Herbalism


 * Echinacea**: Used for treatment of cold.
 * A systematic review identified 16 randomized, placebo-controlled trials of //echinacea,// 9 were positive and 7 were negative.
 * //Provides some evidence of possible benefit for the treatment of a cold, but results were not consistent.//
 * Some **authorities** believe that //echinacea purpurea// (a similar species) is more likely to have a more beneficial effect at higher doses.


 * Peppermint: ** Used to treat irritable bowel syndromes.
 * 8 prior trials suggest a possible benefit, but quality of the studies were too limited to reach definite conclusions.


 * Chamomile **: Used for thousands of years, commonly in tea to help with sleep disorders, anxiety and gastrointestinal problems.
 * No high-quality scientific studies to support its efficacy.
 * Generally **believed** to be safe, but reports of serious allergic reactions.


 * Soy: ** Commonly used to treat menopausal symptoms and for lowering cholesterol


 * Systematic review identified 9 clinical trials examining effect of increasing soy into a diet and 9 additional trials examining efficacy of soy extracts
 * Neither effective for menopausal symptoms
 * 11 trials found soy reduced LDL cholesterol by 4-5%

**Kava**: Used as a sedative and relaxant (commonly used in Pacific Islands)


 * Prior clinical studies carried out, suggests small benefit.
 * Herb has been limited as reports have associated to several cases of severe hepatotoxicity.

These herbs come under the 10 ten herbs, therefore substantial scientific evidence suggests their efficacy. **However** other herbs suffer poor scientific evidence, due to poor methodology, inconsistent outcome measure, different preparations of the herb and conflicting results. "This lack of evidence does not indicate a lack of benefit, but primarily indicates a lack of conclusive studies, positive or negative, for the efficacy of most herbal products."