Cholesterol

Chinese or Asian skullcap is a plant native to China and Russia, and is a member of the mint family. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine and should not be confused with American skullcap (S. latiflora) or European/Greater skullcap (S. galericulata), which have very different action and uses. The root of Chinese skullcap [...]

Continue Reading Herb Chinese Scullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis)

This is a herb that grows in moderate climates in tropical areas. It has been used in ancient Greek, Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine as an aphrodisiac and tonic for thousands of years. It has just recently gained popularity in the West due to rumours that athletes in Bulgaria used it for enhancing performance. Medicinal Properties [...]

Continue Reading Herb Tribulus (tribulus terrestris)

Red yeast rice is a substance produced when cooked rice has been fermented using red yeast. This procedure has been practised in China since as far back as 800 A.D and is used to produce a food preservative and a flavouring or is dried to make a medicine. Red yeast rice contains in addition to [...]

Continue Reading Herb Red yeast rice (Monascus purpureus)

Evening Primrose Oil is the oil from the seeds of the plant, evening primrose. It is primarily used as a food supplement for the omega-6 essential fatty acids it contains, GLA (gamma-linolenic acid). GLA is needed in the body for the production of hormone liked chemicals called prostaglandins E1, (PGE1) which control numerous mechanisms such [...]

Continue Reading Herb Evening Primrose Oil (Oenothera)

Native to western Asia and the Mediterranean region, it is the dried leaves that are mainly used in herbal medicine, though the seeds are sometimes also used. Alfalfa sprouts are available as a food, which are eaten in salad dishes and are very nutritious. Action of Alfalfa Alfalfa is an example of a nutritive herb [...]

Continue Reading Herb Alfalfa (Medicago sativa)

Chinese or Asian skullcap is a plant native to China and Russia, and is a member of the mint family. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine and should not be confused with American skullcap (S. latiflora) or European/Greater skullcap (S. galericulata), which have very different action and uses. The root of Chinese skullcap [...]

Continue Reading Herb Chinese Skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis)

The globe Artichoke (not to be confused with a different plant called Jerusalem Artichoke) is a large thistle-like plant native to the Mediterranean and Northern Africa. The flower heads or globe, make a delicious dish with olive oil. However, it is the leaf that is used in herbal medicine. Action of Artichoke Artichoke contains amongst [...]

Continue Reading Herb Artichoke (Cynara scolymus)

Cayenne pepper (also known as chilli or red hot pepper), is the fruit of a shrubby, tropical plant originally native to South America. It is used as a food and spice world-wide and now cultivated in most tropical regions. Medicinally, Cayenne has been used extensively in folklore and recently in scientific studies for a variety [...]

Continue Reading Herb Cayenne (Capsicum annum)

Wild Yam is found in Mexico, United States and Asia where it is eaten as a food. The root is used is used to manufacture oestrogens, progesterone drugs and steroids in orthodox medicine and is also the part used in herbal medicine. Medicinal Properties of Wild Yam Wild Yam contains steroidal saponins, mainly diosgenin and [...]

Continue Reading Herb Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa)

This is one of the oldest known medicinal plants and its use dates back to the ancient Egyptians. It originates from south east Europe and western Asia, but grows in many hot climates of the world. It is a popular food but the seeds are used in herbal medicine (particularly for diabetes and high cholesterol). [...]

Continue Reading Herb Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)