Blogs

5 home remedies that really work

Health claims backed by science
© PAUL CHARBIT fotolia.com

The newspapers are full of stories about the miraculous curative powers of some herb or natural extract.

We've looked at the claims made by dozens of herbs and plants, and come up with 5 whose health claims are backed by hard science.

Here they are.

Ginger treats nausea

You may know it as biscuit ingredient or the flavouring of your non-alcoholic beer, but ginger also has well known medicinal properties.

Indeed, research suggests that ginger can safely relieve pregnancy related nausea and vomiting.

Scientists are also looking at whether it is effective for nausea caused by motion, chemotherapy, or surgery.

It is generally safe when taken in small doses.

Garlic lowers blood pressure

You may avoid it on your plate because of its pungent smell and its effect on your breath, but garlic has been used as a medicine for thousands of years.

There is some evidence that it may slightly lower blood pressure in people with high blood pressure.

Some studies have shown that eating garlic for 1 to 3 months can slightly lower blood cholesterol levels, though this requires further investigation.

Research suggests that garlic consumption may slow the development of arteriosclerosis - the hardening of your arteries, which can lead to heart disease and stroke.

Soy lowers bad cholesterol

Soy is a staple of the Asian diet and has been increasingly popular in the west. Soybeans are high in proteins and contain isoflavones, which are compounds similar to the female hormone oestrogen.

Eating soy on a daily basis has been found to lower slightly the levels of LDD - the bad cholesterol.

Scientists are also looking into whether it is effective in reducing hot flashes in women after menopause.

Peppermint oil helps irritable bowel syndrome

The peppermint herb is widely grown in Europe and is used to flavour foods, as well as to make tea.

It is also made into peppermint oil, which is taken in small doses to treat various conditions.

Several scientific studies have found that it can be effective in improving symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

Other studies have found that when peppermint oil is combined with caraway oil, it may help relieve indigestion - but this evidence is preliminary.

Cranberry juice prevents urinary tract infections

More than just a cocktail mixer, cranberries have been used throughout the ages to treat problems as varied as wounds, diarrhoea, urinary problems, and stomach and liver ailments.

Scientists have in recent years found evidence that drinking cranberry juice can help prevent urinary tract infections caused by bacteria such as E. coli.

There is also preliminary evidence that cranberries may reduce the ability of a bacteria called H. pylori to live in the stomach, where it can cause ulcers.

Some studies also suggest that cranberries may be able to reduce dental plaque, which is a cause of gum disease.