More than 100 different species of pine trees exist. They’re an ancient genus of evergreen trees that grow abundantly in many parts of the northern hemisphere and in some parts of the southern hemisphere as well. In the past, many cultures have used the bark, needles, resin, and nuts of pine trees as medicine (1, 2, 3, 4). In …

He Shou Wu is a popular remedy that is derived from the Fo-ti (Polygonum multiflorum) plant. It is a popular Traditional Chinese Medicine and is listed in the Chinese Pharmacopeia. It is known as He Shou Wu in East Asia and Fo-ti in North America. He Shou Wu loosely translates to “the black-haired Mr. He” …

Vitex agnus-castus is a popular herbal supplement used to treat a variety of health problems. It’s most commonly used to treat: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)  Menstrual disorders  Infertility Acne  Menopause  Nursing difficulties It’s also touted as protection against insect bites and certain types of cancer and claimed to offer a variety of other health effects. However, not …

Grape seed extract (GSE) is a dietary supplement made by removing, drying, and pulverizing the bitter-tasting seeds of grapes. Grape seeds are rich in antioxidants, including phenolic acids, anthocyanins, flavonoids, and oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes (OPCs). In fact, GSE is one of the best-known sources of proanthocyanidins (1, 2). Due to its high antioxidant content, GSE can …

Pegged as the “herb of longevity,” gotu kola is a staple in traditional Chinese, Indonesian, and Ayurvedic medicine. Practitioners claim the medicinal plant has the power to boost brainpower, heal skin issues, and promote liver and kidney health — and some studies seem to agree. Keep reading to learn how gotu kola may help improve …

Millets are rich in nutrients and plant compounds. Therefore, they may offer multiple health benefits. Rich in Antioxidants Millets are rich in phenolic compounds, especially ferulic acid and catechins. These molecules act as antioxidants to protect your body from harmful oxidative stress (1, 2, 3, 4, 5). Studies in mice link ferulic acid to rapid wound healing, skin protection, …

Ginkgo biloba is rich in antioxidants and can help reduce inflammation. It may also be beneficial for heart health, brain function, and eye health, along with several other conditions. Ginkgo biloba, or maidenhair, is a tree native to China that has been grown for thousands of years for a variety of uses. Because it’s the …

Garcinia cambogia is a popular weight loss supplement. It is derived from a fruit of the same name, also called Garcinia gummi-gutta or Malabar tamarind. The peel of the fruit contains high amounts of hydroxycitric acid (HCA), which is the active ingredient believed to be responsible for most of its weight loss benefits (1). This article reveals …