(Natural News) Ocimum gratissimum, also known by its common name African basil, is a multipurpose plant that is not only ornamental, but also medicinal and serves as a culinary spice. In some African countries, the dried leaves of this aromatic herb features in folk medicine and is used to treat different kinds of ailments. Analysis […]

(Natural News) Eating fruits and vegetables, which are nutritious and rich in beneficial phenolic compounds, protect against conditions related to oxidative stress. The fruits and leaves of a plant in India known as the cup saucer plant (Breynia retusa) may also be consumed to protect against diabetes, according to a study published in the journal […]

(Natural News) Elderberry — also known as Sambucus nigra — is a small, antioxidant-rich fruit commonly found in Europe and North America. This fruit has been used in folk medicine to treat many ailments. In a study published in the Journal of Functional Foods, researchers reported that the elderberry fruit can help fight the influenza virus. Conducted by researchers from the University of Sydney, […]

(Natural News) Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric, an Indian spice commonly added to curries, where it lends its yellow color. Beyond its color, however, curcumin is also responsible for a majority of its health benefits. The use of turmeric for medicinal purposes is nothing new. It’s a mainstay in both Indian and Chinese cultures in folk medicine for […]

(Natural News) Black ridge oak (Quercus phillyraeoides) is an evergreen tree typically found in China, Japan, and Korea. The leaves of this plant are used in Korean folk medicine for treating diarrhea and dermatitis. In a study published in the journal Food Science and Human Wellness, researchers found that the leaves of the plant could […]

(Natural News) Bacteria represent just one part of a large and thriving community of microorganisms that the human body plays host to. These microbes can be found in different parts, including the skin, the oral cavity, and most notably, the gut. While bacteria, together with other microbes, contribute to the maintenance of good health, certain […]

(Natural News) Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) is a multifunctional crop that is used extensively in folk medicine in China, Japan, Korea, and other Asian countries. The plant produces yellow to deep red flowers, which are largely used for flavoring and coloring purposes. Over the years, researchers have isolated and identified more than 100 compounds from C. tinctorius. In a recent […]

(Natural News) Inflammation is a double-edged sword. While it is a part of normal immune response, chronic inflammation is the root of various health conditions. The treatment of these conditions has been the focus of many studies that investigate the medicinal properties of plants used in traditional healing practices. One such plant is the rough […]

(Natural News) Processed sugar is bad for the health when consumed in sugary foods or sweetened beverages. However, it can potentially save lives when applied to wounds as a disinfectant and healing ingredient. In ancient times, Egyptian healers used sugar to speed up the healing of injuries. During the Napoleonic wars, soldiers stuffed sugar into wounds […]

(Natural News) The colorful hyacinths grown in many gardens contain compounds that could naturally treat degenerative eye diseases. These beneficial substances may one day provide a means of preventing the onset of blindness caused by eye diseases. Several conditions could lead to blindness. For pre-term babies, it is retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). One out of every five premature babies has this disease, and in […]