Scientists Study Herb’s Anti-Migraine Properties According to researchers from Yale, they may know how the herb feverfew works to relieve migraines. The herb has substance known as parthenolide. Pathenolide targets a protein called I kappaB Kinase, which may be involved in inflammation. The researchers made a derivative of parthenolide and found that it bound I […]

Quercitin is a bioflavonol found in onions, apples and other produce. A recent study appearing in the Journal of Nutrition (Nov. 2007; Vol 137) found that it may have a blood pressure lowering effect. Of the 41 people who participated in the study, 22 were hypertensive, with average blood pressure of 146/96 and 19 were

According to a research review  appearing in The Cochraine Library, back pain responds to certain herbs (Gagnier, J. The Cochrane Library, 2006; Issue 2, NationalCenter for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: “Herbal Supplements: Consider Safety, Too.”). The studies under review involved a total of over 1,500 subjects. A standardized 50 mg. dose of devil’s claw outperformed

An article appearing in the Journal of the American Pharmaceutical Association (40(2):234-242, 2000) took a look at research involving herbs used for women’s health. The author, Mary L. Hardy, MD is medical director, Cedars-Sinai Integrative Medicine Medical Group, Cedars-SinaiHospital, and associate clinical professor of medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles. According to Dr. Hardy,

Herbs commonly used in the kitchen for seasoning are a good source of nutritional antioxidants, according to research published in the Journal of Nutrition (2003; 133(5):1286-90). Seasonings like sage, clove, oregano, lemon balm, peppermint, garden thyme, allspice and cinnamon are very high in antioxidants. Antioxidants exist in very high concentrations in the seasonings (greater than

According to a report presented to the AmericanAcademy of Neurology in April, 2000, Ginkgo biloba, reduces the extent of brain damage caused by stroke induced in mice. Because of some positive results in cancer and dementia research, researches have tired to reduce damage from destructive molecules called free radicals. Free radical damage occurs after a

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a perennial plant that grows in warm and humid climates. The rhizome (a thickened, usually horizontal underground stem or branch of a plant that stores food) of ginger has been used in cooking and medicinally for centuries. Ginger has traditionally been used in Chinaand in other cultures to treat nausea, vomiting

A study was performed in Iranand published in the Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal (2006; 12(3-4):423-7). It compared mefenamic acid to fennel for the treatment of dysmenorrheal pain. Memfenamic acid is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to treat pain, including menstrual pain. Two groups of high school girls were selected randomly to receive either a fennel

In Chinese medicine, the herbal combination known as Xinwei Decoction is used to treat patients who have depression in conjunction with dyspepsia. In a study published in the American Journal of Chinese Medicine (2005; 33(2): 249-257), 73 subjects were examined using the FD (functional dyspepsia) scale and the Hamilton Depression Scale at the beginning and

Curcumin is a constituent of the spice, turmeric (a common ingredient in curry). Research appearing in the journal Brain Research(2006; 1122(1): 56-64) shows that it may help to reverse some of the negative effects of chronic stress. Rats were subjected to 20 days of chronic stress. The stress adversely affected their physiology, behavior, and the