Australian Journal of Herbal and Naturopathic Medicine

Background Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a prevalent metabolic disorder characterised by chronic hyperglycemia and insulin resistance. Naturopathic medicine, including hydrotherapy, offers a holistic approach to disease management. Steam baths, a hydrotherapeutic intervention, have shown beneficial effects on pulmonary and cardiovascular functions. However, the immediate effects of steam baths on blood glucose levels in T2D patients remain understudied. This case series aims to explore the prompt effects of steam bath on blood glucose levels in individuals with T2D.

Methods Three cases of T2D patients were included and underwent a steam bath intervention, where they were exposed to moist heat (except the head and neck) for 8−12 minutes, followed by a 2−minute cold shower. Random plasma glucose levels (RBGL) were measured before the intervention, immediately after the intervention, and 20 minutes after a supine rest.

Results All three cases showed a prompt reduction in random blood glucose levels  (mmol/L) after the steam bath intervention. Case 1 demonstrated a decrease from 10.94 to 10.61 (immediately) and 6.77 (after 20 mins). Case 2 showed a decrease from 17.66 to 17.55 (immediately) and 15.94 (after 20 mins). Case 3 exhibited a decrease from 10.61 to 10.33 (after 5 mins) and 6.72 (after 20 mins).

Conclusion Steam baths can be used as an adjunctive treatment for reducing blood glucose levels in patients with T2D. Further research with larger sample sizes and continuous monitoring of blood glucose levels is warranted to validate these findings and to explore the duration of the intervention effect.

Introduction Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common complaint, which reduces patients’ quality of life. Because of the unknown origin of the disease, its common treatments are limited to reducing the acid secretion, but a prolonged use of acid secretion inhibitors can lead to considerable side effects. There is a growing tendency to use herbal remedies in conjunction with, and as an alternative to, conventional drugs. According to Traditional Persian Medicine (TPM), Lallemantia royleana (Benth) seeds (LRS) may be a beneficial remedy for alleviating GERD symptoms.

Objectives To assess the effect of LRS as a possible treatment for GERD.

Methods In this pilot clinical trial study, 92 eligible volunteers were assigned to a 4-week treatment with 6 grams LRS syrup twice a day. Outcomes were recorded in a self-report questionnaire, which was filled at the baseline and after the treatment period. Primary outcomes were the difference in effect before and after treatment on three outcome measurements: 1) mean frequency of symptomatic days per week; 2) mean intensity of main symptoms of GERD (based on a self-reported 10-degree scale subjective questionnaire); and 3) quality of life related to GERD.

Results 84 patients completed the trial. After 4-week consumption of LRS, the intensity and frequency of complaints about reflex were decreased (7 ± 2.1 to 2.5 ± 2.7 degrees and 4.9±2.2 to2.1 ±2.5 days/week, respectively; P<0.001). Also, the patient’s quality of life improved (3.7±0.7 to 2.1±1.1;P<0.001). No serious side effect was observed during the study.

Conclusion L.royleana might be an effective and safe herbal drug for alleviating GERD symptoms.

Background Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent degenerative joint disease in India, affecting a substantial portion of the population, particularly the elderly. This randomised controlled trial aims to investigate the efficacy of aromatherapy massage using Curcuma caesia essential oil in managing pain associated with knee osteoarthritis.

Methods The proposed study will involve individuals aged 40–70 years diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis, confirmed by radiographic evidence. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group, receiving a daily 15-minute massage with Curcuma caesia essential oil, or a control group, receiving a massage with Gingelly oil alone. Outcome measures, including the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and Activity of Daily Living (ADL) questionnaires, will be used to assess pain levels, physical function, and daily activities.

Conclusion The primary hypothesis is that aromatherapy massage with Curcuma caesia essential oil will significantly reduce pain in individuals with knee osteoarthritis. This study addresses the need for alternative interventions in knee osteoarthritis management, exploring the potential benefits of aromatherapy massage with Curcuma caesia essential oil. The findings will contribute valuable insights into non-pharmacological approaches for improving pain and physical function in individuals with knee osteoarthritis, potentially offering a safe and accessible adjunct to conventional treatments.

These abstracts are brief summaries of articles in recent issues of medical journals. Articles selected are of a general nature for the information of practitioners of naturopathy and herbal medicine. A dominant theme is often present throughout the journals which will be reflected in the reviews.

These abstracts are brief summaries of articles which have appeared in recent issues of herbal medicine journals, some of which may be held in the NHAA library.

The AJHNM-based CPD questionnaire system is a voluntary system designed to assist members in the accumulation of NHAA CPD hours. Each question refers to an article in this issue of the Australian Journal of Herbal and Naturopathic Medicine. Hours accumulated through completion of these questions should be recorded in the NHAA CPD diary. The completion of answering each issue’s questions qualifies for four hours within the Formal Learning category. Your completed CPD diary should be returned with your membership renewal at the end of the financial year. For further information, please see the NHAA CPD Guide on the NHAA website www.nhaa.org.au.