This month the following research on herbs and health has caught my eye.
1. A Cochrane review of 14 studies including 2050 people found that the following herbs were effective at reducing lower back pain. Devil’s claw, lavender, comfrey root, chilli, and white willow bark.
2. A study of 60 people with acne found that the use of tea tree essential oil in gel significantly reduced their acne.
3. A study of 278 participants with osteoarthritis showed that taking frankincense reduced pain, inflammation and improved function.
4. Preliminary research has shown that ginkgo may be beneficial in reducing macular degeneration.
5. A small study found that passion flower was more effective at reducing anxiety in children with ADHD in comparison with a common ADHD drug.
6. A small study found that valerian was effective at reducing obsessive compulsive symptoms in patients with OCD.
7. A study found that reishi mushroom taken alongside chemo and radio therapies increased their effectiveness.
8. A study of 147 people with the common cold found that a combination of elderflower, vervain, gentian and evening primrose reduced the length of the cold by 3.8 days.
9. A study found that taking 15ml of elderberry syrup four times a day for four days during flu reduced symptoms and the length of flu by four days or more.