Herbs For Evidence-Based Health & Healing 

Herbs have been used since prehistoric times to treat injuries and illnesses, but which ones actually work, as opposed to being “old wives’ tales”?

Even today, in pharmacies herbals products may come with a disclaimer “based on traditional use only”, which, in scientific terms, means it likely performs no better than placebo.

This is a “Saturday Life Hacks” edition, not a “Research Review Monday”, so we won’t be doing any deep-dives today, and will instead keep things short and snappy. We’ll also spotlight one main benefit, rather than trying to cover all bases, as we often have room to do on a Monday!

Basil

Helps boost immunity:

Double-blinded randomized controlled trial for immunomodulatory effects of Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum Linn.) leaf extract on healthy volunteers

Chamomile

Significantly reduces symptoms of osteoarthritis:

Efficacy and safety of topical Matricaria chamomilla L. (chamomile) oil for knee osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled clinical trial

(This one challenged your writer’s resolve as it does so many things, it was hard to pick just one. So, she went with one that’s less known that “settling the stomach” and “relieving PMS” and “relaxation” and so forth)

Echinacea

Significantly reduces the risk of catching a cold (but won’t help once you’ve caught it):

Echinacea for preventing and treating the common cold

Elderberry

Significantly hastens recovery from upper respiratory viral infections:

Black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) supplementation effectively treats upper respiratory symptoms: A meta-analysis of randomized, controlled clinical trials

Evening Primrose

Fights neuropathy, along with many other benefits:

An updated review on pharmacological activities and phytochemical constituents of evening primrose

Fennel

Antinflammatory, along with many other benefits:

Foeniculum vulgare Mill: A Review of Its Botany, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, Contemporary Application, and Toxicology

Ginkgo biloba

Antioxidant effects provide anti-aging benefits:

Advances in the Studies of Ginkgo Biloba Leaves Extract on Aging-Related Diseases

Ginseng

Combats fatigue:

Ginseng as a Treatment for Fatigue: A Systematic Review

Lavender

Enjoyed for its sedative effects, which is really does have:

Evidence for Sedative Effects of the Essential Oil of Lavender after Inhalation

Sage

Helps fight HIV type 1 and Herpes simplex type 2 (and probably other viruses, but that’s what we have the science for right now):

Aqueous extracts from peppermint, sage and lemon balm leaves display potent anti-HIV-1 activity

Valerian

Inconclusive data; “traditional use only” for restful sleep.

Can’t have everything!