Although known as the notorious source of Cocaine, the Coca plant has been greatly misunderstood. The truth is that Cocaine is one constituent of Coca, and by no means fully represents the Coca plant itself. Particularly for the pre-Colombian Andean cultures, where the plant is native, Coca has been a...
Ranked as one of the five most important healing plants, research has confirmed bitter melon’s power to lower blood sugar in diabetic patients and to fight cancer. Botanically, it belongs to the same family as squash, watermelon, cantaloupes and cucumber: Cucurbitaceae, and its genus is Momordica. Interestingly enough, the Latin name 'Momordica'...
Aloe vera, an excellent source for healing skin inflammation, sores and burns, is widely known as one of the main ingredients in many skin care products today. Moreover, the plant’s over 200 active compounds, such as mannans, polysaccharides, lectins, and anthraquinones, make it an extremely beneficial plant for our health....
Cedarwood falls in the genus of coniferous trees known as Cedrus. Cedrus derives from the Arabic word kedron meaning 'power'. These majestic trees can grow to about 100 feet and live up to a 1,000 years old. Our ancient ancestors were quick to recognise the valuable properties of cedarwood. Extremely durable and...
Although most of you may recognise basil as the prominent ingredient in pesto sauce, its uses extend well beyond the kitchen, and for good reason. Here are 7 quintessential facts about basil that you might not have known… Even though basil is indigenous to Asia, this medicinal and aromatic plant’s...