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 …

Pegged as the “herb of longevity,” gotu kola is a staple in traditional Chinese, Indonesian, and Ayurvedic medicine. Practitioners claim the medicinal plant has the power to boost brainpower, heal skin issues, and promote liver and kidney health — and some studies seem to agree. Keep reading to learn how gotu kola may help improve …

Millets are rich in nutrients and plant compounds. Therefore, they may offer multiple health benefits. Rich in Antioxidants Millets are rich in phenolic compounds, especially ferulic acid and catechins. These molecules act as antioxidants to protect your body from harmful oxidative stress (1, 2, 3, 4, 5). Studies in mice link ferulic acid to rapid wound healing, skin protection, …

Ginkgo biloba is rich in antioxidants and can help reduce inflammation. It may also be beneficial for heart health, brain function, and eye health, along with several other conditions. Ginkgo biloba, or maidenhair, is a tree native to China that has been grown for thousands of years for a variety of uses. Because it’s the …

Garcinia cambogia is a popular weight loss supplement. It is derived from a fruit of the same name, also called Garcinia gummi-gutta or Malabar tamarind. The peel of the fruit contains high amounts of hydroxycitric acid (HCA), which is the active ingredient believed to be responsible for most of its weight loss benefits (1). This article reveals …

Asafoetida (Ferula asafoetida) is the dried sap — or gum resin — obtained from the roots of Ferula plants. It’s commonly dried, ground into a coarse, yellow powder, and used for either culinary or medicinal purposes (1, 2, 3).  While it’s native to Afghanistan and Iran, asafoetida is commonly used in Indian cuisine, where it’s referred to as hing …

Fenugreek may help increase breastmilk production, enhance testosterone levels, and promote blood sugar control.  Fenugreek is an herb long used in alternative medicine. It’s a common ingredient in Indian dishes and often taken as a supplement. This herb may have numerous health benefits.  What is Fenugreek? Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is a plant that stands around …