Tag Archives | Ancient Herbs

Gotu Kola, For Longevity and Mental Clarity

By on August 19, 2009 in Ancient Herbs, Gotu kola, HEALTH

Gotu Kola is a low-growing vine-like plant native to India, Sri Lanka, Japan, and parts of Northern Australia. This nondescript little plant grows lovely and tasty leaves that are a favorite food of the elephant and, more recently, us humans. In fact, some people believe that is was from watching elephants, notoriously long-lived creatures, that [...]

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Cassumunar Ginger: Ancient Thai Healing Herb

By on August 14, 2009 in Ancient Herbs, Cassumunar Ginger, Massage

Normally when someone says ginger, I think about that chewy candy I can’t get enough of or my favorite way to spice up a stir-fry. But recently, I’ve learned about unique Thai massage therapy techniques that use ginger, specifically cassumunar ginger, to relieve deep-seated muscle and joint tension Ginger health benefits are far and wide. [...]

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Achiote: Ancient Aztec Antioxidant

By on July 30, 2009 in Achiote, Ancient Herbs, Antioxidants

The mysterious red seed in the spiny, hedgehog-looking pod certainly seems strange looking and maybe even downright dangerous, but it’s actually quite a traditional part of both Mexican cuisine and Caribbean folklore and herbal medicine. Achiote, otherwise known by its Aztec name of achiotl, comes from the Annatto tree (Bixa orellana), and is known for [...]

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Reclassifying the Dandelion: From Weed to Powerful Healer

By on June 20, 2009 in Ancient Herbs, Dandelion, urinary tract infection

Dandelion is one of those plants we tend to think of as a weed. It pops up everywhere, and early; it continues to grow wild unless we pluck it out; and it self-sows at the drop of a hat, so if you have one dandelion, chances are you’ll soon have about eight hundred to pull [...]

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Turmeric – The Golden King of Plant Medicine

By on January 13, 2008 in DIET, HEALTH, spices, turmeric

I had the pleasure of seeing and hearing Dr. Michael Greger speak at Philadelphia’s Food & Health Expo in 2007. He was funny and wise, and one of the things he shared with us was the top 5 things that prevent cancer. I quickly jotted them down, and just as quickly lost the paper and [...]

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