ISSN 2689-4548 | Vol 12 #3
If we are going to consume herbal medicines, it is important we know how to take them and how to handle them safely. This article will summarize the different forms and options for taking herbal medicines, and some tips on how to keep them safe and effective.
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| Many ways to consume herbs |
Amaranth is a nutritious grain that has gained attention for its health benefits. Amaranth has been used in traditional medicines around the world for various purposes, including treating digestive disorders, inflammation, and skin conditions.
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| Amaranth Grain Flowering |
Black pepper is a versatile herb that offers numerous health benefits due to its bioactive compounds, especially piperine. Its traditional uses are supported by modern scientific research, highlighting its potential in enhancing digestion, reducing inflammation, providing antioxidant protection, and improving cognitive function.
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| Black Pepper (Piper nigrum) |
Wild yam, scientifically known as Dioscorea villosa, is a vine native to North America, Asia, and Africa. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for various health benefits.
Here's an overview of its characteristics and uses:
Wintergreen is a pain-relieving herb due to its content of a compound popularized by aspirin. Its topical applications are well-known among traditional medicines. But there are other uses for this herb and cautions against its use internally.
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| Wintergreen plant flowering |
Chicory is a versatile herb with a long history of use in traditional medicine and a growing body of scientific evidence supporting its health benefits. Whether incorporated into the diet as a food ingredient or taken as a supplement, chicory offers a range of potential health advantages.
Basil is a versatile and aromatic herb with significant health benefits. Its bioactive compounds provide anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and stress-reducing properties, and has been used to treat many conditions over the centuries in traditional medicines.
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| Basil rich in medicinal properties |
Fennel has been proven to provide a myriad of health benefits, from soothing menstruation and menopause for women to fighting candida infections and aiding in digestive health along with various antibacterial and antifungal effects.
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| Fennel grows like a weed throughout the world |
Here's an overview of fennel's health benefits, appearance, habitat, primary compounds, traditional uses, and relevant scientific research:
Couch grass, known scientifically as Elymus repens as well as Agropyron repens, is an herb with several health benefits. These include benefits to the urinary tract, the kidneys, being an antioxidant and aiding in digestive health.
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| Couch Grass is known for its UTI effects |
Kelp, a type of large brown seaweed, is renowned for its numerous health benefits and has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Here's an overview of its health benefits, botanical information, traditional uses, primary compounds, and relevant scientific research.
Eucalyptus is a traditional herbal medicine proven to help respiratory health, and is antibiotic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and shown to provide mental clarity.
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| Flowering Eucalyptus |
Eucalyptus is renowned for its medicinal properties and has been used in traditional medicines for various purposes. This article provides an overview of its health benefits, appearance, habitat, primary compounds, historical uses, and relevant scientific research.
Comfrey is an herbal medicine used traditionally for centuries for injuries, wound healing and joint pain. Here we’ll explain how this herb works and how to use it.
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| Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) |
Blue cohosh herb – not to be confused with Black cohosh – has been used in traditional medicines for centuries, especially for women. Human scientific research is limited. It has been used to ease menstruation, but this herb has faced concerns by doctors in terms of its safety, especially when used during childbirth.
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| Blue cohosh (Photo by R.A. Nonenmacher) |
Witch hazel, scientifically known as Hamamelis virginiana, is a flowering shrub native to North America. Here's an overview of its characteristics, traditional uses, potential health benefits, and relevant scientific research.
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| Witch Hazel Blossom |
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| Calendula officinalis or Marigold |
Anise (Pimpinella anisum) is an herb known for its aromatic seeds and potent medicinal benefits. It is also used in various cuisines and traditional medicines worldwide.
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| Medicinal Anise seeds (Pimpinella anisum) |
Here's a summary of its health benefits, appearance, habitat, compounds, traditional uses, and clinical research.
Kale is a potent nutrient-dense superfood that’s taking the health world by storm. Let's dive into what makes kale so special.
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| Kale (Brassica oleracea) has many benefits |
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| Manuka Tea Tree |
Bay leaves (Laurus nobilis) are a popular culinary herb but also offer various health benefits supported by traditional uses and scientific research.
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| Bay leaves (Laurus nobilis) |
Their primary compounds, including essential oils, flavonoids, and tannins, contribute to their digestive aid, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and potentially blood sugar-regulating properties.
Maitake mushrooms (Grifola frondosa) have a long history of use in traditional medicine for their immune-enhancing and health-promoting properties. Modern research supports these traditional uses, particularly for immune support, cancer prevention, blood sugar regulation, cardiovascular health, and anti-inflammatory effects.
