Herbal Medicine

Curcumin Equals Fluoxetine for Major Depression

By Janet Gulland - Vol. 15, No. 1. , 2014

In a head to head comparison trial, a standardized form of curcumin—a bioactive compound found in the spice, Turmeric–proved as effective as fluoxetine in reducing signs and symptoms of major depression.

Top Herbs for Immune Support

By Kerry Bone, Contributing Writer - Vol. 13, No. 4. , 2012

In the current era of increasing pathogen resistance to antibiotic drugs, there is a great need for new approaches for preventing colds, flu and other common infectious conditions. Key immune support herbs like Echinacea, Andrographis, and Astragalus can be valuable allies.

 

Influential Herbal Researcher Faces Blog-Prompted Academic Inquiry

By John Otrompke

A prominent and widely respected scientist who has published milestone articles on the healing properties of herbs such as turmeric, is facing a university investigation partially as a result of criticism by bloggers from websites like Retraction Watch. The case underscores the ambiguous role of unrefereed blogs in mediating science and influencing scientific reputations.

Ginseng and Curcumin: Herbal Allies in Cancer Care

By John Otrompke, Contributing Writer

Ginseng and curcumin, two herbs with long histories of use in traditional Asian herbal medicine, have beneficial effects in people with cancer, according to new studies presented at this year’s annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).

I’m Just Mad About Saffron….

By Erik Goldman

Saffron aromatherapy can produce measurable and potentially meaningful changes in young womens’ hormonal chemistry, suggesting the possibility that it might be a useful remedy for PMS and dysmenorrhea.

 

Herbal Options for Managing Adrenal Fatigue

By Michael Greer, MD - Vol. 12, No. 4. , 2011

Think of adrenal fatigue as the “waiting room” for type-2 diabetes, hypothyroidism and heart attack. Drug therapies may be able to ameliorate the end-stage symptoms of these disorders, but they do not rectify the core problem. Herbs like Licorice, Ashwagandha, Ginseng, Rhodiola and others have much to offer people who need to restore and normalize their adrenal function.

A Culinary Favorite, Oregano Shows its Antimicrobial Muster

By Janet Gulland - Vol. 12, No. 4. , 2011

Oregano has a long legacy in traditional medicine from Europe, the Middle East and Central Asia. Hippocrates recommended it as an antiseptic and a treatment for gastrointestinal and respiratory ailments. A spate of recent research shows that the herb can inhibit a number of human pathogens including Staphylococcus, Salmonella and Aspergillus.