Herbal Medicine

CBD Reduces Seizures in Treatment-Resistant Epilepsy

By Kristen Schepker, Assistant Editor

According to research published earlier this year in The Lancet Neurology, cannabidiol — a compound found in marijuana — may help lower the frequency of seizures in young patients with treatment-resistant epilepsy.

NIH Center to Confront Fears Of Herb-Drug Interactions

By Erik Goldman, Editor

“Misplaced fear” about herb-drug interactions is keeping many practitioners from recommending potentially beneficial botanical medicines, said Josephine Briggs, MD, director of the NIH’s National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH).

NY Attorney General Assails Herbal Medicine

By Erik Goldman - Vol. 16, No. 1. , 2015

eric schneiderman smJust weeks after ordering big-box giants Walmart, GNC, Target, and Walgreen’s to stop selling some of their “store-brand” herbal supplements, New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman furthered his assault on herbal products by ordering major manufacturers to turn over data on the authenticity and purity of the products they make.

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).