HerbPedia

Learn AboutLiquoriceBenefits Health Benefits Licorice root tea has been used to treat digestive problems, such as acid reflux and stomach ulcers. The demulcent – or moistening – effect of licorice root is thought to coat the esophagus and stomach, preventing damage from stomach acid. Licorice root tea has also shown some benefit to canker sores [...]

Learn AboutColtsfootBenefits Health Benefits The leaves of the Coltsfoot plants are useful in treating respiratory problems like asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, colds and coughs, chest ailments, congestion and sinus problems. Also, smokers who have been unsuccessfully trying to give up smoking; here’s some good news! Coltsfoot is your best nicotine substitute herb for that must-have drag. [...]

Learn AboutValerian RootBenefits Health Benefits Medicinal use of valerian root dates back thousands of years to the second century, but how it is used has changed significantly over time. Treating stomach cramps was one early use, although it is no longer used in this regard today because it is ineffective.   One of the earliest [...]

Learn AboutColtsfootBenefits Health Benefits A study published in the "Journal of Ethnopharmacology" in 2002 tested the anti-bacterial activity of mullein leaf extract. The study found that mullein has anti-bacterial activity against Klebsiella pneumonia, coli, and Staphylococcus aureus and epidermidis -- two types of bacteria found in the lungs and on the skin. Moreover, mullein has [...]

Learn AboutMarshmallowBenefits Health Benefits Marshmallow may be effective in treating the symptoms of a cold, flu or cough. In a study published in the April 2003 issue of the "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine", researchers found that an herbal product known as Throat Coat that contains marshmallow root is effective in relieving acute pharyngitis [...]

Learn AboutPurple CornflowerBenefits Health Benefits Fascinating research about Echinacea benefits regarding brain cancer has been published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Published in the journal Lancet Infectious Diseases, the University of Connecticut performed a meta-analysis study that evaluated 14 studies and determined that: Echinacea cuts the chances of catching a common cold by [...]

Learn AboutBlack CuminBenefits Health Benefits Several scientific studies examine the effectiveness of thymoquinone from black cumin seeds for cancer treatment. A study in the 2010 issue of "Nutrition and Cancer" shows that thymoquinone promotes anti-inflammatory effects, inhibits cancer cell growth and proliferation and even causes cell death in cancer cells. This study was mostly performed [...]

Learn AboutRose BudsBenefits Health Benefits Rose buds are rich in polyphenols, which are water-soluble. A 2007 issue of "Zeitschrift fur Naturforschung" found that rose petals were high in polyphenols as well as in a range of other antioxidants, including ellagic acid and quercetin. A 2005 review on polyphenols published in the "American Journal of Clinical [...]

Learn AboutTribulusBenefits Health Benefits Puncture vine tea can be used for kidney problems, including kidney stones and painful urination. Developing research suggests that a tribulus extract taken by mouth might reduce symptoms of chest pain (angina). It is used in Chinese medicine as a liver tonic, and for food poisoning and overeating. Tribulus is also [...]

Learn AboutDandelionBenefits Health Benefits An early study found that people who had their tonsils removed, recovered faster if they ate soup containing dandelion, compared to those who ate soup without dandelion. If you are feeling bloated, dandelion tea could provide relief because it acts as a diuretic and increases urine output. One study at Department [...]

Learn AboutMallowBenefits Health Benefits Mallow is an excellent source of vitamin C, calcium and iron. A boiled liquid may be used externally to clean abscesses and boils by pulling out the pus. It is also helpful in the treatment of skin abrasions, rashes and burns. Research has also proved that this powerful herb is used [...]

Learn AboutHyssopBenefits Health Benefits Hyssop is used for digestive and intestinal problems including liver and gallbladder conditions, intestinal pain, intestinal gas, colic and loss of appetite. It is also used for respiratory problems including coughs, the common cold, respiratory infections, sore throat and asthma. Hyssop tea has several antibiotic properties. Hyssop leaves commonly develop a [...]

Learn AboutSaffronBenefits Health Benefits Taking saffron by mouth seems to improve symptoms of major depression after 6-8 weeks of treatment. Some studies suggest that saffron might be as effective as taking a low-dose prescription antidepressant such as fluoxetine or imipramine. A study conducted by Professor Silvia Bisti at ARC Centre of Excellence in Vision Science [...]

Learn AboutLavenderBenefits Health Benefits   The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that scientific studies suggest that inhaling the scent of lavender may slow the nervous system activity, promoting relaxation. This can help anxiety, insomnia, stress and depression. Some people use lavender for painful conditions including migraine, headaches, toothaches, sprains, nerve pain, sores and joint [...]

Learn AboutWild Rose HipsBenefits Health Benefits   Rose hips have mild laxative and diuretic properties and can help treat urinary infections. The iron content in rose hips makes them an excellent supplement for menstruating According to herbalist David Hoffmann in his book “The New Holistic Herbal,” rose hips are one of the best sources of [...]

Learn AboutBlueberriesBenefits Health Benefits • Blueberries contain plant compounds called pterostilbenes, which are high in antioxidant content. Antioxidants protect the body from the effects of free radicals, which are molecules that can damage other cells and promote diseases such as cancer. • The National Institutes of Health conducted a study which examined how a diet [...]

Learn AboutOlive Tree LeavesBenefits Health Benefits   Oleuropein (the substance that gives the bitter taste to olive) is active against bacteria and insect pests, thus protecting the olive tree. This property has also been found to help protect humans, too. Moreover oleuropein in olive leaf may help those suffering from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, according [...]

Learn AboutWild ThymeBenefits Health Benefits   Contains many active principles that are found to have disease-preventing and health-promoting properties. Thyme herb contains thymol, one of the important essential oils. Thymol has been found scientifically to have antiseptic and anti-fungal characteristics. The other volatile oils in thyme include carvacolo, borneol, and geraniol. Thyme contains many flavonoid [...]

Learn AboutRock RoseBenefits Health Benefits Rock rose is used to treat panic, stress, extreme fright or fear, and anxiety; and for promoting calmness and relaxation. Scientific studies have confirmed cistus’ ability to help eliminate toxins in the body. The plant’s anti-aging properties extend to its effect on the skin. The very polyphenols that support our [...]

Learn AboutFennel SeedsBenefits Health Benefits   Swelling of the colon (colitis). Early research suggests that taking an herbal combination of fennel, dandelion, St. John’s wort, lemon balm and calendula can reduce pain along the large intestine in people with swelling of the colon. Drinking a tea containing fennel for one month can reduce constipation in [...]

Learn AboutTurmericBenefits Health Benefits   The consumption of turmeric, alone or in combination with other herbal ingredients, can reduce the pain caused by osteoarthritis. Early research suggests that taking curcumin, a chemical found in turmeric, might improve symptoms of long-term inflammation in the middle layer of the eye. Curcumin might also effectively treat various inflammatory [...]

Learn AboutDillBenefits Health Benefits   Dill's unique health benefits come from two types of healing components: monoterpenes, including carvone, limonene, and anethofuran and flavonoids , including kaempferol and vicenin. The monoterpene components of dill have been shown to activate the enzyme glutathione-S-transferase, which helps attach the anti-oxidant molecule glutathione to oxidized molecules that would otherwise [...]

Learn AboutSideritis scardicaBenefits Health Benefits   Mountain tea contains a number of components such as flavonoids, diterpenes, phenylpropionate, iridoids, and monoterpenes. In recent years the mountain tea has found its place under the scientific microscope in order to verify its positive effects on the body. Scientists recently suggested that the traditional Balkan promotion of mountain [...]

Learn AboutMastic GumBenefits Health Benefits Stomach and intestinal ulcers. Taking mastic powder by mouth for 2 weeks seems to reduce symptoms and improve healing in people with intestinal ulcers. Consumption of mastic can reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, the so-called bad cholesterol, as well as in total cholesterol levels. Early research suggests that taking mastic by [...]

Learn AboutHypericum OilBenefits Health Benefits   Hypericum oil is widely used for sunburns (first degree), nerve traumas, sore muscles, bruising burns (first degree), varicose veins, sciatica, rheumatic pains and joint pains. It is also used as an antiseptic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, styptic and wound healing (first degree) natural remedy. It is said that it can be [...]

Learn AboutYarrowBenefits Health Benefits Yarrow's most traditional use is as a topical treatment for healing external wounds. The powdered herb can be sprinkled directly onto wounds or you can add it to salvesand/or ointments. A leaf of yarrow can be applied directly to nosebleeds to halt the bleeding. According to the University of Maryland Medical [...]

Learn AboutFenugreekBenefits Health Benefits   Fenugreek is used for digestive problems such as loss of appetite, upset stomach, constipation and inflammation of the stomach (gastritis) This spice is also used for conditions that affect heart health such as “hardening of the arteries” (atherosclerosis) and for high blood levels of certain fats including cholesterol and triglycerides. [...]

Learn AboutMilk Thistle SeedsBenefits Health Benefits   Milk thistle seeds are used more often for liver disorders, including liver damage caused by chemicals, Amanita phalloides mushroom poisoning, jaundice, chronic inflammatory liver disease, cirrhosis of the liver and chronic hepatitis. Milk thistle is also used for loss of appetite, heartburn (dyspepsia) and gallbladder disorders. The seeds [...]

Learn AboutCaperBenefits Health Benefits   Being flower buds, capers are in fact very low in calories, 23 calories per 100 g. However, this spice-bud contains many phytonutrients, antioxidants and vitamins essential for optimum health. Capers are one of the plant sources high in flavonoid compounds rutin (or rutoside) and quercetin. Capers are in-fact a very [...]

Learn AboutHippophae / Sea buckthornBenefits Health Benefits   Hippophae contains vitamin C, alpha-tocopherol, large amount of carotenoids and vitamin E, mineral elements (K, Na, Mg, Ca, Fe, Zn, Se), monosaccharides sugars, organic acids, free amino-acids, volatile compounds, various flavonoids (quercetin, myricetin and kaempferol), fatty acids, triacylglycerol, glycerolphospholipids, phytosterols, zeaxanthin esters and phelonic compounds. Due to [...]

Learn AboutCorinthian Black RaisinsBenefits Health Benefits Black raisins are 70% pure fructose (a natural form of sugar) which is easily digested for quick energy. So a handful of them will boost your body. As in grapes, raisins also contain the phytochemical compound resveratrol. Resveratrol, a polyphenol antioxidant, has anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, blood cholesterol lowering activities. Studies [...]

Learn AboutSummer Savory / ThroubiBenefits Health Benefits Many chemical components in summer savory are thought to decrease muscle spasms and kill bacteria and fungus. Throubi is very helpful against coughs and sore throat. Summer savory belongs to the most beneficial herbs that can help intestinal disorders including cramps, indigestion, gas, diarrhea, nausea and loss of [...]

Learn AboutPennyroyalBenefits Health Benefits   Pennyroyal is applied to the skin to kill germs, keep insects away and treat skin It is also used topically for gout, venomous bites, and mouth sores; and as a flea-killing bath. In manufacturing, pennyroyal oil is used as a dog and cat flea repellent. Fliskouni is also used to [...]

Learn AboutRoselle / HibiscusBenefits Health Benefits   According to a study published in "Phytomedicine" (ed. July 2004), hibiscus is beneficial for lowering blood.   A study published in "Journal of Human Hypertension" (ed. January 2009) found some validity for that usage. The study reported that patients suffering from Type 2 diabetesand drank hibiscus tea twice [...]

Learn AboutMelilot / Sweet CloverBenefits Health Benefits   Sweet clover is used to increase the loss of water from the body through the urine (as a diuretic). It is also used for varicose veins and to relieve symptoms of poor blood circulation (chronic venous insufficiency) including leg pain and heaviness, night cramps, itchiness and fluid [...]

Learn AboutLemon VerbenaBenefits Health Benefits Lemon verbena is used for digestive disorders including indigestion, gas, colic, diarrhea and constipation.  This herb has also positive effect for agitation, joint pain, insomnia, asthma, colds and fever. Moreover, lemon verbena is helpful for some skin disorders, like hemorrhoids, varicose veins, skin conditions and chills. Lemon verbena contains a [...]

Learn AboutColtsfootBenefits Health Benefits According to the International Olive Oil Council (IOOC) olive oil: prevents heart due to the high content of antioxidants,it increases the good cholesterol (HDL) and reduces bad cholesterol (LDL). acts protective against certain forms of cancer (breast, endometrium, colon, prostate, etc.). consumption can reduce both the high and low arterial blood [...]

Learn AboutCalendulaBenefits Health Benefits Calendula is applied to the skin to reduce pain and swelling (inflammation) and to treat poorly healing wounds and leg ulcers. It is also applied (used topically) for nosebleeds, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, inflammation of the rectum and inflammation of the lining of the eyelid (conjunctivitis). Calendula is good for acne and [...]

Learn AboutCardamomBenefits Health Benefits   Cardamom is used for digestion problems including heartburn, intestinal spasms, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), intestinal gas, constipation, liver and gallbladder complaints and loss of appetite. It is also used for common cold, cough, bronchitis, sore mouth and throat, and tendency toward infection. Nausea and vomiting that can occur after surgery. [...]

Learn AboutDittany of CreteBenefits Health Benefits Dittany has antibacterial, antifungal and antimicrobial properties due to the phenol carvacrol. It can be used as an antirheumatic, oxytocic, stomachic and vulnerary. Dittany is used for digestive tract disorders including cramps, stomach problems and worms in the intestines. It is also used for urinary tract and genital tract [...]

Learn AboutStar AniseBenefits Health Benefits   Star anise contains some of the most important plant-derived chemical compounds that are known to have been antioxidant, disease-preventing and having health promoting properties. The chief component that gives the characteristic sweet, aromatic flavor to anise is anethole, the essential volatile oil present in the seeds. Other important compounds [...]

Learn AboutLemon BalmBenefits Health Benefits   Lemon balm is used for digestive problems, including upset stomach, bloating, intestinal gas (flatulence), vomiting and colic; for pain, including menstrual cramps, headache and toothache. Lemon balm seems to have positive effect for mental disorders, including hysteria and melancholia. You can also drink lemon balm tea to ease indigestion. [...]

Learn AboutCuminBenefits Health Benefits Cumin seeds contain numerous phyto-chemicals that are known to have antioxidant, carminative and anti-flatulent properties. The seeds are an excellent source of dietary fiber. A study by researchers at Mysore University in India explored the potential anti-diabetic properties of cumin. In this study, published in 1998 in the journal "Nutrition Research," [...]

Learn AboutCorianderBenefits Health Benefits   Coriander seeds contain many plant-derived chemical compounds that are known to have been antioxidant, disease-preventing and have health promoting properties. The characteristic aromatic flavor of coriander seeds comes from the numerous fatty acids and essential volatile oils. Some important fatty acids in the dried seeds include petroselinic acid, linoleic acid [...]

Learn AboutAbsinthe / WormwoodBenefits Health Benefits It is promoted for treating digestive problems and worm infections. The medicinal or active components in wormwood are the essential oils, anabsinthin, absinthin, resins, and organic acids. The bitter taste of wormwood is caused by the glucosides absinthin and anabsinthin and several related compounds. Some people apply wormwood directly [...]

Learn AboutSt. John's wortBenefits Health Benefits St. John's wort has long been used medicinally as an anti-inflammatory for strains, sprains, and contusions. St. John's wort has also been used to treat muscular spasms, cramps and tension that result in muscular spasms. St. John's wort is reported to relieve anxiety and tension and to act as [...]

Learn AboutMarjoramBenefits Health Benefits Tea made from the leaves or flowers is used for runny nose and colds in infants and toddlers, dry and irritating coughs, swollen nose and throat, and ear pain. Marjoram tea is also used for various digestion problems including poor appetite, liver disease, gallstones, intestinal gas and stomachcramps. Women can use [...]

Learn AboutMountain Tea / SideritisBenefits Health Benefits Mountain tea contains a number of components such as flavonoids, diterpenes, phenylpropionate, iridoids, and monoterpenes. In recent years the mountain tea has found its place under the scientific microscope in order to verify its positive effects on the body. Laboratory studies show the beneficial effects of the mountain [...]

Learn AboutLaurelBenefits Health Benefits The spice contains many notable plant-derived compounds, minerals and vitamins that are essential for optimum health. This spice has many volatile active components such as α-pinene, β-pinene, myrcene, limonene, linalool, methyl chavicol, neral, α-terpineol, geranyl acetate, eugenol, and chavicol. These compounds are known to have been antiseptic, antioxidant, digestive and thought [...]

Learn AboutBoukovo / Chili FlakesBenefits Health Benefits • It is similar to red colored food items having high concentration of carotene and Vitamin A. Along with Vitamin A, it is a rich source of Vitamin C, folic acid, potassium and manganese. Vitamin A is known to aid tissues of eyes and improves vision. • Boukovo [...]

Linden TisaneColtsfootBenefits Health Benefits Is an aromatic herb that acts as a diuretic and expectorant, calms nerves and lowers high blood pressure, increased sweating, liberates spasms and improves digestion. The flowers and the leaves of the tree are known for their healing properties, as they containemollients, volatile oils rich in farnesol, several gluconate, astringents and [...]

Learn AboutCinnamonBenefits Health Benefits The high levels of antioxidants that it has, can contribute to reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer's disease and muscular degeneration. Cinnamaldehyde, cinnamyl acetate and cinnamyl alcohol are the three basic ingredients of cinnamon, which are very helpful. The cinnamaldehyde helps to address harmful blood platelet coagulation, which can lead to [...]

Learn AboutCloveBenefits Health Benefits The active principles in the clove are known to have antioxidant, antiseptic, local anesthetic, anti-inflammatory, rubefacient (warming and soothing), carminative and anti-flatulent properties. The spice contains health beneficial essential oils such as eugenol. It is a phenyl-propanoids class of chemical compound, which gives pleasant, sweet aromatic fragrances to the clove-bud. Eugenol [...]

Learn AboutOreganoBenefits Health Benefits Oregano contains an impressive list of plant-derived chemical compounds that are known to have disease-preventing and health-promoting properties. The herb parts contain no cholesterol; however, they are a rich source of dietary fiber, which helps to control blood cholesterol levels. It contains health beneficial essential oils such as carvacrol, thymol, limonene, [...]

Learn AboutNutmegBenefits Health Benefits One of the components of nutmeg is a compound similar to menthol, which has natural pain-relieving characteristics. Therefore, by adding nutmeg as a spice in your cooking, you can reduce associated pain from wounds, injuries, strains, and chronic inflammation from conditions like arthritis. When you grind nutmeg into a powder, it [...]

Learn AboutChamomileBenefits Health Benefits Spasms and cramps are common complaints and even those who suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) will benefit from chamomile tea. It has potent anti-spasm effects and alleviates stomachcramps and discomfort. The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry noted several therapeutic benefits of drinking chamomile tea. Chamomile tea boosts levels of [...]

Learn AboutRosemaryBenefits Health Benefits Rosemary leaves contain certain phyto-chemical (plant derived) compounds that are known to have disease-preventing and health-promoting properties. The herb parts, especially flower tops contain phenolic antioxidant rosmarinic acid as well as numerous health benefiting volatile essential oils such as cineol, camphene, borneol, bornyl acetate, α-pinene, etc. These compounds are known to [...]

Learn AboutThymeBenefits Health Benefits Contains many active principles that are found to have disease-preventing and health-promoting properties. Thyme herb contains thymol, one of the important essential oils. Thymol has been found scientifically to have antiseptic and anti-fungal characteristics. The other volatile oils in thyme include carvacolo, borneol, and geraniol. Thyme contains many flavonoid phenolic antioxidants [...]

Learn AboutBasilBenefits Health Benefits Basil leaves hold many notable plant-derived chemical compounds that are known to have disease preventing and health promoting properties. Contains many polyphenolic flavonoids like orientin and vicenin. These compounds were tested in-vitro laboratory for their possible antioxidant protection against radiation-induced lipid per-oxidation in mouse liver. Basil leaves are composed of several [...]

Learn AboutSpearmintBenefits Health Benefits Spearmint is a pleasant aromatic herb packed with numerous health beneficial vitamins, antioxidants and phyto-nutrients. The leaves and herb parts contain essential oil, menthol. The chief essential oil in spearmint is menthol. Other important chemical components of spearmint are α-pinene, β-pinene, carvone, cineole, linalool, limonene, myrcene and caryophyllene. These compounds in [...]

Learn AboutNettleBenefits Health Benefits   Stinging nettle is not the most favorite herb for the vast majority of people, due to its stings. For this reason there was no scientific research, but the last years there are some clues for its health benefits. Stinging nettle extract is used as an ingredient in hair and skin [...]

Learn AboutSageBenefits Health Benefits Sage’s parts have many notable plant-derived chemical compounds, essential oils, mineralsand vitamins that are known to have disease preventing and health promoting properties. The prime biologically active component of common sage appears to be its essential oil, which chiefly contains ketones; α-thujone and β-thujone. In addition, sage leaf contains numerous other [...]