Two research studies that I just posted give clues to the herpes simplex virus (HSV) as being a cause of infertility for both men and women. In Women the Herpes virus was leading to increased inflammation in both the cervix and the uterine lining. When these organs are inflamed and agitated, conception and implantation become very difficult. For men the Herpes virus seemed to lead to decreased sperm counts and motility (how strong of a swimmer they are).

This last week I had the fortune to check in on a patient, whom I hadn't seen for a month and half, and learn about his experiences with how Chinese herbal medicine had helped him. This patient had a very severe form of herpes simplex in his mouth and nose, where by the lesions were constantly bubbling up 24 hours a day! His dermatologist told him he had "won the lottery" in regards to developing such a rare form of the disease. His western treatment involved the use of a strong anti-viral drug called Acyclovir, which seemed to help the condition from breaking out too severely, although he still would have the constant bubbling and occasional daily ulcerations leading to bleeding. Obviously this patient was in a lot of discomfort and agony.

Another large study aimed at understanding the benifits of breast feeding was carried out by McGill University. The researchers wanted to assess if breastfeeding  had any influence on lowering the rates of gastrointestinal and

Atopic eczema is a chronic inflammatory condition of the skin that is characterized by intense itching. Western medicine states there is no cure for eczema and are limited in their treatment strategies. Two common western drug treatments used to treat eczema from the immunosuppressant category, Elidel (pimecrolimus) Cream and Protopic (tacrolimus) Ointment, have had recent cancer warnings put out by the FDA (Federal Food and Drug Administration). It was found that three different species of animals developed cancer following topical exposure or oral administration of these drugs.