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 Read More …
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Herbs for Back Pain?
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 Read More …
Herbs are Good for Women’s Health
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, Read More …
Herbs and Seasonings are Important Sources of Dietary Antioxidants
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 Read More …
Ginkgo protects the brain after a stroke in mice
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 Read More …
Ginger and Nausea
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 Read More …
Fennel for Dysmenorrhea Pain?
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 Read More …
Depression, Dyspepsia, and Herbs
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 Read More …
Curcumin and Stress
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 Read More …
Curcumin and Colitis
Turmeric is a perennial plant, botanically related to ginger that is native to India,China and Indonesia. It is a component of curry powder and prepared mustard. It is used in traditional Chinese medicine and in Indian (Ayurvedic) medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties. It has been used to treat digestive disturbance, menstrual difficulties, pain and protecting Read More …