Written by John Immel, Asheville, NCChecking academic research can be a great way to bolster your knowledge and improve your work - and it doesn't have to be a long, arduous task!
You may like to confirm a statement is true or accurate - particularly medical statements. Generally it is preferred but not required to cite the source for general homework quizzes (most students do not). Cite author as follows (, , )
How to Find Quality Sources for Health & Wellness Research
Confirmation often only takes a few minutes. You don't need to wade through pages of complex laboratory methodology to get the benefit of an article!
For example, I (John) searched scholar.google.com on "glucocorticoid effect on thyroid". In less than 3 minutes I found an article, "Effects of glucocorticoid pulse therapy on thyroid function and thyroid antibodies in children with graves' disease" -A quick glance showed me that no significant differences were observed in thyroid hormone levels between the pulse group and the control group (all p > 0.05).
Scan the Initial Summary
Scan the top sections including the
abstract; methods; results; and conclusions - is this article really
covering the information you need? It will give you key info like:
- Is it the right herb? Check the botanical name!
- Tested on animals/humans?
- Individual herb or part of a blend?
- Findings 'significant' or not?
Check the Discussion / Conclusion Section
Check the
conclusion section for an overview of significant findings. You don't want to read the entire thing before hitting 'no findings of significance were noted'!
Find the 'How' in the Findings / Results Section
Get the specific information in the
'how'/methodology in the findings/results section.
Don't get overwhelmed by scientific wording. Instead, Skim the section and look for key words/phrases you understand or are relevant to you. For words you absolutely need to know, a web search will give you a clear explanation in most cases.
It is likely you'll get the active constituents and actions here. This will give you a narrowed list of concepts/topics/words to clarify.
New to the Topic?
Get a foundation in the main concepts in the 'introduction' section. Not every article will have this, however.
Tips to Avoid Overwhelm
Read to Understand Not to Memorize
It's easy to go in, skip to the result and use that, without ever understanding the why.
But how useful is that to you, really?
Luckily, you don't need to understand every single scientific term to understand what happened in the study in a useful way. Here are some useful things to focus on, when researching herbs:
- Where are events taking place in the body? What system is involved?
- How is the herb impacting that?
- Ex: rejuvenating, eradicating, calming, stimulating etc.
- What action does the herb bring to have this impact?
- Ex" Reducing inflammatory markers (anti-inflammatory), triggering apoptosis (antiproliferative), stimulating neuronal communication (brain tonic) etc.
- Instead of memorizing chemicals, we want to understand concepts and patterns.
- Ex: What is testosterone like? What is DHT like?
- Imagine the physiology once as well - according to your learning style
- Ex: Imagine 5?-Reductase converting testosterone to DHT in the prostate.
- Find visual videos on youtube - sometimes a few videos can save you hours on homework!
- Know where it is produced - so you can know relationships between organs
- Ex: 5?-Reductase produced in the reproductive tract, testes and ovaries, skin, seminal vesicles, prostate, epididymis and many organs
- Notice its effect on the doshas / tissues / biocharacteristics, if the information is given:
- Ex: DHT strongly androgenic, causes the prostate to grow
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About the Author
John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a
healthy diet and lifestyle with
Ayurveda biocharacteristics.
His approach to Ayurveda is clinical, yet exudes an ease which many find enjoyable and insightful.
John also directs Joyful Belly's
School of Ayurveda,
offering professional clinical training in Ayurveda for over 15 years.
John's interest in Ayurveda and specialization in digestive tract pathology was inspired by a complex digestive disorder acquired from years of international travel,
as well as public service work in South Asia.
John's commitment to the detailed study of digestive disorders reflects his zeal to get down to the roots of the problem.
His hope and belief in the capacity of each & every client to improve their quality of life is nothing short of a personal passion.
John's creativity in the kitchen and delight in cooking for others comes from his family oriented upbringing.
In addition to his certification in Ayurveda, John holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University.
John enjoys sharing Ayurveda within the context of his Catholic roots,
and finds Ayurveda gives him an opportunity to participate in the healing mission of the Church.
Jesus expressed God's love by feeding and healing the sick.
That kindness is the fundamental ministry of Ayurveda as well.
Outside of work, John enjoys spending time with his wife and 7 kids, and pursuing his love of theology, philosophy, and language.
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