Editorial Guidelines

Content Focus

The purpose of the Natural Medicine Journal (NMJ) is to provide scientifically valid information based on the most recent quality published research with clinical applications to healthcare professionals. All submissions must be in line with that purpose.

Submissions that fit in the following departments will be considered:

• Literature Review = a summary of recent research involving a specific nutrient, condition, or healing modality
• Treatment Protocol = clinical applications of natural medicine for a specific condition
• Interactions = exploring the relationship between nutrients, herbs, and pharmaceutical agents
• Herb or Nutrient Profile = overview, description of indications of use, clinical applications, warnings, and interactions
• Original Research = in vitro or human clinical trials associated with some aspect of natural medicine with clinical relevance

Guidelines for submissions

1. Submission is relevant and timely to the current practices of natural medicine.
2. Experiments, statistics, and other analyses are performed to a high standard and are described in sufficient detail.
3. Conclusions are presented in an appropriate fashion and are supported by evidence-based data.
4. The article is presented in an intelligible fashion and is written in English.
5. All references must be footnoted and featured at the end of the paper using AMA style (for more detailed information about reference style, visit here).
6. Research presented meets all applicable standards for the ethics of experimentation and research integrity.
7. Original Research manuscripts must include the following sections in this order:
   • Title
   • Authors and Affiliations
   • Abstract
   • Registration (for clinical trials)
   • Introduction
   • Materials/Methods
   • Results
   • Discussion
   • Acknowledgements
   • References
8. Review and Overview manuscripts must include the following sections in this order:
   • Title
   • Authors and Affiliations
   • Abstract
   • Introduction
   • Content Focus (see above)
   • Acknowledgements
   • References

NMJ does not pay authors for unsolicited submissions.

Peer-Review Process

All submissions to the NMJ go through a standard peer-review process, meaning that at least two Editorial Board members evaluate the content based on scientific accuracy, professional presentation, clinical relevance, and adherence to the NNJ purpose. This process time will vary based on the scope and timing of submission.

• The peer review of each article is rigorous and includes evaluation of objective and technical issues in order to determine whether the research has been sufficiently well conceived, well executed, and well described to justify inclusion in the scientific record.
• The submission will also be reviewed to determine whether the article reaches the level of importance required by NMJ.
• A peer review form will be provided to interested parties, including areas of evaluation and rating system information.
• The peer review editorial board features a diverse group of respected healthcare professionals who are prepared to evaluate submissions based on the editorial guidelines and goals of the journal.

Submission Procedure

All submissions must be made electronically via e-mail to karolyn@karolyngazella.com. Each submission must include the following:

1. A double-spaced word document in Times New Roman 12-point font featuring the following:
   • Full abstract
   • Complete manuscript
   • JPG diagrams and graphics
   • Footnoted references in Nature style that links back to the actual PubMed abstract or if that’s not possible JAMA style (for free Nature style footnote software visit www.citeulike.org)
2. Condensed author bio, photo (optional), and full CV
3. Written disclosure outlining any conflict of interest (refer to Conflict of Interest Section)
4. Written confirmation that this is an original work and has not been previously published in any other magazine, journal, book, or online (refer to Exclusivity Section)
5. Complete contact information including e-mail, phone, and physical address.
6. A cover letter explaining the suitability of this submission for publication in NMJ, its worthwhile addition to the scientific literature, and its relation to natural medicine.

Conflict of Interest and Disclosure

NMJ follows the Conflict of Interest guidelines established by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors. Conflict of interest exists when the author's financial or personal relationship inappropriately influences the content of the submission. Relationships including employment, consultancies, stock ownership, honoraria, and paid expert testimony from a company or manufacturer that benefits from the outcome of the information presented is the most common type of conflict of interest. All authors must disclose any conflicts of interests associated with the subject matter of the submission. Conflict of interest does not necessarily negate a submission, however, full disclosure of any conflict of interest for accepted submissions will be required at the time of publication.

Exclusivity

NMJ will not publish prior works or information that have already been published. By submitting the work, the author is thereby ensuring to the publisher that it is an original article that has not been taken from another publication or published prior.

For More Information

For questions about editorial submissions contact karolyn@karolyngazella.com.