Hay fever is triggered by pollen or mould spore allergens during the spring, summer or fall. The proper term is “seasonal allergic rhinitis” and symptoms include stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, itchy skin and eyes, and red, watery eyes. Hay fever is the most prevalent...
Research Archive
Fish oils may improve behaviour
Adolescents who have a higher intake of fish oils tend to be less hostile than those who have a low intake, say researchers. And since hostility has been shown to predict heart disease, fish oil may also reduce heart disease risk. Scientists from across the US...
How to stamp out toenail fungus
The toenail fungal infection known as onychomycosis may be superficial but it’s a persistent infection that ultimately destroys the entire nail. Doctors have been stumped by it, finding no satisfactory cure. So researchers at the Department of Dermatology, University...
Migraines linked to low magnesium
One in five Canadians suffers migraines, which are headaches caused by swelling of the blood vessels and nerves surrounding the brain. They can last anywhere from three hours to three days, causing pain, nausea and sensitivity to noise. There are many triggers for...
Menopause herb safe and effective
Black cohosh is one of the most promising natural remedies for relief of menopausal symptoms, particularly hot flashes. It contains triterpene glycosides, which researchers believe may interact with receptors in the brain to block some estrogenic activity. Since it...
Studies show mixed E a good choice
Scientists report that taking mixed vitamin E appears to be more beneficial than taking “regular” vitamin E — the type that contains only one compound, alpha-tocopherol. Mixed vitamin E contains four tocopherol compounds (alpha, beta, gamma and delta) and is closer to...
Healing ulcers safely and naturally
An ulcer results from damage to the protective lining of the stomach and produces abdominal tenderness, pain or “burning” about 45 minutes after meals, or during the night. There is usually blood present in the stool as well. Peptic ulcers typically occur in the...
Healing Tree? Christmas tree has anti-inflammatory compounds
Here’s a new reason why a real Christmas tree is always best! Researchers have identified a group of anti-inflammatory compounds in the bark of the Scotch pine — widely used for Christmas trees — that they say could be used for treating arthritis and pain. The...
Hangover Helper? Plant extract reported to ease “the morning after”
Individuals who took a dietary supplement containing extracts of Opuntia ficus indica, a type of prickly pear cactus, before consuming alcohol, had reduced symptoms of alcohol hangover compared to individuals who drank but took placebo, according to researchers. The...
Grandma Was Right! Cod liver oil helps aching joints, study shows
Scientists from Cardiff University report that cod liver oil is effective in slowing the destruction of joint cartilage in patients with osteoarthritis. For the first time ever, the clinical study provides unique human evidence of the effectiveness of cod liver oil in...