(Natural News) The jatropha (Jatropha curcas) is not limited to serving as a significant and sustainable source of biofuel. Moroccan researchers reported that the leaves of this perennial plant contain an essential oil that can kill microorganisms and scavenge free radicals. Native to Mexico, Central America, and northern South America, the jatropha has spread across the world, having been transplanted […]

(Natural News) The use of medicinal plants to treat skin conditions is a common practice in many cultures. Plant medicines have been proven to be effective skin treatments when applied topically, thanks to their potent antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. However, the precise mechanism of cure is not always understood. One plant in particular became the […]

(Natural News) An herb commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) could be the future of preventing crippling bone diseases, according to researchers from the Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine. In their study, published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, the team reported that the seeds of the Chinese mallow (Malva verticillata) can prevent bone degradation, making it an […]

(Natural News) The Himalayas isn’t just a good place to climb mountains: Recent studies have shown that it’s also a treasure trove of medicinal plants used to treat various diseases. A study published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that a species of boxwood (Buxus spp.) has potential therapeutic properties against disorders that affect the gut, airways, […]

(Natural News) Why do you use herbal medicine? A study published in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine sought to answer this very question and came up with some insightful answers. The field of medicine has made leaps and bounds over the centuries, but more and more people around the world are rediscovering the […]

(Natural News) Often grown as an ornamental plant, dwarf lilyturf (Ophiopogon japonicus) is used as ground cover for landscaping. However, according to a study, the plant possesses anti-inflammatory properties that can be used for medicinal purposes. Dwarf lilyturf is native to Southeast Asia, specifically in certain areas in China. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the plant’s rhizome is […]

(Natural News) Cachexia, the muscle wasting syndrome that’s seen in chronic diseases such as cancer and diabetes, is typically associated with the rapid progression of the disease, especially in patients with cancer. However, research from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and Stellenbosch Universty in South Africa, together with the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (formerly Manipal University) in […]

(Natural News) The anti-inflammatory properties of red ginseng (Panax ginseng) have been documented in many studies. So have the beneficial activities of fermented foods loaded with probiotic bacteria that improve gut health. Korean researchers reported that fermenting red ginseng and adding probiotics to it made it a very effective means of remedying the inflammation caused […]

(Natural News) People suffering from an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, may benefit from common nettle (Urtica dioica). A study published in the Journal of Herbal Medicine suggested that common nettle can improve the quality of life of people with IBD. In the study, researchers from Iran University of […]

(Natural News) One of the most preventable and yet most common health problems in the world is periodontal disease, which is caused by Porphyromonas gingivalis, an anaerobic, Gram-negative bacteria. A study, published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, looked into the potential of Sudanese medicinal plants to inhibit P. gingivalis growth, as well as on […]