Herb Encyclopedia

Overview and Health Benefits Soothing, nourishing and balancing, shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) is a revered herb in Ayurvedic medicine, celebrated for its adaptogenic and rejuvenating properties. Traditionally known as a female tonic, it has been used for centuries to support reproductive...

Overview and Health Benefits Oats (Avena sativa) are renowned not only as a nutritious food but also for their significant medicinal properties, including nervous system support, stress relief, immune support and skin health. Scientific studies corroborate the multiple health benefits...

Overview and Health Benefits Crataegus species, more commonly known as Hawthorn, is a well-established traditional remedy. It has long been used as a heart tonic (Grieve, 1931) as well as for emotional support through grief and heartbreak (McIntyre, 2019). Its...

Overview and Health Benefits Centella asiatica is better known as Gotu Kola and has been used in India for cerebral and cognitive support for many years. Not only does it work on repairing and protecting the brain cells, it also...

Overview and Health Benefits Cayenne (Capsicum annuum), with its potent active compound capsaicin, is widely used in herbal medicine for its diverse therapeutic applications. It is particularly valued for its ability to stimulate circulation, alleviate pain, support digestive health, and...

Overview and Health Benefits The subtle aroma of freshly brewed Camellia sinensis has long been a hallmark of cultural traditions and medicinal practices, enjoyed in the form of green tea or black tea. Revered for its potent polyphenol content, particularly...

Overview and Health Benefits Barberry (Berberis vulgaris) is a highly valued herb across traditional health practices around the globe, notably for its liver and gallbladder support. Modern clinical trials have also brought additional insights into its effects. Barberry has a...

Overview and Health Benefits Perhaps more commonly known for its culinary use, Foeniculum vulgare, or fennel, has a history of use with food and as a digestive tonic as well as being supportive of nursing mothers and as part of...

Overview and Health Benefits Meadowsweet, with its delicate, creamy-white flowers and sweet, almond-like scent, has long been cherished in both traditional and modern herbal medicine for its remarkable ability to soothe and heal. Often likened to a natural aspirin, this...

Overview and Health Benefits Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) is renowned in herbal medicine for its adaptogenic properties, which help the body to resist and recover from physical, emotional, and environmental stress. Traditionally used in Russia and China, this herb has...

Overview and Health Benefits Turmeric has a long history of use in both culinary and medicinal traditions, dating back nearly 4000 years (Prasad & Aggarwal, 2011). This vibrant yellow rhizome has been a staple in Indian, Chinese and Western herbal...

Overview and health benefits Celery seed (Apium graveolens) is used in herbal medicine to support urinary health, alleviate joint pain, improve digestion, and promote cardiovascular health. Although other parts of the plant are beneficial too, the seed is particularly important....

More than two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a lot we have learnt about the disease. For us, some of the most interesting research has highlighted how herbal medicine can be helpful in reducing the severity of the...

Healthy digestion is essential to vibrant health, and poor digestion can be a key underlying factor in a range of health issues. And yet, treating common digestive discomfort or concerns is often a challenge for conventional medicine. In May 2022,...

We all want to live better and be "healthy". But how often do you think about what that actually means? For some it's about eating more vegetables, doing more exercise, getting more sleep, cutting down on alcohol, or avoiding certain...

If you often feel uncomfortable after eating, or lie awake at night because your body’s struggling to process your evening meal, you know how much digestive issues can affect your life. There’s a lot of knowledge out there to be gained. But if you’re not sure where to start, start here: with three simple steps to improve your digestion naturally.