(vacdnium angustifolium) Blueberry is closely related to the European bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus). A few species of blueberries exist—including V. pallidum and V. corymbosum—and grow throughout the United States. Blueberry leaves are the primary part of the plant used medicinally. However, the berries are occasionally used. Traditionally, a tea made from blueberry leaves was considered helpful …

(Caulophyllum thalictroides) Forget synthetic pills and harsh chemicals – Blue Cohosh whispers of a different path to well-being. This ancient herb, cherished by Native Americans, offered its strength in various ways: Awakening stagnant menstrual cycles: A gentle nudge for those with delayed periods, Blue Cohosh aimed to restore natural rhythm. Bringing soothing calm to tense muscles: Cramps, …

(Cimicifuga racemosa) Black cohosh is a shrub-like plant native to the eastern deciduous forests of North America, ranging from southern Ontario to Georgia, north to Wisconsin and west to Arkansas. The dried root and rhizome are used medicinally. When harvested from the wild, the root is black in colour. Cohosh, an Algonquin Indian word meaning …

(vaccinium myrtillus) Memory Like a Sieve? Boost Your Brainpower with Bilberry’s Anti-Aging Power! A close relative of American blueberry, bilberry grows in northern Europe, Canada, and the United States. The ripe berries are primarily used in modern herbal extracts. The dried berries and leaves of bilberry have been recommended for a wide variety of conditions, …

(Laurus nobilis) Bay or sweet bay is a plant that has been used for thousands of years and held in high esteem by the ancient Greeks. The young stems and older leaves are used for medicinal purposes and in cooking. What it does This herb contains an oil which has antiseptic properties, anti-microbial action against …

(Ocimum basilicum) Basil or sweet basil originally comes from the middle east and mediterranean regions. It is grown throughout the world as a culinary herb. Three important relatives with similar properties are Ocimum canum (hairy basil), O. gratissimum (basil), and O. sanctum (holy basil). Basil has been a culinary herb in Europe and Central Asia …

Avena Sativa, or oats, are well known as the grain or seeds which are used to make porridge and breakfast cereals. They are known tobe good for the heart and circulation. In folk medicine, oats are used by herbalists to treat nervous exhaustion, insomnia, and “weakness of the nerves.” A tea made from oats was …

Vitamin C is the body’s most important antioxidant and is therefore critical to proper immune function; it can help protect against heart disease and may alleviate the pain of  rheumatoid arthritis. Being a water soluble vitamin it means that your body cannot store vitamin C and will excrete any excess that is not needed at …

Vitamin B12 is a water soluble nutrient and is measured in milligrams. Also known as Cobalamin, it’s one of the eight B vitamins (known collectively as B complex). Vitamin B12 has many functions in the body. Function How it helps Essential Coenzyme. B12 is needed for the metabolism of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. It is …

Water soluble nutrient also known as Vitamin B7, Coenzyme R, Factor W, Factor S, Factor H, Factor X and Vitamin H. It is part of the vitamin B complex and is involved in energy production, carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism, skin, hair and nail health. Function How it helps Essential coenzyme Needed for the conversion …