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 …

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 …

Evening primrose oil (EPO) is made from the seeds of evening primrose flowers, native to North America. People traditionally used it to treat conditions including bruises, hemorrhoids, and sore throats. EPO’s healing benefits may be due to its gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) content. GLA is an omega-6 fatty acid found in plant oils. EPO is generally …

Dong quai is one of the most popular Traditional Chinese Medicinal herbs used in China, Japan, and Korea. It is now gaining popularity in America and Europe for its outstanding, all-natural benefits. Dong quai is known by different names in different countries and regions, the most common being Dang Gui, Angelica sinensis, Chinese Angelica and Danguia. …

There are hundreds of supplements on the alternative medicine market that improve your health or boost your metabolism.  How do you know what supplements are suitable for you? One of the supplements that consistently gets positive reviews is damiana.  In this article, we will explore why people use damiana and the benefits it can offer …