There's more than one variety of ginseng plant. American ginseng and Asian ginseng are "kissing cousins" in the plant world and have the same physical characteristics, active ingredients and properties, according to the University of Maryland...
Poor circulation can hamper your body's ability to function efficiently. It can make the transporting of oxygen throughout your body more difficult and impair your body's heat regulation. This is evident in individuals who frequently feel cold in...
You don't have to look to traditional Chinese medicine or alternative medicine to find medicinal uses of plants. While many may argue about the value of herbal preparations, numerous widely-available conventional drugs are derived from plants....
Poisonous herbs contain toxins that can make you ill or cause death, even in small amounts. There are approximately 750 plant toxins, according to the 2008 book "Mind-Altering and Poisonous Plants of the World" by biologist Michael Wink and...
Not to be confused with a derivative of the bottlebrush shrub, also known as the buckeye tree or Callistemon, the bottlebrush herb comes from the Equisetum arvense plant and is more commonly known by the name horsetail. A creeping perennial plant...
People have used healing plants and herbs to treat illnesses for thousands of years. Despite advances in modern medicine and the availability of prescription drugs, healing plants and herbs remain highly popular. According to the Medicinal Plant...
Hundreds of herbal plants, including members of the mint family, have historically served as the bases for health care remedies. The World Health Organization estimates that about 80 percent of the world's population still relies largely on herbal...
Bid your grocery store adieu and forage for food in the great outdoors. A range of edible wild plants and herbs exist in your backyard, the local park or a nearby wooded area. Be sure to identify plants correctly, though, as many poisonous or...
While there is no conclusive clinical evidence that any plants or herbs can help re-grow your hair, there is a long tradition of herbal remedies for hair loss. While they may or may not give you a full head of thick shiny hair, the treatments are...
Ayurvedic medicine, a traditional health care system from India, was first documented two thousand years ago. This form of herbal healing includes foods as well as supplements. Many Ayurvedic medicinal herbs are being clinically tested using...
Some plants and herbs help thin the blood naturally, meaning they increase water content and slow clotting. Some medical conditions, such as heart disease and high blood pressure, require taking prescription blood thinners like warfarin. People...
Bringing plants into the workplace may help you be more productive and less stressed, according to a study conducted by Virginia Lohr, et al., of the Washington State University Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture. Bringing...
Herbs don't have to be limited to the kitchen. Besides flavoring foods and drinks, you can also use herbs for medicinal purposes and in crafts. They do not take up much space, most can be placed on a back patio or windowsill and you can even grow...
Natural herbs, including hops, red clover and fenugreek, can help stabilize estrogen levels in women. Balancing estrogen is especially helpful during menopause. Supplemental estrogen may relieve distressing menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes,...
Cancer of the lung occurs when cells proliferate in an abnormal manner and form a tumor. Lung cancer is strongly associated with smoking, and is more likely to affect men than women. Lung cancer may be treated with chemotherapy, radiotherapy or...
The mineral magnesium is necessary to the human body. Magnesium regulates the absorption of calcium and forms part of your teeth and bones; regulates contractions of the heart muscle; relaxes the bronchioles of the lung so air can pass through...
The enchanting foxglove plant with its bell-like flowers, the delicate yellow blooms of wolfsbane and the rosy bouquet offered by the oleander bush are gorgeous to behold. These three herbs, however, are extremely poisonous and may prove fatal if...
Native to Western Europe, musk thistle is an herb derived from a spiny, grass-like plant now found in many parts of North America, according to the Plant Conservation Alliance. When used as an herbal supplement, musk thistle can provide medical...
Keeping your body healthy starts from the inside out. Herbal medicine is quickly becoming a popular way to promote healthy living without using chemicals or harsh medications. Several natural herbs are available that help to cleanse the blood and...
Balance, variety and moderation are always key in adequate nutrition, but if you lack certain nutrients, supplements may be helpful. With so many supplements on the market, you should understand how these supplements are regulated.
When you grow your own herbs, they add a fresh, lively flavor to your recipes. Although many recipes require dried herbs, you can substitute the dried herbs with fresh ones for added flavor. Understanding how to convert the amount of dried herbs...
Pueraria mirifica, also known as kudzu, is a plant used as a medicinal supplement in Chinese medicine. Traditionally, this herb has been used to reduce menopause symptoms and treat alcoholism. Recently, Pueraria mirifica has also gained popularity...
Food combining describes planning and eating meals in certain combinations to achieve productive digestion. People who follow the principles of food combining believe that some types of food should not be matched in the same meal because of their...
Testosterone, for good or bad, claims credit for the aggression, bulging muscles, deep voices and sexual assertiveness of men. Although testosterone is indeed responsible on very basic levels for these attributes developing in the male species,...
Rosacea is a common chronic inflammatory skin condition, often affecting the nose, cheeks, forehead and chin. Capillaries that are close to the skin become dilated, causing, swollen, blotchy red areas with small bumps or pimples. The inflammation...
Fennel, also referred to as bitter fennel, wild fennel and carosella, is a plant that dates back to Greek legend when a man received knowledge that was delivered in a fennel stalk filled with coal from the gods on Mount Olympus. The herb tastes...
Cleansing milks are moisturizing facial cleansers, designed specifically for normal, sensitive or dry skin. Cleansing milks look like a lightweight, thin cream, but do not foam when applied to the skin. While these cleansers will remove dirt,...
Individuals interested in alternative health care and medical treatments are often drawn to traditional or ancient Chinese therapies, treatments and approach to medical care. With a 5,000-year-old history, Chinese medicine offers therapies and...
Manufacturers of detoxification foot patches --- also called detox pads or Japanese sap sheets --- claim users will benefit from reduced body toxins, as well as a lower risk for depression and high blood pressure. Research is lacking to support...
