Marshmallow herb has been used for centuries for culinary and medical purposes, but its use as a tonic is not now widely known. In fact, marshmallow’s very genus, Althaea, comes from the Greek verb for “to heal.†As traditional uses are often a very good clue for scientists for where to look for healing potential, […]
No matter how careful you are about washing your hands, you’re likely to catch a cold, cough, or sore throat at some point during the peak of cold and flu season. And when you’re feeling lousy, there’s nothing like a hot cup of tea to soothe your throat and help you get the rest you […]
There are few things worse than an underperforming respiratory system. It can be tough to concentrate on the task at hand when your chest is wracked with irritating coughs. And the stares from your coworkers or fellow bus riders aren’t that great, either. Rather than reach for yet another drug store pill, how about trying […]
The lobelia plant goes by a number of names that might turn you off, such as puke weed, gagroot, and vomitwort. But that doesn’t mean this herb doesn’t have some potential health benefits, too. Despite its nicknames, it’s possible that using the lobelia herb could help you reach your health goals. For example, research shows […]
The ashwagandha shrub, also known as Withania somnifera, was originally given its name because the plant’s root was thought to smell like a horse. Instead of avoiding this yellow-flowered, strangely scented plant, humans have been mining potential medicinal benefits for centuries. This evergreen herb, which is also known as “Indian ginseng†and “winter cherry,†is […]
If you are not a traditional healer, you probably don’t have a long relationship with Black Cohosh benefits. This perennial plant root has been used by Native American physicians since before recorded history, and many of its uses are now being evaluated by modern science. Black cohosh has been recognized as medicine by German regulatory […]
People all around the world have used black cohosh because of it is believed to have an influence on pain, menstrual symptoms, and bone density. But among the many potential claims, black cohosh benefits weight loss is perhaps the most controversial. There have been very few studies on the subject, and those that have been performed […]
When it’s time for tea, do you ever consider reaching for thyme tea? While you may be used to utilizing thyme as an herb that adds delicious flavor to soups, stews, and poultry, and is prominently featured in Italian and French cooking, you may not have made the transition to drinking thyme tea. Or, maybe […]
When most people think of thyme leaves, they imagine a sprig infusing basting liquid with flavor or a tablespoon of dried leaves used to add complexity to a soup or stew. It’s well known that thyme is good for cooking because of unique oils and compounds that produce its characteristic flavor. But less well known […]
Thyme keaves are a familiar sight in the spice drawer and the herb garden, but there is probably a whole lot about thyme that you’re not aware of. For one, the thyme family is very diverse. There are at least 350 species of thyme, each with its own unique flavor profile and uses. Gardeners love […]
