Explorations In The World Of Natural Health
A common weed, mullein has been used for centuries as a natural remedy. Today, mullein is one of the most well-researched medicinal plants with proven health benefits. It contains numerous saponins, flavonoids, glycosides and other compounds. These compounds are what make mullein so powerful in treating earaches, coughs, ulcers, and inflammatory conditions. Read more
When looking for herbal remedies, you will often find many different formulations of the same plant. The most common ones are tinctures, glycerin extracts, dried whole herbs, powdered extracts and standardized extracts. For health benefits, tinctures are usually best. However, each formulation has its own pros/cons which might make it a better option for you. Read more
Irish sea moss is a type of red algae which has many proven health benefits which range from boosting immunity to preventing signs of aging. There is a lot of scientific research which backs up these health benefits, which is why sea moss supplements and gels have suddenly become so popular. Read more
Deep in the forests of China – the same places where pandas and tigers live – you can find schisandra growing wild. The vine wraps itself around trees, snaking its way to the top, and produces clusters of red berries. These red schisandra berries are prized for their health benefits including boosting energy, treating adrenal fatigue, and balancing gut health.
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I recently gave myself a challenge: to walk around my neighborhood looking at people’s gardens and see which plants have health benefits. This is what initially led me to Ophiopogon (aka mondo grass). Even though it is native to Asia, mondo grass is grown throughout the world. The humble plant has many surprising health uses, including suppressing cough, reducing inflammation and boosting immunity. Read more
Even though cupuacu is mostly grown in Brazil, I first encountered it while traveling in Peru. It’s sold at juice bars along the street and an ingredient in many desserts. Lately, cupuacu has become popular around the world because of its many health benefits, especially for skin and hair. Read more
Like a lot of travelers, I spent my time in Quito drinking yerba mate from a gourd. But then I headed to the highlands in Ecuador to stay with a local Kichwa (Quechua) family. I was in a for a pleasant surprise when they started brewing tea that I later found out was guayusa. Since then, I’ve become an avid guayusa tea convert – for the health benefits as well as these other reasons.
Long before Asclepias tuberosa became a popular garden plant, it was used as a medicinal plant. It is especially known for treating lung issues like coughs, flu, pneumonia and asthma. Considering how important lung health is today, Asclepias tuberosa is a potent natural remedy you should consider adding to your first aid kit. Read more
Borage is quickly becoming one of my favorite plants. Not only is it beautiful, easy to grow, and tastes good, but it also has a slew of health benefits – especially for the skin. These skin benefits are why borage seed oil is becoming popular and found in many beauty products.
Out of the hundreds of edible nuts in the world, we only consume a small number of them. However, that is slowly starting to change. Now it is possible to get some exciting nuts from around the world, including the ultra-healthy pili nut. Here’s what you need to know if you want to try pili nuts. Read more