Phytochemistry

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

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

Deep within the tissues of the starchy bulb is an enzyme that turns into the well known compound, allicin, when...

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

Cinnamon is a favorite herb to stir into cocoa to revive numb fingers and toes after an afternoon of snowman...

Herbal Nerd Society Exclusive Article Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has a bounty of healing properties but also sold without it's...

Topical application tincture of Spilanthes acmella (Toothache Plant) is the fastest acting dental application for inflamed gums. It's pain numbing...

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

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

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

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

Many plants make tannins. For all practical purposes, a tannin is an astringent, polyphenolic molecule that binds to organic compounds...

Pickles are foods, like cucumbers or red onions, that have been submerged in an acid solution, usually vinegar in Western...

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

Pectin is normally thought of as an item used in the kitchen not in the medicine cabinet. Those little packets...

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

Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait) is one of the most cultivated fruits in the western upper regions of North America. Today...

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

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

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

Tea tree essential oil is a potent topical antiseptic which is known as a anti-fungal, antiviral and antibacterial aid. The...

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

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

Reishi has a wide variety of constituents but the over 150 different triterpenoids primarily found in the mushroom's fruiting body is...