Ginseng refers to a group of plants in the ivy family and the Panax genus, the latter of which gets its name from the Greek word for “all-heal” that also forms the root of the word panacea. The herb is aptly named since it has been used for thousands of years to treat a variety of conditions, from fatigue and insulin resistance to neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. More recently, scientists have found that Asian species, such as Korean Red (P. ginseng), may improve symptoms experienced with inflammatory lung conditions. Panax ginseng is one of the most popular non-pharmaceutical therapies for lung diseases, particularly chronic obstructive pulmonary diseas
Lutein is a carotenoid, one of a group of more than 600 naturally-occurring pigments that lend many fruits and vegetables their color. Specifically, it a is a xanthophyll, one of the yellow-to-orange carotenoid pigments found in carrots, corn and squash. In contrast to some other carotenoids. Named after "luteus," the Latin word for yellow, lutein is manufactured exclusively by plants. In addition to yellow fruits and vegetables, lutein is also found in green, leafy vegetables like kale and spinach. Its function is to allow plants to absorb light to facilitate photosynthesis, and to protect chlorophyll from phototoxicity. In animals, lutein is absorbed from the consumption of plants. In fact
Scientists at the Salk Institute have found that cannabinoids in marijuana, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), remove plaque-causing deposits of amyloid beta proteins in nerve cells in the aging brain. While the exact mechanism that triggers Alzheimer’s Disease is not well understood, it is highly suspected that excessive levels of amyloid beta proteins lead to cellular inflammation in the brain and the death of neurons. Previously, it was thought that inflammation in the brain was initiated by immune cells in the brain and not nerve cells. The researchers learned that introducing THC to brain cells decreased levels of amyloid beta protein, an event that permitted nerve cells to esc
According to new research published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry in May 2018, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), the primary active constituent found in green tea, may be able to reduce plaque formations in arteries that block blood flow to the heart and brain, reducing the risk of heart attack or stroke. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of green tea are well known, but more recent research is focused on the ability of EGCG to counter amyloid plaques in the brain that contribute to Alzheimer’s Disease. Similarly, in people with advanced atherosclerosis that affects heart health, plaque formations are attributed to deposits of a protein called apolipoprotein A-1 (apo
According to the National Headache Foundation, more than 37 million Americans experience migraines. Over-the-counter treatments typically consist of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen. While effective at relieving pain, long-term use of NSAIDs can lead to ulcers, bleeding in the stomach and may even contribute to the development of heart disease. Fortunately, there are several natural treatments to try that have been shown to be effective but with few unpleasant side effects. However, have a talk with your physician before using any herbal therapy if you currently take pharmaceutical medicines because interactions are possible. Essential Oils Peppermint Peppermint (
