Culinary herbs and spices are not just for flavoring our food but they also providing a veritable feast of health-giving phytonutrients, making them superfoods in their own right.
Top 12 Metabolic Foods and Herbs for Detox and Slim
See 12 Ultimate Metabolism boosting foods with scientific evidence for each.
Natural Medicine: What’s Natural and What Isn’t
Article References Article Get ready to explore the possibility that Nauropathy and Herbal Medicine may have quite differing views on what ‘Natural’ means in practice. References (1) ADVERSE EFFECTS OF NUTRACEUTICALS AND DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS. PubMed https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6380172/ (2) Toxicity Potential of Nutraceuticals. Pubmed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29934903/ (3) The Truth About Vitamins in Nutritional Supplements. https://doctorsresearch.com/fr-products/881/the-truth-about-vitamins-in-nutritional-supplements/ (4) [Bioavailability of natural versus synthetic B vitamins and their effects on metabolic processes]. PUBMED https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32189314/ (5) Spirulina Supplements as a Source of Mineral Nutrients in the Daily Diet. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/13/2/1011 Not All ‘Natural Medicine’ Is Truly Natural I see it all the time in my practice as a medical herbalist. People come in with a bag of supplements, often up to 20 different bottles, and I know right away that’s part of the problem. I guess it’s better than 20 prescription drugs, but this cocktail can still be a major problem. Mixing multiple synthetic supplements can be no different as the interactions can be toxic. At least with herbs you have thousands of years of historical use and known beneficial synergistic effects. In-fact this synergy is part of the study of traditional herbal medicine. In the quest for health and wellness, the distinction between what’s considered “natural” and what isn’t can sometimes blur, especially when comparing the practices of naturopathy and medical herbalism. Despite their shared commitment to harnessing the healing power of nature, there are nuanced differences in how each approaches the concept of natural medicine, particularly regarding the use of synthetic chemicals, compounds, and lab-made ingredients. The Practice Of ‘Synthetic’ Naturopathy Naturopathy prides itself on a holistic approach, treating the whole person rather than isolated symptoms. Its broad scope encompasses various natural therapies: Wide-Ranging Therapies: Including nutrition, homeopathy, herbalism and physical therapies, i.e. naturopathy integrates multiple healing modalities. Holistic and Preventative: Focusing on identifying root causes and preventive health. Self-Regulated Practice: With qualifying, registration, and continued professional development requirements varying by location, Naturopaths should operate to high standards of practice. The word ‘Naturopathic’ implies the treatments should be natural, but this is not always the case. Naturopaths might incorporate manufactured supplements, possibly containing synthetic nutrients, to address deficiencies or support bodily functions This integrative approach sometimes includes pharmaceutical-grade supplements to attempt higher efficacy, but the flipside is these supplements may be artificial with potential toxicity and side effects, similar to some pharmaceutical drugs. If you are seeing a Naturopath, you might like to ask them this question: “Are all the supplements you are giving me 100% natural or are they ‘made in a chemical factory’ synthetic?” The Purity of Medical Herbalism Medical herbalism, with its deep roots in the tradition and science of plant medicine, offers a purer interpretation of natural healing. Although similar to Naturopathy in many ways including, the holistic approach to diet and lifestyle, and the employment of other healing therapies, herbal medicine is much, much older and steeped in traditions around the world. What sets the practice of herbal medicine apart includes: Plant-Based Specialization: Emphasizing the therapeutic use of whole plants and herbal preparations, including roots, bark, leaves, berries, and flowers of over 350,000 plants worldwide. Evidence and Tradition: Guided by a combination of historical knowledge and modern research. Over 5,000 research papers are published annually validating the traditional claims made by herbalists throughout the millennia. Personalized Remedies: Crafting remedies tailored to individual needs, focusing exclusively on natural plant constituents. Medical herbalists mix and match herbs and prescribe them as formulations and tea blends specific to each case. Self-Regulated Practice: With qualifying, registration, and continued professional development requirements varying by location, Naturopaths should operate to high standards of practice. Herbalists’ dedication to whole plant medicine naturally limits the inclusion of synthetic ingredients, favoring remedies that harness the full spectrum of phytochemicals found in nature. Read More About How Herbal Medicine Works Here However, some Naturopaths also claim to be Herbalists, so in this instance, you can always ask them once again. “Are all the remedies you are giving me 100% natural or are they ‘made in a chemical factory’ synthetic?” Production of Synthetic Nutraceutical Ingredients The production of synthetic vitamins and nutraceuticals often involves source chemicals that are not naturally found in the human body, such as coal tar derivatives, petrochemicals, and other synthetic materials. These substances are used due to their cost-effectiveness and stability in manufacturing processes. For instance, synthetic forms of vitamins such as vitamin E (dl-alpha tocopherol) and vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) can be derived from these industrial sources. The synthetic form of Thiamine (Vitamin B1), for example, has been noted to come from coal tar derivatives, processed with harsh chemicals including ammonia and formaldehyde. Additionally, Vitamin B12’s synthetic form has been linked to activated sewage sludge. These manufacturing processes raise concerns about the health implications of consuming synthetic vitamins derived from such sources. Examples Of Common Synthetic Vitamins These are just a few of the ingredients used in common nutritional supplements, highlighting the hidden synthetic nature of these so-called ‘natural’ products. Synergy and Bioavailability Further, the structural and functional differences between synthetic and naturally sourced vitamins suggest that the body may recognize and utilize them differently. Scientific evidence suggests that natural vitamins, which come from food sources and include additional food factors, might be superior in terms of bioavailability and efficacy compared to their synthetic counterparts. This is due to natural vitamins being in forms that the body recognizes and can utilize more effectively, as well as containing beneficial co-factors that synthetic vitamins lack. It’s important for consumers to be aware of these distinctions when choosing vitamin supplements, as labels might not always make the source of the vitamin clear. Looking for terms like “100 percent natural” or specific food sources listed for vitamins can help identify products that do not contain synthetic ingredients. However, the presence of words like “dl” in the chemical name (indicating a synthetic form) or vitamins listed without a food source may suggest synthetic origins. (3) Synthetic Ingredients: The Toxicity/Side Effect Risk The key divergence between naturopathy and medical herbalism lies in
Using a Detox Program to Identify Toxins Affecting Your Health
Unlock the secret to identifying and eliminating toxins that may be impacting your health with our comprehensive guide on detox programs. Learn about the steps involved, from using a toxin level calculator and implementing an elimination diet to making environmental changes and engaging in a herbal detox program. Discover how to rejuvenate your health and pinpoint the toxins affecting your well-being today
What is Herbal Medicine and How Does it Work?
Article References Article A Brief History of Herbal Medicine References (1) Early drug discovery and the rise of pharmaceutical chemistry. PUBMED https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21698778 (2) Role of Zucchini and Its Distinctive Components in the Modulation of Degenerative Processes: Genotoxicity, Anti-Genotoxicity, Cytotoxicity and Apoptotic Effects. PUBMED https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5537869/ (3) Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd edition. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92773/ (4) Traditional Knowledge of Western Herbal Medicine and Complex Systems Science. PUBED. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3777424/ (5) Spirituality key to Chinese medicine success: Study explores why Chinese medicine has stood the test of time. Science Daily, https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/09/120925102517.htm (6) Traditional Knowledge-based Medicine: A Review of History, Principles, and Relevance in the Present Context of P4 Systems Medicine. Progress in Preventive Medicine: https://journals.lww.com/progprevmed/fulltext/2017/12000/traditional_knowledge_based_medicine__a_review_of.1.aspx (7) Ayurveda: A Brief Introduction And Guide. https://www.ayurveda.com/ayurveda-a-brief-introduction-and-guide/ (8) Study reveals Neanderthals at El Sidrón in Northern Spain had knowledge of plants’ healing qualities. University of York. https://www.york.ac.uk/news-and-events/features/el-sidron/ (9) WHO traditional medicine strategy: 2014-2023. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241506096 (10) Adapting Traditional Healing Values and Beliefs into Therapeutic Cultural Environments for Health and Well-Being. Pubmed. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8744804/ (11) Empedocles. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/empedocles/ (12) Early Greek medicine and Plato’s cosmology. Pubmed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15309800/ (13) Hippocrates as Galen’s teacher. Pubmed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21560567/ (14) A guiding tool in Unani Tibb for maintenance and preservation of health: a review study. Pubmed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22754067/ (15) Rongoā Māori. The Health Navigator. https://www.healthnavigator.org.nz/health-a-z/r/rongo%C4%81-m%C4%81ori/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXRpBoSjbnM In this article, we will investigate and explain how herbal medicine achieves the incredible feat of triggering healing in the body. We will look at the origins of traditional medicine systems and briefly outline how they operate. We also touch on how modern science is actively investigating and continually understanding more about how these incredible plants promote healing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8tsTdkMZ2E Herbal Medicine dates back many thousands of years and has been recorded in almost every culture on earth. Every system of Traditional Medicine has been built on the pretext that mankind is intrinsically and energetically connected to the environment, and that plants, as medicine can provide balance and connection with the healing energy or life force. Balance and harmony between body, mind and spirit is central to the practice and systems of traditional and herbal medicine. Traditional medicine is “the knowledge, skills and practices based on the theories, beliefs and experiences indigenous to different cultures, used in the maintenance of health and in the prevention, diagnosis, improvement or treatment of physical and mental illness”. Discovered in 1994, the skeletal remains of at least 13 individuals dating back around 47,300 to 50,600 years were discovered. The results, published in Naturwissenschaften – The Science of Nature, provide the first molecular evidence for medicinal plants being used by a Neanderthals. Dr Stephen Buckley, a Research Fellow at the University of York’s BioArCh research facility, said: “The evidence indicating this individual was eating bitter-tasting plants such as yarrow and camomile with little nutritional value is surprising. We know that Neanderthals would find these plants bitter, so it is likely these plants must have been selected for reasons other than taste.”(8) There are many different systems of traditional medicine, and the philosophy and practices of each are influenced by the prevailing conditions, environment, and geographic area within which it first evolved, however, a common philosophy is a holistic approach to life, equilibrium of the mind, body, spirit, and the environment, and an emphasis on health rather than on disease. Generally, the focus is on the overall condition of the individual, rather than on the particular ailment or disease from which the patient is suffering, and the use of therapeutic herbs is central to all systems of traditional medicine. Indigenous cultures embrace traditional medicine as a preferred form of healthcare in many parts of the world as it holds a more holistic approach to healing, including the interconnection of mind, body, and spirit in a specific context. For centuries, traditional medicine was the only approach to health and illness across different cultures. Traditional medical systems focus on the relationship between spirituality, healing, illness and landscape. (10) Such systems are deeply influenced by history, environment, places, attitudes, philosophy and traditional healing practices. Scholars have attempted to investigate and characterise traditional medical systems through different health models and theories healing approaches and alternative therapies and treatments. (10) In addition, many theories and traditional healing practices have been researched based on traditional Chinese philosophies, native American healing, Australian aboriginal practices, and Indigenous Māori of Aotearoa/New Zealand. Although a wide range of views and opinions from Indigenous peoples were reported across these studies, some commonalities were identified. (10) Many studies have identified a set of health practices and approaches embedded in the knowledge and beliefs of a cultural group, incorporating plant, animal and/or mineral-based medicines, spiritual techniques, healing techniques and exercises, often transmitted orally from generation to generation with the intent to solve health problems and maintain well-being. However, in contrast, Western-based medicine places little emphasis is placed on cultural values and beliefs associated with healing and relegates the importance of place and landscape. ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wsMwFRMfe1I&t=20s For much of the world, traditional medicine, of which herbal medicine is a core part is the only system of health care available or affordable. Plants, herbs, and botanicals have been used since the early days of humankind and are still used throughout the world for health promotion and treatment of disease. Plants and natural sources still largely form the basis of today’s modern medicine and contribute largely to the commercial drug preparations manufactured today. Between 25% and 50% of drugs prescribed worldwide are derived from plants, and up to 80% of the worlds population rely on herbal medicine systems for their primary healthcare. In 2014 The World Health Organisation introduced the ‘traditional medicine strategy’ that aims to support countries in developing proactive policies and implementing action plans that will strengthen the role traditional medicine plays in keeping populations healthy. (9) Herbal Medicine is growing in popularity in modern times due to the fact that it is completely natural, largely safe and free from side effects. The other major bonus from using Herbal Medicine is that it gives your body the opportunity to
Yerba Maté (Ilex paraguariensis) Leaf – Health Benefits
Article References Article The Energy Herb References (1) Yerba Maté (Ilex paraguariensis) Metabolic, Satiety, and Mood State Effects at Rest and during Prolonged Exercise. Pubmed https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5579675/ (2) Effect of yerba mate and green tea on paraoxonase and leptin levels in patients affected by overweight or obesity and dyslipidemia: a randomized clinical trial. PUBMED https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6339368/ (3) Anti-obesity effects of Yerba Mate (Ilex Paraguariensis): a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4583719/ Yerba Maté (YM), the plant Ilex paraguariensis, is traditionally consumed in many South American regions, but its popularity is increasing in North America, Europe, and other regions worldwide. The dried leaves of the plant Ilex paraguariensis, is currently consumed by over 1 million people worldwide, traditionally in many South American countries including Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay. More recently, Yerba Mate tea has been consumed in North America and Europe. Yerba Mate beverages are reported to have biological activities, probably due to their high polyphenol content. Phenolic compounds have long been known to possess biological functions. In addition to polyphenols such as flavonoids (quercetin and rutin) and phenolic acids (chlorogenic and caffeic acids), Yerba Mate is also rich in caffeine and saponins. Yerba Mate extracts are especially rich in chlorogenic acids that might contribute to hypocholesterolemic and weight loss effects. (3) A trend towards increased satiety, reduced hunger, and improved mood state has also been found in human participants who ingested Yerba Maté. The reported effects include improved total mood disturbance score, increased focus, alertness and energy, and decreased fatigue in habitual caffeine consumers. Modifying behavioral factors of mood state and appetite control is considered essential for effective weight-loss lifestyle interventions. (1) YM also has powerful protective properties. The results of one study using the extract of yerba mate, which was prepared in the form usually ingested by the population, were superior to those obtained with all other beverages. In addition, yerba mate presented the greatest concentration of polyphenols, followed by red wine and green tea. (2) Leptin Leptin exerts its effect on the energy balance primarily by acting in the brain. Insulin and BMI are directly related to leptin, which acts directly or by activating specific centers in the hypothalamus to decrease food intake, increase energy expenditure, regulate glucose and fat metabolism, or to change neuroendocrine function. (2) After feeding mice Yerba Mate for 4 weeks, it was observed a decrease in total cholesterol, leptin levels and blood glucose ultimately led to reducing their body weight. (3)
Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) Herbal Monograph
The use of cinnamon can be dated back to almost 2800 BC where it was initially referred to as “Kwai” in the Chinese language
California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) Herbal Monograph
Because of these sedative, anxiolytic, and analgesic effects, this herb is currently sold in pharmacies in many countries.
St John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) Herbal Monograph
St John’s wort certainly deserves a place among the great nervous system tonics and could be used in place of anti-depressant drugs as a first option.
Ginkgo (Ginkgo Biloba) Herbal Monograph
With over 6,500 published studies on Pubmed evidence for traditional use has become overwhelming. Ancient Chinese herbalists were definitely on to something, long before modern medicine came about.