Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) has been a staple in herbal medicine since ancient times. Ancient Egyptians used stinging nettle to treat arthritis and lower back pain, while Roman troops rubbed it on themselves to help stay warm (1). Its scientific name, Urtica dioica, comes from the Latin word uro, which means “to burn,” because its leaves can cause a …

Spirulina is a type of algae that grows in fresh or salt water. It comes as a supplement, in tablet or powder form. People use it for its health benefits, as it is rich in nutrients and has antioxidant properties. Spirulina is among the world’s most popular supplements. It is made from an organism that …

If you’re coping with common concerns such as prostate issues or hair loss, you may wonder whether any natural supplements will help. Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens), a type of palm native to the southeastern United States, is commonly used in supplements to improve prostate health, balance hormone levels, and prevent hair loss in men. Plus, it’s …

Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world — with 1 pound (450 grams) costing between $500 and $5,000. The reason for its high price is its labor-intensive harvesting method, which makes its production costly. Saffron is harvested by hand from the Crocus sativus flower, commonly known as the saffron crocus. The term “saffron” applies to …

More than 100 different species of pine trees exist. They’re an ancient genus of evergreen trees that grow abundantly in many parts of the northern hemisphere and in some parts of the southern hemisphere as well. In the past, many cultures have used the bark, needles, resin, and nuts of pine trees as medicine (1, 2, 3, 4). In …

He Shou Wu is a popular remedy that is derived from the Fo-ti (Polygonum multiflorum) plant. It is a popular Traditional Chinese Medicine and is listed in the Chinese Pharmacopeia. It is known as He Shou Wu in East Asia and Fo-ti in North America. He Shou Wu loosely translates to “the black-haired Mr. He” …

Vitex agnus-castus is a popular herbal supplement used to treat a variety of health problems. It’s most commonly used to treat: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)  Menstrual disorders  Infertility Acne  Menopause  Nursing difficulties It’s also touted as protection against insect bites and certain types of cancer and claimed to offer a variety of other health effects. However, not …

Grape seed extract (GSE) is a dietary supplement made by removing, drying, and pulverizing the bitter-tasting seeds of grapes. Grape seeds are rich in antioxidants, including phenolic acids, anthocyanins, flavonoids, and oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes (OPCs). In fact, GSE is one of the best-known sources of proanthocyanidins (1, 2). Due to its high antioxidant content, GSE can …