Dong Quai: Information, Benefits and Side Effects
Dong quai is a traditional herbal remedy derived from Angelica sinensis, a plant with pale green flowers that grows in China, Korea and Japan. Known as “female ginseng,” the herb is widely used in Chinese medicine as a tonic for women. Herbalists have long used a tea made from dong quai to treat menstrual disorders, cramps and other gynecological conditions. It also has a history of use in China as a heart, spleen, liver,...
Ginseng Benefits And Information: Ginseng As A Powerful Adaptogen!
Ginseng is an herb that’s been used in traditional Chinese medicine for more than 2,000 years. The Chinese believed that using ginseng regularly would promote longevity and improve mental and physical health. There are two related species marketed as “ginseng”: Panax ginseng (Asian Ginseng) and Panax quinquefolius(American Ginseng). Both are perennial herbs with thick, pale yellowish-brown roots that often resemble a...
Black Cohosh: Benefits and Side Effects
Black cohosh is a perennial plant that is a member of the buttercup family. It has several other common names, including black snakeroot, bugwort, rattleweed and others. The botanical name for black cohosh is Cimicifuga racemosa or Actaea racemosa. North American Indians used black cohosh as a remedy for a variety of ailments, including depression, menstrual disorders, kidney problems, malaria, rheumatism and sore throats. It was used...
Damiana Herb Natural Aphrodisiac: Benefits and Side Effects
Damiana is an herbal shrub native to Central/South America and Mexico. The official name of the herb is Turnera diffusa (although it may also be called Turnera aphrodisiaca). In traditional/alternative medicine, it’s regarded as an aphrodisiac with a variety of reported effects on both the hormonal and reproductive systems. As a medicinal plant, damiana has been used to treat menstrual disorders, anxiety and diabetes. It...
Chasteberry Review: Benefits and Side Effects
What is Chasteberry? As the name suggests, chasteberry (Latin name Vitex agnus-castus) is an herb that was once believed to suppress libido. According to medieval legend, monks chewed on the leaves of chasteberry trees in order to help them maintain their vows of celibacy. While it’s now clear that the herb does not affect sex drive, extracts from the fruit of the chasteberry tree may have some therapeutic effects on conditions...
Evening Primrose Oil Benefits and Side Effects
Evening primrose is a wildflower that grows throughout North America, Europe and some parts of Asia. The seeds of this plant (Oenothera biennis) contain oil that is rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which is an omega-6 essential fatty acid (EFA). The body converts GLA into prostaglandins, substances that function like hormones and help to regulate body processes. Evening primrose oil (EPO) is often recommended as an alternative...
As Featured On…
