RECENT RESEARCH holds were analyzed for their effects on autonomic nervous system regulation, heart rate variability( HRV), and psychological resilience. The findings indicate that slow, nasal, diaphragmatic breathing significantly improves vagal tone, HRV, parasympathetic activity, and emotional control, while reducing cortisol, anxiety, stress, and PTSD. The integration of these elements in the 5-s inhale, 5-s exhale, 2-s hold pattern( A52 Breath Method) provides a structured approach to breathwork with potential applications in high-stress professions, including emergency responders, military personnel, healthcare workers, and everyday life. The A52 Breath Method represents a novel, evidence-informed breathwork framework designed to optimize stress regulation. Future research should validate its efficacy through randomised controlled trials, particularly in populations exposed to chronic and acute stress. This conceptual model has the potential to inform clinical and occupational interventions for mental health and stress resilience.
Ganguly S, Singh Sra M, Sasi A, Singh R, Verma V, Sharma S, Lohiya A, Das A, Pushpam D, Bakhshi S. Prevalence and Perception of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use Among Childhood Cancer Patients: A Mixed-Methods Study. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2025: e31975. doi: 10.1002 / pbc. 31975. PMID: 40799010.
Background: Complementary and alternative medicine( CAM) usage among childhood cancer patients remains understudied. Factors associated with CAM use and motivations of caregivers for using CAM remain poorly understood.
Methods: This cross-sectional mixedmethods study was conducted among caregivers of patients aged ≤18 years with confirmed cancer diagnoses. Caregivers were interviewed regarding CAM use, reasons for using / non-using CAM, and views on CAM. Logistic regression identified factors associated with CAM use, whereas qualitative interviews explored motivations and barriers. The impact of CAM usage on 2-year overall survival was explored.
Results: Out of 450 respondents, CAM usage was reported by 35.78 %( n = 161), with home remedies( 28.44 %, n = 128) and AYUSH( Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Yoga, Homeopathy) therapies( 13.56 %, n = 61) being most common. CAM use was associated with symptom duration ≥30 days( adjusted odds ratio [ aOR ]: 1.71; 95 % CI: 1.09-2.67; p = 0 · 019) and hematological malignancies( aOR: 2.05; 95 % CI: 1.33-3.17; p = 0 · 001). Major motivations for CAM use included belief in effectiveness( 44.72 %, n = 72) and family recommendations( 34.16 %, n = 55). Qualitative interviews highlighted cost, accessibility issues, and diagnostic delays as key drivers of CAM adoption. The 2-year survival probabilities of CAM users and nonusers were comparable( 0.88 [ 95 % CI: 0.83-0.94 ] vs. 0.87 [ 95 % CI: 0.83-0.92 ], log-rank p = 0.75).
Conclusion: CAM is frequently used by pediatric cancer patients, driven by caregiver beliefs, family influence, and access barriers. Addressing caregiver practices and integrating CAM discussions into care may enhance supportive strategies without impacting survival outcomes.
Herbal medicine
Anheyer M, Cramer H, Ostermann T, Langler A, Anheyer D. Herbal Medicine for Treating Herpes Labialis: A Systematic Review. Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine. 2025. https:// doi. org / 10.1089 / jicm. 2025.0131
Introduction: Herpes labialis, commonly caused by herpes simplex virus type 1, affects millions globally and is traditionally managed with nucleoside antiviral drugs. However, increasing interest in complementary and integrative therapies has led to the exploration of topical herbal treatments as potential alternatives or adjuncts in managing this condition.
Methods: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with Cochrane guidelines and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta- Analyses recommendations, with prior registration. A comprehensive search of Medline / PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials was performed from inception to June 17, 2024. After screening 7,386 nonduplicate records and assessing 346 full-text articles, 7 randomized controlled trials( RCTs) encompassing 1,250 patients were included. Data were extracted regarding intervention types, outcomes, and adverse events, and the risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool.
Results: The included studies evaluated topical formulations of lemon balm( Melissa officinalis L.), olive leaf extract( Olea europaea L.), propolis, and a combined sage – rhubarb cream( Salvia officinalis L., Rheum palmatum L., and Rheum officinale Baill.). Lemon balm preparations consistently reduced pain intensity and swelling, with some studies also reporting a significant decrease in lesion size compared with placebo or acyclovir. Olive leaf extract demonstrated a statistically significant faster improvement in symptoms and a shorter healing time compared with acyclovir. Compared with acyclovir, propolis formulations significantly shortened the median time to lesion encrustation and complete healing compared with acyclovir, and the combined sage – rhubarb cream showed a comparable efficacy to acyclovir in mean healing time. Overall, the risk of bias was judged to be low in two trials, while five trials raised some concerns. The total sample size across studies was small, potentially limiting the generalizability of the results. Across all studies, adverse events were minimal or absent.
Discussion: The findings indicate that topical herbal therapies may provide effective and well-tolerated alternatives or adjuncts to conventional antiviral treatments for herpes labialis. However, considerable heterogeneity in intervention protocols and outcome measures, as well as the underrepresentation of pediatric populations, limit the generalizability of these findings.
Conclusion: Topical herbal interventions, including lemon balm,
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