Bilberries are linked to various health benefits, from improved vision to lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Bilberries (Vaccinium myrtillus) are small, blue berries native to Northern Europe. They’re often referred to as European blueberries, as they’re very similar in appearance to North American blueberries (1). Bilberries have purportedly been used for medicinal purposes since …

Baobab is a tree native to certain regions of Africa, Arabia, Australia and Madagascar. Also known by their scientific name Adansonia, baobab trees can grow up to 98 feet (30 meters) tall and produce a large fruit that is commonly consumed and appreciated for its delicious citrus-like flavor. The pulp, leaves and seeds of the baobab …

Horsetail is a popular fern that has been used as an herbal remedy since the times of the Greek and Roman Empires (1, 2). It’s believed to have multiple medicinal properties and has traditionally been used to treat wounds; to enhance skin, hair, and bone health; and as a remedy for various other health conditions (1, 3). …

Horse chestnut, or Aesculus hippocastanum, is a tree native to the Balkan Peninsula.  Extract from the horse chestnut seed is a popular dietary supplement commonly used to improve vein health and reduce inflammation. The main active component in horse chestnut extract is aescin, which has been studied for its many health benefits. Here are 7 health …

Astragalus is an herb that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. It has many purported health benefits, including immune-boosting, anti-aging and anti-inflammatory effects. Astragalus is believed to prolong life and used to treat a wide variety of ailments, such as fatigue, allergies and the common cold. It’s also used against heart disease, diabetes …

Indian gooseberry, or amla, is a fruit tree that grows natively in parts of Asia. It has several culinary and herbal medicine uses, particularly in its native India. The fruit is rich in vitamin C and often purported to have potential antioxidant and heart-health benefits. This article reviews what Indian gooseberry is, its potential benefits …

Do you suffer from fatigue, mood swings, chronic stress, or hormonal ups and downs? Do you dread your period and worry about what your health may look like in 10 or 20 years? Unfortunately, most women and other people with uteruses experience these hormonal concerns regularly. For the rest of this article, we will use …

Red clover is a dark-pink herbaceous plant originating from Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Plus, it’s now popular throughout South America as a fodder crop to improve soil quality (1). The flowering portion of red clover is used decoratively as an edible garnish or extract, and it can be extracted into essential oils (2). Finally, it’s widely …

Lavender tea is made by brewing the purple buds of the Lavandula angustifolia plant with hot water. This tea is thought to calm nerves, lead to better sleep, improve skin health, and provide many other benefits, though research is scarce and mostly focuses on lavender extracts. Here are 4 possible benefits of lavender tea and extract, and …