Herbs - General

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 […]

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 relieving properties. These […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Strengthening your immune system holistically is important during flu season. While herbs, nutrition, sleep and exercise are known to boost immunity, new research even shows the common cold jump starts the body’s antiviral defenses to keep the flu at bay, Yale News reports. A number of helpful herbs actively fight viral infections like flu and upper respiratory infections, […]