Skeptics Stack Exchange
Skeptics Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [herbalism]

Use this tag for claims regarding the physiological effects of plants.

24 questions
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Does chamomile help you to relax?

What is the best evidence available relative to chamomile having relaxing effects? Some examples claims include: It is known for its relaxing and soothing properties It is a mild relaxant and, as such, is often used as an herbal solution to help…
Stefano Borini
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Does soursop cure cancer?

I was linked a website about the effect soursop has in fighting cancer. The website heavily implies that soursop is an effective cancer treatment similar to chemo. source Chemotherapy is a widely known form of cancer treatment and is effective at…
Kit Sunde
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Does ginger help against the common cold?

My wife is treating all cold symptons in the family with a few spoons of freshly ground ginger juice mixed with honey. While I don't mind an occasional placebo, drinking ginger juice is unpleasant because of the burning sensation while swallowing,…
Twinkles
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Does the ripeness of a banana have any effect on causing constipation?

In this Parenting SE question there seem to be two opposite claims made: A +7 answer claims that banana ripeness has no effect on constipation (I'm leaving aside the second, obvious claim that drinking enough liquids does). But it has zero…
user5341
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Does garlic lower cholesterol and reduce blood pressure?

Some naturopath websites claim that garlic is incredibly good for you: If garlic had been created in the laboratory instead of by nature, it would probably be a high-priced prescription drug. The article goes on to claim it prevents cancer, blod…
berry120
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Does drinking hot tea (or hot drinks) help when you're sick?

Livestrong (as well as my mom) claims you should drink tea when you are feeling sick. They claim hot teas provide numerous benefits from various sicknesses: A cup of warm herbal tea can help relieve the symptoms of many illnesses, from an upset…
Matas Vaitkevicius
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Does sniffing rosemary improve memory?

A "meme" now circulating on Facebook claims that Scientists Find Sniffing Rosemary Can Increase memory by 75% The credited web site, www.herbs-info.com has this article on the topic, which in turn references a study in this article. But the final…
Flimzy
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Is Herbalife safe, and can it actually promote sustained weight loss?

I have a friend who's begun taking Herbalife products, presumably for weight loss. I informed him that their products, like all supplements, are not regulated by the FDA, and that there have been numerous cases of liver toxicity associated with…
user15871
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Do nettle stings help reduce joint pain?

I remember watching a documentary about some people who used to take nettle baths - i.e. lie down in a bed of nettles - and claim that it was good for the cardiovascular system. Are there any scientific facts under this assumption? The Herbal…
DJack
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Does parsley improve bad breath?

This Livestrong article - Does Parsley Help With Bad Breath? suggests that parsley can improve bad breath. The article suggests that bad breath is caused often by poor oral hygiene, allowing bacteria to metabolise food particles and produce sulphur…
Simon Khoury
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Is Bach's flower remedy 'rescue' effective?

I hear that it actually helps people to fall asleep and feel less stress. My question is specifically for the sleep 'rescue' remedy which has the following ingredients according to their site: White Chestnut: To help ease restless mind. Star of…
GinKin
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Do Arnica homeopathic tablets reduce bruising?

My wife recently gave birth and the taking of arnica homeopathic tablets seems to be widely recommended to help with bruising. We've seen it suggested online, several midwives have told her to take them, and even a doctor has mentioned it. Is there…
Andrew Wilkinson
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Are the leaves of bean plants effective for controlling bed bugs?

From the National Geographic article Can We Fake Leaves That Stab Bed Bugs in the Feet? But in the Balkan countries of southeastern Europe, there’s an old folk remedy that might be the insects’ undoing. Before nightfall, people would scatter the…
Jesvin Jose
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Can you get high by smoking oregano?

I heard somewhere that people have tried to get high by smoking oregano. Is that true? If so, did it work?
Austin Mullins
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Does Fenugreek increase breastmilk?

http://herblore.com/overviews/list-of-galactagogues-herbs-that-increase-breastmilk-production Fenugreek - one of the best and strongest herbs for increasing milk production. When taken in very large amounts, Fenugreek is also used for lowering…
Aquarius_Girl
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