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Medical experts for long believed that vitamin B12 (cobalamin) and folate supplementation helped prevent cancer and that they were safe even at high doses. However, recent studies suggested that high B12 and folate blood levels may be associated with increased cancer risk. This article reviews 12 studies that investigated the effects of high-dose B12-folate supplementation and … Read more
Valerian root and melatonin are supplements widely used as sleep aids. Valerian root (Valeriana officinalis, sub-family: Valerianaceae; family: Caprifoliaceae) is a herbal supplement that has been used since ancient times as a mild sedative for managing sleep disorders, relievng anxiety and stress, and treating symptoms of nervous tension. Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) is a natural hormone produced … Read more
People research herbs to smoke for various reasons. Many smokers trying to stop quit tobacco or overcome nicotine dependence believe herbal cigarettes can help them quit. Others want to switch to smoking herbs because they believe tobacco-free herbal cigarettes are safe. Likewise, some people trying to stop smoking marijuana (weed) or overcome dependence on its … Read more
This article walks you through a list of 21 herbs for anxiety and depression based on evidence from peer-reviewed studies. Anxiety and depression are among the most prevalent and debilitating mental health problems afflicting millions. The challenges of balancing the pressures of fast-paced work environments with the conflicting demands of family life put a lot … Read more
Many people take melatonin as a supplement to improve sleep quality. However, if you are pregnant and experiencing sleeping difficulty, you may be wondering whether it is safe to take melatonin while pregnant. This article answers your questions about whether melatonin is safe for pregnancy. We also answer your questions about: Melatonin sleep benefits When … Read more
This article walks you through a list of herbs and spices high in iron that may play a role in preventing or treating iron deficiency anemia. Our list includes medicinal herbs and herbal teas that may help raise your iron levels. The iron content of herbs and spices has low bioavailability compared with animal sources. Low … Read more
The best time to take ashwagandha depends on many factors, including your purpose for taking it and your tolerance to the side effects of the herb’s bioactive ingredients. We shall examine these factors in detail and related issues, such as dosing, how long it takes ashwagandha to work, how long it stays in the system, … Read more
Probiotics are microorganisms — bacteria and yeasts — that live in the body and confer health benefits to the host. Although they are most commonly associated with the digestive tract, they are also found in the lungs, skin, urinary, and vaginal tracts. The best probiotics for women will contain the right mix of strains and … Read more
This article explores the health benefits of mullein leaf tea made from the leaves of flowering plants belonging to the genus Verbascum, family Scrophulariaceae (figworts). There are more than 350 species of plants belonging to the genus. They are found in many parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, and northern Africa. Mullein was recently … Read more
This article explores the subject of ashwagandha benefits for women based on available evidence from scientific research studies. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a shrub that belongs to the Solanaceae or nightshades family of flowering plants. It is an ancient Ayurvedic medicinal herb believed to have many health benefits for women. Ashwagandha means “horse smell” in … Read more
