Burdock, or great burdock (Arctium lappa) is a herb with giant leaves which grows all around in Europe and especially the Mediterranean region. This plant is known for its purple blossoms, surrounded by prickly burrs, which are very sticky and can gasp and hold fabric, clothing etc. very firmly. For centuries  burdock root, leaves and stems have been used as the ingredients of various herbal remedies, supplements and preparations, and the burdock root benefits are immense.

Burdock root is the most frequently used as a very beneficial natural remedy rich in such elements as calcium, potassium, iron, copper, chromium, inulin, resin, flavonoids, mucilage, chlorogenic acid, lactone, a series of vitamins and so on. Long ago it was used for its excellent cleansing and purifying properties. It contains special types of essential oil which facilitate toxin elimination in our body. Traditionally, it was used to treat various viral diseases, like measles, tonsillitis and other respiratory problems. But nowadays, the most promising and developing way to utilize burdock root is oncology, while the studies are still on.

Benefits of burdock root also embrace excellent diuretic properties of this herb. Due to a high content of inulin in this herb remedy, drinking burdock root infusion is recommended to stimulate appetite and digestion, soothe digestive system and treat various stomach conditions, aid liver cleansing, etc. Such burdock root benefits as its antifungal and antibacterial powers are used to treat urinary infections, skin ulcers, acne and so on.

Besides, burdock root products can be used to calm down arthritis pains and to stimulate the immune system. In Traditional Chinese medicine, burdoch root was known as an excellent natural aphrodisiac which had great powers to treat infertility and impotence. Benefits of burdock root also include its effectiveness for hair loss prevention and dandruff as burdock root can be used as a remedy to stimulate blood flow to the scalp, this way to assist in nourishing and strengthening hair follicles. Burdock root infusion can be applied internally to treat eczema and psoriasis.

Using this herb is believed to be generally safe but one should avoid unwanted side effects of burdock root. Those include slow heart rate, dry mouth, extreme changes of sugar levels in blood and contamination. It is recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women to refrain from using burdock products because of its highly active diuretic action. Also, in order to avoid being affected by allergies and side effects of burdock root caused by interaction with other medicines or herbal remedies, talk to your health care practitioner or a specialist before starting any treatment involving burdock extracts or products.

Chicory (Cichorium intybus) is a herb which is widely popular is the Far East for its pleasant flavor and sweet taste. Chicory root is used for preparing a tasty natural healthy beverage – chicory root tea, a cheaper and much healthier substitute for coffee. The leaves of the herb are used as an ingredient for vegetable salads. Chicory is a relative of both lettuce and dandelion, though it does not look like any of these plants. Some specialists believe that chicory can actually belong to sunflower family, but it is really hard to say anything from the way the herb looks!

One way or another, chicory is an excellent source of natural nutrients, including phosphorus, calcium, iron, potassium, as well as niacin, inulin, vitamins A, C and other useful microelements. Chicory root tea is totally caffeine-free, therefore using ground roasted chicory root instead of coffee beans is a solution for those who have personal sensitivity to caffeinated drinks. But the taste of the beverage is quite similar to coffee, and even more roasted. In addition, consuming this type of coffee is linked to a number of chicory benefits, which we can’t normally receive from our usual coffee.

Therapeutic powers and health benefits of chicory have been known for centuries. Chicory root tea is considered to be one of the most effective natural remedies for body cleansing. It not only aids harmful toxin removal from our intestines, it also assists in blood cleansing, as well as controlling the levels of sugar in the blood. That is why this herbal remedy is highly recommended and beneficial to those who suffer from type 2 diabetes.

In addition, chicory root tea can be used to reduce the risks of kidney stones, jaundice and other liver diseases. Chicory benefits also include anti-infalmmatory properties of this natural remedy, which can also relieve pains of arthritis and headaches. Being a great source of vitamin A, chicory has positive effects on our vision and the function of our nervous system.  Chicory root tea goes perfectly well with such herbal remedies as peppermint and chamomile, which balance the flavor and add more health benefits of chicory.

Detoxification and body cleansing are not only the ways to effectively reduce weight, get rid of dangerous toxins and harmful chemicals from your body, but also improve your overall health and prevent numerous possible diseases and ailments. Body cleansing is linked to improved function of all your vital organs and body systems, better blood circulation and metabolism, as well as better mental abilities, performance and personal success. If it is impossible for you to use direct ways of detoxification (namely enemas and laxatives), our Mother nature gives you a helping hand and gives you the most effective herbal remedies for body cleansing.

1. Flaxseed. This is one of the best natural solutions for detoxification and removal of various harmful chemicals from your body. Steep 12 teaspoon of flaxseeds in 1 liter of water, and then boil for 10 minutes. Let the tea cool down and take 150 ml of it 3-4 times a day.

2. Black Elderberry (Sambucus nigra). This herbal remedy has excellent anti-cancer properties, it is very useful for your blood, stimulates the function of your digestive system and improves immunity.

3. Swamp Cinquefoil (Comarum palustre). It is a perfect herbal remedy for cleansing joints and blood, as well as a good stimulant of metabolism.

4. The root of wild sunflower. This type of herbal remedies for body cleansing are quite hard to find, but their effectiveness is really impressive. Wild sunflower root based remedies are very powerful detoxification agents: they can dissolve harmful salts in your body.

5. Common Mistletoe (Viscum album). Extracts of this herbal remedy can assist in removing non-organic substances from our blood and vessels, as well as prevent such diseases as atherosclerosis, hypertesion, etc.

6. Horse Chest-nut Blossoms (Aesculus hippocastanum). Has very powerful toxin removal and anti-cancer properties, improves blood quality and assists in easing the symptoms of cardio-vascular diseases.

7. Black walnut extracts (Juglans nigra). This herbal remedy is known for its great anti-bacterial and for its effectiveness against all possible parasitic infections.

Mustard greens and mustard seeds are among the oldest known herbal remedies for a great number of health conditions. Originated from the Mediterranean areas, mustard and the herbs from Brassica family were quite popular in the Middle and Far East. These herbal remedies are mentioned in ancient writings of Sanscrit and New Testament. Curative purposes and health benefits of mustard seeds were used in ancient Rome and Greece. In most modern kitchens, both mustard seeds and mustard greens are used for a variety of purposes: to spice up sandwiches, salads and other meals, to preserve pickles and so on.

There are three most commonly used types of mustard seeds, including brown mustard (Brassica juncea), white mustard (Brassica alba) and black mustard (Brassica nigra), which are available in powdered from or as whole. Mustard seeds are used for producing oil, which is known for its excellent warming properties and can be used for massages. In addition, mustard seeds have very high nutritional value, being a source of many important microelements and nutrients. One of the healthiest and the least caloric spices, mustard seeds are used in almost every world’s cuisines and are among the world’s most demanded spices, which is especially loved in India, Canada and the US.

Mustard seed benefits include anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. Being a great source of selenium and magnesium, mustard seeds can decrease inflammation and reduce the symptoms of such diseases as rheumatoid arthritis or asthma. The seeds also contain isothiocyanates, known for their anti-cancer effects. Other useful elements and nutrients which can be found in mustard seeds and mustard greens are calcium, iron, manganese, phosphorus, zinc, niacin, dietary fiber and very valuable omega 3 fatty acids, which can lower cholesterol levels and protect us from having heart disease.

Since ancient times purgative properties were considered the best mustard seed benefits, but nowadays this herbal remedy is valued also for its antifungal and antiseptic effects. Mustard products have been used also to speed up metabolism and this way to improve the function of digestive system. One of the most important health benefits of mustard seeds is being helpful in reducing the frequency of migraines. Mustard products and mustard oil have been effectively used for centuries for lowering high blood pressure and preventing atherosclerosis.

Massaging your scalp with mustard oil will help you to substantially improve your hair quality and prevent hair loss.  Another interesting property of mustard seeds and mustard green is stimulating salivation and improving appetite. Finally, mustard seeds are considered to be a great source of power and bioenergy, and mustard seeds products can also help you to improve your immunity and assist in fighting against insomnia, as well to treat such problems as anxiety, psychological disorders, the effects of stresses and depression, bronchitis, sexual dysfunctions, the symptoms of menopause, and many others.

Many specialists could not help noticing that such phenomenon as “post-New Year” or winter depression attacks many people in the beginning of January, when Christmas and New Year holidays are over and we have to be back to our usual routine. Certainly, the factors like temperature fluctuations, decreased duration of daylight periods and lack of sun also contribute to increased feeling of sadness, despair and hopelessness. Winter depression is familiar to many people.

Recently, a group of Japanese scientists publicized the findings of their new study, offering us a new very effective natural anti-depressant. According to the results of the experiments carried out at Sendai’s Tohoku University Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, consuming certain amounts of green tea on a regular basis is linked to stress and depression symptoms alleviation. The trials involved about 1000 older men and women, who consumed 4 cups of this miraculous beverage a day. As a result, about 44% of the participants reported about improvements in their mood and positive impact of tea consumption on the symptoms associated with depression.

Dr. Kaijun Niu, one of the leaders of the study, and his associates at Tohuku University attribute these valuable therapeutic properties of green tea as a natural anti-depressant to the high content of theanine, an amino acid which has positive calming effects on our brain and nervous system. At the same time, the scientists reported that testing other types of tea (including black and oolong teas) did not end up with finding the same anti-depression health benefits as the green tea demonstrated.

The findings of this research were published in in the December issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The properties of green tea as an effective natural anti-depressant were revealed and scientifically proved only lately. Green tea is known for its huge variety of health benefits and therapeutic properties. In particular, it is recommended to those who suffer from diabetes and as an excellent natural remedy for various types of cancer. In addition, regular consumption of green tea is linked to longevity and effective weight management.

Artichoke plants (Cynara cardunculus) are large herbs that originate from Ethiopia and are now widely being cultivated in southern regions of Europe and other continents. Artichoke was one of the most valuable and expensive foods in Ancient Greece and the Roman Empire. In the 17th century European explorers brought artichoke plant to the U.S., and since then it became quite a popular and loved food for many American families. The green huge buds of artichoke plant, which are used for cooking, are considered to be among the most nutrient-rich veggies on earth.

100 g of artichokes have 53 kcal. This amount contains also 12 g of carbohydrates, 8.8 g of sugar, 3 g proteins, 2.4 g of dietary fiber, 1.1 g of niacin, 300 mg of potassium, 60 mg of sodium, 42 mg of magnesium, as well as other useful elements and nutrients, including zinc, iron, chromium, calcium, copper, riboflavin, thiamine, vitamins C and B group, cynaropicrin, lutelin, folate, dicaffeoylquinic acids, and a number of others. Artichoke extract is now one of the most demanded herbal remedies, which is diluted from the leaves of artichoke plant and contains great amounts of flavonoids and caffeolyquinic acids.

Artichoke is  a healthy dietary food, which is very rich in natural dietary fiber and can be easily digested. Artichokes are recommended even to those people who suffer from type 2 diabetes. Artichoke health benefits include positive effects linked to a regular consumption of artichoke products on the function of our cardio-vascular system, as artichoke plant is a great source of potassium and sodium salts. These salts have very powerful basic nature, that is why artichoke extract or supplements are recommended to those people, who suffer from increased acidity. The researches showed that artichokes have excellent diuretic and cholagogue properties.

Active ingredients of artichoke products (in particular, caffeoylquinic acids) can assist in treating various problems with liver and alleviating the ailments of kidneys. Artichoke extract was also found effective for lowering blood cholesterol, improving digestion and strengthening the function of our immunity. Studies showed that artichoke products can help in improving appetite, normalizing digestion and relieving such problems as dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome and others. In addition, the property of preventing atherosclerosis and migraine conditions  is also among the most important artichoke health benefits.

Regular consumption of artichokes or artichoke extracts is linked to healthier skin and improved skin luminosity. That is why this herbal remedy is used as an element of various creams, lotions, cosmetic masks and other beauty products. Finally, artichoke plant products are valued for high content of anti-oxidants. Nowadays, artichokes can be found in our markets year round, but the best season for buying and cooking fresh artichokes is during the spring months. Add this healthy delicious food to your daily diet, and you will have an opportunity to enjoy all the above mentioned artichoke health benefits, look always younger, and be always active and strong.

Autumn is the time for my favorite flowers, chrysanthemum. White or pink, yellow or red, they all are extremely beautiful, tender and sensitive, just like old Italian romantic songs. In herbal medicine, Chrysanthemum indicum has been one of the principal herbs in traditional Chinese medicine since the ancient times. Chrysanthemum tea was quite a popular treatment in ancient China for a great number of inflammatory diseases, including stomatitis, influenza, tonsillitis, pneumonia, dermatosis, etc. Also, special tinctures and herbal mixtures with Chrysanthemum flowers were used for external purposes: in particular, as an effective skin treatment, as a remedy for fever reduction, and so on.

Chemical composition of this herbal remedy includes kikkanols, sesquiterpenes, flavonoids, various essential oils containing camphor, cineole, sabinol, borneole and other elements. Also, Chrysanthemum indicum can be a source of such chemical elements as sulfur, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and others. In addition to very powerful anti-inflammatory properties, Chrysanthemum tea is considered to be an excellent herbal remedy due to its other therapeutic effects, namely antiviral, antimicrobial, antiasthma, antihyperkinesia and so on.

All aerial parts of the plant (leaves, stems and petals) can be used for preparing teas, tinctures or extracts. In addition to all above mentioned, Chrysanthemum indicum is helpful for such diseases as gout, atherosclerosis, varicose veins and other health conditions. Recently, a series of medical tests were carried out to check out the effectiveness of this herbal remedy as a treatment for arthritis pains (a study of the specialists at School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, China). Besides, Chrysanthemum tea and extracts are valued for their high content of flavonoids, giving us the opportunity to enjoy anti-aging and anti-cancer benefits of this herbal remedy.

Nowadays, Chinese medical specialists tend to popularize this plant and revive wide usage of Chrysanthemum indicum in modern pharmacology. After a series of clinical studies and laboratory researches, it became clear that this plant can be a pioneer for a new generation of herbal remedies. Chemical content and elements of chrysanthemum have a potential to prevent cancer in a unique manner. It turned out that active elements of Chrysanthemum indicum can inhibit cancerous cells, and they are especially effective in combating liver cancer. It is also interesting that the chemical compounds have a property to block the processes only in cancerous cells and do not affect healthy cells.

In our times, scientists suggest a number of ways how to use natural approaches and certain herbal remedies to boost our memory. You can add to your diet such foods as walnuts, blueberries, spinach, broccoli, tomatoes or pumpkin seeds. Herbal remedies which can help us improve our memory include sage, rosemary, ginseng, Ginkgo Biloba or an exotic herb called “gotu kola“, which is quite popular in India. In the beginning of 2009, German scientists reported in the journal Science about one more effective way to use herbal remedies to boost memory. They claim that the scent of roses can have positive effects on our memory and help us memorize the things better.

During the experiments, which took place in Germany and were carried out by two groups of the scientists at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf and the University of Lübeck, medical students had to perform some concentration and memorization exercises.  In particular, they tried to memorize the localization of certain cards on a computer screen. After that, some of the students were receiving rose scent through special masks. The scientists were sending the bursts of rose scent because it was found out that our brain has a property to adjust to smells very effectively and for a very short period of time.

The next day, the participants were supposed to remember the location of the cards. Repeated experiments proved that rose scent have positive effects on our memory: those students who received the rose scent could remember up to 97% cards, but those who did not receive could remember only about 86% of the cards. The scientists also tried to apply rose scent bursts during sleep, and it turned out that the effects are even better. Neuroscientists who monitored the sleep, also underlined that sleep quality increases substantially under effect of rose scent. That is why this scent is highly recommended for aromatherapy in all cases of sleep disturbances.

Autumn has come and brought cold weather along with increased risks of having such diseases as cold, flu, bronchitis, and so on. There are hundreds of natural remedies and therapeutic procedures which can assist in strengthening our immune system and preventing those distressful respiratory diseases. Recently, the gurus of traditional Indian medicine Ayurveda named one more effective remedy that can be used for cold prevention. They suggested using three known spices in order to improve the immune system and avoid catching cold.

The followers of Ayurvedic medicine claim that such spices as ginger (Zingiber officinale), basil (Ocimum basilicum) and black pepper (Piper nigrum) have anti-cold therapeutic properties, that is why in autumn it is essential to add these spices to everyone’s diet.  At that, Ayurveda experts underline that the combination of these three herbal remedies can be used both as a preventive measure, and as a treatment for all common respiratory diseases. Therefore, dressing the meals with basil, ginger and black pepper is recommended to everyone, regardless of being healthy or already suffering from flue or a cold.

According to the theory of Ayurvedic medicine, these three spices can stimulate and improve protective properties of the immune system. However, it is always possible to use good old effective natural remedies, such as onions, garlic, lemons and others, which also can provide us with necessary vitamins and nutrients for effective cold prevention and fighting with the symptoms of the most common respiratory diseases. Besides, it is important to avoid eating cold foods and drinking cold beverages (especially milk and fruit juices) in this time of the year.

Aloe Vera is one of the oldest known herbal remedies and natural antibiotics, which is mentioned in ancient Egyptian scripts and thus it has been used for more than 6000 years. This plant has an aimportant place in ancient Chinese medicine. Besides, it is mentioned in the works of ancient Indian physicians and in the workd of ancient Greek botanist and pharmacologist Dioscorides. In our times, there are more than 250 species of Aloe Vera which are being cultivated in the Mediterranean region, Middle Asia and other warm climatic zones. The spicy named Aloe barbadensis miller is used the most in modern herbal medicine.

The variety of Aloe Vera health benefits is amazing. Lowering high cholesterol levels and protecting against cancer are, probably, two most important ones. Another topical application of this plant is treatment of such health problems as psoriasis and herpes. Aloe is one of the most effective natural antibiotics, which can assist us in fighting against viruses, fungi and bacteria. In addition, it is possible to name more of therapeutic properties of this plant, including:

• speeding up detoxification processes and body cleansing,
• boosting blood oxygenation
• improving blood glucose levels
• assists in lowering stomach acidity
• preventing kidney stones
• burns and wound healing
• reducing high blood pressure
• relieving constipation
• soothing arthritis pains, etc.

Therapeutic properties and health benefits of Aloe Vera can be explained by very rich chemical content of this plant. Scientists have already discovered more than 160 chemical elements in Aloe Vera. Those include 13 vitamins, 12 important mineral elements, 15 ferments, several amino acids, essential atty acids, more than 10 types of saccharides, essential oils and other useful elements. For example, such carbohydrate as acemannan has excellent anti-microbial and anti-viral properties, as well as very powerful immune-response effects.