Herb Blurb
Aloe Vera is a succulent in the garlic family. It has been utilized for thousands of years for relief from burns and bites, and as an elixir for a variety of ailments. This traditional herbal medicine is composed of 99 percent water and over 200 different active elements that support…
The previous issue of Herb Blurb focused on the selection and the use of herbs according to the Ayurvedic tradition. Basic principles of herbal selection according to the general categories of human constitutions (Doshas), and corresponding plant and human tissues were discussed. In this issue, yet another dimension of the…
Noni has a history of use as a topical preparation for joint pain and skin conditions. Today, people drink noni fruit juice as a general health tonic, as well as for cancer and chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Traditionally, the leaves and fruit of noni have been…
The different methods used by the ancient Indian healing sciences of Ayurveda to select the proper therapies for healing individuals are fascinating. Consideration of an individual’s constitutional type is central to selecting the natural therapies that will best promote the health of an individual. This article will focus on the…
Bacopa monnieri is a creeping herb that grows in marshy planes. It is native to India, Australia, and has spread throughout the tropics. Knowledge of the nourishing effects of Bacopa comes to us mainly through traditional Indian medicine, Ayurveda (the science of life). Bacopa was prominently mentioned in ancient Indian…
Elderberry, or Elder, (Sambucus canadenis, nigra L.) is a common North American small shrubby tree. The berries are most commonly used especially for colds and flu prevention, but the flowers, leaves, roots and bark can be used in various ways each having slightly different effects. Everything that we need to…
European elder is a tree native to Europe and parts of Asia and Africa, and it also grows in the United States. There are several different types of elder, such as American elder, but European elder is the type most often used as a supplement. Parts of the elder tree,…
Chasteberry is the fruit of the chaste tree, a small shrub-like tree native to Central Asia and the Mediterranean region. The name is thought to come from a belief that the plant promoted chastity — it is reported that monks in the Middle Ages used chasteberry to decrease sexual desire.…
All types of tea (green, black, and oolong) are produced from the Camellia sinensis plant using different methods. Fresh leaves from the Camellia sinensis plant are steamed to produce green tea. What green tea is used for Green tea and green tea extracts, such as its component EGCG, have been…
Two types of chamomile are used for health conditions: German chamomile and Roman chamomile. While the two kinds are thought to have similar effects on the body, the German variety is more commonly used in the United States and is the focus of this article. What chamomile is used for…
Aloe vera’s use can be traced back 6,000 years to early Egypt, where the plant was depicted on stone carvings. Known as the "plant of immortality," aloe was presented as a burial gift to deceased pharaohs. Traditionally, aloe was used topically to heal wounds and for various skin conditions, and…
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) rhizome is native to Southeastern Asia. Known as the golden spice, or the spice of life, turmeric has been held sacred and used medicinally in India for 4,000 to 6,000 years. Turmeric is the base component in many culinary spice blends, specifically curry powder. It has a…
The bitter orange tree is native to eastern Africa and tropical Asia. Today, it is grown throughout the Mediterranean region and elsewhere, including California and Florida. Bitter orange oil is used in foods, cosmetics and aromatherapy products. Bitter orange oil from the tree’s leaves is called petitgrain, and oil from…
