Green Tea and Rooibos Tea Inhibit ACE Activity

Data from a well-designed Swedish study indicate that green tea and Roiboos tea—but not black tea—can significantly inhibit Angiotensin Converting Enzyme, and potentially lower blood pressure. An HerbClip from the American Botanical Council.

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New Study Corroborates Ginger’s Benefit in Quelling Morning Sickness Nausea

Ginger is widely available, safe, inexpensive, and, it turns out, one of the best possible remedies for pregnancy-associated nausea. A new clinical trial involving nearly 70 women, shows that at a dose of 250 mg, four times daily, ginger is highly effective in controlling nausea and reducing vomiting.
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Hibiscus Hems Hypertension

Hibiscus, a popular tea herb in many parts of the world, can markedly lower systolic blood pressure in type II diabetic people with mild hypertension, according to a recent clinical trial. On the other hand, black tea tends to increase systolic pressure.

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Elderberry Extract Quells Influenza Symptoms

An extract of Elderberry (Sambucus) proved effective in reducing symptoms associated with human influenza in a new placebo-controlled clinical trial.

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Natural Therapies for Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis may not be the most serious problem confronting us as primary care physicians. But it is very common, affecting up to one-fifth of the US population, including children. This amounts to 40,000,000 people. While not life threatening, it causes a great deal of discomfort, and more importantly, it can be an indicator of dysfunction of the adrenals, liver, immune system, or of dysbiosis and/or chronic stress, all of which warrant careful assessment and treatment.

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Black Cohosh Compares Favorably With Drug Therapy for Menopausal Symptoms

In the first head to head comparison of a botanical therapy versus a drug for management of menopausal symptoms, a standardized formulation of Black Cohosh was equally effective as tibolone, a drug widely used in Europe and Asia; the herbal formula had fewer adverse effects. Pycnogenol, an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory derived from the bark of French Maritime Pine trees, can reduce menopausal symptoms while improving women’s lipid profiles.

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To Sleep, Perchance To Heal: Managing Sleep Disorders Without Medications

Chronic sleep problems are so common that many people simply accept them as an inevitable part of modern life. But lack of sleep is extremely detrimental to health. According to Anne McClenon, ND, chronic sleep loss should be considered a medical emergency. But quick-fix drugs are not the answer. Nutrients like melatonin, herbs like Valerian, and elimination of late night TV or computer use, are a lot safer and more effective in restoring healthy sleep.

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Japanese Researchers Find Ampelopsis Vine Harbors Potential Hepatitis Therapy

It sometimes happens, given the complex nature of our relationship with plants, that one person's bane turns out to be another's balm.

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Black Cohosh Is Back; Soy Nuts Shine

Two new studies reassert the value of Black Cohosh in managing menopausal symptoms and depression. A separate study indicates that a handful of roasted soy nuts per day can reduce blood pressure as well as menopausal symptoms. Dr. Tori Hudson reviews the data and offers her opinions on the findings.

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New Data Reveal Anti-Inflammatory, Cartilage-Sparing Effect of Shea Extract in Osteoarthritis

Triterpenes from the shea nut, an emerging natural treatment for osteoarthritis and other joint problems, can greatly reduce markers of inflammation and cartilage breakdown, according to a new study by Dr. Philip Cheras, director of the Australian Centre for Complementary Medicine Education and Research (ACCMER), Brisbane.

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