The Natural Repertory of Prof. William Nelson

HERBALISM
WHAT IT IS. An ancient system of medicine in which
preparations of leaves, stems, seeds and roots are
consumed or rubbed on the body.
THE CLAIM. Herbal remedies contain natural
ingredients as potent as synthetic drugs but often safer.
THE EVIDENCE. Plant extracts can indeed be valuable;
researchers constantly seek out new possibilities. May's
Proceedings of the Society for Experimental Biology and
Medicine, for example, reports that Andrographis
paniculata, an herb used in China to cure hepatitis,
dysentery and meningitis, also hampers reproduction in
lab tests of the human immunodeficiency virus, which
causes AIDS. But a report in Allergy last year found that
herbal treatments for rashes made symptoms worse.
NATUROPATHY
WHAT IT IS. A therapy dating to 19th-century Germany
that relies on air, sunshine, water, heat, massage and
herbs to cure both the body and the mind.
THE CLAIM. Illnesses from colds to typhoid can be
cured by purging the body of poisons, accomplished
through fasting, salt-water baths, breathing and
relaxation exercises -- even psychotherapy.
THE EVIDENCE. Few controlled trials have produced
conclusive results.
AROMATHERAPY
WHAT IT IS. An ancient Chinese form of herbal
medicine that seeks to cure illnesses with the aromatic
oils of plants.
THE CLAIM. Plant essences are massaged into the skin,
used as bath oils, inhaled and, in very rare cases, even
ingested.
THE EVIDENCE. Scents can indeed evoke strong
emotions. Recent studies also show that certain scents,
like peppermint, can increase workers' productivity and
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