Psyllium (Plantago ovata) is among the most commonly known and used herbal remedies. This medicinal plant is native to the regions of India and Pakistan, the Mediterranean regions, as well as southern areas of Russia and Ukraine. Psyllium leaves and psyllium seeds are used to treat and prevent a great variety of health conditions, from wounds and mild digestive problems to obesity. The seeds are known as excellent natural source of dietary fiber, that is why they are very commonly used as an ingredient of popular dietary supplements. Besides, psillum seeds are also used for commercial production of mucilage. For making home remedies and herbal preparations, it is also possible to purchase psyllium in the form of dry leaves and seed powder. Read the rest of this entry »

Oregano (Origanum vulgare), known also as wild marjoram, is undoubtedly one of the most popular seasoning and medicinal herbs which has been used in both culinary and folk medicine for a great number of centuries. Oregano benefits vary from anti-inflammatory to anti-cancer, and in culinary, oregano is known as one of the most common components of pizza and pasta seasoning. This herb has very pleasant refreshing aroma and is rich in many key minerals and vitamins including icon, calcium, manganese, potassium, magnesium, vitamins K and E, as well as natural antioxidants, fiber, and so on. Oregano, or ‘mountain joy’ plays an important role in Mexican and Mediterranean cuisines, and it found its place among the healthiest foods of earth! Read the rest of this entry »

Goldenrod (Solidago Virgaurea) is a popular medicinal herb and herbal remedy, with a great deal of therapeutic uses and a tool for alternative medicine. It grows throughout the northern hemisphere and is quiet easy to be found in the woods or on hillsides, especially in the Mediterranean region and in the Middle East. When added to your diet or individual therapeutic program, herbal remedies and herbal preparations with goldenrod can offer you a variety of healing actions and benefits. The best time for gathering goldenrod is the beginning of summer. Read the rest of this entry »

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) also known as field balm, catswort or catmint, is a perennial mint which grows in northern Hemisphere in the most territories with moderate climate. It is a plant with small dark-green and fuzzy leaves and with small tubular flowers. From the historical perspective, this herb was used in Ancient Egypt as a sacred herb which relates to the cat goddess Bast. Also, it was cultivated and valued in Ancient Rome, and in the British Isles catnip tea was a very common beverage until the black tea was brought there from the Far East. For herbal remedies and herbal preparations, as well as for culinary purposes, usually stems, leaves and flowers of catnip are used. Read the rest of this entry »

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is a perennial plant which grows throughout Europe, North America and Australia. It has a very long history of being used as a traditional  folk remedy for migraine prevention and treatment of chronic headaches. This herb belongs to the same botanical family as sunflower and chamomile. Therapeutic properties and medicinal action of fewerfew were well-known in the Middle Ages: in those times it was a great remedy to prevent epidemics and treat malaria. Read the rest of this entry »

Lungwort (Pulmonaria gen.) is a perennial plant which grows throughout Europe and Western Asia. It has beautiful small reddish and light purple flowers and is one of the first herbs to flower in April. Leaves of this medicinal herb have been used for centuries as an ingredient of many folk remedies: in particular, this herb helped the Europeans to combat one of the worst natural disasters in our history, the pandemics known as the Black Death.Lungwort is the most commonly used in the form of lungwort infusion, or lungwort tea. Read the rest of this entry »