In a September article from the Journal of Herbal Medicine, it was concluded that Melissa officinalis has significantly greater success at treating premenstrual syndrome than placebo. In the study, 93 female students were followed for 8 weeks ( 2 menstrual cycles). The intervention group received 500mg of M. officinalis or 250mg of M. officinalis and 250mg of Nepeta menthoides. The placebo group was given 500mg of starch powder. Capsules were taken twice daily during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. There was a substantial decrease in symptom severity in the M. officinalis group, as well as the combination group – though the combo group did not show significant difference between placebo after intervention. The psychological and physical aspects of quality of life were significantly greater in the M. officinalis group than placebo. The study suggests that Melissa officinalis can lower the severity of PMS symptoms in women.
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Node Smith, associate editor for NDNR, is a fifth year naturopathic medical student at NUNM, where he has been instrumental in maintaining a firm connection to the philosophy and heritage of naturopathic medicine amongst the next generation of docs. He helped found the first multi-generational experiential retreat, which brings elders, alumni, and students together for a weekend campout where naturopathic medicine and medical philosophy are experienced in nature. Three years ago he helped found the non-profit, Association for Naturopathic ReVitalization (ANR), for which he serves as the board chairman. ANR has a mission to inspire health practitioners to embody the naturopathic principles through experiential education. Node also has a firm belief that the next era of naturopathic medicine will see a resurgence of in-patient facilities which use fasting, earthing, hydrotherapy and homeopathy to bring people back from chronic diseases of modern living; he is involved in numerous conversations and projects to bring about this vision.
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