Aloe vera is a popular plant with many uses. A common ingredient in modern cosmetic products, aloe vera is well-known for its many skin benefits. But this versatile plant, whose leaves and gel also have culinary uses, has been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times. While the Ancient Greeks considered it a universal panacea, the Ancient Egyptians … Continue reading Add antiviral to the list of benefits aloe vera can provide
Follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly to stay healthy during coronavirus lockdowns
The extended Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdowns have changed the routines of regular Americans. Many now sleep in and wake up in the afternoon instead of waking up early and preparing to go to work, thanks to the remote work setups and lockdowns meant to slow the spread of the disease. This change in routine, however, negatively affects … Continue reading Follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly to stay healthy during coronavirus lockdowns
Common herbal plants like holy basil leaf and sesame seed have therapeutic effects against inflammation
Inflammation has been linked by many studies to the development of chronic diseases. Under normal circumstances, inflammation facilitates the elimination of pathogens and promotes tissue repair and recovery. But depending on the severity of this immune response and whether it is local or systemic, inflammation can trigger metabolic and neuroendocrine changes. These changes enable the body … Continue reading Common herbal plants like holy basil leaf and sesame seed have therapeutic effects against inflammation
Sufficient vitamin D levels can prevent severe COVID-19 outcomes, including death
Vitamin D is both a fat-soluble vitamin and a hormone critical for boosting immune health, suppressing inflammation and absorbing essential nutrients, among other important functions. Now, with COVID-19 still threatening the nation, health experts are scrambling to find out if vitamin D could also aid in the prevention and treatment of the disease. In a recent study, … Continue reading Sufficient vitamin D levels can prevent severe COVID-19 outcomes, including death
Looking to boost your physical performance? This supplement can do more than just alleviate fatigue
According to Japanese researchers, taking a supplement that contains antioxidants, healthy fats and amino acids could help improve athletic performance and reduce fatigue. In a study published in the Japanese Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, researchers described how a combination of these nutrients led to significant improvements in female athletes. Besides reducing fatigue in the legs, they also observed … Continue reading Looking to boost your physical performance? This supplement can do more than just alleviate fatigue
Hottentot fig, a medicinal plant from South Africa, can treat common ailments without causing blood toxicity
Hottentot fig, scientifically known as Carpobrotus edulis, is an edible ground cover plant native to South Africa. Cultivated as an ornamental and a soil-stabilizing plant, Hottentot fig is also harvested from the wild for its edible fruit and medicinal uses. In fact, this flowering plant is one of the most common plants used in traditional medicine … Continue reading Hottentot fig, a medicinal plant from South Africa, can treat common ailments without causing blood toxicity
Triphala, an ancient remedy for oral and digestive health
Triphala is an herbal preparation that has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine. It’s a powerful remedy used to treat various oral and digestive ailments, such as gingivitis and constipation. Its therapeutic effects stem from its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. The word “triphala” literally means “three fruits” as the concoction consists of three medicinal fruit plants that are native to India: … Continue reading Triphala, an ancient remedy for oral and digestive health
Capsaicin from chili peppers reduces liver and abdominal fat and protects against oxidative damage
Capsaicin is an active compound found in different types of hot peppers. It is responsible for their spiciness, as well as for the health benefits associated with them. One of the most notable things capsaicin is known for is its ability to relieve pain. Several studies have shown that capsaicin can decrease the intensity of pain … Continue reading Capsaicin from chili peppers reduces liver and abdominal fat and protects against oxidative damage
Components of aloe vera extracts show antiviral activity against influenza A
Researchers at the Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine investigated the antiviral activities of the bioactive components of Aloe vera. They reported their findings in an article published in The American Journal of Chinese Medicine. Previous studies have found that the ethanolic extract of Aloe vera (AVE) has significant anti-influenza activity, but the mechanisms underlying this activity and the constituents responsible for … Continue reading Components of aloe vera extracts show antiviral activity against influenza A
Lower Type 2 diabetes risk by following a plant-based diet and eating less meat
A review published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine found that plant-based diets can help lower a person’s risk of Type 2 diabetes by as much as 23 percent. This result was associated not only with vegetarian and vegan diets, but also with more lenient eating patterns that allow the consumption of small amounts of animal-based foods. According to the Centers for Disease Control … Continue reading Lower Type 2 diabetes risk by following a plant-based diet and eating less meat
Dr. Eddy Bettermann MD 