While relatively few clinical trials have tested the cold-fighting effects of pelargonium, there's some evidence that using liquid preparations of the herb may help ease cold severity and shorten the duration of sickness. In addition, several studies suggest that pelargonium may help relieve bronchitis.

If you're looking for a natural cold remedy, research shows that herbs like echinacea and astragalus may also provide cold relief. Getting plenty of sleep, gargling with warm salt water, and drinking lots of water and tea can help soothe your symptoms as well, according to the National Institutes of Health. Read the article: Pelargonium - What You Need to Know.

Cold Relief with Pelargonium originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Thursday, February 2nd, 2012 at 09:30:41.

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Although there is currently a lack of scientific support for the claim that chaga can help prevent cancer, some preliminary research shows that chaga can slow up the growth of cancer cells. What's more, a number of studies indicate that chaga can combat oxidative stress (a destructive biological process thought to be linked to the development of cancer).

To protect against cancer, it's crucial to avoid smoking, follow a balanced diet rich in antioxidant-packed vegetables and fruits, exercise regularly, and keep your weight in check. Some studies have found that people who drink tea and maintain optimal levels of vitamin D may be less likely to develop certain types of cancer. Read the article: Chaga - What You Need to Know.

Can Chaga Fight Cancer? originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Monday, January 30th, 2012 at 16:49:44.

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Although there is currently a lack of research on the potential benefits of taking beta-glucan supplements, a number of studies suggest that dietary intake of beta-glucan may help enhance your health. For instance, studies show that the beta-glucan found in oats may help reduce cholesterol levels. There's also some evidence that including beta-glucan-rich foods in your diet may help manage diabetes by controlling blood sugar levels and lowering blood pressure.

In addition, preliminary research in animals indicates that beta-glucan may help strengthen the immune system and fend off colds and flu. And while some laboratory research suggests that beta-glucan may possess anti-cancer properties, it's too soon to recommend beta-glucan for cancer prevention. Read the full article: Beta-Glucan - What You Need to Know.

The Buzz on Beta-Glucan originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Wednesday, January 25th, 2012 at 10:14:17.

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Since scientists have yet to test the cholesterol-lowering effects of maqui in humans, it's too soon to recommend this inflammation-fighting berry for cholesterol management. To curb your cholesterol--and, in turn, boost your defense against heart disease--make sure to follow a balanced diet high in fiber and low in saturated fat, exercise regularly, and avoid smoking. Some research suggests that sipping green tea, adding flaxseed to your diet, and getting your fill of fish oil may also help manage cholesterol levels. Read the full article: Maqui - What You Need to Know.

Managing Cholesterol with Maqui originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Monday, January 23rd, 2012 at 13:14:02.

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To date, there's very little scientific evidence that caralluma can help you slim down. While some preliminary research suggests that caralluma can curb hunger and prevent weight gain, it's too soon to recommend caralluma supplements for weight loss.

If you're looking for a natural way to tame your hunger, try adding chili peppers to your diet. Studies show that capsaicin (the compound that gives hot peppers their spicy kick) may help ease your appetite and reduce levels of ghrelin (a hormone that plays a key role in promoting hunger). Read the article: Caralluma for Weight Loss.

Curbing Hunger with Caralluma originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Thursday, January 19th, 2012 at 09:36:17.

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For more help in boosting your diabetes defense, try spicing up your meals with cinnamon (another natural substance known to aid in blood sugar control). There's also some evidence that drinking tea on a regular basis and maintaining ample levels of vitamin D may help with diabetes prevention. Read the article: Banaba - What You Need to Know.

Banaba for Blood Sugar Control originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Tuesday, January 17th, 2012 at 09:41:51.

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To date, few studies have tested the possible benefits of applying sea buckthorn to the skin. However, some research suggests that taking sea buckthorn in supplement form may help treat certain skin troubles (such as eczema and burn wounds).

For other natural remedies that may help beautify your skin, consider using products that contain argan oil, shea butter, lavender, or green tea....Read the article: Sea Buckthorn - What You Need to Know

Sea Buckthorn for Smoother Skin? originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Wednesday, January 11th, 2012 at 10:20:52.

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So far, scientists have yet to extensively explore the health effects of theanine. However, preliminary research suggests that theanine may help lift mood, enhance brain function, and calm the body's response to stress.

While it's too soon to recommend the use of theanine supplements for treatment or prevention of any health condition, upping your theanine intake by drinking green tea may offer a wide range of health benefits. In fact, studies show that people who drink green tea on a regular basis may have increased protection against high blood pressure and high cholesterol (two top risk factors for heart disease), as well as some forms of cancer...Read: Theanine - What You Need to Know.

Ease Your Mind with Theanine originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Monday, January 9th, 2012 at 11:13:10.

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While there's very little evidence that kefir can reduce your cholesterol levels, preliminary research indicates that soy-milk-based kefir may offer some cholesterol-fighting benefits. If you're looking for an all-natural way to lower your cholesterol, try sipping green tea, eating moderate amounts of soy, and using cinnamon to flavor your food. In addition, some studies show that consuming oats, flaxseed, and hibiscus tea on a regular basis may help prevent high cholesterol. Read the article: Kefir - What You Need to Know.

Cutting Cholesterol with Kefir originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Thursday, January 5th, 2012 at 18:43:00.

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To date, few studies have looked at whether taking glucomannan as a dietary supplement can help you lose weight. While there's some evidence that glucomannan may promote weight loss by increasing feelings of fullness, it's too soon to recommend glucomannan supplements to people attempting to slim down. Still, it's possible that fiber sources in general may help support weight loss when incorporated into a healthy diet and combined with regular exercise. To boost your fiber intake, turn to foods like flaxseed, oatmeal, and whole grains. Read the article: Glucomannan -What You Need to Know.

Glucomannan for Weight Loss originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Monday, January 2nd, 2012 at 18:40:56.

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