Asafetida is said to be endowed with magical powers and thought to ward off evil spirits. It was believed that the strong pungent smell of the plant could keep certain diseases at bay. For that reason, it was a practice in some European countries for children to keep small cloth bags containing the herb close […]
Herbs - General
What is Chinese Knotweed (Fo-ti) used for?
Fo-ti is one of principal ingredients of the “Shou Wu Chih,” which is one of the Chinese patent medicines. In China, it is believed that the medication prepared from this plant rejuvenate the body. It has been suggested that fo-ti may be useful as a medicinal herb to relieve symptoms of Alzheimer’s. It is thought that […]
What is Red Sage used for?
Red sage is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and it has been used as a medicinal herb for more than 2000 years. In China, extensive research has been carried out on the benefits and medicinal properties of red sage. Studies have shown that the tanshinones in the herb have a positive effect on […]
What is European Ash used for?
There’s a very long historical tradition of using European ash as a medicine. Its uses as a medicinal herb were already known by the Greek physician Hippocrates (460-377 B.C.). St. Hildegard of Bingen (1098 – 1179), a German writer, composer and philosopher, writes of using ash as a treatment for gout and rheumatism. European ash […]
What is White Horehound used for?
White horehound is mostly used as a herbal tea. When making a tea a ½-1 teaspoon of the dried herb can be used in one cup of boiling water and soak for 10-15 minutes before it is strained. The daily dosage often recommended by herbalist to reduce a sore throat and loosen phlegm is one […]
What is Eleuthero (Siberian Ginseng) used for?
In Russia, eleuthero was widely used as an adaptogen, which is a substance taken to help alleviate either physical or mental stress, or provides the ability to adapt to otherwise adverse external conditions. It was also used to boost physical performance and as an alternative treatment to reduce infections. Cosmonauts in Russia used it as […]
Medical Cannabis in the UK: Potential Benefits, Side Effects, and Herbal Alternatives
Any cannabis-based medication used to treat symptoms falls under the general category of medical cannabis. Alternative medicine has long utilised medical marijuana. Additionally, it has been used to treat psychiatric illnesses, sleep disturbances, and digestive issues. There are several variations of medical cannabis. They consist of oral consumption, smoking, and vaping. The dosage will be […]
What is Gymnema Sylvestre used for?
Gymnema sylvestre is also called gurmar, which is a Hindi name meaning “destroyer of sugar.” It has been used for thousands of years as an herbal treatment for diabetes. It has the ability to block the absorption of glucose from the intestines and helps to reduce cravings for sugar. The reduction of sugar cravings also leads […]
What is Kava used for?
Kava has been used in social gatherings to lower inhibitions and make everyone more relaxed and amiable. It is a popular herb to treat anxiety, stress and depression. The relaxing, euphoric state brought on by this herb make it useful in treating these conditions. This herb is often used in religious ceremonies to obtain an enlightened state.[adinserter […]
What is Hedge Mustard used for?
Pedanius Dioscorides (1st century AD) called this plant erysimon and recommended that is should be used together with honey as an antidote in case of poisoning. He also stated that it could be used as a treatment for a variety of diseases and ailments. One of the better known traditional use of the herb was […]