Common Herbal Uses

Herbs have been used in medicine for centuries to treat diseases and ailments. However, there is often very little robust scientific evidence justifying their use to treat these conditions. Randomised controlled clinical trials are the gold standard for assessing the effects of treatments and, fortunately, an increasing number are being conducted to assess the efficacy of herbal medications. Below are summary findings from clinical trials investigating some of the most common uses of herbal medications.


Do cannabinoids help to reduce pain?

Cannabis and pharmaceutically derived cannabinoids have been studied for their effects on pain for decades, but do they work as pain remedies?

Echinacea for treating and preventing the common cold

Millions of people around the world use echinacea to treat the common cold. Here is why.

Can lavender help relieve pain?

Lavender is commonly used to reduce anxiety, but is there evidence that it can also relieve pain?

4 Evidence-based uses of cannabinoids

Which conditions have cannabis and cannabinoids been scientifically shown to improve?

Can lavender relieve anxiety?

Lavender is widely reported to have calming properties, but is its reputation supported by clinical studies?

Does ginseng really boost your energy?

What does the current research tell us about how well ginseng treats fatigue?

Can ginkgo biloba help to treat dementia?

This herb has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries, but can it help us with today’s growing cases of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia?

Do cannabinoids help to relieve nausea due to chemotherapy?

What is the research on the ability of cannabinoids to help suppress chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting?