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  • Article

Booze and bad behaviour

Our love of alcohol is like a party that’s lasted nine centuries. But there are signs that the demon drink is losing its appeal.

  • Article

Shakespeare and the four humours

Blood. Phlegm. Black bile. Yellow bile. The theory of the four humours informed many of Shakespeare's best-known characters, including the phlegmatic Falstaff.

  • Article

Dating on dopamine

Drug treatment for Parkinson’s can come with an unwanted side serving of compulsive behaviour, as Pete Langman discovered. Read about his dating journey in a dopamine cloud.

  • Book extract

The meaning of happiness

What is happiness? Tiffany Watt Smith charts how its definition has changed over time, from chance emotion to something that can be measured and controlled.

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  • Chamaemelum nobile (L.) All. Asteraceae. English, Roman or garden chamomile Distribution: Europe, Mediterranean. Culpeper (1650): “... assuage swellings, inflammations of the bowels, dissolve wind, are profitable given in clysters or drink, to such as are troubled with colic or [renal] stone.” The leaves are pleasantly fragrant, hence its use as a lawn plant, but also in aromatherapy. A ‘tea’ made from the flowers is apparently used to lighten hair colour. Chamomile contains sesquiterpene lactones, and these are known to possess allergenic properties. Hypersensitivity reactions have been reported in this and other members of the Compositae (Asteraceae) and cross sensitivity reactions may occur (Medicines Control Agency, 2002). Analgesic, and used for cramps and spasms (Quincy, 1718). Chamomile tea is used to help sleep, but may cause uterine contractions so avoid in pregnancy (US National Institutes of Health advice). Photographed in the Medicinal Garden of the Royal College of Physicians, London.
  • "At the best alcohol is an expensive luxury; at the worst it is a terrible poison; in between it is a dangerous drug." / Mr. E. Rosslyn Mitchell, M.P. ; issued by the Temperance Council of the Christian Churches of England and Wales, Abbey House, Westminster, S.W.1.
  • Secrets of good health. XII, The white man's burden : effectual exercises / by Sir W. Arbuthnot Lane, Bart., C.B.
  • Secrets of good health. XII, The white man's burden : effectual exercises / by Sir W. Arbuthnot Lane, Bart., C.B.
  • Eight guidelines for a healthy diet / Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
  • The spider and fly : the advertiser takes this opportunity of informing his friends and a discerning public, that he continues the trade of making drunkards, paupers, thieves, beggars, adulterers, and murderers, on the most reasonable terms, and without notice.
  • How to handle high blood pressure : this information sheet gives you advice about preventing and reducing high blood pressure / Dairy Council, Doctor Patient Partnership.
  • How to handle high blood pressure : this information sheet gives you advice about preventing and reducing high blood pressure / Dairy Council, Doctor Patient Partnership.
  • Eight guidelines for a healthy diet / Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
  • Fluid facts : being well hydrated keeps us going, and with water making up around 70% of our bodies, it's good to know the facts.
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