Yin Yang House
Very good information on Chinese medical theory, including yin and yang, qi and blood, meridian systems, and acupuncture point discussion, as well as a Chinese herb database with Chinese and botanical names, and herb functions.
Sacred Lotus
Excellent site for acupuncture and herbal medicine theory and diagnosis, articles and links for information on special topics, and database for referencing Chinese herbs and formulas.
Chinese Herbal Medicine Database
Extensive information on individual Chinese herbs with primary actions according to Traditional Chinese Medicine, formulas in which the herb is used, discussion of each herb's properties, uses, and research links.
Gluten Intolerance Group
A comprehensive resources with detailed information on many aspects of gluten-free (GF)diet, health and nutrition, including GF labeling and and interactive GF guide.
The Whole Life Nutrition Kitchen
A great website for information and tips on whole foods diet, elimination diets, and going gluten free, with a useful blog by the authors of the fabulous book "The Whole Life Nutrition Cookbook".
Elana's Pantry
Extensive collection of recipes (with photos) for a variety of special diets: paleo, candida, gluten-free, egg-free, nut-free, dairy-free, nut-free", by the Elana Amsterdam, the author of 3 best selling cookbooks.
Taoism.net
"When you quiet down the inner noise you create the possibility to be at your best and most creative. Your silent mind becomes the conduit linking you to the unbounded emptiness of the Tao".
Yijing Dao
Introduction and links for resources on Yijing (I Ching).
Dr. Susan Ott: Osteoporosis and Bone Physiology
Great educational website by Dr. Susan Ott (University of Washington) gives a detailed explanation of osteoporosis and osteopenia, prevention and treatment options from a Western medicine point of view, and clear discussion of pros and cons of drug and nutritional treatment approaches.
Resolve: The National Infertility Association
Links and resources for fertility issues, with information on the Resolve national network, sponsored events, and support groups around the country.
Fertility Friend
Very popular site for free interactive ovulation charting and course on chart analysis, with handbook on fertility, hormones, and BBT chart interpretation available for free download.
Childbirth Connection
Wonderful resource for information and online classes on many aspects of fertility, pregnancy, birth and postpartum issues, including online childbirth classes.
Debra Betts: Acupressure for Labor
Excellent booklet by Debra Betts, available for free download, with detailed instructions and point location diagrams for using acupressure during labor
LaLeche League
Offering information and encouragement to all mothers who want to breastfeed their babies, and a support system to help parents understand how to best care for their infants and children.
National Vaccine Information Center (NVIC)
Dedicated to the prevention of vaccine injuries and deaths through public education, providing assistance to parents whose children have suffered vaccine reactions, promoting research to evaluate vaccine safety, effectiveness and factors which causing high risk for vaccine reactions.
Birthing the Future
Promoting the well-being of mothers and babies by supporting their physical, psychological and spiritual health and the development of their full potential, in the context of family, community and society.
Kids With Food Allergies
Helping to enhance the quality of life for children with food allergies by providing peer support, news, cooking help, tips, and practical resources for families.
Bioneers
An innovative nonprofit educational organization that highlights breakthrough solutions for restoring people and planet, and honors indigenous knowledge, restorative food systems, resilient communities, and women and youth leadership.
The Collaborative on Health and the Environment (CHE)
A group of organizations and individuals dedicated to advancing knowledge and effective action to address the link between human health and environmental factors, including information from special working groups on breast cancer, infertility, women’s health, asthma, Parkinson’s, electromagnetic fields, learning disabilities, and more.
Environmental Working Group
Extensive research and news on chemicals, toxins, natural resources, and energy use, exposing health threats and discussing solutions.
Planet or Plastic
National Geographic's multi-year effort to provide detailed information to the public about the global plastic waste crises and its implications, with suggestions for making informed choices and the importance of reducing single-use plastic.
The Story of Bottled Water
Story of Stuff Project presents how "manufactured demand" pushes what we don't need and destroys what we need most, exploring how the bottled water industry's attacks on tap water cover up the mountains of plastic waste it produces.
The Story of Cosmetics
Story of Stuff Project examines the pervasive use of toxic chemicals in our everyday personal care products, from lipstick to baby shampoo, and ways we can move the industry away from hazardous chemicals and towards safer alternatives.
Potential of Mushroom Compounds as Immunomodulators in Cancer Immunotherapy: A Review
In complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs), mushrooms are increasingly being accepted for treatment of various diseases. Mushrooms have been shown to have the ability to stimulate the immune system, modulate humoral and cellular immunity, and potentiate antimutagenic and antitumorigenic activity, as well as rejuvenating the immune system weakened by radiotherapy and chemotherapy in cancer treatment. This potential of mushrooms, therefore, qualifies them as candidates for immunomodulation and immunotherapy in cancer and other diseases’ treatment. However, a critical review on mushroom’s immune modulating potential in cancer has not been sufficiently addressed. This review puts forward insights into the immune activities of mushroom associated with anticancer activities. Read More
Immune Modulation From Five Major Mushrooms: Application to Integrative Oncology
This review discusses the immunological roles of 5 major mushrooms in oncology: Agaricus blazei, Cordyceps sinensis, Grifola frondosa, Ganoderma lucidum, and Trametes versicolor. First, this article focuses on how mushrooms modify cytokines within specific cancer models and on how those cytokines affect the disease process. Second, this article examines the direct effect of mushrooms on cancer. Finally, this article presents an analysis of how mushrooms interact with chemotherapeutic agents, including their effects on its efficacy and on the myelosuppression that results from it. For these 5 mushrooms, an abundance of in vitro evidence exists that elucidates the anticancer immunological mechanisms. Preliminary research in humans is also available and is promising for treatment. Read More
Medicinal Mushrooms as an Attractive New Source of Natural Compounds for Future Cancer Therapy
This review analyzes the recent knowledge of four Basidiomycota mushrooms: Fomitopsis pinicola, Hericium erinaceus, Trametes versicolor and Inonotus obliquus. They belong to three different orders, and are a rich source of bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, polysaccharides, glucans, terpenoids, steroids, cerebrosides and proteins, which can be used for treatment of various cancers. We chose these representatives to convexly illustrate the therapeutic potential of the fungi and fungal-derived products in relation to cancer and to inspire further interdisciplinary work at the junction of oncology and mycology, which should result in future discoveries of novel low-toxic drugs with highly specific antitumor activities. Read More
Redefining Medicinal Mushrooms: A new scientific screening program for active compounds
NAMMEX looks in depth at the key active compounds in medicinal mushrooms, identified as beta-D-glucans, triterpenoids, and ergosterol. Results of the analyses demonstrate that mushrooms are high in beta-D-glucans and very low in starch. Mycelium produced on cereal grains is low in beta-D-glucans and high in starch. Ergosterol analysis shows the actual amount of fungal material in the products. Mushrooms grown on natural substrates have the precursors to produce important secondary metabolites such as triterpenoids whereas mycelium produced on cereal grains lack these precursors. Read More
Coriolus versicolor and Ganoderma lucidum related natural products are commonly applied as a complementary therapeutic option for different stages and types of cancers. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the products for cancer therapy. Twenty-three trials involving 4,246 cancer patients were included in this work. C. versicolor and G. lucidum related natural products were significantly associated with lower risks of mortality and higher total but not associated with control rate compared with control treatment. Conclusion: In this meta-analysis, we found that C. versicolor and G. lucidum related natural products might have potential benefits on the overall survival and quality of life in cancer patients. Read More
The results suggest that the HG and HGI models presented a condition similar to insulin resistance. In addition, we have demonstrated that TV LH-1 ePSP may elevate glucose uptake and regulate glucose homeostasis in hepatocytes with insulin resistance via the activation of AMPK and glycogen synthesis in an insulin-independent manner, as shown in the decreased GSK3, increased G6Pase and the ratio of phosphorylated to total AMPK and unchanged phosphorylated IR and Akt. These results suggest that TV LH-1 ePSP has a great potential to be an anti-hyperglycemic functional food. These results suggest that TV LH-1 ePSP has a great potential to be an anti-hyperglycemic functional food. Read More
Antioxidants can reduce oxidative radicals that affect the early phase of atherogenesis, that is endothelial dysfunction. Polysaccharide Peptide (PsP) derived from Ganoderma lucidum has an active substance in the form of β-glucan. Previous studies have proven the PsP of Ganoderma lucidum as an effective antioxidant in atherosclerotic rats and shows no toxicity in animal model. This study aims to prove the effect of PsP as potent antioxidant in high risk and stable angina patients. The conclusion was that PsP of Ganoderma lucidum is a potent antioxidant against pathogenesis of atherosclerosis in stable angina and high risk patients. Read More
Coriolus Versicolor Polysaccharide Peptide Slows Progression of Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Double-blind placebo-controlled randomized study to evaluate the effects of 28-day administration of PSP (Windsor Pharmaceutical, Hong Kong) on patients, who had completed conventional treatment for advanced NSCLC. Although polysaccharide peptides (PSP), isolated from the fungus Coriolus versicolor, have been reported to have anti-tumor effects, its clinical efficacy has not been properly evaluated. Conclusion: PSP treatment appears to be associated with slower deterioration in patients with advanced NSCLC. Read More
Effect of Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) on Hematological Parameters
In this study the effect of Ganoderma lucidum was evaluated on hematological parameters in Wistar rats. The extract was given orally by gavage at the dose of 150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg body weight. Ganoderma lucidum showed extremely significant effect on hematological parameters specifically in case of hemoglobin level, leukocyte count and platelet count. It is, therefore, concluded that Ganoderma lucidumcan be used as an important medicinal mushroom in the treatment of anemia, thrombocytopenia, and blood clotting disorders. Read More
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a common, painful and debilitating gynaecological condition that may affect as many as 10% of women of reproductive age. Conventional treatment often leads to only short term benefits and may have significant side effects. Read More
Chinese Herbs for Endometriosis may have Comparable Benefits with Fewer Side Effects than Conventional Drug Treatment
28 September 2009
Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) may relieve symptoms in the treatment of endometriosis, according to a study published today. A systematic review by researchers at the University of Southampton found some evidence that women had comparable benefits following laparoscopic surgery and suffered fewer adverse effects if they were given Chinese herbs compared with conventional drug treatments. Read More
Endometriosis and Chinese Herbal Medicine
6 May 2008
Five studies exploring endometriosis and Chinese Herbal Medicine. Read More
Chinese Herbal Medicine and Ovarian Dysfunction (PCOS)
23 April 2008
Nine studies exploring Chinese Herbal Medicine's approach to ovarian dysfunction. Read More
Chinese Herbs Relieve Menstrual Pain Better than Drugs or Acupuncture
09 April 2008
Chinese herbal medicine appears to be more effective at relieving menstrual cramps and pain than pharmaceutical drugs, acupuncture or heat compression therapy, according to a new study conducted by Australian researchers and published in the journal Cochrane Library. Read More
Hu Tao Ren - The Walnut and Sperm Health
23 November 2012
As the supermarkets start to put their festive Fruit & Nut selections out on the shelves, we take a closer look at Hu Tao Ren, the Walnut. Originally from the Middle East (Persia), the English name comes from the Germanic Old English wealhnutu, literally meaning foreign nut! The walnut is now found all over the world and has been used in TCM for many years. Read More
Research into Recurrent Miscarriage and Chinese Herbal Medicine
29 April 2008
Two studies on miscarriage and Chinese herbal medicine. Read More
Herbal Treatment of IBS
23 March 2009
Inflammatory bowel disease or syndrome (IBD or IBS) affects the mucosal lining of the gastrointestinal tract; the etiology is unknown and treatment is directed at systemic immunosuppression. Natural products, including medicinal herbs, have provided approximately half of the drugs developed for clinical use over the past 20 years. Read More
Chinese Medicines as a Resource for Liver Fibrosis Treatment
27 January 2010
In this review, the authors focus on research on Chinese medicines against liver fibrosis in three categories, namely pure compounds, composite formulae and combination treatment using single compounds with composite formulae or conventional medicines. The complete article is available as a provisional PDF. The fully formatted PDF and HTML versions are in production. Read More
Psoriasis Successfully Treated with Traditional Chinese Herb
7 March 2009
Treatment of Severe Atopic Eczema
23 April 2008
A report in the British Journal of Dermatology (1) reveals that Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine has been shown to be extremely effective in the treatment of severe cases of atopic eczema. Read More
Green Tea and Skin
01 April 2002
Studies on mice indicate that green tea might help slow the muscle degeneration seen in Duchenne muscular dystrophy, possibly by reducing oxidative stress. The lowest effective dose in the study corresponded to seven cups of green tea a day for humans Read More
Articles coming soon
Angiogenic Effects of the Extracts from Chinese Herbs: Angelica and ChuanXiong
29 September 2008
Previous studies found that these two herbs could increase myocardial blood flow, oxygen-supply and keep myocardial oxygen balance, etc. However, the mechanisms of angiogenic effects of these two herbs are not well-known. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of Angelica and ChuanXiong on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in rat myocardial infarction, on endothelial cell proliferation and quantity of vessels on chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM). Read More
Tea and Heart Attack Mortality
28 May 2002
In a study of 1900 patients hospitalised with confirmed acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) between 1989 and 1994, with a median follow-up of 3.8 years, it was found that there was a significant reduction in long-term mortality among moderate tea drinkers. Read More
Chinese Herbs Reduce Fracture Healing Time
23 March 2009
Chinese herbs can promote the fracture healing evidently and shorten the healing time, whose curative effect surpassed Western medicine and promoted the restoration of wrist function. Read More
In a study of 497 men and 540 women, 30 years and older, those with a history of tea consumption of between 6 and 10 years showed higher bone mineral density of the lumbar spine than non tea drinkers, and those with over 10 years history of tea consumption showed the highest bone mineral density in all measured regions of the body. Read More
Green Tea and Muscular Dystrophy
1 April 2002
Studies on mice indicate that green tea might help slow the muscle degeneration seen in Duchenne muscular dystrophy, possibly by reducing oxidative stress. The lowest effective dose in the study corresponded to seven cups of green tea a day for humans (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2002;75:749-753). Read More
Red Yeast Rice: an Alternative to Statins for People with High Cholesterol & Statin-Intolerance
27 January 2010
Although no definitive conclusions could be drawn, our data showed that red yeast rice achieved clinically significant levels of LDL-cholesterol reduction in a population with previous statin intolerance. Read More
Diet and Cancer
7 May 2008
12 articles from various sources relating to diet and cancer. Read More