Ethnobotany
Ethnobotanicals are the range of plant (or plant derived) botanical compounds that have some form of altering effect on the human body. Ethnobotanicals have a deep rooted history across all human cultures and have been played an important role for thousands of years providing nutrition and treating a wide variety of medical aliments.
The quote, “Let food be thy medicine, and let medicine be thy food.” exemplifies an ethnobotanical philosophy of maintaining nutrition and healing through natural plant based based resources and by products.
Apr 29th, 2025 - Best known as a bright yellow spice, turmeric is also found in dietary supplements. Some studies suggest it may offer small benefits for people living with high blood pressure ( hypertension ). The main active compound in turmeric is curcumin, which gives it both its golden color and many of its beneficial properties, including its potential blood pressure–lowering effects. But because curcumin can interact with certain drugs, it's important to talk to a healthcare provider before adding ... [Read More]
Source: verywellhealth.com
Apr 28th, 2025 - Seeds have played a pretty big role in the history of human nutrition. Seeds have been a life-sustaining food since ancient hunter-gatherer times, offering varying degrees of fat, protein, vitamins, minerals, and fiber, depending on the plant species. One of these enduring food powerhouses is Brazil nuts —which, despite the name, are actually edible seeds from the Amazon Basin native Bertholletia excelsa tree. A little background on Brazil nuts These seeds (or castañas in Spanish) ... [Read More]
Source: mindbodygreen.com
Apr 28th, 2025 - Tart cherry juice, the star of the viral " Sleepy Girl Mocktail ," has been linked to better sleep, cognitive health, and muscle recovery. Drinking this beverage may also help reduce gut inflammation, a new study shows. People with ulcerative colitis , a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) , reported improved symptoms after drinking 60 milliliters of tart cherry juice daily for six weeks. What Researchers Found The new study, published in the journal Life, suggests that people with ... [Read More]
Source: verywellhealth.com
Apr 27th, 2025 - A little bit of spice can go a long way—whether that's to add color, heighten the taste, or enrich the aroma of food. And good news for spice lovers: Research has shown how some of the most commonly consumed herbs and spices 1 can improve our metabolic health . And results are particularly applicable because the studies included used culinary doses of these ingredients—aka the teaspoon here and tablespoon there that home cooks tend to use in the kitchen. The next time you ... [Read More]
Source: mindbodygreen.com
Apr 27th, 2025 - Most people know you can live a healthy life with just one kidney, but not everyone realizes how important your kidneys really are. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one in seven adults in the United States has chronic kidney disease. Your kidneys work around the clock to filter out waste and excess fluid, helping to prevent serious health problems like heart disease, infections, anemia, depression and even loss of appetite. Your diet and gut health play ... [Read More]
Source: cnet.com
Apr 27th, 2025 - Is there anything better than sipping a morning cappuccino? If your answer to that question is a resounding "No!" you'll be interested to hear that this preliminary study 1 on isolated cells suggests the specific combination of coffee and milk may have inflammation-fighting properties. Polyphenols, proteins, and the immune system Researchers at the University of Copenhagen investigated a phenomenon by which polyphenols —compounds commonly found in plant foods (including coffee ) that are ... [Read More]
Source: mindbodygreen.com
Apr 26th, 2025 - Throat pain that worsens when yawning is a common symptom of many different health conditions and infections. It is often associated with an infection or exposure to environmental irritants. Treatment aims to address the underlying cause and provide supportive therapy to alleviate symptoms. 1. Strep Throat Strep throat is a bacterial infection that causes an extremely painful, sore throat. Swallowing, yawning, or coughing can worsen the pain. Other symptoms caused by strep throat include: ... [Read More]
Source: verywellhealth.com
Apr 26th, 2025 - There's a reason spices and herbs have been prized in herbal medicine for thousands of years: These key players contain powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that help with myriad health concerns—from immunity to skin health to cognition. Let's pause on that last point, shall we? This study from the journal Molecules 1 found that consuming a special trio of spices can help prevent a slew of chronic conditions as you age, including neurodegenerative diseases and ... [Read More]
Source: mindbodygreen.com
Apr 25th, 2025 - Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is fermented apple juice. Crushed apples are fermented with bacteria and yeast until the juice becomes alcohol, then vinegar. ACV contains vinegar, B vitamins, and vitamin C. It is commonly used in cooking and salad dressing to bring acidity and brightness to dishes. Traditional medicine uses ACV to address a plethora of health conditions. Despite limited evidence supporting its use for health, apple cider vinegar has become a popular supplement for ... [Read More]
Source: verywellhealth.com
Apr 25th, 2025 - Key Takeaways Aloe vera juice is made from the gel or flesh of the aloe vera plant. Aloe gel can be applied to the skin and has been proven to treat sunburns, eczema, and psoriasis. The juice from aloe vera is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It also has anti-inflammatory effects and may aid digestion. However, more research is needed to determine its safety and efficacy. 1. Provides Antioxidants Antioxidants are plant compounds with anti-inflammatory effects. Aloe vera ... [Read More]
Source: verywellhealth.com
Apr 23rd, 2025 - Not just for Grandma, the humble beet is a seriously versatile and exciting ingredient in any healthy cook's kitchen. Vibrant and sweet, beets offer a satisfying crunch when raw and become sweet when cooked. Steamed, boiled, or baked are common ways to cook them. Tossed into a salad, roasted in a hearty breakfast hash, or blended into dips, these bright beauties add visual appeal to any dish. Below are a few of our favorite red and golden beet recipes to get you started. Are beets and beetroot ... [Read More]
Source: forksoverknives.com
Apr 22nd, 2025 - Fad diets pretty much always end in disappointment. Whether you get tired of restrictive eating patterns or fail to feel better, it's generally not worth following trends when it comes to what you put on your plate. Instead, try to go back to basics with whole and natural foods. According to functional registered dietitian Michelle Shapiro, R.D. , some items that are so healing that you may just want to make them a staple in your diet. To come, the top five healing foods she recently ... [Read More]
Source: mindbodygreen.com