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. Read the rest of this entry »

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! Read the rest of this entry »

Cinnamon is one of the most common spices used frequently for sprinkling on our apple pies, ice-creams or cappuccinos. This amazing spice originates from the Middle East and has been used in culinary for centuries. Those who want to shed some pounds are recommended to use various supplements and extracts from cinnamon. Weight loss is achieved by cholesterol lowering and regulatory properties of this natural remedy. Read the rest of this entry »

Many of us heard about the benefits of soy protein, which became a subject of public discussions and close attention of modern scientists. If a decade ago soy protein powder supplements were used only by professional athletes and bodybuilders to buff up, nowadays soy protein became a common ingredient of our healthy meals and drinks. What do we need to know about soy protein and its effects on our health? Read the rest of this entry »

Bell peppers are juicy, crunchy, and very tasty foods, which are the most used as decorative motifs and ornaments. Native to South America, bell peppers go in a big array of colors: red, orange, yellow, purple and green colors, and sometimes they are called “sweet peppers”. Botanically, bell peppers should be considered fruit, but it is common to call them vegetables even though their taste is quite sweet. Health benefits of bell peppers have been known for centuries. Read the rest of this entry »

Many of us heard about Lapacho tea, or “the tea of Inkas“, which is traditionally very popular in Paraguay, Brazil, Argentina and other countries of South America. This unique therapeutic herbal tea is made from the bark of lapacho tree called Pink Ipe (Tabebuia impetiginosa). It has amazingly beautiful blossoms with mesmerizing fragrance. Lapacho tree can reach up to 30 meters and grows up for 600-700 years. Read the rest of this entry »