Did you know that some herbs associated with Thanksgiving and winter holidays have also been studied for their possible health effects?   

• Cranberry has been studied for urinary tract infections (UTIs). The evidence shows it may be helpful in preventing UTIs but not in treating them. 

• Peppermint oil has been studied for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). A small amount of research suggests that peppermint oil in enteric-coated capsules may improve IBS symptoms in adults.    

• Sage has been used for sore mouth or throat, high cholesterol levels, and other conditions, but little research has been done on it, and it hasn’t clearly been shown to be helpful for any health condition.   

• Cinnamon has been promoted for diabetes and other conditions, but studies in people don’t clearly support its use for any health condition.    

• Pomegranate has been promoted for a variety of health conditions. However, the limited research that’s been done so far has not shown benefits in preventing or treating diseases.   

   Find out more about these and other herbs from NCCIH’s Herbs at a Glance fact sheets.