Buckthorn bark has been used medicinally since at least the 1600s, when it was listed in a primary medical reference called the London Pharmacopeia. Although most herbs have had a wide variety of traditional uses, later refined to a single or a few proven benefits, buckthorn bark throughout its history has been consistently used to…

Buckwheat is a pseudocereal. It is not a cereal grain but can be used to make bread, poori, porridge, and cakes. Buckwheat is fruit seed. The nutritional value of buckwheat is comparable to wheat. It contains protein, carbohydrates, fat, fiber, and minerals. Starch is the major component. Dark buckwheat flour contains more hull, and so…

Bugleweed (Lycopus virginicus) is a bitter, pungent tasting, aromatic herb, with astringent properties, commonly used to treat thyroid problems (such as Grave’s disease). It originated in Europe but is native to North America, found in areas east of the Mississippi River. The plant is a perennial flowering species, that belongs to the mint genus—the family…

Epilepsy (Asian Ginseng, Cassia Bark, Chinese Scullcap, Ginger, Jujube, Licorice, Peony, Pinellia) 2.5 grams a day of sho-saiko-to or saiko-keishi-to in tea or capsules The Chinese herb bupleurum is included in two herbal formulas, sho-saiko-to and saiko-keishi-to. Both have been shown to be helpful for epilepsy. Hepatitis (Asian Ginseng, Cassia Bark, Chinese Scullcap, Ginger, Jujube,…

Few scientific studies have explored burdock's health effects, and though some of the research is promising, it should be considered preliminary. Here's a rundown on what is known. Diabetes In a 2017 study, diabetic mice pretreated with 200 milligrams and 300 milligrams of burdock root extract for a month increased the levels of insulin and…

Artichoke has a long history of medical usage and has a long list of folkloric health benefits for the following conditions. High nutritional value. Artichoke is a highly nutritious vegetable, rich in fibers, vitamins and minerals. Artichoke is a good source of Vitamin C, vitamin A, folic acid, biotin, manganese, potassium, niacin, riboflavin and thiamin,…

Ashwagandha is a highly revered herb in the Ayurvedic apothecary and is considered the ‘King of Ayurvedic Herbs’. It has been supporting the human body and mind for over 3,000 years. The name ‘ashwagandha’ literally translates to ‘the smell of the horse’ which refers to its unique smell and ability to increase strength and vigor.…

In alternative medicine, asparagus extract is typically used in "irrigation therapy" to detoxify the bladder and urinary tract. Asparagus is especially high in the flavonoid quercetin which is known to have antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. Asparagus is rich in antioxidants such as vitamin E, vitamin C, and polyphenols that help neutralize free radicals that…

Astaxanthin is a reddish pigment that belongs to a group of chemicals called carotenoids. It occurs naturally in certain algae and causes the pink or red color in salmon, trout, lobster, shrimp, and other seafood. Astaxanthin is taken by mouth for treating Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, stroke, high cholesterol, age-related macular degeneration (age-related vision loss),…

Astragalus is an herb that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. It has many purported health benefits, including immune-boosting, anti-aging and anti-inflammatory effects. Astragalus is believed to prolong life and used to treat a wide variety of ailments, such as fatigue, allergies and the common cold. It’s also used against heart disease,…

Bacopa monnieri (L) Wettst (common name, bacopa) is a medicinal plant used in Ayurveda, the traditional system of medicine of India, as a nootropic. It is considered to be a “medhya rasayana”, an herb that sharpens the mind and the intellect. Bacopa is an important ingredient in many Ayurvedic herbal formulations designed to treat conditions…

As a traditional African medicine, baobab has many uses. These are the most common traditional healing uses of baobab, organized by plant part: Bark – for colds, coughs, asthma, fevers, influenza, dysentery, skin ulcers, open wounds, malaria, inflammation Leaves – for fevers, kidney and bladder diseases, asthma, diarrhea, parasitic skin infections, earache, otitis, insect bites,…