Author: Mystique

Botanical name: Crataegus monogyna Jacq

Other name: hawthorn, quickthorn, thornapple, May-tree, whitethorn, Mayflower or hawberry

Hawthorn berries and extracts hold a historical place in traditional medicine, particularly for addressing digestive issues. A study revealed that the phenolic and flavonoid compounds found in hawthorn berry extracts exhibit anti-inflammatory, gastroprotective, anti-microbial, and free radical-scavenging properties.

Medicinal Uses:

• Prevent hypertension and heart failure
• Loaded with antioxidants
• Anti-inflammatory properties
• Lower blood pressure
• Reduce blood cholesterol levels
• Used to aid digestion
• Anti-aging properties
• Reduce anxiety
• Used to treat heart failure

Other name: yin yang huo

Horny goat weed encompasses various herb species within the Epimedium genus, also recognized as “yin yang huo.” While there is limited evidence of its health benefits, this herb contains chemicals that may contribute to enhanced blood flow and improved sexual function.

Medicinal Uses:

• Erectile dysfunction (ED)
• Sexual problems
• Weak and brittle bones
• Health problems after menopause and other conditions

Hesperidin, a common citrus bioflavonoid, is recognized for its various uses. One notable application is enhancing the absorption of vitamin C, thereby contributing to improved immune function. Additionally, hesperidin, either alone or in combination with diosmin, is employed to fortify blood vessels and alleviate (subcutaneous) capillary bleeding.

Medicinal Uses:

• Blood vessel conditions such as hemorrhoids
• Varicose veins
• Poor circulation (venous stasis).

Botanical name: Vitis vinifera

Other name: activin, leucoanthocyanin, Muscat, muskat, pine bark extract, Pinus maritima, Pinus nigra, proanthodyn, pycnogenol, Vitis coignetiae, and Vitis vinifera.

Derived from the seeds of wine grapes, grape seed extract is advocated as a dietary supplement for a range of conditions. These include addressing venous insufficiency, which involves difficulties in blood flow from the legs back to the heart, supporting wound healing, and mitigating inflammation.

Medicinal Uses:

• Reduce blood pressure
• Improve blood flow
• Could reduce oxidative damage
• May improve collagen levels and bone strength
• Supports your brain as it ages
• Improve kidney function
• Inhibit infectious growth
• Reduce cancer risk
• Protect your liver
• Enhances wound healing and appearance

Botanical name: Camellia sinensis

Other name: camellia sinensis, camellia thea, Chinese tea, Dexatrim (reformulated), green tea extract, GTE, Japanese tea, Matsu-cha tea, Theaceae, Theanine, and theifers.

Among the most widely consumed teas globally, green tea stands out. Its concentrated form, green tea extract, packs the equivalent amount of active ingredients found in an average cup of green tea into a single capsule. Similar to green tea, green tea extract is a valuable source of antioxidants.

Medicinal Uses:

• Promote weight loss
• Blood sugar regulation
• Disease prevention
• Exercise recovery
• Reduce blood fat levels
• Regulate blood pressure
• Improve brain health

Botanical name: Tinospora cordifolia

Other name: guduchi or amrita

Tinospora cordifolia, known as “Guduchi” in Sanskrit and belonging to the Menispermaceae family, is a genetically diverse deciduous climbing shrub. It boasts greenish-yellow flowers and is typically found at higher altitudes. The male flowers are clustered in racemes or racemose panicles, while the female flowers appear solitarily.

Medicinal Uses:

• Treatment of fever
• Jaundice
• Chronic diarrhea
• Cancer
• Dysentery
• Bone fracture pain
• Asthuma
• Skin disease
• Poisonous insect
• Snake bite
• Eye disorders.

Botanical name: Zingiber officinale Roscoe

Other name: Ginger, African ginger, Cochin ginger, Jamaican ginger, Race ginger

Zingiber officinalis (ZO), commonly referred to as ginger, serves as a popular spice in Asian cuisine and has a traditional usage as a remedy for joint diseases in ethnomedicine. Despite this, the ginger extract has shown inconsistent effects on the synthesis of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and monocyte chemotactic protein-1) in cell culture.

Medicinal Uses:

• Help treat arthritis
• Colic
• Diarrhea
• Heart conditions
• Common cold
• Flu-like symptoms headaches
• Painful menstrual periods

Other name: Asian ginseng, Chinese ginseng or Korean ginseng

Ginseng, an herbal supplement with a rich history in Chinese medicine spanning centuries, is renowned for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, it is believed to play a role in regulating blood sugar levels and may offer advantages in the context of specific cancer types.

Medicinal Uses:

• Increased energy
• Sharper cognitive function
• Anti-inflammatory effects
• Treatment of erectile dysfunction
• Flu prevention
• Lowering blood sugar

Botanical name: Harpagophytum procumbens

Other name: grapple plant, wood spider

Harpagophytum procumbens, commonly known as Devil’s claw, holds significance both medicinally and economically within the sesame seed family, Pedaliaceae. This perennial, tuberous plant, characterized by its weedy nature, features a distinctive fruit that earned it the colloquial name ‘Devil’s claw’.

Medicinal Uses:

• Used to restore appetite
• Relieve heartburn
• Reduce pain and inflammation
• Fight inflammation or relieve arthritis pain
• Headache and low back pain

Dandelion, a short-lived perennial, is remarkably resilient and can thrive in diverse environments, showing adaptability to various soil conditions. Although it can withstand frost and freezes and is tolerant of crowding, optimal growth is achieved in rich soil. While dandelions can endure heat and minimal moisture, it’s worth noting that these conditions may lead to a bitter taste in the leaves, though they are resilient enough to survive.

Medicinal Uses:

• Treating gastric
• Renal
• Hepatic disorders as well as diabetes and cancer