Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) literally means a condition associated with many cysts in the ovary or ovaries. It is accompanied by a tendency to produce too much androgen (male hormones) and to ovulate erratically. Other symptoms of PCOS can include failure to menstruate, and/or to ovulate, excessive facial hair and obesity. Fat deposits accumulate around the upper body resulting in central obesity. It is probably one of the most common menstrual disorders associated with infertility and it is estimated that somewhere between six to twenty percent of women of childbearing age suffer form this disease.

Glucosamine sulfate is a safer and more effective treatment for osteoarthritis than acetaminophen, the drug commonly used for long-term treatment. A research group from the Rheumatology Department, Fundacion, imenez Diaz-capio, Madrid, Spain randomly assigned 318 patients to receive oral glucosamine sulfate 1500 mg once daily, acetaminophen 3 g/day, or placebo for three months. The study patients had moderately severe OA symptoms.

Not only can MSG cause some rather mouth drying, head pounding side-effects in some people, it also now has the unenviable reputation of increasing the risk of obesity. A new study cited in the journal, Obesity (2008;16 1875–1880), has shown that people who eat MSG are more likely to be overweight or obese than those who donʼt, regardless of their total calorie intake or level of physical activity.

Researchers recruited 752 Chinese men and women aged 40–59. Eighty-two per cent of participants used MSG when preparing food at home, with an average intake of 0.33 grams per day. Those who used the most MSG were nearly three times more likely to be overweight or obese than non-users.

I remember many years ago  in my early naturopathic student days, one of my first ever patients, treated at the college’s student clinic, presented with the classic signs of peptic ulcer-experiencing a burning, gnawing pain in the stomach, commencing shortly after eating. Relieved to have made such a quick diagnosis, I immediately recommended that this poor patient drink a strong cup of Chamomile tea daily and roll around the floor immediately afterwards..needless to say, this patient did not return for a follow-up consultation!

While, as we shall see shortly, this rolling herbal tea method certainly would have helped, there are some far more effective and less physically demanding treatments for this painful condition of the upper gastrointestinal tract!