The GALE
ENCYCLOPEDIA of
Alternative
MEDICINE
SECOND EDITION
JACQUELINE L. LONGE, PROJECT EDITOR
VOLUME
D-K
2
GEAMv2htp/tp 10/11/04 10:45 AM Page 3
The Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, Second Edition
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Volume 1: A-C 1
Volume 2: D-K 523
Volume 3: L-R 1029
Volume 4: S-Z 1523
Organizations 2199
Glossary 2225
General Index 2293
GEAM FM 10/12/04 2:25 PM Page v
A
Abscess
Acidophilus
Acne
Aconite
Acupressure
Acupuncture
Ademetionine
Adie’s pupil
African pygeum
Agastache
Aging
AIDS
Alcoholism
Alexander technique
Alfalfa
Alisma
Allergies
Allium cepa
Aloe
Alpha-hydroxy
Alzheimer’s disease

Biota
Biotin
Bipolar disorder
Bird flu
Bites and stings
Bitter melon
Bitters
Black cohosh
Black currant seed oil
Black haw
Black walnut
Black cumin seed extract
Bladder cancer
Bladder infection
Blessed thistle
Blisters
Blood poisoning
Blood clots
Bloodroot
Apis
Apitherapy
Appendicitis
Applied kinesiology
Apricot seed
Arginine
Arnica
Aromatherapy
Arrowroot
Arsenicum album
Art therapy

Bonemeal
Boneset
Borage oil
Boron
Boswellia
Botanical medicine
Breast cancer
Breastfeeding problems
Breath therapy
Breema
Brewer’s yeast
Bromelain
Bronchitis
Bruises
Bruxism
Bryonia
Buchu
Buckthorn
Bugleweed
Bulimia nervosa
Bunions
Burdock root
Burns
Bursitis
Butcher’s broom
Buteyko
C
Cadmium poisoning
Caffeine
Calcarea carbonica

Corns and calluses
Cornsilk
Cornus
Corydalis
Cotton root bark
Cough
Cradle cap
Cramp bark
Cranberry
Craniosacral therapy
Creatine
Crohn’s disease
Croup
Crystal healing
Cupping
Curanderismo
Cuscuta
Cuts and scratches
Cymatic therapy
Cyperus
D
Damiana
Dance therapy
Dandelion
Dandruff
Cartilage supplements
Castor oil
Cat’s claw
Cataracts
Catnip

Chlorella
Cholesterol
Chondroitin
Christian Science healing
Chromium
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Chrysanthemum flower
Chymotrypsin
Cicada
Cinnamon bark
Cirrhosis
Cnidium seeds
Codonopsis root
GALE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2
VIII
List of Entries
GEAM FM 10/12/04 2:25 PM Page viii
Deglycyrrhizanated licorice
Dementia
Depression
Dermatitis
Detoxification
Devil’s claw
DHEA
Diabetes mellitus
Diamond diet
Diaper rash
Diarrhea
Diathermy
Diets

Eucommia bark
Gelsemium
Genital herpes
Genital warts
Gentiana
Geriatric massage
Gerson therapy
Ginger
Ginkgo biloba
Ginseng, American
Ginseng, Korean
Ginseng, Siberian
Glaucoma
Glucosamine
Glutamine
Glutathione
Goldenrod
Goldenseal
Gonorrhea
Gotu kola
Gout
Grains-of-paradise fruit
Grape skin
Grape seed extract
Grapefruit seed extract
Green tea
Guggul
Guided imagery
Gulf War syndrome
Gum disease

Fibrocystic breast disease
Fibromyalgia
Fish oil
5-HTP
Flaxseed
Flower remedies
Fo ti
Folic acid
Food poisoning
Foxglove
Fractures
French green clay
Fritillaria
Frostbite and frostnip
Fungal infections
G
Gallstones
Gamma-linoleic acid
Gangrene
Ganoderma
Gardenia
Garlic
Gas
Gastritis
Gastrodia
Gastroenteritis
GALE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2
IX
List of Entries
GEAM FM 10/12/04 2:25 PM Page ix

Hyperopia
Hyperparathyroidism
Hypertension
Hyperthermia
Hyperthyroidism
Hypnotherapy
Hypoglycemia
Hypothyroidism
Hyssop
I
Iceland moss
Ignatia
Immuno-augmentation therapy
Impetigo
Impotence
Indigestion
L
Labyrinth walking
Lachesis
Lacto-ovo vegetarianism
Laryngitis
Lavender
Lazy eye
Lead poisoning
Learning disorders
Lecithin
Ledum
Lemon balm
Lemongrass
Leukemia

Infections
Infertility
Inflammatory bowel disease
Influenza
Ingrown nail
Insomnia
Insulin resistance
Iodine
Ipecac
Ipriflavone
Iridology
Iron
Irritable bowel syndrome
Ischemia
Itching
J
Jaundice
Jet lag
Jock itch
Jojoba oil
Journal therapy
Juice therapies
Juniper
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
K
Kali bichromicum
Kampo medicine
Kaposi’s sarcoma
Kava kava
Kegel exercises

Mesoglycan
Metabolic therapies
Methionine
Mexican yam
Migraine headache
Milk thistle
Mind/Body medicine
Mistletoe
Mononucleosis
Morning sickness
Motherwort
Motion sickness
Movement therapy
Moxibustion
MSM
Mugwort leaf
Mullein
Multiple chemical sensitivity
Multiple sclerosis
Mumps
Muscle spasms and cramps
Music therapy
Myopia
Myotherapy
Myrrh
N
Narcolepsy
Native American medicine
Panchakarma
Pancreatitis

Pranic healing
Prayer and spirituality
Pregnancy
Pregnancy massage
Premenstrual syndrome
Prickly heat
Prickly pear cactus
Pritikin diet
Probiotics
Prolotherapy
Prostate enlargement
Prostate cancer
Psoriasis
Psychoneuroimmunology
Psychophysiology
Psychosomatic medicine
Natrum muriaticum
Natural hygiene diet
Natural hormone replacement ther-
apy
Naturopathic medicine
Nausea
Neck pain
Neem
Nettle
Neural therapy
Neuralgia
Neurolinguistic programming
Niacin
Night blindness

GEAM FM 10/12/04 2:25 PM Page xi
Psychotherapy
Psyllium
Pulsatilla
Pulse diagnosis
Pyridoxine
Q
Qigong
Quan yin
R
Rabies
Radiation injuries
Radiesthesia
Radionics
Rashes
Raspberry
Raynaud’s syndrome
Red cedar
Red clover
Red yeast rice extract
Reflexology
Reiki
Reishi mushroom
Relaxation
Rescue Remedy
Restless leg syndrome
Retinal detachment
Retinopathy
Rheumatic fever
Rheumatoid arthritis

Stone massage
Strep throat
Stress
Stroke
Substance abuse and dependence
Sulfur
Suma
Sun’s soup
Sunburn
Swedish massage
Sweet clover
Swimmer’s ear
Syntonic optometry
Syphilis
Systemic lupus erythematoses
T
T’ai chi
Tangerine peel
Tea tree oil
Teenage nutrition
Teething problems
Temporomandibular joint syn-
drome
Tendinitis
Tennis elbow
Tetanus
Thai massage
Russian massage
Ruta
S

Sick building syndrome
Sickle cell anemia
Silica
Sinus infection
Sjögren’s syndrome
Skin cancer
Skullcap
Sleep apnea
Sleep disorders
Slippery elm
Smoking
GALE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2
XII
List of Entries
GEAM FM 10/12/04 2:25 PM Page xii
Therapeutic touch
Thiamine
Thuja
Thunder God vine
Thyme
Tibetan medicine
Tinnitus
Tonsillitis
Toothache
Tourette syndrome
Toxic shock syndrome
Traditional African medicine
Traditional Chinese medicine
Trager psychophysical integration
Tremors

Yoga
Yohimbe
Yucca
Z
Zinc
Zone diet
Uterine cancer
Uterine fibroids
Uva ursi
V
Vaginitis
Valerian
Vanadium
Varicose veins
Veganism
Vegetarianism
Venom immunotherapy
Vitamin A
Vitamin B complex
Vitamin B
12
Vitamin C
Vitamin D
Vitamin E
Vitamin K
Vomiting
W
Warts
Wasabi
Wheat grass therapy

GEAM FM 10/12/04 2:25 PM Page xv
The Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine
(GEAM) is a one-stop source for alternative medical in-
formation that covers complementary therapies, herbs
and remedies, and common medical diseases and condi-
tions. It avoids medical jargon, making it easier for the
layperson to use. The Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative
Medicine presents authoritative, balanced information
and is more comprehensive than single-volume family
medical guides.
Scope
Over 800 full-length articles are included in The
Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine. Many
prominent figures are highlighted as sidebar biographies
that accompany the therapy entries. Articles follow a
standardized format that provides information at a
glance. Rubrics include:
Therapies
• Origins
• Benefits
• Description
• Preparations
• Precautions
• Side effects
• Research & general acceptance
• Resources
• Key terms
Herbs/remedies
• General use
• Preparations

healthcare professionals. GEAM medical advisors re-
viewed over 95% of the completed essays to insure that
they are appropriate, up-to-date, and medically accurate.
How to Use this Book
The Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine has
been designed with ready reference in mind:
• Straight alphabetical arrangement allows users
to locate information quickly.
GALE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2
XVII
ABOUT THE ENCYCLOPEDIA
GEAM FM 10/12/04 2:25 PM Page xvii
• Bold faced terms function as print hyperlinks that
point the reader to related entries in the encyclo-
pedia.
• A list of key terms is provided where appropriate
to define unfamiliar words or concepts used with-
in the context of the essay. Additional terms may
be found in the glossary.
• Cross-references placed throughout the encyclo-
pedia direct readers to where information on sub-
jects without their own entries can be found. Syn-
onyms are also cross-referenced.
•A Resources section directs users to sources of
further complementary medical information.
• An appendix of alternative medical organizations
is arranged by type of therapy and includes valu-
able contact information.
• A comprehensive general index allows users to
easily target detailed aspects of any topic, includ-

communities provided invaluable assistance in the formulation of this encyclopedia.
They defined the scope of coverage and reviewed individual entries for accuracy and
accessibility. We would therefore like to express our appreciation to them:
GEAM FM 10/12/04 2:25 PM Page xix
Margaret Alic, PhD
Medical Writer
Eastsound, WA
Greg Annussek
Medical Writer
American Society of Journalists and Authors
New York, NY
Barbara Boughton
Health and Medical Writer
El Cerrito, CA
Ruth Ann Prag Carter
Freelance Writer
Farmington Hills, MI
Linda Chrisman
Massage Therapist and Educator
Medical Writer
Oakland, CA
Gloria Cooksey, CNE
Medical Writer
Sacramento, CA
Amy Cooper, MA, MSI
Medical Writer
Vermillion, SD
Sharon Crawford
Writer, Editor, Researcher
American Medical Writers Association

Massage Therapist
Silver Spring, MD
Peter Gregutt
Medical Writer
Asheville, NC
Clare Hanrahan
Medical Writer
Asheville, NC
David Helwig
Medical Writer
London, ONT Canada
Beth A. Kapes
Medical Writer, Editor
Bay Village, OH
Katherine Kim
Medical Writer
Oakland, CA
Erika Lenz
Medical Writer
Lafayette, CO
Lorraine Lica, PhD
Medical Writer
San Diego, CA
GALE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2
XXI
CONTRIBUTORS
GEAM FM 10/12/04 2:25 PM Page xxi
Whitney Lowe, LMT
Orthopedic Massage Education & Research Institute
Massage Therapy Educator

Medical Writer
San Diego, CA
Kim Sharp, M Ln
Medical Writer
Houston, TX
Kathy Shepard Stolley, PhD
Medical Writer
Virginia Beach, VA
Judith Sims, MS
Science Writer
Logan, UT
Patricia Skinner
Medical Writer
Amman, Jordan
Genevieve Slomski, PhD
Medical Writer
New Britain, CT
Jane E. Spear
Medical Writer
Canton, OH
Liz Swain
Medical Writer
San Diego, CA
Judith Turner, DVM
Medical Writer
Sandy, UT
Samuel Uretsky, PharmD
Medical Writer
Wantagh, NY
Ken R. Wells

ganello, and the bourrique.
General use
Damiana affects primarily the urinary and reproduc-
tive systems. It has been used as an aphrodisiac and to
boost sexual potency in men by the native peoples of
Mexico, including the Mayan Indians, for thousands of
years. It is said to act as a sexual stimulant and produce a
feeling of general well being. Damiana is sometimes used
in men to treat spermatorrhea, premature ejaculation, sex-
ual sluggishness, and prostate complaints. It is often used
in combination with other herbs to treat impotence.
In the past 100 years, damiana has shifted from
being primarily a male sexual remedy to also being pre-
scribed for women. In women it is used to treat painful
menstruation, menopause disorders, and headaches
caused by menstruation.
Today both men and women may use damiana to re-
lieve anxiety, nervousness, and mild depression, especial-
ly if these symptoms have a sexual component. The herb is
also used as a general tonic to improve wellness. As a gen-
eral tonic it is said to act as a stimulant, improve circula-
tion, and regulate hormonal activity. Some herbal practi-
tioners also use it as a diuretic. Damiana tonic should be
used moderately, and not be taken on a long-term basis.
Damiana has also been used traditionally to improve
digestion and to treat constipation, as in larger doses it
has a mild laxative effect. Other uses include treatment
of asthma, cough and flu, and nephritis. During the
1960s, damiana was touted as a recreational drug. Some
users claimed that damiana produced a mild “high” or

GALE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2
587
GEAM - D to K 10/11/04 3:23 PM Page 587
the plant is in flower and then are dried. Dried leaves
turn a yellow-brown color and may be powdered, used in
capsules, or steeped in water or alcohol. Damiana is al-
ways used internally, never topically.
Traditionally damiana has been prepared as a tea or
infusion. Although folk recipes vary, generally about 1
cup (250 ml) of boiling water is added to 1/2 cup (1 g) of
dried leaves, and allowed to steep about 15 minutes. One
cup of this infusion is drunk two to three times daily. This
infusion is slightly bitter and has an astringent quality.
Damiana is also available as a tincture of which 1–3
ml is taken two or three times a day. If taken in capsule
or tablet form, 3–8 g twice a day may be taken. Damiana
is also available in concentrated drops. Damiana is often
used in conjunction with other herbs having similar
properties, and is often found as an ingredient in herbal
mixtures or formulas.
Precautions
Scientific evidence indicates that damiana is one of
the safest substances commonly taken for sexual en-
hancement. It has a long history of traditional medicinal
and food use with no harmful consequences reported. It
is believed to be unlikely to cause harm or have negative
side effects when taken in the designated doses. Howev-
er, no rigorous scientific studies have examined the ef-
fects of long-term use of this herb.
Side effects

all ages in both group and individual therapy. Some also
engage in research.
Dance therapists try to help people develop communi-
cation skills, a positive self-image, and emotional stability.
Origins
Dance therapy began as a profession in the 1940s
with the work of Marian Chace. A modern dancer, she
began teaching dance after ending her career with the
Denishawn Dance Company in 1930. In her classes, she
noticed that some of her students were more interested in
the emotions they expressed while dancing (loneliness,
shyness, fear, etc.) than the mechanics of the moves. She
began encouraging them by emphasizing more freedom
of movement rather than technique.
In time, doctors in the community started sending
her patients. They included antisocial children, people
GALE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2
588
Dance therapy
KEY TERMS
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aphrodisiac—Anything that arouses or increases
sexual desire.
Diuretic—Any substance that increases the pro-
duction of urine.
Hallucinogen—A substance that causes the per-
ception of a stimulus or object when it is not real-
ly present.
Nephritis—An inflammation or irritation of the
kidney.

Other dancers also began using dance therapy in the
1940s to help people feel more comfortable with them-
selves and their bodies. These dancers included Trudi
Schoop and Mary Whitehouse. Whitehouse later became
a Jungian analyst and an influential member of the dance
therapy community. She developed a process called
“movement in-depth,” an extension of her understanding
of dance, movement, and depth psychology. She helped
found the contemporary movement practice called “au-
thentic movement.” In this type of movement, founded
on the principles of Jungian analysis, patients dance out
their feelings about an internal image, often one that can
help them understand their past or their current life
struggles. One of Whitehead’s students, Janet Alder fur-
thered Whitehead’s work in authentic movement by es-
tablishing the Mary Starks Whitehouse Institute in 1981.
In 1966, dance therapy became formally organized
and recognized when the American Dance Therapy As-
sociation (ADTA) was formed.
Benefits
Dance therapy can be helpful to a wide range of pa-
tients—from psychiatric patients to those with cancer to
lonely elderly people. Dance therapy is often an easy
way for a person to express emotions, even when his or
her experience is so traumatic he or she can’t talk about
it. It is frequently used with rape victims and survivors of
sexual abuse and incest. It can also help people with
physical deficits improve their self-esteem and learn bal-
ance and coordination.
Dance therapists also work with people who have

object relations orientation. Many therapists, however,
do not ascribe to just one school, but use techniques
from various types of dance therapy.
The authentic movement technique is derived from
the Jungian method of analysis in which people work
with recurring images in their thoughts or dreams to de-
GEAM - D to K 10/11/04 3:23 PM Page 589
rive meaning in their life. Instead of asking the patient to
dance out certain emotions, the therapist instructs the pa-
tient to move when he or she feels “the inner impulse.”
The moves are directed by the patient and the therapist is
a noncritical witness to the movement. The moves are
supposed to emerge from a deep level within the patient.
In Freudian technique, dance therapists work with
patients to uncover feelings hidden deep in the subcon-
scious by expressing those feelings through dance.
In object relations technique, the therapist often
helps the patient examine problems in his or her life by
considering the primary initial relationship with the par-
ents. Emotions are expressed in a concrete, physical way.
For instance, a patient would work out his fears of aban-
donment by repeatedly coming close to and dancing at a
distance from the therapist.
Dance therapists sometimes use other types of thera-
py along with dance, such as art or drama. Therapists
also discuss what happens during a dancing session by
spending time in “talk therapy.” Dance therapists use vi-
sualizations during sessions, too. For example, the thera-
pist might instruct patients to imagine they are on a
beautiful, peaceful beach as they dance.

Research & general acceptance
Dance therapy was once dismissed as simply an in-
effective, “feel good” treatment, but it is now more re-
spected. Many research studies have proven that dance
therapy can be an effective tool to help people overcome
psychological problems.
In a 1993 study, older people with cognitive deficits
showed that dance therapy could significantly increase
their functional abilities. Patients improved their balance,
rhythmic discrimination, mood, and social interaction.
In 1999, a pilot study of 21 university students
showed that those who took a series of four to five group
dance therapy sessions in a period of two weeks signifi-
cantly reduced their test anxiety as measured by a well-
known exam called the Test Anxiety Inventory. After-
wards, the subjects reported that their dance movement
experience was positive and provided them with psycho-
logical insight. The researchers concluded that dance
therapy could be a viable method of treatment for stu-
dents who suffer from overwhelming test anxiety, and
should be researched further.
In another 1999 study presented at the ADTA nation-
al conference in November 1999, dance therapist Donna
Newman-Bluestein reported success in using techniques
of dance therapy with cardiac patients. In a stress reduc-
tion class, health professionals used dance therapy meth-
ods to teach body awareness, relaxation, self-expression,
creativity, and empathy. According to Newman-Bluestein,
the dance therapy techniques helped the patients deal with
such stressful emotions as anger, increased their self-

meadow herb of the Asteraceae or sunflower family.
There are about 100 species of dandelion, and all are
beneficial. This sun-loving beauty is a native of Greece,
naturalized in temperate regions throughout the world,
and familiar to nearly everyone. The perennial dandelion
grows freely wherever it can find a bit of earth and a
place in the sun. Dandelion’s nutritive and medicinal
qualities have been known for centuries.
Dandelion’s common name is derived from the French
dent de lion, a reference to the irregular and jagged mar-
gins of the lance-shaped leaves. There are numerous folk
names for this widely-used herb. They include pissabed,
Irish daisy, blow ball, lion’s tooth, bitterwort, wild endive,
priest’s crown, doonheadclock, yellow gowan, puffball,
clock flower, swine snort, fortune-teller, and cankerwort.
The generic name is thought to be derived from the Greek
words taraxos, meaning disorder, and akos, meaning reme-
dy. Another possible derivation is from the Persian tark
hashgun, meaning wild endive, one of dandelion’s com-
mon names. The specific designation officinale indicates
that this herb was officially listed as a medicinal. Dande-
lion held a place in the United States National Formulary
from 1888 until 1965, and the dried root of dandelion is
listed in the United States Pharmacopoeia (USP).
Dandelion may be distinguished from other similar-
looking herbs by the hollow, leafless flower stems that
contain a bitter milky-white liquid also found in the root
and leaves. The dark green dandelion leaves, with their
irregular, deeply jagged margins, have a distinctive hair-
less mid-rib. The leaves are arranged in a rosette pattern,

KEY TERMS
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Authentic movement—A type of movement that is
influenced heavily by Jungian analysis, and works
by analyzing the internal images of the patient.
Patients are also urged to dance only when they
feel the “impulse” to move.
Freudian analysis—A type of psychological treat-
ment where the therapist seeks to help the patient
resolve conflicts and traumas buried in the sub-
conscious.
Jungian analysis—A method of psychological
treatment where the patient strives to understand
the internal, often mythic images in his or her
thoughts and dreams.
Psychotherapy—A medical treatment that seeks to
resolve psychological traumas and conflicts, often
by discussing them and emotionally reliving diffi-
cult events in the past.
Test anxiety—A name for the stress and anxious-
ness that commonly occur in students before they
take exams.
GEAM - D to K 10/11/04 3:23 PM Page 591
GALE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2
592
Dandelion
A dandelion plant with flower. (Photograph by Robert J. Huff-
man/Field Mark Publications. Reproduced by permission.)
people soon recognized the value of the herb and sought
it out for its medical and nutritious benefits. The entire

to heart problems.The herb is useful in cases of anemia
and hepatitis, and may lower elevated blood pressure.
Dandelion may also provide relief for rheumatism and
arthritis. Dandelion therapy, consisting of therapeutic
doses of dandelion preparations taken over time, may
help reduce stiffness and increase mobility in situations
of chronic degenerative joint disease. The root, dried and
minced, can used as a coffee substitute, sometimes com-
bined with roasted acorns and rye.
Preparations
All parts of the dandelion have culinary and medici-
nal value. It is best to harvest fresh young dandelion
leaves in the spring. The small, young leaves are less bit-
ter, and may be eaten uncooked in salads. Larger leaves
can be lightly steamed to reduce bitterness. Leaves gath-
ered in the fall are naturally less bitter. Dandelion blos-
soms, traditionally used in wine making, may be gath-
ered throughout the flowering season. The deep, fleshy
taproot should be gathered in the fall. It takes careful
digging and loosening to extract the root intact, although
lovely magenta tint that extends up along the inner rib of
the stalkless leaf. When the plant is used as a dye, it
yields this purple hue. Dandelion blossoms are singular
and round, with compact golden-yellow petals. They
bloom from early spring until well into autumn atop hol-
low stalks that may reach from 4–8 in (10.2ndash;20.3
cm) tall. The golden blossoms yield a pale yellow dye
for wool. After flowering, dandelion develops a round
cluster of achenes, or seed cases. As many as 200 of
these narrow seed cases, each with a single seed, form

oily skin often associated with this condition, these cells
clump together and flake off as dandruff.
Description
Dandruff is very common. Up to one-third of the
U.S. population is affected by this condition. While it is
not considered a disease, dandruff is a cosmetic concern
for many people.
The following problems tend to exacerbate dan-
druff:
any root parts left in the soil will eventually produce an-
other plant. The root should be washed. Thicker roots
should be sliced down their length to facilitate drying.
The pieces should be spread out on a paper-lined tray in
a light, airy room out of direct sunlight and stored in
tightly sealed dark glass containers. Dried dandelion root
may be somewhat less potent than the fresh root.
Leaf infusion: Place 2 oz of fresh dandelion leaf, less
if dried, in a warmed glass container. Bring 2.5 cups of
fresh nonchlorinated water to the boiling point and add it
to the herbs. Cover the mixture and steep for 15–20 min-
utes, then strain. Drink the infusion warm or cold through-
out the day, up to three cups per day. The prepared tea can
be kept for about two days in the refrigerator.
Tincture: Combine 4 oz of finely-cut fresh dande-
lion root and leaf (or 2 oz of dry powdered herb) with 1
pt of brandy, gin, or vodka in a glass container. The alco-
hol should be enough to cover the plant parts and have a
50/50 ratio of alcohol to water. Cover and store the mix-
ture away from light for about two weeks, shaking sever-
al times each day. Strain and store in a tightly capped

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Achene—Any small, dry, hard seed case or fruit
that does not split open at maturity to discharge
the seed. Dandelion seeds are held inside ach-
enes.
Cholagogue—A substance that stimulates the flow
of bile.
Infusion—The most potent form of extraction of
an herb into water. Infusions are steeped for a
longer period of time than teas.
Tincture—The extraction of a herb into an alcohol
solution for either internal or external use.
GEAM - D to K 10/11/04 3:23 PM Page 593
• cold weather
• dry indoor heating
• stress (physical or emotional)
• food allergies
• nutritional deficiencies (B-complex vitamins or
omega-3 fatty acids)
• use of hair spray and gels
• use of hair-coloring chemicals
• use of electric hair curlers or blow dryers
Causes & symptoms
Dandruff is caused by an overgrowth of skin cells
that make up the scalp. It is not known what accelerates
this cell growth. However, scientists have suggested that
dandruff may be a hypersensitive reaction to the prolifer-
ation of Pityrosporum ovale, a yeast that occurs naturally
on the scalp. Another theory that held for some time
linked dandruff to a fungus. A 2002 report said that sci-

• Taking 1 tablespoon of flaxseed oil per day. Flaxseed
oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which may be effec-
tive in treating a variety of skin conditions including
dandruff.
From a traditional medical approach, dandruff may
be the body’s way of eliminating excess protein accumu-
lated but not assimilated in the system. It may also be a
symptom of liver and kidney imbalances. A more stabi-
lizing diet is needed, reducing highly acidic foods such
as tomatoes and certain spices.
Herbal therapy
Massaging tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) into
the scalp may help prevent or relieve dandruff. This oil
can relieve scaling and itching. Ayurvedic treatment also
includes various oil therapies, called suehana for the
head. Increased exercise can increase circulation and
help eliminate fats and oils.
Relaxation therapies
Relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga
may help relieve stress, which exacerbates dandruff.
Allopathic treatment
There is no cure for this natural harmless skin con-
dition. Because a greasy scalp is associated with dan-
druff condition, more frequent hair washing using regu-
lar shampoo is usually all that is needed. In more severe
cases, medicated shampoo may be necessary.
The two most commonly used anti-dandruff sham-
poos are selenium sulfide and zinc pyrithione. Both of
these are cytostatic agents. Cytostatic drugs slow down
the growth and formation of top skin layer on the scalp.

Teresa G. Odle
Deadly nightshade see Belladonna
Deglycyrrhizinated licorice
Description
Deglycyrrhizinated licorice, or DGL, is a specific
type of preparation derived from the licorice root. It is
used differently than herbal licorice because it is much
higher in agents that soothe or heal mucous membranes,
and lower in other constituents found in licorice root and
full extracts of licorice root. DGL may also be spelled,
deglycyrrhizinated liquorice. The herb, licorice, from
which DGL is derived, is known by the names Gly-
cyrrhiza, sweet root, and Yasti-madhu with the gly-
cyrrhizin removed.
Licorice is a perennial herb, which is native to the
Middle East, and widely cultivated in Europe, the Mid-
dle East, and Asia. The root has a long history of use as a
Recently, antifungal products, such as ketoconazole
(Nizoral) shampoos, are available over-the-counter (1%
preparation) and by prescription (2% preparation). These
shampoos are often prescribed by dermatologists to reduce
the growth of P. ovale. These preparations may be helpful
if dandruff is not relieved by other shampoo treatments.
The most severe and recalcitrant dandruff conditions
may require tar shampoos. These shampoos reduce the
growth of top skin cells on the scalp. It is recommended
that the shampoo be left on the hair for at least 10 min-
utes for best results. Coal tar shampoos can be messy
and can stain blond or white hair. Coal tar also can be
carcinogenic (causing cancer). However, the FDA ap-

rheic Dermatitis.” American Family Physician 61 (2000):
2703-2710.
“P&G Scientists Pinpoint Cause of Dandruff” Health &Medi-
cine Week (August 12, 2002). 11.
GALE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2
595
Deglycyrrhizinated licorice
KEY TERMS
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cytostatic—Suppressing the growth and multipli-
cation of cells.
Flake—A small, thin skin mass.
Scale—Any thin, flaky, plate-like piece of dry skin.
Seborrheic dermatitis—An inflammatory condi-
tion of the skin of the scalp, with yellowish greasy
scaling of the skin and itching. Other areas of the
body may also be affected. Mild seborrheic condi-
tion is called dandruff.
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