Guarana is also known as Paullinia cupana, it’s a climbing plant prized for its fruit. A mature guarana fruit is about the size of a coffee berry. It resembles the human eye, with a red shell encasing a black seed covered by a white aril. Guarana extract stems from processing the seeds into a powder. …

Cordyceps is a kind of fungi found all over the world. Some of the rarest kinds are at higher altitudes in the Himalayan regions of China, Nepal, Tibet and India. In total, there have been more than 750 species (1) of cordyceps identified. Of those, scientists have identified at least 35 kinds that have had …

Coleus forskohlii, also known as Plectranthus barbatus, is a perennial plant native to subtropical regions of India, Nepal, and Thailand. The root of this plant contains forskolin, a bioactive compound traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat various ailments, including heart disease, respiratory disorders, and digestive issues. In recent years, forskolin has gained attention for …

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 …

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 …

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.  Saw palmetto is also associated with a variety of other benefits, including decreased inflammation and improved urinary function. Here are 5 promising benefits and …

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” …

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 …