cbd discussion – Culture For Good

August 25, 2021September 1, 2022

In Cannabisby Callie Gilman

3 Things You Need To Know About Cannabis Testing

A cannabis lab test is required when it comes to legal THC and CBD. Any legitimate company on the market must run their products through a state-accredited lab. This facility will then test the cannabis on a variety of things, including¹:

CBD and THC potency levels
Presence of mycotoxins (i.e. mold)
Residual pesticides
Terpene content (not required)
Undesired contaminants

Throughout this article, we’re going to take a deeper look at cannabis testing and its importance to the hemp/CBD industry.

1The Testing Protocols

The main responsibility of cannabis testing is something known as compliance data. For cannabis to be distributed and sold, it must be approved through a series of testing protocols². These protocols are similar to those found in the food and medicine industry.

However, differently from the food and medicine industry, is there’s no federal standard when it comes to testing cannabis products. Instead, each test is responsible for meeting the state’s standards. The laboratories tend to be third-party and, in effect, have their own testing protocols to reach the state’s standards.

2What’s Being Tested

There are a number of different aspects of cannabis tested. Since there’s no federal standard, some states require more testing than others. But there are some tests that are commonplace no matter where you go, including:

CBD and THC Potency Levels: the purpose of this test is to inform the consumer how much of a cannabinoid they’re getting. When you purchase CBD, there should be a measurement of how much cannabidiol is in there. Furthermore, under federal law, no cannabidiol product is allowed to have more than 0.3% THC.
Presence of Mycotoxins: these tiny contaminants include fungi, mold, and mildew and can be dangerous to the consumer if they’re in the cannabis. The risk stems from poor hygienic cultivation or through packaging and handling.
Residual Pesticides: each state has its own list of pesticides (various chemicals such as artificial growth hormones) that aren’t allowed to be used on cannabis products as they can be dangerous for the consumer. However, it’s important to note, for cannabinoids that are extracted and/or concentrated, certain residual solvents are used, such as butane or ethanol. Each state has limits on how much of this can be used.
Terpene Content (Not Required): laboratories will undergo a terpene profiling on the cannabis when they’d like to get more insight on the strains they’re harvesting. This is not required.
Undesired Contaminants: besides the minuscule contaminants mentioned above, there are a number of larger ones that can be seen with the eye, such as dirt or hair. Sometimes, heavy metals will also be found in cannabis if planted on polluted soil. In fact, hemp is proven to be a powerful tool in removing metals from the earth³.

3The Importance of Testing to the CBD Industry

Since the cannabis industry is still in its early stages, there are many out there trying to illegitimately get into this market. Companies that don’t follow protocol or legal standards and are trying to make a quick buck on a population that remains misinformed.

Due to this, it’s important you find a CBD company you can trust. One that not only follows the standards and protocols but whose number one goal is to help others learn and appreciate this alternative medicine.

Culture For Good strives to be this company. If you’ve been interested in CBD products, feel free to check out our products page.

Reference Sources

¹ Bureau of Cannabis Control California: Testing Laboratories

² APHL: Into the Weeds: Cannabis Testing and Public Health Labs

³ Springer: Comparative assessment for hyperaccumulatory and phytoremediation capability of three wild weeds

August 25, 2021September 1, 2022

In CBDby Callie Gilman

3 Ways To Use CBD For Hangovers

There’s nothing worse than waking up to a morning of misery after a night of drunken fun.

You’ve tried everything from drinking lots of fluids to taking pain relievers. Yet, no matter your efforts, you’re still trudging into the afternoon with an awful hangover. In this case, CBD might just be the answer for you. Many have found the cannabinoid to help with symptoms such as:

Dizziness
Headaches
Nausea
Trembling

Within this blog, we review everything you need to know about curing morning hangover with CBD.

1Why We Feel Hangovers

There are many different factors to what causes a hangover. But in essence, your body’s reaction is a form of withdraw from alcohol¹.

One of the biggest symptoms people feel, dehydration, is a prime example. In the words of Brandon Browne, MD, “Alcohol is a diuretic, which means that it helps the body get rid of fluids. When you have a sever hangover, you’re often severely dehydrated, and the body can’t get rid of the byproducts of metabolizing alcohol (metabolites). And those metabolites are irritating.”²

In other words, drinking too much leaves your body in a state where there aren’t enough fluids to pass out the toxins of alcohol. This is why many will tell you drink a glass of water between drinks.

Without these proper fluids, your body needs a new way of battling the toxins. And one solution to this is CBD.

2How CBD Interacts With Alcohol

Though CBD doesn’t hydrate you, it works in your body in a number of ways that can help battling hangovers.

In a 1998 study³, it was researched whether or not CBD would have effects on alcohol toxicity in lab rats. Some of these rats died out of a loss of brains cells and seizures. However, the rats that were given CBD while drunk lost 50% less brain cells than those who hadn’t.

The results of this test prove CBD can reduce the toxicity in alcohol… if taken while drinking. With less of alcohol’s toxins running through the body, there’s a much less likely chance of hangover occurring.

3Taking CBD During A Hangover

Since CBD is an antioxidant, it will help your body push through a hangover.

CBD will also battle specific symptoms, such as headaches. In one study, it found that cannabinoids helped regulate serotonin in the central nervous system⁴. In turn, easing migraines felt by patients.

In another study, CBD was discovered to properly regulate blood sugar levels⁵. Since alcohol lowers blood sugar concentration, cannabidiols can alter symptoms such as fatigue or weakness.

It’s important to keep your body hydrated while experiencing a hangover. By taking CBD and drinking plenty of water, you’re doing many wonders for your body.

Final Thoughts and Your Questions

CBD is a great way to reduce symptoms of an alcohol-induced hangover. However, it’s probably not the almighty answer drinkers have been looking for.

Still, considering CBD’s antioxidant characteristics, taking it while having a couple of drinks will certainly benefit your body in the long run.

If you have any further questions relating to how CBD can effect your hangover, we invite you to ask them in the comments below.

Reference Sources

¹ NIH: Alcohol Hangover: Mechanisms and Mediators

² Everyday Health: Why Do We Get Hangovers?

³ PubMed: Cannabidiol and (-)Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol are neurprotective antioxidants

⁴ PubMed: Effects of Medical Marijuana on Migraine Headache Frequency in an Adult Population.

⁵ PubMed: Cannabidiol attenuates cardiac dysfunction, oxidative stress, fibrosis, and inflammatory and cell death signaling pathways in diabetic cardiomyopathy.

August 25, 2021September 1, 2022

In CBD, Children, Parentingby Callie Gilman

3 Questions Parents Have About Children And CBD

With the popularity of cannabidiol (CBD) only rising, there are many parents out there who wonder if it’s safe to give to their children. The truth is, with a lack of secure scientific evidence, it’s hard to say. Throughout this article, we’re going to tell you the concerns some people have when it comes to giving CBD to children.

1Is CBD Oil For Children FDA Approved?

Currently, the Federal Drug and Food Administration (FDA) has only approved the medication Epidiolex for both adults and children with a rare form of epilepsy.¹ Though there’s a lot of push for more approvals, as of this time, nothing remains conclusive.

Still, with so little side effects, CBD seems safe as it is. And some parents may be led to believe that due to recent prohibition, the government is just working way to slow to conduct the necessary research for approved medication.

2Can I Give My Child CBD Oil To Help Them Sleep?

Some people use CBD to help them get to bed at night and, while this has prove beneficial, some medical professionals believe a child may develop a dependence on CBD. Still, this doesn’t necessarily indicate CBD isn’t safe for your child. So, how can you decide whether or not s/he should take it?

The first step is by analyzing why you want them to take it. If the reasoning is significant, you may want to consider. For example, if your child is suffering from cancer and you believe CBD may be able to stop the cancer cells from spreading, you have a legitimate reason to give some hope on CBD. However, if your child simply can’t get to sleep at night, you may want to seek out alternative, already approved forms of medication before testing CBD.

3Does CBD Oil Pose Risks To Children?

It’s important to understand that a child’s brain and body functions much differently than an adults. Though this is obvious information, it’s an important factor to consider when offering them any kind of medicine. Even if the CBD your child takes is safe, it can negatively interact with other medication they’re taking.

Since each product contains a different amount of CBD, it isn’t entirely sure how much cannabidiol the brain receives upon each dose – no matter what method you consume. Part of the reason for this is delivery systems will cause CBD to dissolve at different rates.²

Since the hemp and CBD industry isn’t currently regulated, many illegitimate businesses have entered the market. Each company on the market uses a different extraction method to receive the CBD from the cannabis plant. Unfortunately, not all extraction techniques are safe and sometimes leave toxic chemicals in the final product.³

Making Your Decision

One of the most difficult aspects of parenting is making vital decisions for another person’s life. When it comes to CBD the side effects and potential dangers can remain low if you understand the current market. However, with a lack of knowledge, you might be placing your child at risk.

If you’re looking for a cannabidiol brand you can trust, we invite you to check out our products.

Reference Sources

¹ FDA: FDA approves first drug comprised of an active ingredient derived from marijuana to treat rare, severe forms of epilepsy

² BMC Pharmacology & Toxicology: A protocal for the delivery of cannabidiol (CBD) and combined CBD and ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) by vaporisation

³ PubMed: Extraction Method and Analysis of Cannabinoids in Cannabis Olive Oil Preparations.

August 25, 2021September 1, 2022

In CBD, Isolated CBD, Lifestyle, Whole Flower CBDby Callie Gilman

3 Differences Between Whole Flower and Isolated CBD

People across the country are turning their attention to CBD. Each passing day, hemp is becoming a staple natural alternative to a variety of treatments from chronic pain to anxiety. Yet, many of these newcomers aren’t aware of the terms used to differentiate products.

For example, you may run across a CBD product that labels itself as whole flower, whole plant, and/or full spectrum. These products use the entirety of the hemp plant as there are many other benefits outside CBD itself. Whereas products labeled isolated CBD only utilizes the stalk of the plant – that which contains cannabidiol.

In fact, hemp offers a variety of different cannabinoids which each serve a different purpose.

1About Isolated CBD

To get a sense of the differences between whole flower and isolated CBD, it’s important to understand the chemicals in each.

When a product is labeled as isolated, it ONLY offers CBD. After hemp is cultivated, cannabidiol alone is extracted to make full use of its many benefits which include¹:

Alleviates anxiety
Alleviates pain
Antibacterial
Decreases blood sugar levels
Decreases chance of artery blockage
Decreases function in the immune system
Decreases inflammation
Decreases seizures and convulsions
Decreases small intestine contraction
Decreases vomiting and nausea
Impedes cancer growth
Neuro-protective
Promotes bone growth
Slows bacterial growth
Tranquilizing
Treats psoriasis
Vasorelaxant

2About Whole Flower CBD

Whole flower CBD works in a similar method. After hemp’s cultivation, cannabidiol is extracted. However, the biggest difference is other cannabinoids are also extracted. These include (but aren’t limited to)²:

Cannabichromene (CBC)

Alleviates pain
Decreases inflammation
Impedes cancer cell growth
Promotes bone growth

Cannabigerol (CBG)

Aids sleep
Impedes cancer cell growth
Promotes bone growth
Slows bacterial growth

Cannabinol (CBN)

Decreases inflammation
Promotes bone tissue growth
Sedative

Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV)

Decreases seizures and convulsions
Promotes bone growth

3Choosing The One For You

For some time, it was believed that CBD in it’s isolated form was more effective. Understandably, people felt that if the CBD was pure, it would be much more potent. Yet, a study from the Lautenberg Center for General Tumor Immunology in Jerusalem³ confirmed this to be inaccurate.

Within the study, researchers dispensed full spectrum CBD and isolated CBD onto two different sets of mice. The mice that received the full spectrum CBD were found to have much higher levels of relief.

More so, those same mice benefited further as doses of full spectrum CBD were increased. Whereas, the mice who received isolated CBD didn’t benefit further in any way.

Still, that isn’t to say there’s no reason not to use isolated CBD. In fact, there are specific situations where you’d rather use isolated CBD rather than whole flower. For example, certain diseases can be negatively affected by certain cannabinoids whole flower CBD offers. While those same diseases can benefit from CBD alone.

Final Thoughts

Whole flower and isolated CBD both have benefits. The choice is always yours. You can visit our products page to see our CBD options, and if you wish to learn more about whole flower CBD vs. isolated CBD or our products, we invite you to contact us for further information.

Reference Sources

¹ Dialogues in clinical neuroscience: Cannabinoids in health and disease

² NIH: Marijuana and Cannabinoids

³ Scientific Research Publishing: Overcoming the Bell-Shaped Dose-Response of Cannabidiol by Using Cannabis Extract Enriched in Cannabidiol

August 25, 2021September 6, 2022

In CBD, Inflammationby Callie Gilman

3 Tips About CBD For Inflammation

When our bodies experience inflammation, our white blood cells are producing at a higher rate to protect us against infection. However, if this inflammation is unregulated, it allows further damaging free radicals (known as oxidative stress) to go rampant. If left untreated, this can sometimes to fatal consequences¹.

Currently, the most common anti-inflammatory medication on the market is known as NSAIDs. Though NSAIDs can help reduce inflammation and the pain that comes with it, they also have a number of dangerous side effects, including:

High blood pressure
Kidney damage
Potential severe allergic reaction
Risk of heart attack
Risk of stroke

With these side effects, it comes as no surprise medical professionals have been seeking out another form of medication. And CBD just might be the answer. Due to prohibition, there isn’t a whole lot of research concerning CBD and inflammation. Yet, the little research we do have is promising.

1The Research On It

Since CBD has had a huge success in limiting the aches and pains brought upon by inflammation, the researches wanted to see if it held the potential to reduce free radicals.

The research paper concluded:

“Inflammation and oxidative stress are intimately involved in the genesis of many human diseases. Unraveling that relationship therapeutically has proven challenging, in part because inflammation and oxidative stress “feed off” each other. However, CBD would seem to be a promising starting point for further drug development given its anti-oxidant (although relatively modest) and anti-inflammatory actions on immune cells.”

In other words, CBD can greatly help with pain relief from inflammation. It also has some potential in preventing inflammation, but not enough to start prescribing. However, if CBD were combined with other chemicals, there’s a strong possibility it can fully prevent inflammation.

2Suggested Dosage

Taking CBD for inflammation is a great and safe way to offset the pains and aches associated with the disease.

Since doctors can’t yet prescribe it for medication, it can be confusing to know the right amount to take and how to take it.

Most CBD users agree that 25mg taken twice a day is standard if you’re seeking to use it for medical reasons. If you still feel pain, you can increase to 50mg twice a day for 3 to 4 weeks.

3Other Factors To Consider

Still, it can’t be forgotten, we’re all built differently. There are many factors that attribute to how CBD effects us, including our:

Diet
Environment
Genetics
Metabolism
Weight

You must also consider the consistency of the product you’re using whether it be a vapor, edible, or smokeable. This is a big downer of the current CBD market. Since there are no official regulations, many companies will mislabel their products.

A Note From Us

CultureForGood seeks to offer people in need of this medication a reliable source. Our products are not only consistent but are professionally tested. In turn, this gives YOU all the information you need for the CBD in your product.

Reference Sources

¹ NCBI: InformedHealth.org [Internet]. What is an inflammation?

² NCBI: Cannabidiol as an emergent therapeutic strategy for lessening the impact of inflammation on oxidative stress.

August 24, 2021September 2, 2022

In CBDby Callie Gilman

4 Questions To Ask To Identify Good CBD

Since the cannabidiol (CBD) industry is still so new, there are numerous businesses and scam artists trying to make a quick profit off low quality and, sometimes, improperly handled material.

However, this shouldn’t scare you away from the industry as a whole. With a few simple steps, it’s easy to spot and purchase quality CBD.

It’s important to remember that, just because a company claims to be trustworthy doesn’t mean they are. Though regulations within this industry exist, they’re still being worked out. In other words, a few untrustworthy businesses out there have gotten away by working around these regulations.

Throughout this blog, we’re going to review what you need to keep your eye out for and offer all the knowledge you’ll need when shopping for CBD.

1How Was The CBD Made?

In order to isolate CBD (or other cannabinoids), they must be extracted from a hemp plant. Unlike other industries, there is no standard extraction method. This means different brands might have different methods.

The unfortunate truth to this is some extraction methods can be harmful to consumers. Companies may choose a more toxic solvent (such as propane or butane) for the sake of obtaining the cannabidiol at a cheaper price.¹

A reputable company most likely uses organic ethanol and/or supercritical CO2 extraction. Both of these are safer for both the consumer and the environment.

Before buying a CBD product, it’s important to research how the company extracts its CBD. You can either take a look around their website or reach out to customer service to get more information.

2Where Was The Hemp Grown?

Many newcomers to CBD usually aren’t informed hemp is a “hyperaccumulator”. This means hemp has the ability to absorb anything on the grounds it was harvested on.²

A high-quality CBD product will make sure its hemp was grown on healthy soil. Whereas a low-quality CBD product may not care for the soil the hemp was grown on. And this kind of mentality is very dangerous to the consumer.

For hemp grown on soil filled with heavy metals will absorb those metals. In effect, the person who consumes the CBD will become vulnerable to that material.

3How Much THC Does It Contain?

In states where marijuana is legal, the cannabidiol might be extracted from a marijuana plant rather than a hemp plant. In turn, the product may also contain higher amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) than desired.

Luckily, federal regulations surrounding the CBD industry require CBD products to contain no more than 0.3% THC. Furthermore, the THC count must always be labeled on the product.³

Still, if you live in a state where marijuana is legal, there is a chance you’ll run into some products that contain more THC. This isn’t necessarily a sign of a bad company (as long as that company labels their products properly) but is something to keep in mind.

4Are There Third-Party Lab Results?

Once the CBD is extracted from the hemp plant, a reputable company will have the product tested at a third-party laboratory and provide the results to the public. The main purpose of these labs is to make sure the CBD lives up to the claims of the business.

When trying to find a CBD business to trust, keep an eye out for these results.

Final Thoughts

We know it can be difficult to find the right CBD company for you. That’s why Culture for Good not only follows all the advice given in this blog but provides a variety of products for different kinds of people.

If you’re interested in cannabidiol and want to find products from a company you can trust, we invite you to check out Culture for Good’s products page.

Reference Sources

¹ PubMed: Extraction Method and Analysis of Cannabinoids in Cannabis Olive Oil Preparations.

² Springer: Comparative assessment for hyperaccumulatory and phytoremediation capability of three wild weeds

³ CDPH: Labeling Requirements: Manufactured Cannabis Products

August 24, 2021September 2, 2022

In CBDby Callie Gilman

3 Reasons To Try CBD Instead Of Prescription Medication

Traditionally, whenever people were in need of medication, they sought out a medical professional. Nowadays, with fingers being pointed at medical professionals for catastrophes such as the opioid crisis, more people than ever are seeking out alternative medication.¹

And one of the biggest names going around is cannabidiol (CBD).

Throughout this article, we’re going to observe why CBD is gaining so much traction and teach you everything you need to know before purchasing a product.

1It Can Treat Many Different Health Conditions

If you’ve done even just a minimal amount of research concerning CBD, then you’re already well aware of the praise people give it for helping with numerous health conditions.²

These conditions include but aren’t limited to:

Anti-inflammatory
Antibacterial
Alleviating anxiety
Alleviating chronic pain
Decreases bacterial growth
Decreasing blood sugar levels
Decreasing functions in the immune system
Decreasing the risk of seizures and convulsions
Eases muscle spasms
Helping with depression
Preventing cancer cell growth
Promoting bone growth
Reduces the chance of artery blockage
Reduces nausea and vomiting
Treats psoriasis
Vasorelaxant

And these are just everything researchers have currently discovered. Due to prohibition, research concerning CBD and other cannabinoids had been put to a strict halt about a decade ago. We are now just seeing the emerging data of how CBD might just be a revolutionary medicine.

2It’s Healthier Than Prescription Medication

One of the biggest difficulties with the opioid crisis is the fact that opioids are nearly ideal when it comes to easing chronic pain. Yet, this idealistic medication often comes at a cost greater than the pain itself; addiction.

Many people have sought out alternative medication to opioids simply due to the fact that addiction is such a huge health hazard. And upon their searching, many come across cannabidiol for its nonaddictive and has the ability to ease chronic pain.³

Furthermore, when it comes to prescription medication, many are wary of the side effects attached to it. CBD oil has very few side effects and, those that are there, are so minimal, most people don’t experience them.⁴

3CBD Can Help End The Opioid Epidemic

One of the biggest reasons the opioid epidemic has grown so large is due to prescription medication. More and more people than any other recorded time in history are being handed substances with a high risk of addiction to treat various health conditions. In turn, these people develop a dependence on these substances by the time their prescription is done.⁵

Though it seems only logical that from there on out, there’s no reason an addiction should persist. However, an addicted brain isn’t thinking in terms of logic, it’s thinking in terms of its dependence. And naturally, people turn to doctor shopping or to the streets to get their fix.

If these very people were never handed such addictive substances in the first place, it’s very likely opioids wouldn’t become a nationwide crisis. CBD may just be the answer to ending all the harm this epidemic has brought onto many individuals.

It’s Okay to Be Skeptical

Since CBD isn’t regulated like other medications, you have every right to be skeptical. Many companies currently in this market are swindling customers and making a quick buck.

However, this isn’t a reason to turn down CBD altogether. When it comes to this market, it’s vital you find a trusted source. And we at Culture for Good pride ourselves in already being that source for so many people.

If you’re interested in checking out our CBD products, feel free to check out our products page.

Reference Sources

¹ NCCIH: The Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in the United States

² Dialogues in clinical neuroscience: Cannabinoids in health and disease

³ Dovepress: Cannabinoids in the management of difficult to treat pain

⁴ Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research: A Cross-Sectional Study of Cannabidiol Users

⁵ NIDA: Misuse of Prescription Drugs

August 24, 2021September 2, 2022

In CBDby Callie Gilman

3 Reasons CBD Can Be So Expensive

With so many out there emphasizing on the great things CBD, many more people open up to giving it a try. Yet, what those people are soon to find out is just how expensive CBD oil and other products are.

If you’re just becoming apart of the CBD community, you may consider the prices too ridiculous for the average consumer. And you’re in every right to have this belief. Yet, it’s often overlooked just as to WHY cannabidiol is so expensive.

This article seeks to give you a proper explanation as to CBD’s prices and, hopefully, offer you reasons to continue your interest in these products.

1Regulations

Going from a hemp plant to a little bottle of CBD isn’t as easy as it may first appear. In fact, it’s a long, laborious, and – most importantly – an expensive process.

To begin, the hemp plant has the ability to yield different amounts of CBD. With that, growers naturally want to cultivate the plants that are only CBD rich. In order to do so, the hemp must be harvested from the perfect seed in the right conditions. And both these factors are limited.

Of course, there’s always the option to grow hemp indoors. However, this is an even more expensive process as farmers must make sure the plants receive consistency in temperature, lighting, and water.

Not to mention, regulations have forced farmers to pay big licensing fees¹.

In fact, farmers who decide to grow any cannabis plant (whether it’s marijuana or hemp) are taxed much heavier than your average vegetable farmer. Of course, this all depends on where you’re located. Many states within the U.S. have different regulations that come with different taxes.

2Extraction Is Difficult

Once the hemp plant is grown, the CBD must be extracted and isolated to place in products. This is another huge blow for companies wallets as the process and equipment come with a large cost.

To make it brief, the extraction process is as follows²:

The plant must be heated and pressurized with carbon dioxide (CO2).
The CO2 retrieves cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds.
This extraction must then be purified.
The result will then be frozen and purified again.

Of course, every extraction facility has their own way of going about the process. After the CBD is frozen, some mix it with coconut oil as a means of helping the human body intake the cannabidiol itself. Still, regardless of the facility’s method, there is no cheap and effective way to get CBD out of the cannabis plant.

And in order for these facilities to continue providing this service, they must charge a hefty fee to those providing products to the public.

3Market And Legality

The above two reasons are precisely why CBD is so expensive once it’s offered to the consumer. And it can’t be forgotten that each CBD company runs just like any other business.

They need to hire people, market themselves properly, and pay further fees for operating a cannabis business*.

Due to the 2018 Farm Bill, there is potential for the government to loosen up on their regulations surrounding CBD. If so, farmers, facilities, and businesses owners alike may not have to pay as much in taxes and fees.

Furthermore, as science continues to progress, there may a cheaper, yet effective, alternative to extracting CBD from the hemp plant.

Final Thoughts

As things stand now, consumers are forced to pay expensive prices for CBD products. Though this is unfortunate, it’s important to remember that every time you do make a purchase, you’re contributing to an industry that holds lots of potentials. And your contribution could one day make CBD more affordable for those who are in need of this alternative medicine.