The Herbal Resource

The essential oil of bergamot contains more than 300 compounds including linalyl acetate (30-60 percent), limonene (26-42 percent) and linalol (11-22 percent). Some other constituents are alcohols, sesquiterpenes, alkanes and furocoumarins like bergapten in an amount of 0.30 to 0.39 percent. The herb got its name from the Italian city of Bergamo in Lombardy, Italy, where the oil was first … [Read More...] about What is Bergamot used for?

The flavorless arrowroot is used as a non-irritating, nutritious diet for people with certain chronic diseases, during recovery from an illness, or for certain internal irritations including bladder irritation. Arrowroot has been used as an infant formula in place of breast milk or to help the baby adjust after weaning. A jelly made from it is often preferred by recently weaned infants to … [Read More...] about What is Arrowroot used for?

The juice made from the agave plant contains estrogen-like isoflavonoid, alkaloids, coumarin and vitamins B1, B2, C, D and K, and provitamin A. Agave americana has antiseptic, wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties, which explains its uses externally as a medicinal herb to treat burns, bruises, minor cuts, injuries and skin irritation caused by insect bites. In Central … [Read More...] about What is Agave Americana used for?

Hearing loss is a traumatic and life-changing experience that can significantly affect one's social and personal well-being. The condition can be gradual, which makes it hard to detect until it's almost too late. Fortunately, both conductive-caused and sensorineural hearing loss can be treated either naturally or artificially. Let's look at some natural treatment options available for … [Read More...] about 5 Ways to Improve Your Hearing Naturally

Borage contains mucous substances, tannins, saponins, resins, essential oil, potassium, calcium, vitamin C and other substances. The borage leaves contain small amounts of pyrrolizidine alkaloids found to be toxic to the liver. However, the levels of those toxic alkaloids are extremely low. The oil from the seeds is rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid. The amount of GLA … [Read More...] about What is Borage used for?

Some of the substances found in cranesbill are tannins, gallic acid, starch, pectin, and resin. The root can contain between 12 to 25 percent tannin, with the highest amount just before flowering. The American cranesbill is not the only plant of the genus Geranium that is used in herbal medicine. The European species wood cranesbill (Geranium sylvaticum) and herb Robert (Geranium robertianum) … [Read More...] about What is Cranesbill used for?

The red poppy seeds can be eaten raw or cooked. They have pleasant nutty flavor and can be sprinkled on bread and cakes or added in soups and salads. The seeds are rather small but relatively easy to harvest from the large seed pods. They are completely safe to eat because they do not contain the toxic alkaloids found in the green parts (leaves, stems, and stalks) of the plant. The seeds … [Read More...] about What is Red Poppy used for?

Many of the Lady's Mantle constituents, especially the tannins and the bitter substances, are thought to have a balancing and regulating effect on the female reproductive system. Although the herb is not recommended for use during the early stages of pregnancy due to its uterine stimulating effect, many herbalists regard it as an excellent remedy for women approaching delivery. One of the … [Read More...] about What is Lady’s Mantle used for?

Coleus is a not a particularly remarkable plant to look at, yet it has a 3000-year history in Ayurvedic medicine and is mentioned in ancient Sanskrit texts as a tonic for a healthy heart and lungs. Today, coleus is not just a herb for cardiovascular ailments but is increasingly used to assist weight loss by breaking down adipose tissue and preventing production of further fatty … [Read More...] about What is Coleus Forskohlii used for?

Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus) got its name from the anti-aphrodisiac quality purported since its early use. Monks used to chew the berries and leaves of this tree to reduce the urges of the flesh. This use is not scientifically proven, but it has deep roots traditionally. Syrup of the berries was even given at convents to nuns to reduce the chances of succumbing to sexual desires. This … [Read More...] about What is Chaste Tree used for?