The Leaf Rating System

Natural Remedies leaf Rating System Review

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Here, we reveal our Leaf Rating System and how to use it.

As a consumer concerned about your health, you, like my family, would like to make sure that the herbal supplements that you are taking have some research evidence to back up their claims.

The only way to find out is by published independent research studies, not by testimonials made by someone.

Real-world published research studies are the gold standard in testing any natural remedies or supplements before any claims can be made about them. Needless to say, the studies must be done in humans (called clinical studies), not just in rats or rabbits.

The product’s evidence of effectiveness for treating the health condition is rated by our editors based on the quantity and quality of researched studies that have been done. Selected references to those studies are included.

Our Leaf Rating System is designed to give you a quick summary of the amount and quality of scientific evidence to support the claims made by natural remedies.

Five-Leaf Rating System Explained

	Proven Effective This is the highest rating for any of our natural remedies reviewed. There are an extensive amount of high quality research studies done in clinical trials to prove that the natural remedy really works and is highly effective. Very few natural remedies fall into this category. Garlic and Fish Oil would be two notable examples.
	Effective There are a significant amount of quality research studies done on humans for the natural remedy. Most, if not all the studies show that the natural remedy is quite effective in treating the stated health condition. As always, there are always some research studies that show poor results. Fortunately, most studies we reviewed show a positive benefit. Overall, most people taking this natural supplement can expect positive results for treating their health condition. Most natural remedies with good evidence of effectiveness fall into this category.
	Probably Effective There are many research studies done on humans. There are some research studies that show that the natural remedy does not work. However, there are more well-designed studies that show that it works well. At the three-leaf rating, there is enough evidence to show that the natural remedy will benefit your health condition. It is worthwhile to try the natural remedy.
	Animal Studies / Small or Low Quality Human Studies This rating shows that research studies have been done in animals such as rats, mice, rabbits and mammals such as dogs, cats, monkeys or chimpanzees. If there are any studies done in humans, they are either of poor design, involves small number of subjects or of low quality design. It would be difficult for any manufacturer selling the supplement to make large claims of its effectiveness.
	Lab Studies Only / Accidental Observation There are no studies done on human or in animals. The only research done is in lab settings on human or animal cells. It does not mean that natural remedies with the one-leaf rating will not work. It's just that there's no research studies done on animals (rats, mice, rabbits, etc..).
Helpful	This rating is given to natural remedies that could be helpful for the stated health condition based on known chemical properties and activities of the herb. For example, herbs like catnip have carminative properties so it may be helpful for treating stomach complaints although no animal or clinical studies were done to verify this. Also, this rating are given to natural remedies that are suggested by experts (for example naturopaths) experienced in treatment with alternative medicines or by groups of experts in different parts of the world. Note: The rating and Helpful is often used interchangeably. For example, if a researcher did some lab studies to show that a herb can relax muscle cells in a test tube and suggest that it can be helpful as a muscle relaxant, this herb would then be rated as Helpful.
	Not Likely Effective or May Not be Effectiveor or Not Effective Clinical research studies show that the natural remedy does not help with the ailments. This is very different than unknown effectiveness. In this case, we have evidence that seems to show that it may not work.
	Unknown Effectiveness / Historic or Folk Medicine (Folkloric) Also referred to as folkloric or anecdotal uses. Many natural remedies fall into this category. These are historically suggested used where there are practically no research studies done on the herb. There may not even exist any studies done in a test tube by some person dressed in a lab coat. In the section titled "Uses and Suggested Uses", we also list suggested and traditional uses of the herb.

Editor's Comment on the Rating System

Our Leaf Rating System represents our editors expert opinions based on the scientific research that we have reviewed.

Important: If a natural remedy is rated with only one or two leaf, it does *NOT* mean that it doesn't work! It means no reasearcher (yet) carried out a scientific study to show that it works.

Regarding our Leaf Rating System, should you consider trying the natural remedy if it has low evidence of effectiveness? What about if there are no studies done on humans? There are several things to consider:

Is it safe? Are there any hidden dangers or side effects?
Will it interact with my current health conditions or medications?
What are the side effects I can expect?
How much does it cost?

If it is safe (assuming there are some research studies to prove that, even if they were done on animals), you might want to try it.

Check to see if the herb has any potential conflict with your current health conditions or medications that you take (if any). Consult your pharmacist or physician first to discuss any possible concerns. They can provide you with advise and give you guidance and ways to watch out for problems.

If the natural remedy is reasonably priced, then you will be out some money (but not by much) if the supplement does not live up to its claims.

Most natural remedies do not have long-term safety data. Long-term safety studies are expensive to carry out.

There are probably thousands of species of plants that have not been discovered yet that have medicinal benefits. It is likely that the secret cures to many of our earthly ailments are still locked up in these undiscovered plants.

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Revised: January 10, 2010