Cutting Edge Research Made Easy
by Linda Woolven, B.A., Master Herbalist, Acupuncturist and Ted Snider, B.Ed., M.A.
Peppermint oil is one of the most important treatments for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), helping about 80% of people with IBS (J Gastroenterol 1997;32:765-68). Several double-blind studies have proven its effectiveness, and at least two meta-analyses of controlled studies have already demonstrated peppermint oil’s power over the symptoms of IBS (Aliment Pharmacol Ther 1994; 8:499-510;…
Cranberry is best known as a highly effective herb for preventing and treating urinary tract infections. But a new study has added a new use. It found that cranberry may also prevent and treat prostate cancer. . . .
Several studies have shown that curcumin is a highly effective treatment for osteoarthritis (see Vol 19 No 7 of The Natural Path). Now a just published review of the research has strengthened the evidence for curcumin as an important osteoarthritis treatment. . . .
The Flu Vaccine: The More Often You Get it, the Worse it Works The commercials keep reminding you to get your flu shot every year. The science, however, reminds you not to get it every year. . . .
We have written several times about the
In Vol. 19 No. 9 of The Natural Path, we wrote about a dozen uses of probiotics that will surprise you. One of the most surprising was that probiotics help to keep you happy and fight depression, anxiety and stress. The psychological uses of probiotics were little known or discussed before. Now new research on…
We have written a lot lately on the
Recently, we did a comprehensive review of the clinical research on saffron in the herbal journal HerbalGram (the PDF is on the About Linda & Ted page). In that review, we looked at several studies that demonstrated that saffron is a highly effective treatment for depression. Now a new study has not only added to…
This important study set out to determine the relationship between your diet and your brain. It wanted to see if there was an association between eating healthily and preventing cognitive decline as we age. It followed 27,860 people who were 55 or older and who were at risk of cardiovascular disease for 56 months. The…
Patients in hospitals often suffer from pain, nausea and anxiety that require treatment. But those treatments have side effects and are often ineffective. This interesting study looked at the possibility of using inexpensive and safe aromatherapy as an alternative in the hospital. . . .
We have written large studies to reduce the risk of premature death and of death from heart disease, cardiovascular disease, cancer and respiratory disease. A new systematic review and meta-analysis has included studies not included in earlier reviews and added the more recently published studies. The up-to-date review looked at studies on nuts and cardiovascular…
Last month, in Vol.20, No.3 of The Natural Path, we wrote about the Ayurvedic herb ashwagandha. We discussed studies that demonstrated benefit for sexual and reproductive health for both men and women, working out, stress, anxiety, OCD, diabetes and heart disease. Well, after we finished that article, a new study came out showing that ashwagandha…