Our Evidence Standards

Level 1 — Strong Evidence: supported by at least two randomised controlled trials or a meta-analysis.

Level 2 — Moderate Evidence: supported by one randomised controlled trial or at least two cohort studies.

Level 3 — Limited Evidence: based on a single observational study, in vitro work, or animal research.

Level 4 — Traditional Use: long-standing traditional use without modern clinical evidence.

For clinical claims we prefer research published within the last 10 years. For established mechanisms we accept older foundational studies (typically from the last 30–40 years). For traditional practices, historical sources are appropriate.

We do not rely on small-scale studies (generally fewer than 20 participants) as primary evidence for major health claims, present animal studies as human evidence, or lean on a single source older than twenty years as the only support for a claim.

The evidence badge on each article shows its level. A higher level means stronger scientific support; a lower level is an invitation to read with healthy caution. A level-4 article can still be valuable — it simply rests on tradition rather than trials.