The news this week that scientific studies show that the herb echinacea really does fight colds came as no surprise to Jayney Goddard, the editor of Complementary and Alternative Health. This remedy bible examines the scientific evidence behind every alternative treatment. But what sets it apart is that it draws only on double-blind placebo-controlled trials, one of the most rigorous types of study, though some, admittedly, are small.

Goddard discovered many other treatments supported by scientific evidence, which she shares with us below. If you’re tempted to give them a whirl, remember always to read the label and to check with your GP if you’re already on medication.

1 VITAMIN C FOR INCREASED LIBIDO

In a trial of 42 women, those who were given daily doses of 3,000mg of vitamin C had better libido and orgasms compared with the placebo group.

However, this dose is the equivalent of consuming about 10 litres of orange juice or 100 oranges. Plus the Food Standards Agency doesn’t recommend anything higher than 1,000mg, as excess vitamin C can cause loose stools. Other less robust studies have suggested that vitamin C improves mood and energy levels.

2 BLACKCURRANTS FOR NIGHT VISION

Blackcurrants contain vision-boosting antioxidants called anthocyanosides, and a small study has indicated that the berries may boost night vision. Scientists stumbled on the fruit’s vision-boosting powers when investigating stories that Second World War pilots had a good helping of bilberry jam to improve their eyesight before their night missions. Subsequent trials failed to produce concrete evidence for bilberries, but they found that blackcurrants may help to improve night vision.

3 ARTICHOKE FOR HIGH CHOLESTEROL

There is evidence that this vegetable lowers cholesterol levels. In a study of 143 people with high cholesterol levels, taking a daily artichoke extract (450mg) was found to lower their readings significantly. Total cholesterol fell by 18.5 per cent. The researchers were unclear why, but they thought that it may have something to do with an artichoke compound called luteolin. Unfortunately for all artichoke fans, the amount needed for any therapeutic benefit can be obtained only from supplements.

4 NETTLE ROOT FOR ENLARGED PROSTATE

Ditch the prickly bits; nettle root may be good for enlarged prostate, also called benign prostatic hyperplasmia. This condition is not cancerous and isn’t associated with prostate cancer. It mostly affects the over40s, and one of the symptoms is the frequent need to go to the loo. A six-month study of 558 Iranian men found that the root was more effective than a placebo. However, it’s always best to have prostate complaints checked by your GP before embarking on any treatment.

5 DEVIL’S CLAW FOR RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

The rather scary-sounding southern African herb devil’s claw (so called because of its appearance) seems to have antiinflammatory properties that work on rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease in which the joints become swollen and painful. One study followed 89 patients for two months; the treatment group showed an increase in mobility and a decrease in pain compared with the placebo group. Another alternative treatment for the condition, backed by scientific evidence, is Boswellia, a herb used in Ayurvedic medicine for about 6,000 years. Two recent studies have reported a reduction in pain and swelling over three months, which is thought to be due to Boswellia’s antiinflammatory activity. Both of these herbs are taken as capsules.

6 CHILLI PEPPER FOR INDIGESTION

Wolf down a chilli if you’ve got indigestion, as chilli pepper, also called cayenne pepper, has been found to combat it. A small study found that compared with a placebo, people who were taking 2.5g of pepper powder had significant reductions in pain and discomfort. It is thought that the pepper works on our neurological pain pathways, not on the acid produced in the stomach. Look for supplements that contain cayenne pepper.

7 PROBIOTICS FOR ECZEMA

Increasing your “friendly bacteria” has been linked to reducing allergies and most, but not all, double-blind trials have found that infants and children with eczema may benefit from probiotics. The effect may even start in the womb. A trial involving 159 pregnant women found that the children whose mums took probiotic capsules during pregnancy (2-4 weeks before delivery) and while breast-feeding had a 50 per cent reduced risk of developing eczema.

8 HAWTHORN FOR HEARTS

The extract of hawthorn tree has been found to be an effective treatment for congestive heart failure, when the heart can’t pump enough blood around the body. Medication and lifestyle changes help, although sufferers have a higher risk of heart attack. In a 16-week study of 209 people with a relatively advanced condition, a 900mg daily dose of hawthorn extract was more effective than placebo. However, it’s vital that you see your GP before taking supplements.

9 CHRYSANTHEMUM FOR ROSACEA

Rosacea makes the skin look red or flushed. Used for centuries in Chinese medicine, chrysanthemum cream is increasingly prescribed for rosacea in the US. In a 12-week study of 246 people, a 1 per cent Chrysanthellum indicum cream was found to significantly improve rosacea compared with a placebo. The cream is also called golden chamomile.

10 MAGNESIUM FOR PMS

Magnesium could beat period pains. A six-month, double-blind placebo-controlled study of 50 women found that daily magnesium tablets significantly reduced the symptoms. Plus a study this year found that a 250mg daily dose reduced PMS symptoms, but the study was not double-blind and so was not as thorough. Magnesium is also available in foods such as spinach and nuts, and the daily recommended intake is 270mg.

Complementary & Alternative Health, edited by Jayney Goddard (Collins £20), is available from Times BooksFirst for £18; 0870 1608080, timesonline.co./booksfirstbuy

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