We all know that in the West oranges are recognized for their high vitamin C content and antioxidant properties. Orange trees are believed to be native to China. So here are 5 truths about oranges and orange peels from the East: Tangerines and oranges are auspicious...

Honey, royal jelly, and bee pollen are the products of honey bees (genus Apis) using the nectar from flowers. Royal jelly is a thick whitish glandular secretion produced by worker bees as the sole food for the queen bee. Unlike honey, it is bitter-tasting. Among its...

Considered second only to Ginseng, licorice is one of the world’s most revered herbs for healing and tonifying. It is the most frequently used herb in TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine). Here are 5 reasons why… Licorice has important antimicrobial effects. It helps to...

Lion’s tail is native to South Africa.  It is known for its medicinal and mild psychoactive properties. Traditionally, it has been used to treat tuberculosis, jaundice, high blood pressure, and diabetes, and as a compress to treat snake bites. South Africans also use...

The most commonly used Western varieties of rowan are Sorbus aucuparia, S. americana, and Pyrus aucuparia. In the East, S. phaushanensis and S. hupehensis are more typically used. Often called mountain ash, it is not a true ash(Fraxinus ornus), even though it has...

Myrrh has a long history as a perfume and incense with strong medicinal healing powers. It is known to invigorate blood, prevent gum disease, and alleviate pain. Did you know? Myrrh is often used as an essential oil, though it can also be used in capsules, tinctures,...

Poria (Wolfiporia extensa, Sclerotium poriae cocos.) is a type of mushroom with a long and respected history in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is considered one of the premier Yin tonic herbs. Next to licorice, it is the most frequently used herb in Chinese...

Pomegranates are a beloved delicious and nutritious fruit.  Here are 4 Unexpected Health Benefits of Pomegranates: Memory: A study of 28 older adults with memory complaints found that 8 oz of pomegranate juice per day significantly improved markers of verbal and...

A nice cup of thyme tea can help cure a wide variety of ailments because, among its many attributes, fresh thyme has one of the highest antioxidant levels among herbs as well as having powerful antiviral and antibacterial properties. Traditionally, thyme is also...

Originating in Persia, English walnuts were brought to Europe by the Romans. English walnuts grow from Greece to Persia, and all along the Hindu-Kush to the Himalayas. There are two types of commonly used walnut trees, The black walnut (J. nigra) and the English...

Calendula (Calendula officinalis) is often commonly called pot marigold or English marigold. The name refers to about 20 species of edible flowers from the daisy family. Only the common deep orange-flowered variety of calendula is considered to have medicinal value....

Osmanthus has been used for thousands of years as a culinary and medicinal herb. In the olive family, it is a shrub or tree that can grow to be 35 feet tall and flowers with a lovely peach or apricot scent. It is often used to help promote healthy vibrant skin, lower...

Parsley is one of the world’s great culinary herbs. But it is also a medicine. Here Are 4 Things To Know About Parsley: Parsley contains 154% of your daily recommended amount of vitamin K, an essential vitamin that supports bone health, skin, and heart health. Parsley...

Olives and olive oil are famous for being nutritious and heart and immune supporting. The leaves are also highly important as a medicine. Here are 3 facts to know about these powerful healing fruit (olive), oil, and leaves: Recent research suggests that olive leaves...

Motherwort is best known for treating female disorders, hence its name “motherwort.” Its Chinese name, yi mu cao, translates as “benefits the mother herb.” Here are a few fun facts about motherwort you might not know… The compound, leonurine, found in motherwort, is...

Most species of roses are native to Asia, with smaller numbers native to Europe, North America, and northwestern Africa. Persia is considered the likely origin of the flower. Roses were considered one of the most valued medicinal plants in the monastery gardens of...

Turmeric is a famous anti-inflammatory herb with powerful antioxidant properties. But did you know… Turmeric essential oil, made from the roots, effectively prevents cancer, especially colon cancer. When not being used fresh, turmeric is boiled for about 20-30 minutes...

Schisandra is one of the world’s finest adaptogenic and healing herbs. Here are 3 keys to its healing powers: The word “adaptogen” was, in fact, created to describe the collective healing potential of schisandra. Scientists used the word to highlight its synergistic...