July 2023 archive — what we published on GoGoMeds
July brought a mix of practical herbal guides and clinical reads. If you missed posts, here are clear takeaways so you can use the info without wading through every article.
Top natural supplements covered
We wrote short, usable guides on four herbs people ask about. Red-Spur Valerian: a sleep and calming aid with a strong traditional use; try low doses first and watch for drowsiness and interactions with sedatives. Passion flower: good for stress and sleep support; consider standardized extracts and check caffeine or alcohol when pairing. Ground Ivy: useful for digestion and mild inflammation; use as tea or standardized capsule and avoid long high-dose use without advice. Maidenhair Fern: described for digestion and skin support; it’s not a miracle but can add nutrients when used as food or tea. For all supplements, ask your clinician if you take prescription meds, and start one change at a time so you notice effects or side effects.
Clinical and policy pieces
We also covered drug and health system topics. Dapagliflozin and oral health explored an unexpected benefit: reduced gum inflammation in some studies for people with type 2 diabetes. That doesn’t replace dental care, but it’s a topic worth mentioning to your care team. Acamprosate and public policy focused on access to alcohol-dependence treatment; the post encouraged local advocacy and checking coverage options, since policy shapes who can get medicine-assisted help. The shingles and meningitis article explained that shingles can rarely lead to viral meningitis if the virus reaches the nervous system; getting prompt treatment and watching severe headaches, neck stiffness, or confusion was advised. Latanoprost for pediatric glaucoma offered practical tips for parents: dosing discussions with an ophthalmologist, watching for eye redness or change in vision, and simple tricks to help kids accept drops.
Quick practical steps Want to act on this month’s posts? 1) If thinking about a supplement, list your meds and ask your doctor or pharmacist about interactions. 2) Keep up routine dental checks and share your diabetes meds with your dentist. 3) Know shingles signs and seek care early to reduce complications. 4) If you support better addiction care, contact local health officials about coverage and treatment access.
Start with the supplement pieces for quick lifestyle changes—Red-Spur Valerian and Passion Flower can affect sleep within days, while Ground Ivy and Maidenhair Fern bring steady benefits over weeks. If you manage chronic disease, read Dapagliflozin and oral health next and take notes to your dentist. Caregivers should read the Latanoprost guide before an ophthalmology visit so you know which questions to ask. For advocates or family of someone with alcohol use disorder, the Acamprosate policy post gives steps to improve access. If you spot shingles signs in yourself or a loved one, act fast and follow the checklist in that article.