Researchers at the University of Manchester, in the UK, compared Melissa officinalis aromatherapy — also referred to as lemon balm — to donepezil (Aricept). (more…)

Almost all babies go through a fussy period. When crying lasts for longer than about 3 hours a day and is not caused by a medical problem (such as a hernia or infection), it is called colic.

Prof. Ernst and colleagues evaluated nutritional supplements and other complementary and alternative medicines. (more…)

Researchers at Tshwane University of Technology, in Pretoria, South Africa compared lemon grass, lemon juice, and gentian violet. (more…)

Resistance to antibiotics by bacteria is on the rise, both in the hospital and in the community. Could it be that herbals might increase the effectiveness of antibiotics?

This lab study suggests it’s possible.
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Here’s a hint.

The most comprehensive study of aromatherapy failed to show improvement in immune status, wound healing, or pain control. (more…)

Since Hippocrates advised “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food,” we have defined medicines and foods based on what is known about each substance in terms of efficacy, safety and the significance of its perceived contribution to health.

Over time, we redefine these substances as our experience and expectations change.

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Lime has been used as a contraceptive and vaginal hygiene douche, particularly in Africa.

This study reports the safety of diluted lime juice. But let’s start with some background. (more…)

In 2003, Professor Edzard Ernst writing on the Cochrane Collaboration website concluded, “Compared with placebo, kava extract is an effective symptomatic treatment for anxiety although, at present, the size of the effect seems small.” (more…)

Schisandra sphenanthera (Nan Wu Wei Zi, lemon-wood) is “commonly used in Chinese herbalism, where it is considered to be one of the 50 fundamental herbs.” I found no clinical study in humans to support the many claims for this Chinese herbal medicine.

Now, there’s a report of a drug interaction with tacrolimus (Prograf) — a drug used to suppress the immune system in order to prevent organ rejection of liver, kidney, or heart transplants. (more…)

MayoClinic.com has reviewed cold remedies that work and don’t.

Here’s a summary of useful CAM options.

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Reported earlier on the site was a study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which found that 36% of Americans use CAM ? 62% if prayer is included.

Now, here is an estimate of the use of CAM in one Central American country.

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