Alaria esculenta can be used for a variety of purposes from human consumption and alginate production to fodder and bodycare products. It is rapidly gaining popularity in the natural foods market. It is used for anti-aging body creams, foot creams, bath soaks, body and face masks, body polish, UV-protecting facial moisturizers, self-tanning lotions, lip balm,…

Dandelion is a cholagogue, clearing the liver and gall bladder while removing cholesterol from the blood. The delightful dandelion holds your hand in the transition from winter to spring to summer, helping to eliminate the heaviness of winter's indulgences, making you light for spring, and also keeping the coming heat of summer from accumulating. The…

Here is what some of the current research says about dandelion root: Blood Pressure Diuretics, also known as "water pills," are commonly used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, liver disease, and some types of kidney disease. While valuable, the drugs may cause side effects, including muscle cramps, headaches, dizziness, and changes in blood…

Generally researchers agree that velvet antler restores, strengthens and protects normal bodily functions but is not in itself curative. Preliminary results of modern research suggest that deer velvet may have beneficial effects related to: Stimulation of the body’s immune system to assist protection against infection and disease The anti-inflammatory agents it contains that may assist…

The medicinal uses of dendrobium have been recorded in a few famous ancient medical writings, such as Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing (the Divine Farmer’s Materia Medica), Ben Cao Gang Mu (The Compendium of Materia Medica), Zhong Yao Da Ci Dian (The Dictionary of Medicinal Plant), and so on. What’s more, its modern pharmacology also…

Dodder Seed is the “longevity herb.” It’s the seed of a parasitic vine. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Dodder Seed is used to invigorate the kidneys, nourish the liver, improve eyesight, and stop diarrhea. It has a high flavonoid content and strong antioxidant properties. Studies suggest that it can support brain health and central nervous…

Dong quai is used for menstrual cramps, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and menopausal symptoms. It is also used orally as a "blood purifier"; to manage hypertension, infertility, joint pain, ulcers, "tired blood" (anemia), and constipation; and in the prevention and treatment of allergic attacks. Dong quai is also used orally for the treatment of loss of…

Sangre de grado, Spanish for "blood of the dragon," has a long history of use for both the bark and the resin. An early reference dating back to the 1600s notes that Spanish explorer P. Bernabe Cobo found the sap was being used by indigenous tribes throughout Peru and Ecuador. C. lechleri resin and bark…

Calea zacatechichi is a medium sized shrub that is known to be a hallucinogen and to increase dreams. Because of this, it is often referred to as the "dream herb". It also is called "bitter grass" because the plant material of Calea zacatechichi has an intense bitter taste. Calea zacatechichi has been used in folk…

The benefits of dulse are gaining more and more publicity as people catch on to the advantages of indulging in this red superfood. Dulse contains significant levels of calcium and potassium which help your bones strengthen and become more resilient. Benefits of dulse also include helping to lower your blood pressure, improve your eye sight…

Echinacea plants contain an impressive variety of active compounds, such as caffeic acid, alkamides, phenolic acids, rosmarinic acid, polyacetylenes and many more (2). In addition, studies have linked echinacea and their compounds to many health benefits, such as reduced inflammation, improved immunity and lower blood sugar levels. SUMMARY Echinacea is a group of flowering plants…

1. Very Nutritious Chlorella's impressive nutritional profile has led some to call it a "super food." While its exact nutrient content depends on growing conditions, the species used and how supplements are processed, it's clear it packs several beneficial nutrients. They include: Protein: Chlorella is 50–60% protein. What's more, it's a complete protein source, meaning…