Mental Health

What Types of Magnets Are Used for Pain? Magnets and magnetic-based therapies have been used for centuries to address pain conditions such as arthritis and headaches. Today, magnetic devices are widely marketed, most often for pain relief, inflammation, and wound support. Two main categories of magnets have been researched for pain management: • Static (permanent) magnets: These are made from metals or metal alloys and continuously emit a magnetic field. Their strength can vary from low to

Persistent sleep disorders affect millions of people in the United States every year. Ongoing sleep problems and the resulting lack of rest can disrupt job performance, driving safety, social interactions, and overall well-being. In some cases, poor sleep may also contribute to significant health concerns. To cope, many individuals explore complementary approaches such as relaxation practices or melatonin supplements in hopes of getting better rest. More recently, magnesium has become a popular

Lyme disease is an infection caused by bacteria that is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected deer tick, also known as a blacklegged tick. The bacterium responsible is Borrelia burgdorferi. Lyme disease is the most frequently reported tick-borne illness in the United States. Ticks carrying the infection are most commonly found in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic region, Upper Midwest, and parts of the Pacific Coast. In the eastern United States, most tick bites occur during the

What’s the Bottom Line? What do we know about the effectiveness of complementary health approaches for low-back pain? • Research of low- to moderate-quality suggests that several mind and body practices—including acupuncture, electromyography (EMG) biofeedback, low-level laser therapy, mindfulness-based stress reduction, progressive muscle relaxation, spinal manipulation, tai chi, and yoga—may provide benefit for people with chronic low-back pain. • For acute low-back pain, low-quality evidence

Common Names: licorice root, licorice, liquorice, sweet root, gan cao, gan zao, Chinese licorice Latin Names: Glycyrrhiza glabra, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Glycyrrhiza inflata Background • Licorice is a long-living herb grown in parts of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Its root is widely used to flavor candies, beverages, and some tobacco products. • In the United States, many products labeled as “licorice” do not actually contain licorice root. Instead, they are often flavored with anise oil,

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,

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

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

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

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

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

What’s the Bottom Line? What do we know about the usefulness of complementary approaches for headaches? Psychological and Physical Approaches • Acupuncture may provide relief for some people with headaches. However, research suggests that part of its benefit may be related to expectations, beliefs, and placebo responses rather than the specific effects of needle placement. • Biofeedback techniques have shown potential for helping with tension-type headaches and migraines, though study findings

Common Names: hawthorn, hawthorne, harthorne, English hawthorn, Mexican hawthorn, raiz de tejocote, tejocote, shanzha, WS 1442 Latin Names: Crataegus monogyna, Crataegus mexicana, Crataegus pinnatifida (also known as Crataegus oxycantha), Crataegus laevigata Background • Hawthorn is a flowering shrub or small tree that belongs to the rose family and grows in temperate climates around the world. • Traditionally, hawthorn has been used to support heart health, aid digestion, improve circulation,

Common Names: green tea Scientific Name: Camellia sinensis Background • Green, black, and oolong teas all originate from the same plant species, Camellia sinensis. The difference lies in how they are processed. Green tea leaves are steamed or pan-fried and dried without fermentation. In contrast, black tea is fully fermented, while oolong tea undergoes partial fermentation. • The cultivation of the tea plant dates back thousands of years in China, with medicinal use suggested for at least

Common Names: Grape seed extract Scientific Name: Vitis vinifera Background • Derived from the seeds of grapes used in winemaking, grape seed extract is widely used as a supplement. It is often advertised for benefits such as lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, and is also used in topical applications for wound care and oral health. • The extract is high in proanthocyanidins, compounds known for their potential positive health effects. How Much Do We Know? • There has been moderate

Common Names: goldenseal, yellow root, goldenroot, yellow pucoon Scientific Name: Hydrastis canadensis Background • Goldenseal is a herbaceous plant found in the northeastern parts of the United States and southeastern regions of Canada. It is known for its characteristic yellow underground stem, called a rhizome. Due to overharvesting in the wild, natural supplies have diminished, making it a rare and pricey crop even when farmed. • Indigenous peoples have traditionally used goldenseal to