February 5, 2019
The subject of ginseng is a broad one. There are three main types: Panax (sometimes called Asian or Chinese
January 8, 2019
Commonly known as a natural compound that may help treat diabetes, (see Foodtrients® article“Does Berberine Fight Diabetes” ) that’s not all berberine is known for. A bitter alkaloid compound found in several plants including barberry, goldenseal, and Oregon grape, it can also be important for enhancing the immune system during cold and flu season. Berberine also contains anti-bacterial properties and is often prescribed as a treatment for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). It has a long history of medicinal use in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. Medicidally, berberine is used for: Heart failure High cholesterol levels High blood pressure Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) […]
December 11, 2018
Milk thistle, a liver cleansing herb, was so important to early American settlers that colonists brought it over from Europe as part of their traditional medicine supply. Milk thistle grows throughout the world – in Africa, Australia, Asia, the U.S. and South America. The mature plant boasts identifiable bright purple flowers. Milk thistle is also commonly called silymarin because of the health-promoting antioxidants, particularly silybin. It really is a tonic for the liver and is used to treat toxic liver damage caused by alcohol, chemicals and even chemotherapy. It has been used in ancient medicine and among herbalists to treat […]
December 11, 2018
A traditional Chinese medicinal root, you may recognize galangal as alpinia or Chinese Ginger. Similar to ginger in some ways and also part of the rhizome family, there are many medicinal uses for galangal including stomach soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. This root was being used in Europe to treat conditions before it was identified in 1870 with origins in the South of China. It is also an Ayurvedic herb with a pungent/bitter taste and heating energy good for Vata and Kapha. In Ayurveda is it commonly used as a digestive or to reduce blood sugar or blood pressure. A true […]
October 9, 2018
When you hear the word marshmallow, you may automatically think of a white, fluffy sweet treat
October 9, 2018
Often found on the candy shelf in red and black varieties, licorice is so much more than a snack at the movies. In fact, licorice products manufactured in the U.S. often don’t even contain any licorice root at all. Licorice is actually an herb native to the Mediterranean, Russia, Asia and the Middle East that contains the anise oil responsible for the classic aroma and flavor of black licorice. This flavor can be polarizing – some people love it and others avoid it – but it does have many uses for the health of the body and has been used […]
September 11, 2018
Move over turmeric, cardamom is gaining attention for both culinary and health properties. Native to the mountains of India, Pakistan, Burma/Myanmar and Sri Lanka, this pod-containing plant yields cardamom spice and essential oils as well. A sweet spice, cardamom can be used in a variety of dishes and was important in world trade for centuries. Medicinally, cardamom is used for: Setting the GI including treating nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea and IBS Fighting colds and other viruses that cause fevers or a cough Antibacterial properties Fighting fungal infections Liver and gallbladder support Cardiovascular support including treating high blood pressure Anxiety, tension […]
September 4, 2018
When you think of hops you may think first of beer – a main reason that we grow this crop. But these climbing vines native to Eurasia and North America have a rich history of medicinal use as well. In fact, hops are related to the cannabis plant; they even have some similarities in flavor and aroma. Famous for treating sleep disorders, research on this medicinal plant continues to gain traction (outside the brewing industry!). Medicinally, hops are used for: Anxiety Sleep disorders including insomnia Tension, nervousness, irritability and excitability Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) To stimulate the appetite and treat […]
August 7, 2018
You may have noticed food trend hibiscus popping up on local restaurant menus in the past couple of years. From hot and cold tea and infused beverages to being added to salads and even quesadillas and desserts, this beautiful purple edible flower also promises some interesting health benefits. You’ll commonly encounter hibiscus in warmer climates as it is native to Central and West Africa, India and Southeast Asia and the West Indies. Medicinally, hibiscus is used for: cardiovascular disease high blood pressure high cholesterol diabetes anxiety loss of appetite colds and upper respiratory tract infection urinary tract infections (UTIs) kidney […]