Phytochemistry | The Practical Herbalist

Triterpenoid Saponins in Gotu Kola – How it Works

Posted by Candace Hunter | Chemistry, Herb of the Month |

What do wound healing, neuropathy, improved circulation, and long-life have in common? They’re all...

Pickling vs Fermenting: Feed Your Microbiome Right & Stay Healthy

Posted by Candace Hunter | Chemistry, Herbal Nerd Society |

Pickles are foods, like cucumbers or red onions, that have been submerged in an acid solution, usually vinegar in Western tradition but in Ayurveda lemon and citrus are often as not key acidifiers. Pickling veggies helps begin the breaking-down of their chemical structures and encourages enzymatic activity.

Apple Cider Vinegar – How It Works

Posted by Sue Sierralupe | Chemistry, Herbal Nerd Society, Learn |

Herbalists often rely on the acetic acid in vinegar to improve their formulas by making the compounds more digestible.

Cineole in Herbs: How it Works

Posted by Candace Hunter | Chemistry, Herbal Nerd Society |

Most of the plants that produce higher levels of Cineole are connected with respiratory health and reducing inflammation. Rosemary and Eucalyptus, for instance…

Witch Hazel as an Astringent

Posted by Sue Sierralupe | Chemistry, Herbal Nerd Society, Learn, Medicine Making |

Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) sits on pharmacy shelves along with with other OTC (over the...

Holy Basil (Tulsi) as an Adaptogen

Posted by Sue Sierralupe | Chemistry, Herbal Nerd Society, Learn |

The term adaptogen is a holistic term that refers to an herb that helps the body recover from stress by supporting metabolic functions. Tulsi/holy basil has this covered.

Antimicrobial Properties of Mullein and Other Verbascum Species

Posted by Sue Sierralupe | Chemistry, Herbal Nerd Society, Learn |

Verbascum species like mullein have a multitude of chemical compounds that work together to defeat invading microbes like bacteria and yeasts.

Mucilage in Mullein for Dry Coughs – How It Works

Posted by Sue Sierralupe | Chemistry, Herbal Nerd Society, Learn |

Mucilage is slime. The mucilage in mullein works in a variety of ways. It coats and soothes dry, chronic coughs.

Rosmarinic Acid in Sage for Sore Throats – How It Works

Posted by Sue Sierralupe | Chemistry, Herbal Nerd Society, Learn |

The rosmarinic acid in sage serves as an antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent.

Anti-Microbial Properties of Galangin in Balm of Gilead

Posted by Sue Sierralupe | Chemistry, First Aid, Herbal Nerd Society, Learn |

Galangin has proven its worth as a stout defense as a broad spectrum antibiotic.

Balm of Gilead as an Antibiotic

Posted by Sue Sierralupe | Chemistry, Herbal Nerd Society, Learn |

Skin infections are very responsive to the antimicrobial compounds in poplar buds. Balm of Gilead’s success lies in its clustered attack on the bacteria group.

Spilanthol in Spilanthes – How It Works

Posted by Sue Sierralupe | Chemistry, Herbal Nerd Society, Learn |

Spilanthes has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and analgesic properties thanks, in part, to the compound spilanthol.

Spilanthes (Toothache Plant) for Pain Control

Posted by Sue Sierralupe | Chemistry, First Aid, Herbal Nerd Society, Learn |

Topical application tincture of Spilanthes acmella (Toothache Plant) is the fastest acting dental application for inflamed gums. It’s pain numbing (analgesic) properties can be used on other areas of the body as well.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Lowering LDL Cholesterol

Posted by Sue Sierralupe | Chemistry, First Aid, Herbal Nerd Society, Learn |

Herbal Nerd Society Exclusive Article – Herbalists know that apple cider vinegar deserves its place in the spotlight is its proven effect of reducing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.