The Herbal Resource

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?

Traditional ayurvedic medicine has used the gummy resin from the boswellia tree to treat arthritis, diarrhea, Crohn’s disease, dysentery, lung disease and worms. In herbal medicine, boswellia is best known for its use in treating arthritis. The active ingredient, boswellic acid, in the resin is a powerful anti-inflammatory. It has also been said to have pain … [Read More...] about What is Boswellia Serrata used for?

Mistletoe was a sacred plant of the Celtic peoples; the Celts and Gauls called it “all-heal” or “cure-all”. Shakespeare called mistletoe ‘baleful Mistletoe’, a reference to the Nordic mythology when Baldur, the god of peace and beauty, was slain by an arrow made from mistletoe and then brought back to life by the other Nordic gods. Mistletoe is used by traditional herbalists as a nervine, … [Read More...] about What is Mistletoe used for?

Veganism is a way of life where its practitioners abstain from indulging in any form of animal products, especially in their diet. They are also known as strict vegetarians who don't even eat dairy products. Some people get started on this journey due to taste preferences, while others do it for moral/spiritual purposes.  There are a lot of opinions that vegans are missing out on a lot of … [Read More...] about Veganism and Bodybuilding: A Growing Trend

Myrrh is traditionally used as burned incense which repels fleas and mosquitoes. Thought to be effective for pain relief, including menstrual pain resulting from blood stagnation. Powdered myrrh is used in Germany to treat throat and mouth inflammation. It is also used on external injuries to reduce swelling. Applied directly to teeth, it can also help ease the pain of a toothache. The … [Read More...] about What is Myrrh used for?

The plant’s medicinal value lies primarily in its anti-inflammatory properties. Taken internally as an herbal tea, it is thought to aid in soothing stomach ulcers, while rinsing with the tea is used to speed the healing of sores or bleeding gums in the mouth. The tea can also be good for improving digestion, and the herb’s high antioxidant content aids in detoxifying the liver. Stronger … [Read More...] about What is Cornflower used for?

Three species of duckweed (Lemna minor, Lemna trisulca, and Spirodela polyrhiza) have all been used in western herbal medicine and as a food source. Since common duckweed (Lemna minor) is the most common, it is very likely it is the species referred to in earlier herbal literature. Pedanius Dioscorides (1st century AD) recommended duckweed against St. Anthony’s fire (Erysipelas). Henrik … [Read More...] about What is Duckweed used for?

According to Greek mythology, the female nymph Daphne was transformed into a laurel tree by her father the river god Ladon to save her from the unwanted affections of the god Apollo. Hence, the bay laurel tree is often associated with Apollo. Bay laurel was also known to be used in rituals by the Delphic oracle, a name given to of any priestess of the temple of Apollo at Delphi. Because … [Read More...] about What is Bay Laurel used for?

The leaves of Damiana contain substances like essential oil, resins, tannins, starch, arbutin, barterin and a bitter substance known as damianin. (1) Damiana has been shown to help boost energy and reduce the effects of exhaustion. This herb is traditionally been used as an aphrodisiac. Modern research supports this use as well. It is shown to increase sperm count in males and the strength … [Read More...] about What is Damiana used for?