Frankincense for Asthma

A 1998 study found that 300mg of frankincense resin three times daily significantly improved asthma symptoms compared to 300mg of lactose three times daily over 6 weeks. Lung function parameters and inflammatory blood markers improved in 70% of people taking the frankincense resin vs 27% of people taking lactose. Frankincense can cause gastrointestinal symptoms among other side effects. Prolonged use at high doses can lead to rare but serious electrolyte imbalances.

Gupta I, Gupta V, Parihar A, Gupta S, Lüdtke R, Safayhi H, Ammon HP. Effects of Boswellia serrata gum resin in patients with bronchial asthma: results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled, 6-week clinical study. Eur J Med Res. 1998 Nov 17;3(11):511-4. PMID: 9810030.

Finsterer J. Boswellia serrata intoxication manifesting with syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion, hyponatremia, seizure, and rhabdomyolysis. Crit Care Sci. 2024 Jun 24;36:e20240049en. doi: 10.62675/2965-2774.20240049-en. PMID: 38922237; PMCID: PMC11152439.

Spirulina for Allergies

A 2008 study found that oral intake of 2g spirulina daily, a blue-green algae, was significantly more effective than placebo at improving allergy symptoms over 6 months. Another study in 2020 found that 2g of spirulina taken daily was more effective than 10mg of cetirizine daily over 2 months. Spirulina is thought to have anti-inflammatory effects. Spirulina may cause digestive or other side effects.

Cingi C, Conk-Dalay M, Cakli H, Bal C. The effects of spirulina on allergic rhinitis. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2008 Oct;265(10):1219-23. doi: 10.1007/s00405-008-0642-8. Epub 2008 Mar 15. PMID: 18343939.

Nourollahian M, Rasoulian B, Gafari A, Anoushiravani M, Jabari F, Bakhshaee M. Clinical comparison of the efficacy of spirulina platensis and cetirizine for treatment of allergic rhinitis. Acta Otorhinolaryngol Ital. 2020 Jun;40(3):224-229. doi: 10.14639/0392-100X-N0139. PMID: 32773785; PMCID: PMC7416373.

Eucalyptus for Bad Breath

A 2010 study found that a chewing gum containing eucalyptus significantly decreased bad breath, volatile sulfur compounds (a common cause of bad breath), and decreased tongue coating compared to placebo over 12 weeks. Eucalyptus is thought to reduce bacteria that produce volatile sulfur compounds in the mouth.

Tanaka M, Toe M, Nagata H, Ojima M, Kuboniwa M, Shimizu K, Osawa K, Shizukuishi S. Effect of eucalyptus-extract chewing gum on oral malodor: a double-masked, randomized trial. J Periodontol. 2010 Nov;81(11):1564-71. doi: 10.1902/jop.2010.100249. Epub 2010 Jul 1. PMID: 20594055.

L-Theanine for Sleep Quality

A 2025 review analyzed multiple trials on L-theanine, an amino acid found in tea. It found that L-theanine improved sleep quality. L-theanine is thought to act as a competitor to glutamate, the brain’s main excitatory neurotransmitter, and it may increase GABA, the brain’s main inhibitory neurotransmitter. However, L-theanine may not necessarily improve anxiety. L-theanine may cause digestive or other side effects.

Cotter J, Caddick CE, Harper JL, Ebajemito JK. Examining the effect of L-theanine on sleep: a systematic review of dietary supplementation trials. Nutr Neurosci. 2026 Feb;29(2):224-238. doi: 10.1080/1028415X.2025.2556925. Epub 2025 Nov 1. PMID: 41176609.

Sarris J, Byrne GJ, Cribb L, Oliver G, Murphy J, Macdonald P, Nazareth S, Karamacoska D, Galea S, Short A, Ee C, Birling Y, Menon R, Ng CH. L-theanine in the adjunctive treatment of generalized anxiety disorder: A double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial. J Psychiatr Res. 2019 Mar;110:31-37. doi: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2018.12.014. Epub 2018 Dec 8. PMID: 30580081.

Shiitake Mushroom for Gastric Cancer

A 2009 meta-analysis found that lentinan, a compound in shiitake mushrooms, significantly prolonged survival in people with gastric cancer when added to standard treatment. There is evidence lentinan may work by enhancing the immune system. Lentinan may have an effect on lung cancer as well but it is unclear if the prolonged survival lasts beyond 1 year. Another study found that lentinan may also improve chemotherapy-induced taste disorders. Shiitake mushrooms may cause a rash or other side effects.

Oba K, Kobayashi M, Matsui T, Kodera Y, Sakamoto J. Individual patient based meta-analysis of lentinan for unresectable/recurrent gastric cancer. Anticancer Res. 2009 Jul;29(7):2739-45. PMID: 19596954.

Wang Y, Wang H, Chai K, Guo S, Zhai Y, Shi R, Zhang F, Huang J, Jin Z, Gao Y, Tao X, Yang S, Li J, Zhou J, Qiao C, Stalin A, Wu J. Systematic review and meta-analysis on the efficacy and safety of Injectable Lentinan combined with chemotherapy in the treatment of gastric cancer. Phytomedicine. 2024 Jan;123:155242. doi: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.155242. Epub 2023 Dec 9. PMID: 38100922.

Wang H, Cai Y, Zheng Y, Bai Q, Xie D, Yu J. Efficacy of biological response modifier lentinan with chemotherapy for advanced cancer: a meta-analysis. Cancer Med. 2017 Oct;6(10):2222-2233. doi: 10.1002/cam4.1156. Epub 2017 Sep 21. PMID: 28940986; PMCID: PMC5633561.

Yanagimoto H, Hirooka S, Yamamoto T, Yamaki S, Sekimoto M. Efficacy of Lentinula edodes MyceliaExtract on Chemotherapy-Related Tasted Disorders in Pancreatic Cancer Patients. Nutr Cancer. 2023;75(1):236-246. doi: 10.1080/01635581.2022.2107226. Epub 2022 Aug 11. PMID: 35950537.

“Lentinan | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.” Www.mskcc.org, 20 Oct. 2023, www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/lentinan.

Lion’s Mane Mushroom for Cognition

A 2009 study found that 1000mg of Lion’s mane mushroom taken 3x daily significantly improved cognitive scores in adults 50-80 years old compared to placebo over 16 weeks. This effect may not last or may diminish after stopping Lion’s mane mushroom. Compounds in Lion’s mane mushroom have been shown to stimulate nerve growth and repair. No adverse effects were seen but lion’s mane mushroom may cause digestive or other side effects.

Mori K, Inatomi S, Ouchi K, Azumi Y, Tuchida T. Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Phytother Res. 2009 Mar;23(3):367-72. doi: 10.1002/ptr.2634. PMID: 18844328.

Contato AG, Conte-Junior CA. Lion's Mane Mushroom (Hericium erinaceus): A Neuroprotective Fungus with Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antimicrobial Potential-A Narrative Review. Nutrients. 2025 Apr 9;17(8):1307. doi: 10.3390/nu17081307. PMID: 40284172; PMCID: PMC12030463.

Soybean Isoflavones for Menopausal Hot Flashes

A 2012 review and meta-analysis found that soy isoflavones (median 54mg) were significantly more effective than placebo at reducing frequency and severity of menopausal hot flashes. Almost 20 trials were analyzed with a duration of up to 1 year. Supplements containing more than 18.8mg genistein, an isoflavone, were more effective. Soy isoflavones affect estrogen receptors. Soy and soy isoflavones may actually reduce overall cancer risk and risk of recurrence for breast cancer.

Taku K, Melby MK, Kronenberg F, Kurzer MS, Messina M. Extracted or synthesized soybean isoflavones reduce menopausal hot flash frequency and severity: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Menopause. 2012 Jul;19(7):776-90. doi: 10.1097/gme.0b013e3182410159. PMID: 22433977.

Wang C, Ding K, Xie X, Zhou J, Liu P, Wang S, Fang T, Xu G, Tang C, Hong H. Soy Product Consumption and the Risk of Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies. Nutrients. 2024 Mar 28;16(7):986. doi: 10.3390/nu16070986. PMID: 38613019; PMCID: PMC11013307.

van Die MD, Bone KM, Visvanathan K, Kyrø C, Aune D, Ee C, Paller CJ. Phytonutrients and outcomes following breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. JNCI Cancer Spectr. 2024 Jan 4;8(1):pkad104. doi: 10.1093/jncics/pkad104. PMID: 38070485; PMCID: PMC10868383.

Rhodiola for Stress-Related Fatigue

A 2009 study found that an extract from the roots of Rhodiola Rosea significantly improved symptoms of fatigue compared to placebo over 28 days. In this trial, 576mg of the extract was taken four times daily. Morning salivary cortisol also improved in the group taking Rhodiola. Rhodiola may cause dizziness, headache, insomnia or other side effects.

Olsson EM, von Schéele B, Panossian AG. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study of the standardised extract shr-5 of the roots of Rhodiola rosea in the treatment of subjects with stress-related fatigue. Planta Med. 2009 Feb;75(2):105-12. doi: 10.1055/s-0028-1088346. Epub 2008 Nov 18. PMID: 19016404.

“Rhodiola.” NCCIH, Oct. 2020, www.nccih.nih.gov/health/rhodiola.

Artichoke Leaf for Indigestion & Bloating

A 2003 study found that artichoke leaf extract was significantly more effective than placebo at treating functional dyspepsia over 6 weeks. Functional dyspepsia includes indigestion, bloating, nausea, epigastric pain and similar symptoms. Artichoke leaf has been shown to enhance bile acid secretion.

Holtmann G, Adam B, Haag S, Collet W, Grünewald E, Windeck T. Efficacy of artichoke leaf extract in the treatment of patients with functional dyspepsia: a six-week placebo-controlled, double-blind, multicentre trial. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2003 Dec;18(11-12):1099-105. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2036.2003.01767.x. PMID: 14653829.

Kirchhoff R, Beckers C, Kirchhoff GM, Trinczek-Gärtner H, Petrowicz O, Reimann HJ. Increase in choleresis by means of artichoke extract. Phytomedicine. 1994 Sep;1(2):107-15. doi: 10.1016/S0944-7113(11)80027-9. PMID: 23195882.

South African Geranium for COPD

A 2013 study found that an extract from the roots of South African geranium (Pelargonium sidoides) may prolong the time to exacerbation for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The extract was given daily, in addition to standard medical therapy, for 24 weeks and compared to a placebo group. Other studies found that a similar extract may improve symptoms and reduce duration of symptoms in children and adults with upper respiratory infections. South African geranium may cause digestive or other side effects.

Matthys H, Pliskevich DA, Bondarchuk OM, Malek FA, Tribanek M, Kieser M. Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of EPs 7630 in adults with COPD. Respir Med. 2013 May;107(5):691-701. doi: 10.1016/j.rmed.2013.02.011. Epub 2013 Mar 7. PMID: 23478193.

Gökçe Ş, Dörtkardeşler BE, Yurtseven A, Kurugöl Z. Effectiveness of Pelargonium sidoides in pediatric patients diagnosed with uncomplicated upper respiratory tract infection: a single-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Eur J Pediatr. 2021 Sep;180(9):3019-3028. doi: 10.1007/s00431-021-04211-y. Epub 2021 Jul 24. PMID: 34304301.

Lizogub VG, Riley DS, Heger M. Efficacy of a pelargonium sidoides preparation in patients with the common cold: a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Explore (NY). 2007 Nov-Dec;3(6):573-84. doi: 10.1016/j.explore.2007.09.004. PMID: 18005909.

Matthys H, Eisebitt R, Seith B, Heger M. Efficacy and safety of an extract of Pelargonium sidoides (EPs 7630) in adults with acute bronchitis. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Phytomedicine. 2003;10 Suppl 4:7-17. doi: 10.1078/1433-187x-00308. PMID: 12807337.

Reishi Mushroom for Precancerous Colorectal Adenomas

A 2010 study found that a 1.5g extract of reishi mushroom taken daily for 1 year was significantly effective at reducing the number and size of precancerous colorectal adenomas. Number and size of precancerous colorectal adenomas increased in the control (no treatment) group. All participants had a baseline colonoscopy showing adenomas at the beginning of the trial and repeat colonoscopy at the 1 year trial end. It is thought that reishi mushroom increases natural immunity against tumors and precancers. There is some evidence that reishi mushroom may help with gastrointestinal cancer treatment but this is only available in Chinese literature. Reishi mushroom may cause digestive or other side effects.

Oka S, Tanaka S, Yoshida S, Hiyama T, Ueno Y, Ito M, Kitadai Y, Yoshihara M, Chayama K. A water-soluble extract from culture medium of Ganoderma lucidum mycelia suppresses the development of colorectal adenomas. Hiroshima J Med Sci. 2010 Mar;59(1):1-6. PMID: 20518254.

Lin, Z.B. 2007. Clinical application of Ganoderma lucidum (in Chinese), p.332-340. In Z.B. Lin (eds.), Modern Research of Ganoderma lucidum, 3rd ed. Beijing Medical University Press, Beijing.

Nigella Sativa for Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

A 2016 study found that 2000mg of Nigella sativa significantly improved thyroid function and decreased anti-TPO antibodies in people with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis compared to placebo over 8 weeks. All people were on levothyroxine during the study. Weight and waist circumference also significantly improved in the group taking Nigella sativa. Nigella sativa contains thyimoquinone, which is thought to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Long-term use and high doses of black seeds may cause stomach upset among other, possible serious, side effects.

Farhangi MA, Dehghan P, Tajmiri S, Abbasi MM. The effects of Nigella sativa on thyroid function, serum Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) - 1, Nesfatin-1 and anthropometric features in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2016 Nov 16;16(1):471. doi: 10.1186/s12906-016-1432-2. PMID: 27852303; PMCID: PMC5112739.

Kemal Sener, Adem Cakir, Onder Yesiloglu, Ertugrul Altug, Ramazan Guven, Semih Korkut, Rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney injury after consumption of black seed oil, Toxicon, Volume 245, 2024, 107787, ISSN 0041-0101, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxicon.2024.107787.

Garlic for High Blood Pressure

A 2023 study found that aged garlic extract was significantly more effective than placebo at lowering blood pressure over 12 weeks in people with grade 1 hypertension. The aged garlic contained 0.25mg of s-allyl cysteine (SAC). SAC is thought to increase nitric oxide levels. Another study in 2012 found that 480mg of aged garlic containing 1.2mg SAC significantly lowered systolic blood pressure compared to placebo over 12 weeks in people already on antihypertensive medications; this effect was more significant than the 2023 study. Research has shown that garlic may also improve microcirculation. Garlic may cause digestive issues among other side effects.

Ried K, Frank OR, Stocks NP. Aged garlic extract reduces blood pressure in hypertensives: a dose-response trial. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2013 Jan;67(1):64-70. doi: 10.1038/ejcn.2012.178. Epub 2012 Nov 21. PMID: 23169470; PMCID: PMC3561616.

Sobenin IA, Andrianova IV, Fomchenkov IV, Gorchakova TV, Orekhov AN. Time-released garlic powder tablets lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure in men with mild and moderate arterial hypertension. Hypertens Res. 2009 Jun;32(6):433-7. doi: 10.1038/hr.2009.36. Epub 2009 Apr 24. PMID: 19390538.

Rahmatinia E, Amidi B, Naderi N, Ahmadipour S, Ahmadvand H, Pahlevan-Fallahy MT, Ghorbanzadeh V, Nazari A. Randomized, double-blind clinical trial evaluating the impact of freeze-dried garlic extract capsules on blood pressure, lipid profile, and nitric oxide levels in individuals at risk for hypertension. Horm Mol Biol Clin Investig. 2024 Jul 15;45(4):139-147. doi: 10.1515/hmbci-2024-0019. PMID: 39001718.

Serrano JCE, Castro-Boqué E, García-Carrasco A, Morán-Valero MI, González-Hedström D, Bermúdez-López M, Valdivielso JM, Espinel AE, Portero-Otín M. Antihypertensive Effects of an Optimized Aged Garlic Extract in Subjects with Grade I Hypertension and Antihypertensive Drug Therapy: A Randomized, Triple-Blind Controlled Trial. Nutrients. 2023 Aug 23;15(17):3691. doi: 10.3390/nu15173691. PMID: 37686723; PMCID: PMC10490347.

Wlosinska M, Nilsson AC, Hlebowicz J, Malmsjö M, Fakhro M, Lindstedt S. Aged garlic extract preserves cutaneous microcirculation in patients with increased risk for cardiovascular diseases: A double-blinded placebo-controlled study. Int Wound J. 2019 Dec;16(6):1487-1493. doi: 10.1111/iwj.13220. Epub 2019 Sep 13. PMID: 31518044; PMCID: PMC7949022.

Tea Tree Oil for Acne

Two studies in 1990 and 2019 found that a 5% tea tree gel significantly improved mild to moderate acne and it was similarly effective to the medication benzoyl peroxide. Topical tea tree had fewer side effects than benzoyl peroxide so compliance was higher. A 2007 study found 5% topical tea tree to be significantly more effective for acne than placebo after 45 days. Some people may be allergic to tea tree oil.

Bassett IB, Pannowitz DL, Barnetson RS. A comparative study of tea-tree oil versus benzoylperoxide in the treatment of acne. Med J Aust. 1990 Oct 15;153(8):455-8. doi: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.1990.tb126150.x. PMID: 2145499.

Enshaieh S, Jooya A, Siadat AH, Iraji F. The efficacy of 5% topical tea tree oil gel in mild to moderate acne vulgaris: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2007 Jan-Feb;73(1):22-5. doi: 10.4103/0378-6323.30646. PMID: 17314442.

Lubtikulthum P, Kamanamool N, Udompataikul M. A comparative study on the effectiveness of herbal extracts vs 2.5% benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2019 Dec;18(6):1767-1775. doi: 10.1111/jocd.12962. Epub 2019 Apr 23. PMID: 31012999.

Hammer KA, Carson CF, Riley TV, Nielsen JB. A review of the toxicity of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil. Food Chem Toxicol. 2006 May;44(5):616-25. doi: 10.1016/j.fct.2005.09.001. Epub 2005 Oct 21. PMID: 16243420.

Lavender for Anxiety

A 2010 study found that an 80mg extract of lavender taken daily was significantly more effective than placebo at treating anxiety. A 2014 study also found that the 160mg extract of lavender was more effective than the 80mg extract at improving generalized anxiety disorder over 10 weeks. There are many different types of lavender. No significant adverse effects were seen but some people may experience digestive issues.

Kasper S, Gastpar M, Müller WE, Volz HP, Möller HJ, Dienel A, Schläfke S. Silexan, an orally administered Lavandula oil preparation, is effective in the treatment of 'subsyndromal' anxiety disorder: a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial. Int Clin Psychopharmacol. 2010 Sep;25(5):277-87. doi: 10.1097/YIC.0b013e32833b3242. PMID: 20512042.

Kasper S, Gastpar M, Müller WE, Volz HP, Möller HJ, Schläfke S, Dienel A. Lavender oil preparation Silexan is effective in generalized anxiety disorder--a randomized, double-blind comparison to placebo and paroxetine. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol. 2014 Jun;17(6):859-69. doi: 10.1017/S1461145714000017. Epub 2014 Jan 23. PMID: 24456909.

Bilberry for Skin Aging

A 2024 study found that a fermented bilberry extract significantly improved wrinkles and skin complexion compared to placebo over 12 weeks. Another study in 2018 showed that freeze-dried bilberry significantly improved walking distance after 8 weeks compared to standard medical therapy alone after a heart attack.

Nobile V, Dudonné S, Kern C, Roveda G, Garcia C. Antiaging, Brightening, and Antioxidant Efficacy of Fermented Bilberry Extract (Vaccinium myrtillus): A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Nutrients. 2024 Jul 10;16(14):2203. doi: 10.3390/nu16142203. PMID: 39064646; PMCID: PMC11280171.

Arevström L, Bergh C, Landberg R, Wu H, Rodriguez-Mateos A, Waldenborg M, Magnuson A, Blanc S, Fröbert O. Freeze-dried bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) dietary supplement improves walking distance and lipids after myocardial infarction: an open-label randomized clinical trial. Nutr Res. 2019 Feb;62:13-22. doi: 10.1016/j.nutres.2018.11.008. Epub 2018 Nov 17. PMID: 30803503.

Siberian Rhubarb for Menopausal Symptoms

A 2006 study found that an extract from the roots of Siberian Rhubarb (Rheum rhaponticum) was significantly more effective than placebo at treating menopausal symptoms over 12 weeks. Siberian Rhubarb is thought to act like a selective estrogen receptor modulator. A subsequent study in 2009 found this same extract to be effective over 96 weeks without significant adverse effects.

Heger M, Ventskovskiy BM, Borzenko I, Kneis KC, Rettenberger R, Kaszkin-Bettag M, Heger PW. Efficacy and safety of a special extract of Rheum rhaponticum (ERr 731) in perimenopausal women with climacteric complaints: a 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Menopause. 2006 Sep-Oct;13(5):744-59. doi: 10.1097/01.gme.0000240632.08182.e4. Erratum in: Menopause. 2007 Mar-Apr;14(2):339. PMID: 16894335.

Hasper I, Ventskovskiy BM, Rettenberger R, Heger PW, Riley DS, Kaszkin-Bettag M. Long-term efficacy and safety of the special extract ERr 731 of Rheum rhaponticum in perimenopausal women with menopausal symptoms. Menopause. 2009 Jan-Feb;16(1):117-31. doi: 10.1097/GME.0b013e3181806446. PMID: 18978638.

Vitamin K2 for Osteoporosis

A 2000 study found that 45mg of vitamin K2 (MK-4) plus calcium daily was significantly more effective at reducing fractures (especially vertebral) and improving lumbar bone mineral density (BMD) in Japanese women with osteoporosis over 2 years than only calcium daily. A 2021 Danish study found that 325mcg (0.325mg) of vitamin K2 (MK-7) did not significantly improve bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with osteopenia over 3 years compared to placebo. A 2023 British study found that 45mg of vitamin K2 (MK-4) did not significantly increase bone mineral density compared to placebo over 18 months in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis already taking bisphosphonate medication.

Shiraki M, Shiraki Y, Aoki C, Miura M. Vitamin K2 (menatetrenone) effectively prevents fractures and sustains lumbar bone mineral density in osteoporosis. J Bone Miner Res. 2000 Mar;15(3):515-21. doi: 10.1359/jbmr.2000.15.3.515. PMID: 10750566.

Rønn SH, Harsløf T, Oei L, Pedersen SB, Langdahl BL. The effect of vitamin MK-7 on bone mineral density and microarchitecture in postmenopausal women with osteopenia, a 3-year randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Osteoporos Int. 2021 Jan;32(1):185-191. doi: 10.1007/s00198-020-05638-z. Epub 2020 Oct 8. PMID: 33030563.

Moore AE, Dulnoan D, Voong K, Ayis S, Mangelis A, Gorska R, Harrington DJ, Tang JCY, Fraser WD, Hampson G. The additive effect of vitamin K supplementation and bisphosphonate on fracture risk in post-menopausal osteoporosis: a randomised placebo controlled trial. Arch Osteoporos. 2023 Jun 20;18(1):83. doi: 10.1007/s11657-023-01288-w. PMID: 37338608; PMCID: PMC10282078.

Rose Geranium for Nasal Infections

A 2024 study found that a nasal spray containing rose geranium in sesame oil was significantly more effective than isotonic saline at improving symptoms of nasal vestibulitis (infection) over 2 weeks in people on chemotherapy. Rose geranium is thought have have anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial effects.

Cathcart-Rake EJ, Steinert K, Smith D, Lewis-Peters S, Giridhar K, Novotny P, Dauer D, O'Connor A, Thomé S, Erickson MK, Friday BB, Loprinzi CL. Rose geranium in sesame oil nasal spray to improve nasal vestibulitis symptoms: a randomized controlled trial. Support Care Cancer. 2024 May 24;32(6):379. doi: 10.1007/s00520-024-08580-6. PMID: 38789656.

Cathcart-Rake EJ, Smith D, Zahrieh D, Loprinzi CL. Rose geranium in sesame oil nasal spray: a treatment for nasal vestibulitis? BMJ Support Palliat Care. 2020 Dec;10(4):411-413. doi: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2018-001569. Epub 2018 Sep 26. PMID: 30377210.

Licorice Root for Heartburn

A 2025 study found that an extract of deglycyrrhizinated licorice root was significantly more effective than placebo at treating symptoms of acid reflux or heartburn over 4 weeks. Licorice contains glycyrrhizin (glycyrrhizic acid), which can cause serious electrolyte imbalances if consumed in large amounts or for long periods of time. Licorice is unsafe for use during pregnancy.

Raj JP, Saxena U, Belhekar MN, Mamde A, Darak H, Pawar S. Efficacy and Safety of GutGard® in Managing Gastroesophageal Reflux-Related Symptoms: A Phase III, Single-Centre, Double-Blind, Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial. Complement Med Res. 2025;32(1):26-36. doi: 10.1159/000543367. Epub 2025 Feb 10. PMID: 39929150; PMCID: PMC11892464.