Passionflower, also known as Passiflora incarnata, maypop, apricot vine, water lemon or wild passion vine is a fast-growing perennial, which gardeners love growing. Its large flowers have 5 long stamens and 5 white petals, magenta to blue. According to tradition, it is called passion vine because its floral parts represent the elements of the Crucifixion (3 styles for the 3 nails, 5 stamens…
Salvia Divinorum is a Mexican herb that has been used in shamanic practices among Mazatec Indians of Oaxaca, Mexico, and possibly by other peoples before them, for centuries. But you may well know it as the drug that teen-popstar Miley Cyrus recently smoked and it left her a little giggly? Despite Miley's attempts, the herb has a lot of potential as a medical…
All around the world people are searching for solutions to a wide range of ailments from the common cold and flu, to the inability to sleep, infections and more. While it seems there is a prevalence to pick up that paracetamol, cold and flu tablets, antibiotics or other drugs, some are choosing to resort to alternative solutions like natural remedies. What is herbalism?…
Naturopathy is becoming an increasingly popular form of alternative therapy. Many people are now turning to natural remedies for a wide range of ailments and conditions. However, some people still have preconceived ideas on herbalism and naturopathy. Fear of the unknown has shaped public perception and this has been further perpetuated by the mainstream media. Naturopathy is unscientific. The main criticism against natural…
When you take a stroll in your backyard you most likely reprimand yourself for not weeding this week, but did you consider that those pesky common weeds might have some beneficial properties and make your gardening life less of an uphill struggle? Stop weeding immediately, and start seeing these ferocious common weeds for what they really are, powerful healing herbs. There are three…
When you get very ill, maybe with the flu or an infection, you may get to the point where you feel you have run out of options and have to head to your local doctor for an expected prescription of a week-long course of antibiotics. Well, these days you may find your doctor refuses to give them to you. Medically, we are now…
Diabetes is a disease that causes a malfunction in the production of insulin from the pancreas, which is a very important hormone for balancing blood sugar in your body. What if I told you that harmine, an ingredient found in Ayahuasca, could help treat this condition? Recent studies show some pretty interesting results. It is a well-known fact that diabetes affects millions of…
It’s that time of the year where you will find yourself fighting bug bites and naturally, you will be on the hunt for solutions. Why not make your own insect repellent using natural ingredients such as yarrow? The most conventional sprays that many of us go for has a chemical known as DEET - which has been found to have adverse health effects…