The soapwort plant is most well-known for creating a foamy lather that has gentle cleansing properties. In fact, soapwort is one of the most concentrated sources of compounds called saponins in the world, which studies suggest fight bacteria, inflammation and have astringent properties. Some records show soapwort may have been used as a washing agent…
Cardiomyopathy, a condition that commonly results in an enlarged heart and reduced blood flow, affects as many as 1 in 500 adults living in developed nations like the U.S. (1) What can you do to help lower the chances you'll experience cardiomyopathy and give yourself the best chance of fully recovering? Not all cases of…
Far from being a new "fad diet", the keto diet— a very low carb, high fat diet — has been used by doctors since the 1920's to treat patients with serious illnesses. In recent years the keto diet has steadily been gaining more attention, due to how it promotes weight loss by forcing the body…
By now, you've probably heard all about the benefits of green tea. A cup or two per day is said to lower your blood pressure, alleviate inflammation, reduce the risk of heart disease and even give your memory a boost. Other types of tea like black tea, dandelion tea or hibiscus tea are also well-known…
Interstitial lung disease (or ILD) is more than one disease; in fact, this term describes more than 200 different lung disorders that all affect the tissues and spaces around the alveoli (air sacs) in the lungs, called the interstitium. (1) Today, ILD is believed to be more common than previously thought. Research indicates that in the…
Most of us never consider the acid/alkaline balance of our blood, but a proper pH is a crucial aspect to overall health. Many doctors stress the importance of reducing acidity and increasing alkalinity with an alkaline diet because a balanced pH helps protect us from the inside out. Disease and disorder, they say, cannot take root…
Juniper berry essential oil typically comes from the fresh or dried berries and needles of the Juniperus communis plant species. Known as a powerful detoxifier and immune system booster, juniper berry plants originate from Bulgaria and have a long history of naturally helping prevent both short- and long-term illnesses. Juniper berries themselves are high in flavonoid and…
Gentian (Gentiana lutea) is a bitter herb that has been used in traditional systems of medicine practiced throughout Europe for over 2,000 years. As a liver tonic and digestive aid, it also has a long history of use in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). What is gentian root used for today? Many of this…
What are rose hips? They are the accessory, or false fruit, of a rose plant and guess what: They are edible! And they're actually more than just something you can eat — they're something that can provide a major boost of valuable nutrients. The reason why you often see vitamin C with rose hips supplements…