Absence of Evidence vs Evidence of Absence

Absence of Evidence vs Evidence of Absence This guide addresses a common interpretation error: treating “no studies found” as proof that something is ineffective or unsafe. The correct interpretation depends on what was searched, what counts as qualifying evidence, and what has actually been published. Absence of evidence Absence of…

Traditional Use vs Modern Research: Why They Are Documented Separately

Traditional Use vs Modern Research: Why They Are Documented Separately This guide explains why historical and traditional material is presented separately from modern scientific research. The two sources serve different purposes and should not be treated as interchangeable forms of evidence. What traditional use documentation provides Traditional use material can…

How Evidence Is Categorized and Tagged

How Evidence Is Categorized and Tagged This guide explains how posts are categorized and tagged in the library. Tags are used to describe what was studied and how it was studied, not what readers might want the study to imply. Categories describe content purpose Categories group posts by function (for…

What This Site Does and Does Not Claim

What This Site Does and Does Not Claim This guide clarifies the boundaries of this project. The library documents research and background sources. It does not provide recommendations, dosing, or treatment guidance. What the site does The site summarizes published research in neutral language, documents botanical identity and naming, and…

Why Some Sections of This Library Are Sparse or Empty

Why Some Sections of This Library Are Sparse or Empty Some categories may contain fewer posts than readers expect. This guide explains why that happens and why the site treats “not found” as a valid outcome when the literature is thin. Research density is not uniform Some plants and compounds…

Why Compound Studies Are Not the Same as Whole-Plant Evidence

Why Compound Studies Are Not the Same as Whole-Plant Evidence Many readers encounter research through isolated compounds such as thymol or carvacrol. This guide explains why compound-level findings are not treated as plant-level proof on this site. A compound is not a plant A named plant refers to a species…

In Vitro vs In Vivo vs Clinical Studies: What’s the Difference?

In Vitro vs In Vivo vs Clinical Studies: What’s the Difference? This guide explains three common research categories used throughout the library. These categories describe where the testing occurs and what types of conclusions are reasonable. In vitro In vitro research is performed outside living organisms. Examples include microbial susceptibility…

How to Read Plant Research on This Site

How to Read Plant Research on This Site This guide explains how research is organized and presented on this site and how readers should interpret different types of evidence. It is designed to reduce confusion and prevent overextension of laboratory findings. Start with the study model The most important detail…