Mental Health

Approximately 30 million men in the United States experience erectile dysfunction (ED). If you’re affected, it’s important to speak with your doctor. There are established medical treatments available that might be beneficial for you. ED may also point to other health issues, such as problems with blood flow or nerve damage often linked to diabetes, which makes medical evaluation essential. Treatments proven to be effective for ED are only available through a licensed health care professional.

Common Names: Ephedra, Chinese ephedra, Ma Huang Botanical Name: Ephedra sinica Background • Ephedra is a small, evergreen plant known for its thin, jointed stems and small, scale-like leaves. It is most commonly sourced from the stems and branches of Ephedra sinica. • Traditionally used in countries such as China and India, ephedra has been utilized to help relieve symptoms like colds, fevers, headaches, nasal congestion, coughs, and breathing difficulties like wheezing. • In 2004, the U.S.

Energy drinks are often marketed as beverages that boost stamina, improve focus, and enhance physical output. Among dietary supplements, they rank just behind multivitamins in popularity with U.S. teenagers and young adults. Men aged 18 to 34 are the leading consumers, while nearly one in three teenagers between 12 and 17 years old report regular use of energy drinks. There are two general types of energy drinks. One is packaged like typical soft drinks, with sizes such as 16 ounces. The other

Common Names: elderberry, black elderberry, European elder, common elder Scientific Name: Sambucus nigra Background • Elderberry is a dark purple fruit that grows on the European black elder tree, which can be found in Europe, North America, parts of Asia, and North Africa. • Traditionally, elderberries have been used in herbal medicine to help manage symptoms of colds and the flu. • Nowadays, elderberry is marketed as a dietary supplement for respiratory illness. Although promoted for various

Echinacea Overview Common Names: Echinacea, purple coneflower, coneflower, American coneflower Scientific Names: Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea pallida Background • Echinacea is a group of perennial plants related to daisies, sunflowers, and ragweed. While now widely cultivated, these plants are originally native to regions east of the Rocky Mountains in the U.S. • Native American tribes in North America first used E. purpurea as a natural remedy for respiratory issues,

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) are two closely related chemical compounds that have been explored for their potential to help with osteoarthritis. DMSO is generally applied to the skin, whereas MSM is available as a dietary supplement, often included with other elements such as glucosamine. Bottom Line Very limited studies have been done on the effectiveness of DMSO and MSM for easing symptoms of osteoarthritis. As a result, it's not clear whether these

Understanding Dietary Supplements According to federal regulations, dietary supplements are products that meet the following criteria: • They are taken orally in forms such as pills, capsules, powders, or liquids. • Their purpose is to complement your regular diet. • They contain one or more dietary components, including substances like vitamins, minerals, herbs, botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, organ or gland extracts, or any combinations of these elements. • The product is clearly marked as

What’s the Takeaway? How much do we understand about using dietary supplements for managing diabetes? • Numerous studies have explored how supplements might help with type 2 diabetes and its related conditions. This information focuses specifically on type 2 diabetes. What is known about how well these supplements work? • A few supplements may offer slight benefits. Research has suggested that chromium, cinnamon, or berberine may aid in blood glucose control, and alpha-lipoic acid may help with

What Are “Detoxes” and “Cleanses”? Various diets and treatments, often referred to as “detoxes” or “cleanses,” are promoted as methods to rid the body of harmful substances, help with weight loss, or support general wellness. Certain clinical detox practices, such as chelation therapy for removing heavy metals in cases of poisoning, are recommended by health authorities like the CDC. However, this article does not cover those medical therapies. “Detox” strategies often include: • Going without

Depression is a serious health condition that impacts nearly one in ten adults in the U.S. In addition, experts estimate that approximately 5% of American teenagers live with a moderate to severe form of major depression. This condition can influence mood, thoughts, physical well-being, and behavior. Its signs and intensity vary widely from person to person, and can include: • Persistent feelings of sadness or worry • Losing interest in hobbies or activities once enjoyed • Increased

Common Names: dandelion, lion’s tooth, blowball Scientific Name: Taraxacum officinale Background • Originally from Europe, dandelions now grow widely across temperate climates in the Northern Hemisphere. The plant’s flowers, leaves, and roots have been used historically in traditional medicine across parts of Mexico and North America. • These days, dandelion is available in oral forms for issues like digestion, while both oral and topical forms are marketed to help with joint discomfort. How

Cupping is a traditional healing method practiced in various regions across the globe, notably in countries like China and those in the Middle East. The technique involves placing cups made of materials such as glass, bamboo, ceramic, or plastic on the skin to create suction. This suction effect is achieved either by heating the air inside the cup before placing it on the skin or by using a mechanical pump to draw out the air once the cup is in place. There are two main types: in "wet

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Cranberry Overview Common Names: cranberry, American cranberry, bearberry Scientific Names: Vaccinium macrocarpon (also known as Oxycoccus macrocarpos), Vaccinium oxycoccos Background • Cranberries grow on evergreen shrubs found in wet environments, primarily in northeastern and north-central regions of North America. • Historically, Native American communities and European settlers used cranberries both as food and medicine. Traditionally, cranberries were believed to help with issues related

Complementary Approaches and COVID-19 What’s the Takeaway? What’s Known About Complementary Methods for Short-Term COVID-19 Symptoms? Some alternative therapies, including practices like traditional Chinese medicine and nasal rinsing, may help with COVID-19 symptoms, though the research supporting these benefits is limited. Many of the studies are either small, not rigorously conducted, or lack randomization, which makes their conclusions uncertain. A 2023 analysis of 33 studies (covering over

You’ve probably come across the terms "complementary," "alternative," and "integrative," but what exactly do they mean? This overview breaks down these concepts to help you better grasp their meanings and explains the purpose and contributions of the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). While the field and its language are continuously progressing, here are the definitions commonly used by the National Institutes of Health today.

What Is Colloidal Silver? Colloidal silver refers to a liquid that contains small silver particles suspended in it. While it is often marketed online as a supplement, there is no substantial scientific support for the health claims made about its use. Is Colloidal Silver Safe? The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) maintains that colloidal silver is neither safe nor proven effective in treating any medical condition. In fact, both the FDA and the Federal Trade Commission have taken

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Coenzyme Q10, also known as CoQ10, is a compound that occurs naturally within the human body. It is most abundant in organs with high energy needs, such as the heart, liver, kidneys, and pancreas. In the United States, CoQ10 is available as a dietary supplement. Due to its essential role in bodily functions and the fact that individuals with certain medical conditions often show lower levels of CoQ10, scientists have explored whether supplementing it could provide health benefits. Bottom Line •

Common Names: cinnamon, cinnamon bark, Ceylon cinnamon, cassia cinnamon Scientific Names: Cinnamomum verum (also called Cinnamomum zeylanicum and Laurus cinnamomum), Cinnamomum aromaticum (also known as Cinnamomum cassia) Background • Cinnamon is a popular spice obtained from the dried bark of certain Cinnamomum trees. The species Cinnamomum verum, often referred to as “true” cinnamon or Ceylon cinnamon, primarily grows in Sri Lanka. Cassia cinnamon (Cinnamomum aromaticum) is more commonly