Plants

Milk Thistle

Milk Thistle : Milk Thistle, Silybum marianun, is native to the Mediterranean region. Milk Thistle gets its name from the milky white sap which comes out of the leaves when they are crushed. Milk Thistle has also been called St. Mary’s Thistle. It is available as a capsule, liquid extract, and tincture. It is thought […]

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Licorice

Licorice Overview: Licorice has been used for thousands of years as a natural remedy though most people know it for its sweet flavor. Licorice can be used to treat a variety of illnesses ranging from the common cold to liver disease because of its demulcent, soothing, coating and expectorant properties (Ehrlich). Benefits: Research has found

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Holy Basil

Overview: Holy Basil has been used for many years as a medicinal herb which brings the body systems into balance and increase resilience (Roizman). Research has shown that holy basil can help to treat certain medical conditions; however, more research still needs to be conducted. Benefits: Research conducted by the “Journal of Medicinal Foods” found

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Gymnema Sylvestre

Overview: Gymnema Sylvestre is a natural herbal supplement that is used as a natural way to decrease blood sugar levels, lower triglycerides and help to fight obesity. When taking Gymnema Sylvestre , one has to be very careful of the very serious side effects that can occur so it has to be closely monitored (3

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Goldenseal

Overview: Goldenseal, Hydrastis canadensis, is a small plant which is found growing in the northern regions of the United States. Many of Goldenseal’s medicinal properties are derived from the plant’s root. Goldenseal’s active compounds are berberine, hydrastrine, and canadine, Studies have shown that Goldenseal might have numerous indications including treatment of heart conditions, high cholesterol,

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Ginko Biloba

Overview: Ginkgo, Ginko biloba, is one of the oldest living tree species; some can live almost 1,000 years. The Gingko tree has also been called Fossil Tree, Kew Tree, and Maiden Hair Tree. Ginko’s medicinal properties come from Ginko biloba Extract, which is procured from the tree’s dried leaves. Ginkgo contains Flavonoids and Terpenoids. The

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Ginger

Overview: Ginger is a rhizome, or stem, of the plant Zingiber officinale. It has been used as a Cooking Spice, as well as for it Medical Properties. Ginger is available in Extracts, Tinctures, Capsules, Oils, Tea, and is also in Ginger Bread, Ginger Snaps, Ginger Sticks, and Ginger Ale. It can be used to Relieve

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Garlic

Overview: Garlic, Allium sativum, is an herb, which was originally grown in Central Asia. It goes by many names, including “Nectar of the Gods’ and “Stinking Rose”. Historically, Garlic has been used as a spice. However, Garlic has many medical applications as well, which are derived from the plant’s bulb. Garlic can be used to

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Fenugreek

Overview: Fenugreek, Trigonella foenum-graecum, seeds has had application as a cooking ingredient, and has medicinal properties as well (NCCAM). Fenugreek has also been called Bird’s Foot, Greek Hayseed, Trigonella, Bockshornsame, Methi and Hu Lu Ba. Recent studies have shown Fenugreek might have indications in individuals with Diabetes and High Cholesterol since it lowers blood glucose

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Devil’s Claw

Overview: Devil’s Claw, Harpagophytum procumbens, is native to Africa, and gets its name from the pointy hooks which surround its fruit (UMMC). Devil’s Claw has also been called Grapple Plant, and Wood Spider (Sloan-Kettering). Devil’s Claw is available as a whole root, capsule, tablet, liquid extract, ointment, or tea (UMMC). The root of Devil’s Claw

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