Common Names: lavender, English lavender, common lavender, French lavender Latin Name: Lavandula angustifolia Background • Lavender is a fragrant evergreen shrub native to the Mediterranean region, particularly areas such as France, Spain, Andorra, and Italy. • Its name is derived from the Latin word “lavare,” meaning “to wash.” Because of its pleasant aroma, lavender has long been included in soaps, bath products, perfumes, and aromatherapy preparations. • Lavender is marketed as an oral

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical tree related to the coffee plant that grows in Thailand and other parts of Southeast Asia. For generations, local communities have chewed its leaves or brewed them into tea to reduce tiredness and support stamina during long hours of work. In traditional settings, kratom has also been used in cultural and religious rituals and to address conditions such as pain and diarrhea, sometimes serving as an alternative to opium. Kratom contains active compounds,

More than ten days after the most recent surge in violence in the Middle East, health systems throughout the Region are facing mounting pressure as the number of casualties and displaced people increases, attacks on medical services persist, and broader public health threats intensify. According to national health authorities, over 1300 people have been killed and 9000 injured in Iran. In Lebanon, at least 570 deaths and more than 1400 injuries have been reported. In Israel, officials confirm

image: A team of scientists led by the University of Iowa has identified and named a previously unknown crocodile species that lived in Africa more than 3 million years ago. The species has been nicknamed Lucy’s hunter because it shared both time and territory with the famous hominin Lucy and likely preyed upon her kind. Credit: Tyler Stone, University of Iowa. Over 3 million years ago, when early human ancestors such as the well-known Lucy moved across the African landscape, they likely faced

image: Gloria Reithmaier, marine chemist at the University of Gothenburg. Credit: Michael Reithmaier The tidal zones of mangrove forests function as vital nursery grounds for numerous fish species. Scientists at the University of Gothenburg have analyzed carbon dioxide and oxygen concentrations in 23 mangrove regions around the globe. Their findings warn that these ecosystems are facing growing pressure as ocean temperatures continue to climb. Water conditions in mangroves shift continuously

Common Names: kava, kava kava, awa, ava pepper, ava root, kawa Latin Name: Piper methysticum Background • Kava is a plant indigenous to the South Pacific region and belongs to the pepper family. • For thousands of years, Pacific Island cultures have prepared kava as a traditional beverage for ceremonies and social gatherings, as well as for wellness purposes. In recent decades, kava drinks have become popular beyond the Pacific Islands, including in the United States, where specialty kava bars

How Microorganisms in Your Mouth Influence Your Health Your mouth is more than just teeth, gums, and a tongue. It is also home to billions of microscopic organisms that can only be seen under a microscope. These include bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Collectively, the community of microorganisms living in your mouth is called the oral microbiome. Researchers believe the oral microbiome may play a role in diseases that affect not only the mouth but also other parts of the body. Studying these

What’s the Bottom Line? What do we currently understand about complementary health approaches for irritable bowel syndrome? Nutritional Approaches • Some research suggests that peppermint oil may ease symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). • Certain probiotics might improve IBS symptoms, but the available evidence is not strong enough to draw firm conclusions. • Studies on prebiotics have not shown consistent or clear benefits for individuals with IBS. • With the exception of peppermint

image: Creation of an ultra-smooth, crack-resistant nanofiltration membrane manufacturing technology that removes surface irregularities. Credit: Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS) Dr. Hong-Ju Lee and Dr. In-Hyuk Song from the Nano Materials Research Division at the Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS) have developed an advanced fabrication process that enables nanoscale control of ceramic membrane surface smoothness, along with membrane materials capable of accurately filtering

The forty-fourth meeting of the Emergency Committee convened under the International Health Regulations (IHR) to address the international spread of poliovirus was called by the WHO Director-General on 14 January 2026. Eight of the nine Committee members, along with an adviser, participated by video conference together with representatives of affected countries, supported by the WHO Secretariat. The Committee examined the most recent epidemiological information on wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1)

The World Health Organization (WHO), in partnership with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), has congratulated Chile for becoming the first country in the Americas—and only the second worldwide—to be officially recognized for eliminating leprosy. Leprosy, also known as Hansen disease, was first documented in Chile in the late nineteenth century on Rapa Nui (Easter Island). On the mainland, cases were rare and typically linked to isolated introductions. On Rapa Nui, transmission was

Hypnosis, often referred to as hypnotherapy, has been explored as a therapeutic approach for a variety of health concerns. Research has examined its potential role in managing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), situational anxiety (such as anxiety before medical or surgical procedures), menopausal complaints, hot flashes in breast cancer survivors, headaches, and post-traumatic stress disorder. It has also been evaluated as a method for pain relief and for supporting smoking cessation efforts. •

Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, affects nearly one out of every two adults in the United States. If left uncontrolled, it can gradually harm the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, and other organs. Serious outcomes may include heart attack, heart failure, stroke, and chronic kidney disease. Managing high blood pressure typically begins with lifestyle adjustments such as following a nutritious diet, staying physically active, maintaining a healthy body weight, limiting alcohol

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released its recommendations for the viral composition of influenza (“flu”) vaccines for the 2026–2027 influenza season in the northern hemisphere. The guidance follows a four-day consultation during which experts reviewed global influenza surveillance findings. The composition of influenza vaccines must be updated regularly because influenza viruses continually evolve. WHO’s recommendations guide national regulatory authorities and vaccine manufacturers

Marking a renewed phase of regional collaboration, a new declaration is urging swift and coordinated measures to reduce air pollution and safeguard public health throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. Introduced in the context of the 2nd WHO Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health in March 2025, the Initiative reinforces the connection between health policy and environmental justice across the Americas. From global commitments to regional action First advanced at the Latin American

Common Names: horse chestnut, buckeye, Spanish chestnut Latin Name: Aesculus hippocastanum Background • Horse chestnut is a deciduous tree native to southeastern Europe. Its spiky fruits contain shiny brown seeds that resemble edible chestnuts, although they are bitter and not safe to eat raw. • In traditional practices, extracts from the seeds were used to address joint discomfort, swelling, menstrual cramps, hemorrhoids, and other inflammatory concerns. • Today, standardized horse chestnut

Common Names: hoodia, Kalahari cactus, Xhoba, Bushman’s hat Scientific Name: Hoodia gordonii Background • Hoodia is a leafless succulent native to the Kalahari Desert regions of Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa. For generations, the San people traditionally chewed the plant to help curb hunger and thirst during extended hunting trips. • Researchers have identified a compound in hoodia known as P57, classified as an oxypregnane steroidal glycoside. This substance has been suggested as a

What's the Bottom Line? What is known about how well homeopathy works? • Current scientific research provides little reliable evidence that homeopathy is effective for treating any particular medical condition. What is known about the safety of homeopathic products? • Some items marketed as homeopathic may contain measurable amounts of active substances and have the potential to cause side effects or interact with other medications. What Is Homeopathy? Homeopathy, sometimes referred to as

As Ukraine moves into the fifth year of full-scale war, the population has faced the highest number of attacks on health care recorded in 2025 – an increase of nearly 20% compared with 2024. Since 24 February 2022, when the full-scale invasion began, WHO has verified at least 2881 attacks on health care across Ukraine. These incidents have affected health workers, hospitals and clinics, ambulances, and medical storage facilities. The health system is under severe strain on two fronts: direct

What’s the Bottom Line? What is currently known about dietary supplements for hepatitis C? • No dietary supplement has been proven to effectively treat hepatitis C. • Research on silymarin (milk thistle), the most commonly used supplement for this condition, has not demonstrated meaningful benefits in people with hepatitis C. What is known about safety? • Colloidal silver, sometimes promoted for hepatitis C, is unsafe and may cause permanent and serious side effects. • In clinical studies of