Phytochemistry

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

The key, as far as modern science is concerned, may lay within a chemical structure known as Withanolides. Ashwagandha roots...

Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) is an herb commonly used for its anxiolytic (anxiety/panic reducing) effects.

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

Ginger is an amazing healer. It is used around the world to treat indigestion, motion sickness and arthritis pain. One...

Herbal Nerd Society Exclusive Article Spearmint leaf (Mentha spicata) is an underutilized herb in the natural medicine field. It is...

Lobelia inflata has many uses. It has been used to address respiratory disorders, peripheral vascular disorders and insomnia along with...

Crush a fresh blossom of Saint John's wort. You will see a ruddy, almost bruise colored liquid stain your fingers....

Herbalists rely on the leonurine in motherwort to help people with rapid heart beat, nerve pain, anxiety and depression.

Yarrow is full of delightful smelling volatile oils including the beautiful blue azulene. This is a treasure that has been...

Oregon grape (Mahonia aquafolium) is famous as a powerful antimicrobial herb. It is often featured in the same list with...

Inulin is a starchy, soluble dietary fiber found in many fruits and vegetables. It is a chain of carbohydrates (called...

Nettle is commonly harvested for its leaves in the spring but advanced herbalists know it as a harvestable herb well...

Bugs aren't the only creatures that notice linalool. This monterpene is a broad spectrum antimicrobial. Both Gram positive and Gram...

Geranial is one of the primary chemical components of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis). It is one of the many volatile...

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

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

Calendula is full of healing flavonoids. Although this term is thrown around a lot in scientific circles, it is an...

What do wound healing, neuropathy, improved circulation, and long-life have in common? They’re all potential effects of Gotu Kola’s Triterpenoid...

The term adaptogen is a holistic term that refers to an herb that helps the body recover from stress by...

Hawthorn (Crataegus species) has a bounty of active constituents to help heal the circulatory system. Among the list of antioxidants...

Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) sits on pharmacy shelves along with with other OTC (over the counter) topical liquids. It is...

Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata) is a nervine, anti-inflammation agent, analgesic and a sedative. It largely has iridoid glycosides to thank...

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