Category Archives: Natural Therapies

New WHO Guidelines on risk reduction of cognitive decline and dementia

Posted on May 16, 2019 by Dr Ken Harvey

https://www.who.int/mental_health/neurology/dementia/guidelines_risk_reduction/en/ Relevant to concerns about FSANZ Standard 2.6.5 which has allowed products such as Souvanaid® and Ceretain® to be self-assessed and promoted for the dietary management of Alzheimer’s dementia or related mild cognitive impairment. On supplements, WHO says: Vitamins B … Continue reading →

Posted in Advertising, Choosing wisely, Complementary medicine, Natural Therapies | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Traditional Chinese Medicine in Australia: Yunnan Baiyao

Posted on April 7, 2019 by Dr Ken Harvey

An illustrative example of products available in Australia from local Chinese outlets. Illegally supplied (no ARTG number), a potentially dangerous ingredient (Aconiti Kusnezoffii Radix), claims that breach numerous section of the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code (No.2) 2018 (including promoting for … Continue reading →

Posted in Complementary medicine, Medicine policy, Natural Therapies | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

SBS The Feed, Session 2019, Episode 7, Cure or Quack

Posted on March 29, 2019 by Dr Ken Harvey

A controversial government review that’s about to change what’s available for private health fund rebate. The program featured Naturopath Barbara O’Neil and her Misty Mountain Health Retreat, “where some people come with quite serious illness, like Lisa”. Lisa has gone … Continue reading →

Posted in Advertising, Choosing wisely, Natural Therapies, Private Health Insurance | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

SBS Insight – Vitamins: Sorting science from scam

Posted on March 13, 2019 by Dr Ken Harvey

The vitamins and dietary supplements industry has doubled over the last 10 years – we’re now spending an estimated $4.9bn each year on complementary medicines. But while some medical professionals say they work, others say the scientific evidence isn’t there, … Continue reading →

Posted in Advertising, Complementary medicine, Natural Therapies, Pharmaceutical Promotion | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Laboratory tests commonly used in complementary and alternative medicine

Posted on March 3, 2019 by Dr Ken Harvey

Does it? See: Laboratory tests commonly used in complementary and alternative medicine: A review of the evidence. Ann Clin Biochem. 2019 Feb 27:4563218824622. doi: 10.1177/0004563218824622. [Epub ahead of print] Abstract It is increasingly easy for the general public to access a … Continue reading →

Posted in Natural Therapies | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

60 Minutes: Health supplements could contain heavy metals, arsenic and even snow leopard

Posted on February 11, 2019 by Dr Ken Harvey

Media: Doctors lift lid on weird animal product in Australian supplements Blackmores slams 60 Minutes TGA targeted by 60 Minutes by

Posted in Advertising, Complementary medicine, Natural Therapies, Pharmaceutical Promotion | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

New Head for Health Watchdog

Posted on February 6, 2019 by Dr Ken Harvey

Monash University Associate Professor Ken Harvey AM is the new President of Friends of Science in Medicine. He replaces Professor John Dwyer AO, the founding president. Friends of Science in Medicine (FSM), founded in 2011, has grown to become a … Continue reading →

Posted in Advertising, Complementary medicine, Medical Devices, Natural Therapies, Private Health Insurance | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Experts warn that natural supplements can destroy your liver

Posted on January 14, 2019 by Dr Ken Harvey

Jane Hansen, The Sunday Telegraph January 13, 2019 (behind a paywall, extracts follow) It’s a multibillion-dollar business, and one in three Australians regularly take their products, but health experts are concerned the increasing popularity of herbs and supplements is contributing … Continue reading →

Posted in Advertising, Complementary medicine, Natural Therapies | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Outcome of TGA Complaint AC-BULV1O9Q/2018, Gumby Gumby capsules: Compliance achieved? Updated 16/01/2018

Posted on January 9, 2019 by Dr Ken Harvey

This is the first complaint outcome reported where the TGA said compliance had been achieved after “formal action”. The complaint was received on 03/08/2018 and closed on 17/09/2018. If you didn’t know the TGA’s complaint reference (AC-BULV1O9Q/2018) you have to … Continue reading →

Posted in Advertising, Complementary medicine, Natural Therapies, Pharmaceutical Promotion | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Ear Candles: the outcome of TGA complaint AC-5TMWIYHC/2018

Posted on January 6, 2019 by Dr Ken Harvey

Ear candling is a widely promoted alternative medical practice that involves inserting and lighting a hollow candle in the ear canal. It is claimed that candling creates a vacuum that removes wax and that it can also relieve ear ache, … Continue reading →

Posted in Advertising, Complementary medicine, Medical Devices, Natural Therapies | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment