Phytochemistry

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

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

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

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

These pigments are not just responsible for granting elderberry their deep blue color. They make their mark in human health...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Skin infections are very responsive to the antimicrobial compounds in poplar buds. Balm of Gilead's success lies in its clustered...

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

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

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

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

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

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

Most of the plants that produce higher levels of Cineole are connected with respiratory health and reducing inflammation. Rosemary and...

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

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

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

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