The healing properties of neem are mainly due to some bitter substances, known as triterpenes (limonoids), with azadirachtin as one of the main active ingredients. In addition, neem contains beta-sitosterol, tannins, polysaccharides, flavonoids and essential oil. Neem in Ayurvedic or Indian Medicine For centuries, the neem tree has played a big part in Ayurvedic medicine […]
Herbs - General
What is Brooklime used for?
The active substances found in brooklime are tannins, bitter substances such as Aucubin (an iridoid glycoside), phenolic acids, phytosterols, hydrocarbons, essential oil and some sulfur. The medical effects of this herb are considered rather weak and are thought to be mainly due to the iridoid glycosides and phenolic acids. Brooklime has very mild diuretic and […]
What is Eyebright used for?
Eyebright contains carbohydrates, tannins, alkaloids, sterols, phenolic acids, iridoid glycosides (aucubin, loganin and verbenalin), flavonoids, amino acids, essential oils and vitamins A and C. A Herb for the Eyes Ever since the Middle Ages, eyebright has been used to treat bloodshot and irritated eyes. It is believed that this application arose because of “signature doctrine”, […]
What is Burnet Saxifrage used for?
The root contains an essential oil (up 0.4%), 1% saponins, bitter substances, tannin, polysaccharides, resin and the coumarins pimpinellin, bergapten and umbelliferone. Burnet saxifrage has been used for a long time in folk medicine. The Greek physician Dioscorides (1st century AD) allegedly used the herb as a diuretic agent and the Danish physician Henrik Harp Strings (the […]
What is Blackberry Lily used for?
In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the root of blackberry lily (she-gan) is viewed as bitter and cold in nature and it is mostly used medicinally as a treatment for ailments related to the lungs and liver. In China, the herb is also used to lower high fever, expelling phlegm, relieving sore throat, and lessen inflammation. The herb […]
What is Comfrey used for?
Comfrey has traditionally been used a folk medicine for a variety of ailments, such as the topical treatment of painful muscles and joints, to aid the healing of wounds and skin cells, haematoma, broken bones, fractures, gangrene, inflammation, burns and sprains, bruises, gout. It has also been taken internally for rheumatoid arthritis, colitis, stomach and […]
What is Fringe Tree used for?
The root bark contains saponins, a lignan glycoside (phyllirin), and several secoiridoids (oleuropein, ligustroside and angustifolioside). A Tonic for the Liver and Gallbladder Fringe tree is regarded as an excellent stimulating tonic and in modern-day herbal medicine, it is mainly used to treat ailments related to the liver and gallbladder. Internally, the bark is mostly […]
What is Yerba Mate used for?
Yerba mate is not an Australian greeting or a cream substitute for tea (like Coffee Mate for coffee.) It is actually pronounced “Yerba Mat-ay” and is a very healthy herbal drink. The name comes from the Spanish word “hierba” which was changed to yerba in Argentina and means “grass or herb,” and the word mati […]
5 Important Ways to Improve Joint Health
About 24% of the American adult population has reported joint pains related to fibromyalgia, arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. Over 15 million Americans with arthritis have complained of severe to moderate joint pain. Although arthritis is the leading cause of joint pain, it is not the only one. People with viral infections, bursitis, gout, and […]
What is Aloe Vera used for?
Aloe Vera Gel: The gel, more correctly ‘mucilage’, is best known for treating injuries and irritations of the skin, especially minor burns, and cuts. It is a common house plant that is often kept in kitchens as a first aid. A piece of the succulent leaf can be cut off and opened and the gel […]
