Oregano

Scientific name: Origanum vulgare

Description: Oregano is an aromatic herb in the mint family sometimes referred to as "wild marjoram" in Europe and is closely related to the herb sweet marjoram. It can be use as fresh, dried or as an oil and is considered a staple herb in many cuisines around the world. The leaves of oregano are oval and are covered with glandular trichomes (plant hairs). The aroma and flavor of the leaves are far greater when the herb is dried than when the leaves are fresh.

Health Benefits:
Oregano contains chemical compounds such as carvacrol, thymol, limonene, pinene, ocimene, and caryophyllene which has antispasmodic, carminative, cholagogues, diaphoretic, expectorant, stimulant, and mildly tonic properties. Its decoction is used for the treatment of colds, influenza, mild fevers, indigestion, stomach upsets, dysmenorrhea and are known to have disease preventing and health promoting properties.  It is high in carvacrol and thymol considered antioxidants that can help prevent damage to cells caused by free radicals and have remarkable bacteria-fighting power. Oregano is a natural form of omega-3 fatty acids which help in preventing atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes. It is also have high content of manganese, calcium, iron, vitamin K and fiber.

Medicinal properties and benefits:

1. Anti-inflammatory Properties

Oregano contains beta-caryophyllin (E-BCP), a substance that inhibits inflammation and may also be beneficial for conditions including osteoporosis and arteriosclerosis.

2. Antifungal, Antibacterial and antiviral.

Oregano oil can effectively protect the body against many of these fungal, bacterial and viral infections. Carvacol and thymol are powerful antimicrobials. Oregano contains carvacrol, thymol, cymene, caryophyllene, pinene, bisabolene, linalool, borneol, geranyl acetate, linalyl acetate, and terpinene.

3. Rich in Antioxidants

One active agent in oregano is rosmarinic acid, which is a strong antioxidant that supports immune system health.

4. Colds/Cough

The  carvacrol content induces sweat production as a mode of detox as well as get rid of unwanted phlegm in your lungs.

5. Osteoporosis/Good for the bones

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin, so your body stores it in fat tissue and the liver. It is important for bone growth, maintaining bone density, and the production of blood clotting proteins while calcium is necessary for the formation of bones and teeth.

Sargassum Seaweeds

Medicines from Natural Sources

Scientific name: Sargassum muticum

Description: 

Sargassum are generally brown or dark green in color and consist of a holdfast, a stipe, and a frond. It has branches, leafy appendages and berry-like structures that are actually gas-filled (oxygen) structures, called pneumatocysts which are filled mostly with oxygen and help keep the fronds afloat.

Sargassum is a genus of brown (class Phaeophyceae) macroalgae (seaweed) in the order Fucales and family Sargassaceae. They generally inhabit shallow water and coral reefs and are distributed
throughout the temperate and tropical oceans of the world.

It is edible and has a slightly bitter, salty flavor.


Health benefits of Sargassum seaweeds:

Sargassum seaweeds are nutritious and rich source of bioactive compounds such as vitamin C, B12,
carotenes (provitamin A), carotenoids, dietary fibers, proteins, and minerals (sodium, calcium,
magnesium, potassium, chlorine, sulfur and phosphorus, iodine, iron, zinc, copper, selenium,
molybdenum, fluoride, manganese, boron, nickel and cobalt). Sargassum have some compounds that are not available in terrestrial vegetables and have many biologically active compounds like
flavonoids, pheophytine, polyphenols, terpenoids, sargaquinoic acids, sargachromenol, sterols and
sulfated polysaccharides.

The highest iodine content is found in brown algae.


Medicinal Properties and Indications:

Sargassum has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective, anti-microbial

properties as well as anti-tumor, fibrinolytic, immune-modulatory, anti-coagulant,
hepatoprotective and has anti-viral activity.

Endemic Goiter and Hyperthyroidism - Sargassum seaweeds contains iodide, which has wonderful therapeutic effect on iodine deficiency induced endemic goiter and can temporarily inhibit hyperthyroidism.

Atherosclerosis - This seaweed has high sodium alginate sulfate content which can resist
hyperlipidemia, lower serum cholesterol and reduce atherosclerosis.

Weight loss - Sargassum has virtually no calories and high in dietary fiber thus is helpful in
losing weight.



Important warning: Please note that all medicines, including herbal medicines, should be taken
only on the advice of a qualified practitioner/doctor. You should not treat yourself on the basis of
any information given here.

Bee Balm

Scientific name: Monarda didyma

Common names: Horsebalm, Bergamot, Wild Bergamot, Scarlet Monarda, Oswego Tea, Mountain
Mint, Horseming, Elk Medicine, Sweet leaf

Description:

Bee balm is a perennial plant and a member of the mint family. The flowers are long, tubular that are clustered in a solitary, rounded head of dark-red calices. The flowers range in color from pink to crimson red, red and light purple hues. The stems are about 2 to 3 feet long that are branched while the leaves are aromatic/fragrant minty that are dark green, oval to oblong lanceshape. The preferred habitat are open woods, thickets, dry rocky hills and found in Eastern Canada and Maine, westward to Minnesota, south to Gulf of Mexico.  Bee balm is edible as well as medicinal and used as an herb.
Bees delight in the nectar of the flowers, earning the name "Bee Balm".

Parts Used: leaves, flowers

Medicinal uses and properties:

Bee balm is the natural sources of the antiseptic thymol (the main active ingredient in modern commercial mouthwash formulas and used to treat mouth and throat infections.),carvacrol, rosemarnic acid. It has excellent antibacterial qualities & strong antiseptic properties used for skin infections and minor wounds.  The herb also has carminative properties and used to treat headaches and fevers, colds, colic, nausea, delayed menstruation, general stomach upset, insufficient circulation and as a relaxant diaphoretic. The bee balm can also be use for psoriasis, eczema and can be used as an insect repellant.

Bee Balm Tea Recipe:

Place ¼ cup bee balm leaves and flowers in a teapot. Add one quart of boiling water.Cover and steep for about an hour until cool. Strain and discard leaves and flowers. sweeten to taste, take at bedtime. You may also want to chill and serve over ice.

Precaution:

Not to be taken by those with thyroid problems, pregnant or lactating women. It can also cause skin irritation and cause sensitivity to the sun so it is advisable to test it first on a small area of the skin before applying. Just like in all the post here of medicinal plants, it is still best to consult your doctor before using medicinal plants.

CLOVES

Scientific name: Syzygium aromaticum

Description

Cloves are strong, pungent and rather sweet brown spice that are unopened pink flower buds of an evergreen tree in the family Myrtaceae. It looks like a nail and thus the name which comes from the Latin word clavus, meaning nail.

The clove tree is native to the Maluku Islands in Indonesia and it grows up to 8–12 m tall.  The pink buds
which are picked up when they reach 1.5-2 cm in length are dried until they turn brown in color.

Cloves are used in the cuisine of Asian, African, and in the Middle East.


Parts used: flower buds

Nutritional Information and Properties of Cloves:

Cloves are widely recognized all over the world for their medicinal qualities.

Clove contains significant amounts of an active component called eugenol which gives this spice a strong
flavor and aroma. This is an anti-inflammatory substance that is known to protect the body from pollutants as
well as prevent cancers like colon cancer and it also heals joint inflammation.  It is also  known to have
antioxidant, anti-septic, mild anaesthetic, anti-bacterial, rubefacient (warming and soothing), carminative
and anti-flatulent properties.

This spice also contains flavonoids, kaempferol and rhamnetin which contribute to clove's anti-inflammatory
and antioxidant properties. IT also has other essential oils like beta-caryophyllene, crategolic acid,   
tannins, gallotannic acid, methyl salicylate (painkiller); vanillin, triterpenoids (oleanolic acid,
stigmasterol and campesterol).

This spice is commonly use in dental care essentials -toothpastes, mouth wash and oral care medications
contain clove oil as an important ingredient.

Cloves also contains a good amount of Vitamin A and beta-carotene, vitamin-K, vitamin B1 (thiamin), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin C and riboflavin. as well as minerals like potassium, manganese, iron, selenium, calcium and magnesium. 



Health Benefits and Medicinal Uses of Cloves:

1. Infections, wound, cuts, scabies, athlete’s foot, fungal infections, bruises, prickly heat, insect bites and stings.

2. Toothache

3. Nausea and vomiting/morning sickness - cloves mixed with sugar and water. You may add tamarind too.

4. Sinusitis, colds - use lukewarm water, drops of clove oil and honey.

5. Indigestion, loose stools, flatulence

6. Ringworm  or tinia -eugenol contained in cloves is a very effective anti-fungal.



Precautions:

Increased risk of bleeding, a burning sensation and lowered levels of blood sugar.

Dragonfruit

Scientific names:
Red Dragonfruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus)
White Dragonfruit (Hylocereus undatus)
Yellow Dragonfruit (Selenicereus megalanthus)

Other scientific names:
Acanthocereus, Ceraus, Echinocereus, Escontria, Hylocereus, Myrthillocactus, Selenicereus, Stenocereus
 
Common names: Pitaya, Red Pitahaya, Night blooming Cereus, Strawberry Pear, Belle of the Night, conderella plant

Description of Red Dragonfruit or Red Pitaya:

The plant of the Dragon fruit is vine-like epiphytic cacti that is native to Central and Southern America but
eventually spread to Southeast Asian countries.  The Dragon plant has a fleshy stem about 20 feet long and
its edible flowers have fragrant scent and ornate that only blooms at night.

The skin of the Dragon fruit is dark red with soft spine and its flesh is also red with lots of black small
seed that is also edible. The flavor is likened to that of the kiwifruit.

The dragon plant can bear fruit 3 to 6 times in a year depending on growing conditions.

Dragon fruits are made into smoothie, juice, sherbet, jams, puree, sherbets, salads...

Health Benefits and Medicinal properties/uses:

Pitaya or Dragon fruit is rich in fiber, minerals (potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron), vitamins
A, C, B1, B2, B3 and naturally-occurring flavonoids which acts as antiatherosclerotic (also reduces
cardiovascular risk), antiinflammatory, antitumour, antiosteoporotic, and antiviral.

Another highly valued antioxidants found in Dragon fruit are lycopene and phytoalbumins which are known to
fight cancer cells and prevent formation of cancer causing free radicals.

Dragon fruit is known to reduce cholesterol levels and high blood pressure.

Asthma and cough - because of its high vitamin C content.

Dragon fruit boosts immune system and the fibers help in digestion.

Dragon fruit is also known in folk medicine for preventing memory loss, controling blood glucose level in
diabetes and aids in healing of wounds.

Black Cohosh

Scientific name: Actaea racemosa

Common Names: black snakeroot, bugbane, bugwort, macrotys, rattleroot, rattleweed

Description:

Black cohosh is a wild plant native to North America and is related to the buttercup family,
peony and larkspur.  

The fresh or dried roots and underground stems are commonly used to treat a wide range of
ailments like rheumatism, arthritis and muscle pain.  It is also a traditional remedy for
menstrual irregularities, premenstrual syndrome and gynecological conditions like menopausal
symptoms (hot flashes, palpitations, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and other symptoms that can
occur during menopause). The stems and roots of the black cohosh are made into strong infusions
(teas), capsules, solid extracts used in pills, or tinctures (liquid extracts).

Parts used: roots and underground stems

Medicinal properties:

Black cohosh contains aromatic acids, salicylic acid (anti-inflammatory), isoflavones,
formononetin, triterpene glycosides, acetin and 27 deox yactein, tannins, resins and fatty acids

Controls the symptoms of menopause:

    Headaches
    Hot flashes
    Mood changes
    Sleep problems
    Heart palpitations
    Night sweats
    Vaginal dryness

Ease PMS symptoms, menstrual cramps, uterine and ovarian pains

Induce labor

Relieve arthritis pain

Lowers blood pressure - components in black cohost can dilate peripheral blood vessels and lowers

blood pressure.

Antispasmodic to muscles, nerves, and blood vessels

Anti-inflammatory

Black cohosh is an emmenagogue which is an agent that promotes menstrual or uterine bleeding.


Counterindication and Side effects:

Side effects from black cohosh which occur in high doses include:
Upset stomach
Headaches
Prolonged use may cause liver disorder

Counterindicated in the ff:

Pregnant women unless used to induce labor
Women with Endometriosis
Women with Breast cancer
Women with Uterine cancer
Children under 18
People with liver disease
People with high risk of stroke or blood clots
People with seizure disorders
People allergic to aspirin
  
Black cohosh is different for blue cohost(Caulophyllum thalictroides) and the 2 should not be
confused.

Disclaimer:

THOUGH THE CONTENT OF THIS BLOG HAD BEEN TRIED/TESTED AND HAD BEEN USED
AS FOLK/HERBAL MEDICINE IT IS STILL BEST TO CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE
TRYING THIS AND AVOID SELF-DIAGNOSIS AND SELF-MEDICATION.

Mangosteen

Scientific name: Garcinia mangostana

Description:

The plant of a mangosteen is a tropical, evergreen tree that reaches to 20-60 ft in height. It is native to
Southeast Asia and commonly found in tropical rainforests of Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines and even in South America.

The fruit is deep purple and round shape with a light green calyx at the stem end. It has an outer tough rind
about 7-12 mm thick but inside the fruit has soft, white, juicy flesh that are sectioned like oranges. The rind is
inedible as well as the seeds. The fruit is deliciously tangy, sweet and juicy.


Health benefits of Mangosteen:

Mangosteen is rich in dietary fiber and very low in calories and has zero amount of saturated fats.

It is rich in vitamin C and minerals such copper, manganese and magnesium, potassium.   It also has some B-complex vitamins like thiamin, niacin and folates.

Medicinal properties:

This fruit has been use in traditional medicine to heal infection, treat inflammation, and improve one's stamina.

Today, scientists and doctors agree on the medicinal properties of Mangosteen.

Mangosteen contains alpha-mangostin (a very potent antioxidant), gamma-mangostin(powerful anti-inflammatory), garcinone E (strong anti-tumor agent).  It also has a powerful antioxidants and immune system boosters called Xanthones and other potent natural compounds like catechins (antioxidant that's five times more potent than Vitamin C), polysaccharides(anti-cancer), quinones(anti-bacterial), stilbenes(anti-fungal) and polyphenols (anti-oxidant).

Mangosteen is helpful in preventing a wide range of diseases such as diabetes, glaucoma, heart disease,
Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's cancer and other chronic diseases.

*Anti-allergenic - helps prevent allergic reactions

*Anti-cancer - Mangosteen has powerful antioxidants to combat cancer cells.

*Anti-Inflammatory - Mangosteen fruit has strong anti-inflammatory properties and is used in treating
hyperkeratosis, psoriasis, eczema and other skin diseases.

*Anti-microbial
The extracts of mangosteen are use to treat tuberculosis, urinary tract infections, infected wounds, malaria,
gonorrhoea and syphilis.

 *Good for the Heart
Mangosteen is cardio-protective as well as anti-atherosclerotic that helps prevent the hardening of the arteries.

*Good for the Kidneys
This fruit is also anti-calculitic that helps prevent kidney stones.

*Helps in Weight loss due to rich fiber content

*Immunostimulant - Mangosteen helps the immune system fight infection.

                                             

Agar Agar

Scientific name: Gelidiella Acerosa, genera Gelidium and Gracilaria and Sphaerococcus euchema

Description:

Agar-agar is extracted from marine red algae. The seaweeds (Sphaerococcus Euchema and Gelidium) that grows to 15 to 25 cm high are mostly found off the Pacific coast and the coast of South Africa.  Fronds are elongated, cylindrical, soft or subcartilaginous and dichotomously branched.

The seaweeds are laid out along the shore to get bleached and dried. By boiling them in water the mucilage can be strained and filtrated.  After which it is dried again under the sun.

You'll find the Agar Agar most often in the form of white powder or as a clear bar.  It has almost no color, no taste, calorie-free and has 80% percent fiber.

One can also blanch the entire plant and eat as salad.

Parts Used: Seaweed extract and the whole plant.

Medicinal properties and Uses:

Agar agar contains gelose, protein, galactose, pentose, fructose; iodine, iron and other
trace elements and minerals

This seaweed rich in soluble fiber that is very good for dieters. Agar agar absorbs water making you feel full. So, munching on agar agar before each meal prevents you from overeating.

Constipation - as agar agar is rich in soluble fiber it is used as a bulk laxative because it
absorbs water in the intestines  resulting in increased bowel activity.

Diabetes - Agar Agar will capture the sugars, fats and toxins.

Sores and Swollen knee joints - An agar agar poultice is used for swollen knee joints and sores.

It is also use for menorrhagia, leucorrhea and other intestinal and bladder difficulties.

An agar agar decoction given for dysentery and diarrhea as a folk medicine. It is also found
to be useful for coughs and other pulmonary complaints.

High doses may cause flatulence.

Agar agar readily forms a gel and is used as a stabilizer, thickening, gelling, bulking agent and food additive.

THOUGH THE CONTENT OF THIS BLOG HAD BEEN TRIED/TESTED AND HAD BEEN USED
AS FOLK/HERBAL MEDICINE IT IS STILL BEST TO CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE
TRYING THIS AND AVOID SELF-DIAGNOSIS AND SELF-MEDICATION.

Kava Kava

Scientific name: Piper methysticum

Other names: 'awa,'ava, kawa, kew, yagona, sakau, tonga

Description:

Kava is a tall evergreen shrub in the pepper family that grows in the South Pacific islands and some parts of Micronesia and Australia. It has stout rhizomes, fleshy stems and big leaves shaped like hearts. The roots of the plant has been used for thousands of years as a folk remedy and as a beverage. It has sedative properties and is drank to relax without disrupting mental clarity.

Parts used:

The root is the part of the plant used medicinally. Traditionally, it is prepared by either chewing, or made into a beverage by grinding or pounding the roots then combined with a small amount of  cold water and consumed as quickly as possible.


Medicinal Properties and Uses:

The main active components in kava root are called kavalactones. It has been found to affect the levels of specific neurotransmitters like dopamine, norepinephrine and gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA). It is a bitter, pungent herb that has anesthetic properties, diuretic effect as well as herbal aphrodisiac properties.

Kava is an effective folk remedy for back pain, anxiety and insomnia as it relaxes the muscles and calms the nerves.

* It also enhances mental alertness and concentration

* It fights mouth ulcers

In folk medicine it also used for gout, rheumatism and arthritis.

Kava if effective for both acute and chronic gonorrhea, vaginitis, syphilis and other genito-urinary infections.

It is applied externally for ringworm and athlete’s foot.

Precautions and Side effects:

Consult your doctor before taking kava.  You should not take kava if you are pregnant or breastfeeding a baby. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking kava. The use of kava may cause Liver Toxicity. Do NOT start a new medication without telling your doctor.