Garlic
Garlic (Allium sativum), a member of the lily family, is possibly the most popular herb in world cuisines. While it originated in central Asia, garlic has been cultivated worldwide for millennia. Garlic has been used throughout the centuries for both food and medicine. Garlic owes much of its popularity in Europe to the Benedictine monks who grew garlic... [Read more]
Echinacea
To enhance immune function Echinacea (pronounced eK-i-NAY-sha) is the top-selling herbal supplement in the United States today, accounting for almost 10 percent of herbal sales. Its principal use is for the treatment of colds and upper respiratory tract infections. Its popularity stems from the fact that it has minimal side effects compared with the... [Read more]
Melaleuca
Nature Tea tree oil is produced by steam distillation of the leaves and shoots of the tea tree, Melaleuca alternifolia, an amazing wonder that grows to about 20 feet in height. Melaleuca flourishes along the northern-eastern coastal lowlands of New South Wales in Australia and possesses a characteristic flaky, paper-thin, white bark. The oil from melaleuca... [Read more]
Mushrooms
There are more than 14,000 types of mushrooms. About 3,000 of those are edible, and 700 have known medicinal properties. Here’s an up close look at this surprisingly healthy food. Mushrooms are well known for their taste, texture, and versatility. During cooking the flavor normally intensifies, so they are a savory addition to anything from soups... [Read more]
AÇAI
The trendy açaí (pronounced ah-sah-EE) berry is found in a variety of products, including juice blends, smoothies, sodas, instant-drink powders, and ice cream. Touted and marketed as a super fruit that provides highly beneficial properties, the açaí berry is in high global demand in recent years. Açaí is the fruit of a large palm tree, Euterpe... [Read more]
Stevia
Stevia rebaudiana—commonly known as stevia, sweetleaf, sugarleaf, the sweet herb of Paraguay—has remarkably sweet leaves. At a time when alternative sweeteners are in strong demand, stevia appears on stage as a big player. This sugar substitute is natural (nonsynthetic) and has zero calories. In addition, water extracts of stevia are up to 300 times... [Read more]
Spirulina
Blue-green algae are microscopic plants which are more closely akin to bacteria than to seaweed. The popular blue-green algae, spirulina, is currently cultivated and harvested on an industrial scale in the ocean and lakes of several countries. It is commonly sold as a general nutritional supplement or weight-loss agent. Spirulina (including Spirulina... [Read more]
Eucalyptus
One eucalyptus tree—the Mountain Ash—is among the tallest in the world, towering almost 300 feet above the forest floor. Eucalyptus belongs to the myrtle family; the same clan that includes guava, all-spice, cloves, and Melaleuca. The eucalyptus flowers are dressed in white, cream, pink, or red; and their nectar produces a high-quality honey. This... [Read more]
Heart Protecting Herbs
The list is long and impressive: garlic, turmeric, psyllium, flaxseed, artichoke leaf extract, and lemon grass—all have demonstrated, in well-controlled studies, the ability to lower blood lipid levels in patients with elevated cholesterol. But one herb stands above the rest when it comes to guarding the health of the heart. Glorious Garlic Garlic... [Read more]
Cumin
It grows wild in Israel, where, long ago, Jesus made reference to it as a flavoring spice used by the Jews (Matthew 23:23). It’s also mentioned in the Old Testament (Isaiah 28:25, 27). This amazing herb has always been popular in Middle Eastern dishes, and its oil brings a special scent to perfumes. Cumin (Cuminum cyminum) originates from the eastern... [Read more]
