Nutritional health is achieved through the therapeutic use of whole foods, safe culinary preparation, and understanding the metabolic impacts of specific dietary frameworks and ingredients.
Omega-6 fatty acids are essential for health, but because the body cannot produce them, they must be obtained through diet or supplements. Some omega-6 fatty acids promote inflammation, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), but gamma-linoleic acid does not.
Read more →
Of the several types of elder or elderberry tree, the one people typically use as an herbal health remedy is Sambucus nigra, commonly known as European elder or black elderberry.
Read more →
Tabebuia avellanedae, also called Pau d'arco and taheebo, is a plant native to South America and used traditionally as an herbal remedy for a wide variety of health disorders.
Read more →
Betel nut is a combination of three ingredients. People roll small pieces of the nut from Areca catechu, more commonly called betel palm, in a leaf from the Piper betel vine, then add powdered slaked lime or limestone paste, and chew it.
Read more →
The plant Borago officinalis is the source of star flower oil. While the blue star-shaped flowers can be eaten as a vegetable, oil pressed from the seeds is a nutritional supplement and herbal remedy.
Read more →
The berries of Phytolacca Americana, more commonly known as American nightshade or pokeweed, are toxic unless thoroughly cooked by boiling in several changes of water. Severe side effects can occur when people eat them raw, add them to juice or do not cook them properly.
Read more →
Eugenia aromatica, more commonly known as clove, is added in small amounts to foods for flavoring, gum and tobacco in cigarettes. Clove oil, technically called eugenol, has anti-inflammatory, pain relieving and antibacterial effects, as noted by the National Institutes of Health.
Read more →
Aloe vera is a succulent plant with long, thick, waxy leaves containing inner gel and outer gel, along with latex liquid from the inner leaf skin. People use aloe vera gel and juice for topical and oral health remedies.
Read more →
Frankincense oil comes from the resin of Boswellia serrata trees. Some aromatherapy oils, perfumes and certain types of incense contain this oil. Ayurvedic medicine, the traditional health care of India, also uses frankincense oil to treat several conditions.
Read more →
Fucus vesiculosus, a type of seaweed known as bladderwrack, has a role in alternative medicine for treating many health disorders. Fucus vesiculosus is available as a supplement in tablets, capsules and extract, and people also use this vegetable in salads, soups and stews.
Read more →
Derived from seeds of the plant Oenothera biennis, evening primrose oil is a traditional herbal memory for several health conditions.
Read more →
As a natural fruit-derived additive to foods and beverages, bergamot oil brings a distinctive citrus flavor to items such as Earl Grey tea.
Read more →
Fumaric acid is a common food additive included in many processed foods to keep them stable and to add tartness. The substance has a more sour flavor than citric acid, another common food additive. Fumaric acid occurs naturally in fumitory, bolete mushrooms, lichen and Iceland moss.
Read more →
Para-aminobenzoic acid, also known as 4-aminobenzoic acid and PABA, is a natural substance often included in sunscreen products and other skin care items. It also shows some potential as an oral supplement. Sometimes, people refer to PABA as "vitamin Bx," but it is not a true vitamin, according to the U.S.
Read more →
Vitamin B-12 is generally the only B vitamin available by injection outside of a medical setting. As an injection, it is available as the synthetic form called cyanocobalamin. Vitamin B-12 injections are beneficial for certain health conditions, and some people take them for an energy boost and a weight loss aid.
Read more →
Mastic is a sticky substance derived from the Pistacia lentiscus tree, also called Chios mastic. This tree grows naturally in North Africa and countries on the eastern side of the Mediterranean sea. As a supplement, mastic is available in capsules or can be chewed as a gum.
Read more →
Amino acids are building blocks of protein. L-tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid, meaning you don't need to obtain it from diet as long as you consume enough L-phenylalanine, which the body converts to tyrosine.
Read more →
Blackberry leaf has many traditional uses, and it is officially approved in Germany for treating certain health conditions. Blackberry leaves can be made into tea or used as a mouthwash and gargle solution, according to Flora Health.
Read more →
Sodium bicarbonate, commonly called baking soda, is an effective antacid. Antacids are good for relieving occasional heartburn and indigestion because they absorb and neutralize stomach acid.
Read more →
L-leucine is an essential amino acid, meaning you must obtain it through diet because your body can't produce it. You can acquire L-leucine by eating meat, dairy products, eggs, soy and other beans, or by taking it as a supplement.
Read more →