Nature’s pharmacy

Native Americans used saw palmetto as an aphrodisiac - now it has proved to be an effective prostate drug.

Third world dying for new medicines

There are hardly any new medicines in the pipeline for diseases such as tuberculosis, malaria, sleeping sickness and leishmaniasis according to a new report.

A very modern epidemic

ME, fibromyalgia, Gulf war syndrome... doctors are confused and bitterly divided by a tidal wave of illnesses that defy conventional treatment. Now new research is stirring up yet more controversy, reports Sarah Boseley.

Nature’s pharmacy

The Anicent Greeks ate a clove a day to stay healthy. Andrew Purvis on garlic - a magical, natural antibiotic.

Sam’s story

The strain of meningitis that disabled Richard Dunstan's son kills 50 Britons a year. Why, when a safe vaccine is available?

Nature’s pharmacy

In the first of his series on medicinal plants, Andrew Purvis explores the heal-all properties of figwort.

The parents who cared too much

A baby girl died of malnutrition after her mother and father insisted on rearing her on a 'healthy' vegan, raw-food diet. Tania Branigan reports.