Australian Journal of Herbal and Naturopathic Medicine

Labour Augmentation occurs in 15% of all birthing mothers in Australia, while necessary in certain clinical contexts, it can result in negative birthing outcomes for mother and child. Raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus), traditionally well regarded as a partus preparator and uterine tonic, remains one of the most commonly used herbal medicineså in pregnancy. However, misunderstandings regarding its therapeutic actions have resulted in confusion and potentially unsafe prescriptions. This review summarises the available evidence regarding the use of raspberry leaf to support uterine tone and function throughout pregnancy. Highlighting its potential role to decrease the need for labour augmentation and the risks associated, when used safely.

Background Essential hypertension is a major cardiovascular risk factor, often associated with autonomic imbalance—characterised by increased sympathetic and reduced parasympathetic activity. Concerns over long-term side effects of pharmacological treatments have led to growing interest in non-pharmacological interventions like reflexology.

Objective To investigate the immediate effects of walking on a multisensory foot reflexology path (MSFRP) versus a plain surface (PS) on autonomic variables—blood pressure (BP), heart rate variability (HRV), and galvanic skin resistance (GSR) in individuals with essential hypertension.

Methods A randomised, counterbalanced crossover trial was conducted with 30 hypertensive participants aged 35–60 years. Each participant completed two 15-minute walking sessions (MSFRP and PS) separated by a two-day washout period. SBP, DBP, HRV, and GSR were recorded pre- and post-intervention. Data were analysed using ANCOVA, repeated measures ANOVA, Friedman test and Durbin-Conover post hoc comparisons.

Results MSFRP walking significantly reduced SBP (−22 mmHg) and DBP (−6 mmHg), while no significant changes occurred in the PS condition. HRV parameters (RMSSD and pNN50) significantly improved after MSFRP, indicating enhanced parasympathetic tone. Frequency domain analysis showed increased high-frequency power and reduced LF/HF ratio. GSR significantly increased during MSFRP, particularly in later intervals, suggesting reduced sympathetic arousal.

Conclusion A single 15-minute session of walking on a multisensory foot reflexology path yields acute improvements in cardiovascular and autonomic function in individuals with essential hypertension. This low-cost, accessible intervention may serve as a valuable complementary strategy for hypertension management.

Naturopathy is a drugless system that aims to bring harmony in the physical, mental, moral and spiritual planes of living. It is a distinct type of primary care medicine that blends age-old healing traditions with scientific advances and current research. Its goal is to support homeostasis in accordance with nature’s biological principles. The survival of life on Earth hinges on maintaining a suitable potential of hydrogen ions (pH), a measurement that quantifies how acidic or basic a solution is within living organisms and their surroundings. Throughout digestion, the food consumed can affect pH levels in both the digestive and systemic systems of the body. For instance, the presence of acidic or alkaline substances, such as sulfate or organic anions like citrate and malate, can significantly influence the body’s acid-base equilibrium. Naturopathic diet is a low-calorie, plant-based diet rich in fresh fruits, green leafy vegetables, whole grains and nuts, which are rich sources of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and are alkaline in nature. It helps to lower dietary oxidative stress while positively influencing the gut microbiome and epigenetics. Naturopathic principles are based on the belief that a well-balanced internal environment, indicated by stable pH levels, fosters the body’s natural ability to heal itself. This concept underscores the significance of maintaining optimal health to support the body’s intrinsic restorative mechanisms. As Thomas Edison once said, “The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest their patient in the care of the human frame, in diet and in the cause and prevention of disease.” This perspective should guide research.

Background Individuals with Type 2 diabetes are vulnerable to chronic glycaemic fluctuations that impair neural and metabolic functions, emphasising the need to evaluate outcomes linked to both glycaemic regulation and neurological performance. Glycaemic control can be enhanced by healthy behaviours, including regular physical activity. Yoga and naturopathy are two practices that involve physical activity and other lifestyle practices and may support glycemic control as well as well-being. In this study, we evaluated the effects of yoga and naturopathic treatment on audio-reaction time and glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Materials and Methods Sixty people with diabetes were randomly allocated to one of two groups: Yoga and Naturopathy Lifestyle Intervention (YNLI) or standard conventional therapy alone for ten days. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), postprandial blood glucose (PPBG), and auditory reaction time (ART) were measured at baseline and on the tenth day. This trial was prospectively registered in the Clinical Trials Registry-India (CTRI/2024/01/061898).

Results The individuals who underwent YNLI exhibited significant reductions in fasting blood glucose (FBG) by 25.49%, postprandial blood glucose (PPBG) of 23.06% at ten days, and auditory reaction time (ART) by 15.77%. In contrast, the control group showed no statistically significant changes over ten days. Between-group comparison indicated a significant difference (p<0.01) in ART, FBS, and PPBG.

Conclusion YNLI, in addition to standard care, may improve insulin sensitivity and neural signal transduction in adults with diabetes.

The use of bitter-tasting plants is common in traditional medicine systems. A diverse array of chemically unrelated bitter tasting compounds is found in numerous plant families; the primary commonality among these compounds is their distinctive bitter taste. It has been generally assumed that all types of bitters produce similar cephalic effects, which can help alleviate various upper digestive problems. Early in this century, researchers identified approximately 25 distinct bitter receptors within the oropharyngeal cavity. Studies examining how bitter compounds interact with these receptors have shown that while some compounds are agonists for multiple taste receptors, other compounds are agonists to only one receptor. Subsequent clinical research has reported that various bitter compounds elicit characteristic central and peripheral cardiovascular responses that can influence gastric accommodation and postprandial hyperaemia. Neural signalling to the nucleus tractus solitarius occurs via multiple parallel neural pathways consequently, the hedonistic perception of bitterness is not an accurate indicator of the cephalic reflex responses elicited by bitter tastants. Bitter taste receptors are also distributed throughout the digestive system and influence gastric acid secretion, cholecystokinin release, pancreatic and gall bladder secretion, and postprandial glycaemic responses. The cephalic reflex responses elicited by bitters appears to be associated with multiple dose-response curves, which explains the wide range of recommended doses. This review focusses on clinical trials and discusses the bitterness paradigms of the 19th and 20th centuries, and the emerging 21st century paradigm. Modulation of the autonomic nervous system elicited by bitter tastants is more extensive than previously realised.

These abstracts are brief summaries of articles in recent issues of medical journals. Articles selected are of a general nature for the information of practitioners of naturopathy and herbal medicine. A dominant theme is often present throughout the journals which will be reflected in the reviews.

These abstracts are brief summaries of articles which have appeared in recent issues of herbal medicine journals, some of which may be held in the NHAA library.

The AJHNM-based CPD questionnaire system is a voluntary system designed to assist members in the accumulation of NHAA CPD hours. Each question refers to an article in this issue of the Australian Journal of Herbal and Naturopathic Medicine. Hours accumulated through completion of these questions should be recorded in the NHAA CPD diary. The completion of answering each issue’s questions qualifies for four hours within the Formal Learning category. Your completed CPD diary should be returned with your membership renewal at the end of the financial year. For further information, please see the NHAA CPD Guide on the NHAA website: www.nhaa.org.au