An extract from the herb St John's wort is at least as effective in treating depression as a commonly prescribed anti-depressant, according to new research published on bmj.com, the website of the British Medical Journal. St John's wort and the anti-depressant drug...
Research Archive
Herb Compound Used to Kill Cancer Cells: Wormwood derivative highly successful
Researchers at the University of Washington have blended the past with the present in the fight against cancer, synthesizing a promising new compound from an ancient Chinese remedy. The substance, artemisinin, is derived from the wormwood plant and has been used in...
Help for Fibromyalgia: Scientists find acupuncture improves symptoms
Fibromyalgia patients treated with six sessions of acupuncture experienced significant symptomatic improvement compared to a group given simulated acupuncture sessions, according to a new Mayo Clinic study. "This study shows there is something real about acupuncture...
Help for Epilepsy? EFAs reduce seizure frequency
Scientists from England report that omega-3 fatty acid supplements may help epileptics reduce seizure frequency and help attenuate inflammation. “Animal studies and a preliminary clinical observation suggest that nutritional supplementation" with long chain omega-3...
Calcium protects women on the pill
Women who take oral contraceptives can counteract bone loss by making sure they get enough calcium, especially early in life, according to Purdue University research. “It’s estimated that eight out of 10 women in the US use oral contraceptives at some time during the...
Ginseng fights ulcer-causing bacteria
The bacteria known as Helicobacter pylori causes gastric inflammation, ulceration and DNA damage and underlies the majority of cases of peptic ulcers. About 20% of people under 40 and half of those over 60 years have the gut bacteria. The World Health Organization has...
Pycnogenol, vitamin C help asthma
People with asthma often have lower than average levels of antioxidants, and supplementing the diet may help ease symptoms, according to new research. A report from the Asthma & Allergy Research Institute in Australia states that low antioxidant levels, particularly...
Two nutrients cut heart disease risk
Research suggests that people with elevated levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) are at an increased risk for hypertension and cardiovascular disease. CRP is a marker of inflammation in the body. Two recent studies highlight a connection between nutrients and CRP,...
Does winter make you SAD? Try more D
With another long winter upon us, it’s essential to make sure you’re getting enough vitamin D in order to prevent seasonal affective disorder (SAD). SAD can result in anxiety and depression, increased carbohydrate cravings, sleep problems and fatigue. Our main source...
Easing stress safely and naturally
Most of us consider mild or occasional stress a “fact of life” in our fast-paced society, and to some degree, our bodies are built to handle it. However, when stress is extreme and prolonged, our adrenal glands run in overdrive and produce hormones, such as adrenaline...