What is Ginger? Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a flowering plant whose rhizome (underground stem) has been used for thousands of years both as a culinary spice and medicinal herb. Native to Southeast Asia, it's now cultivated worldwide and is one of the most widely consumed dietary condiments globally.
What is Garlic? Garlic (Allium sativum) is a pungent bulbous plant in the onion family that has been used for both culinary and medicinal purposes for over 5,000 years. The therapeutic properties come primarily from sulfur-containing compounds, particularly allicin, which is formed when garlic is crushed or chopped. Active
What is Forskolin? Forskolin is a bioactive diterpene compound extracted from the roots of Coleus forskohlii (also known as Indian Coleus or Plectranthus barbatus), a tropical plant in the mint family. Native to India, Nepal, Thailand, and parts of East Africa, this plant has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine
What is Fo-Ti? Fo-Ti, scientifically known as Polygonum multiflorum or Fallopia multiflora, is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb derived from a climbing vine native to China, Japan, and Taiwan. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it's called "He Shou Wu," which translates to "black haired Mr.
What is Barium? Barium is a soft, silvery-white alkaline earth metal (chemical symbol: Ba, atomic number 56) that is not an essential nutrient for human health. It naturally occurs in the environment in rocks, soil, and water, and can contaminate food, drinking water, and dietary supplements. Critical Point: Unlike vitamins
What is Flaxseed? Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum), also known as linseed, is a nutrient-dense seed that comes in two primary varieties: Golden Flaxseed: Lighter in color, slightly milder taste, nutritionally similar to brown flaxseed. Brown Flaxseed: Darker color, slightly earthier flavor, most commonly available variety. Forms Available: * Whole seeds: Least bioavailable
What is Feverfew? Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is a medicinal herb in the daisy family (Asteraceae) that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. Native to the Balkan Peninsula, it now grows throughout Europe, North America, and Australia. Active Compounds: * Parthenolide: The primary active compound (0.2-0.5% in leaves)
What is Fenugreek? Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is an herb native to the Mediterranean, Southern Europe, and Western Asia. It's been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine, particularly in Ayurvedic and Chinese practices. Active Components: * Seeds: Most commonly used part, containing fiber, saponins, and alkaloids * Key Compounds:
What is Eyebright? Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) is a small semi-parasitic flowering plant in the Orobanchaceae family, native to Europe and also found in Asia and North America. The name "Euphrasia" comes from the Greek word meaning "gladness" or "joy", referring to the hope of
What is Evening Primrose Oil? Evening Primrose Oil (EPO) is extracted from the seeds of the evening primrose plant (Oenothera biennis), a wildflower native to North America. The plant gets its name because its yellow flowers open in the evening. Active Components: * Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA): 8-10% of total oil -
What is Eucalyptus? Eucalyptus is a genus of over 700 species of flowering trees and shrubs native to Australia. The leaves and oil extracted from various eucalyptus species have been used medicinally for centuries. Primary Forms: * Eucalyptus Essential Oil: Concentrated oil extracted from leaves (primarily Eucalyptus globulus) * Eucalyptus Leaf: Dried
What is Elderberry? Elderberry refers to the fruit of the elder tree, primarily Sambucus nigra (European black elder) and Sambucus canadensis (American elder). It has been used medicinally for thousands of years, dating back to ancient Egypt and Hippocrates. Active Forms: * Whole berries: Fresh or dried fruit * Elderberry extract: Concentrated
