Valerian root vs melatonin for sleep: What you need to know

valerian and melatonin improve sleep quality

Valerian root and melatonin are supplements widely used as sleep aids. Valerian root (Valeriana officinalis, sub-family: Valerianaceae; family: Caprifoliaceae) is a herbal supplement that has been used since ancient times as a mild sedative for managing sleep disorders, relievng anxiety and stress, and treating symptoms of nervous tension. Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) is a natural hormone produced … Read more

Herbs to smoke? Everything you need to know

People want herbs to smoke

People research herbs to smoke for various reasons.  Many smokers trying to stop quit tobacco or overcome nicotine dependence believe herbal cigarettes can help them quit. Others want to switch to smoking herbs because they believe tobacco-free herbal cigarettes are safe. Likewise, some people trying to stop smoking marijuana (weed) or overcome dependence on its … Read more

21 herbs for anxiety and depression: The research evidence you need to know

herbs for anxiety and depression

This article walks you through a list of 21 herbs for anxiety and depression based on evidence from peer-reviewed studies. Anxiety and depression are among the most prevalent and debilitating mental health problems afflicting millions. The challenges of balancing the pressures of fast-paced work environments with the conflicting demands of family life put a lot … Read more

43 herbs high in iron: How to boost nonheme absorption 

Herbs high in iron include basil leaves

This article walks you through a list of herbs and spices high in iron that may play a role in preventing or treating iron deficiency anemia.  Our list includes medicinal herbs and herbal teas that may help raise your iron levels. The iron content of herbs and spices has low bioavailability compared with animal sources. Low … Read more

When is the best time to take ashwagandha?

Best time to take ashwagandha

The best time to take ashwagandha depends on many factors, including your purpose for taking it and your tolerance to the side effects of the herb’s bioactive ingredients. We shall examine these factors in detail and related issues, such as dosing, how long it takes ashwagandha to work, how long it stays in the system, … Read more

14 mullein leaf tea health benefits: The science-based evidence you need to know

Mullein leaf tea has many health benefits

This article explores the health benefits of mullein leaf tea made from the leaves of flowering plants belonging to the genus Verbascum, family Scrophulariaceae (figworts). There are more than 350 species of plants belonging to the genus. They are found in many parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, and northern Africa. Mullein was recently … Read more

20 ashwagandha benefits for women: The science-based evidence you need to know

Ashwagandha benefits for women include fighting stress

This article explores the subject of ashwagandha benefits for women based on available evidence from scientific research studies. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a shrub that belongs to the Solanaceae or nightshades family of flowering plants. It is an ancient Ayurvedic medicinal herb believed to have many health benefits for women. Ashwagandha means “horse smell” in … Read more