by Richard Pitt

Genetically Modified (GM) foods and alternative medicine, from the Dr. Oz show to Africa and beyond.

by Camila Sollero, Claudio Costa Carvalho, Ana Teresa Dreux
The Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro - UNIRIO

This paper reports the case of a female patient of 38 years of age, diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome. She was treated with allopathic symptomatic medication for more than 10 years without a satisfactory response. She sought the homeopathic ambulatory at Gaffree & Guinle University Hospital in search of an effective and lasting cure for her chronic diarrhea. At that point she had been experiencing the symptoms for more than 16 years. 

by Jacob B. Minah and Florence M. Margai

This pilot study was designed to assess the effectiveness of malaria nosodes as a homeopathic prophylaxis. The primary goal was to reduce malaria parasitic density among residents in a low-income community in Freetown, Sierra Leone. In 2006, 731 participants were recruited and tested for malaria and after receipt of their test results, healthy subjects were enrolled in a double-blind, randomized study.

British Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, ISSN: 2231-2919
Research Paper
Use of Artemisia annua L. Infusion for Malaria Prevention: Mode of Action and Benefits in a Ugandan Community

Patrick E. Ogwang1,4*, Jasper O. Ogwal2, Simon Kasasa3, Francis Ejobi4, David Kabasa4 and Celestino Obua2

Malaria is major public health problem in Uganda. The disease is endemic in 95% of the population contributing up to 40% of hospital outpatient attendances. Approaches to controlling Malaria include environmental, entomological and medicinal interventions. Some communities use medicinal plants to control the disease. In this paper we report the use of Artemisia annua L. for malaria prophylaxis at a Ugandan floricultural farm.

by Seyedaghanoor Sadeghi M.D. & homeopathic researcher and Mrs. Fahimeh Mahdavi homeopath

The authors have used an integrative approach to treat patients suffering from different tableaus of the syndrome which are unique in every patient. Therapies include: keeping conventional treatment, diabetic regimen, daily exercise plus homeopathic remedy and diet. 

by Dr.Pedram Moiini Homeopath and Representative of Iranian Homeopathy Association in Isfahan 

The history of homeopathy in Iran can be classified into two time periods. In the first period, physicians who were involved in homeopathic medical practice did so discretely. Undoubtedly the late Dr. Baharmand can be counted as the first Iranian homeopath.

The second generation of homeopaths is indebted to Dr. Naaseri (Ph D in Aerospace Studies). The movement he started in Iran led to free homeopathy classes at the School of Medicine of Tehran Islamic Azad University, and also at Uromia University. The article traces the path leading to the founding of the Iranian Homeopathic Association.

by Richard Pitt

Overview and Some Questions:

The treatment of HIV/AIDS can bring up certain challenges, given the complexity of the disease, the mysteriousness of the virus’ activity in the organism and the variety of conditions that come under the AIDS umbrella. AIDS is an immune condition, a syndrome that due to the immune suppressive effect of the retrovirus that causes AIDS, leads to a variety of immune deficiency conditions. It is not just one disease with a clear set of symptoms and which conforms to basic medical epidemiology. Ever since AIDS first exploded onto the USA, Europe, Africa and elsewhere, it has not behaved like any disease before it, initially creating huge problems and controversies in its diagnosis and treatment. 

by Manuel Milz

The idea that Africa could benefit from a so-called “Green Revolution” of the kind that failed to deliver on its promises in the 1960s has made unfortunate headway since 2004 when Kofi Annan, then Secretary-General of the United Nations, declared himself in favour of a “uniquely African green revolution.” Indeed, many African governments now find themselves committing to the same flawed productivist dogmas. 

by Richard Pitt

Cassava Proving: March 16, 2012

Chintheche, Malawi

Introduction:

The intention to prove cassava is based on the fact that it is one the most popular staple foods in the African continent. Everybody grows it and it is essential for the nutritional wellbeing of many of the poorest people in the region, who often have no choice but to eat it. However, most people love it and are content to eat it, along with maize twice a day.

Its value is that it grows very easily in most regions. You simply replant stems of last year’s harvest and it grows. It is quite drought resistant and doesn’t need fertilizer. However, although it gives a great sense of satiety after eating, and for poor people who experience hunger, a great sense of relief from actual hunger or the memory of it, its nutritional value is poor.