuss the use of alternative therapies with a primary care provider.
No antibiotic treats cold or flu viruses. Colds and flu occur often, and many alternative treatments are available in attempts to treat these conditions. Peppermint, honey, elderberries, and ginseng are some of the biologically based treatments used to treat colds and flu. Although echinacea, zinc, and vitamin C have some scientific evidence supporting their use in decreasing the length of symptoms and in possibly preventing colds and flu, many other biologically based remedies lack scientific support for their routine use.
A reasoned approach to cold and flu prevention involves frequent handwashing during cold and flu seasons. Consideration of alternatives such as echinacea, zinc, and vitamin C could be added to this preventive base. Research and healthcare consultation best optimize wellness.
Perspectives
The regulation of biologically based therapies is much less stringent than the regulation of prescription medications. Critical thinking skills enable effective and safe use of biologically based therapies. One should research alternative therapies using credible sources. One should discuss alternative therapies with conventional healthcare providers and should consider one’s overall health and potential medication interactions. One could broaden their knowledge and understanding of alternative medicine by supporting research initiatives that study alternative therapies. Active and reasoned involvement in available healthcare options fosters well-being while enhancing peace of mind.
Bibliography
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Knight, Jeffrey, A., et al. Salem Health: Cancer. vol. 1, Salem Press, 2008.
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