Spearmint (Mentha spicata) is much more than a flavoring agent in mouthwashes or lip balms. The herb increases peristalsis in the digestive tract, making food leave your stomach more quickly. At the same time, it ensures that the peristalsis well controlled so that it doesn’t cause spasms. Spearmint can also help control inflammation, a sideContinue reading “Spearmint”
Category Archives: Herbs
Shatavari
Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) owes most of its benefits to a group of compounds called steroidal saponins and flavonoids. It’s most well known for helping balance hormone levels in women, possibly by protecting the ovaries against free radicals. That apart, it protects the stomach lining from corrosive stomach acids and helps increase absorption of nutrients inContinue reading “Shatavari”
Senna
Senna (Senna alexandrina) is a stronger laxative than psyllium. This stimulant laxative is a mix of the dried fruits and leaves of the plant, which contain sennosides and anthraquinones, both known to increase bowel movement. The sennosides break down into rhein anthrones in the large intestine, which then irritate the nerve endings there and stimulateContinue reading “Senna”
Psyllium
Psyllium, the husk of the seed of the Plantago ovata plant is a rich source of fiber. It’s rich in carbs like xylose, arabinose, uronic acids, glucose, etc. Psyllium is known for its benefits for the digestive system, especially as a gentle laxative. The unfermentable and semi-fermentable fibers in psyllium attract water in the largeContinue reading “Psyllium”
Peppermint
Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is a rich reserve of health-bestowing volatile oils, which contain, among other things, menthol and menthone. Peppermint helps relax the stomach and intestinal muscles preventing gas and bloating. It also helps the liver release more bile acids to break down fat better. Peppermint is a rejuvenating herb. It could help keep offContinue reading “Peppermint”
Passionflower
Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) leaves and roots are good for sleep. The herb’s flavonoids, particularly chrysin, a compound called maltol, and the amino acid GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid) are likely at work here. GABA, also found in your brain, is a calming chemical that makes it easier for you to relax by not reacting to external stimuli.Continue reading “Passionflower”
Nutmeg
The warm, rich, and spicy flavor of nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) can boost your appetite. But that’s not all. It also helps boost your mood by interacting with two nerve networks, the serotonergic and the dopaminergic system, and your memory by inhibiting the breakdown of acetylcholine. It reduces the bad LDL cholesterol and fights the reactiveContinue reading “Nutmeg”
Maté (Yerba Maté)
Yerba maté (Ilex paraguariensis) is the herb that’s used to make the popular and energizing maté tea. It reduces the expression of genes that help in the formation of fat cells. It also decreases two appetite-boosting proteins called SOCS3 and neuropeptide Y, helping you in portion control. It helps reduce LDL cholesterol, keeping the heartContinue reading “Maté (Yerba Maté)”
Licorice
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is not just a healthy sweetener for your candies. Licorice flavonoids fight reactive molecules called free radicals from damaging nerve cells and inhibit inflammation. Besides deactivating cortisol, the stress hormone, licorice also increases the levels of happiness hormones like dopamine, serotonin, and epinephrine. Licorice is also good for your digestion. It helpsContinue reading “Licorice”
Lemongrass
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), a type of grass with a strong aroma of lemon, is used in many cuisines. It has a calming effect on your brain since it has compounds that mimic GABA, a natural nerve-relaxing chemical. This is how lemongrass could also help you sleep better. It also helps your liver by increasing theContinue reading “Lemongrass”