Three Herbs You May Not Know, But Should
Worldwide, between 50,000 and 80,000 flowering plants are used medicinally, according to a report by IUCN Species Survival Commission, 2007. And in the United States, of the 150 most prescribed drugs, at least 118 of those are based on natural sources. With so many medicinal herbs available to us, there are many that we rarely see in articles or through retail resources. Here are three that merit our attention, Butterfly Pea Flower, Moringa Leaf and Nigella Seed.
Butterfly Pea Flower
Butterfly pea flower, Clitoria ternatea, native to Asia, is rich in anthocyanins, the antioxidant compound responsible for its unique color. For this reason, manufactures have used butterfly pea flower in cosmetics and as a natural dye for foods, drinks, and textiles.
Aside from being a natural color agent, Butterfly pea flower and has also been linked to a variety of potential health benefits. Some studies have taken a closer look at the antioxidant and health properties and suggest the butterfly pea flower may also help ensure skin and hair health, promote weight loss, and reduce blood sugar levels. One of these studies suggest that ternatins may alleviate inflammation and prevent cancer cell growth.
Additionally, the plant contains several other antioxidants, including Kaempferol, a compound that has been studied extensively for its cancer-fighting properties; the antioxidant p-Coumaric acid may have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antiviral effects, which may help protect against disease; and finally, Delphinidin-3,5-glucoside, which, according to one study, may help stimulate immune function and cause cell death in colorectal cancer cells.
According to a 2021 study, Butterfly pea flower, in extract form, may increase your skin hydration by 70% just one hour after a topical application. And, according to a 2012 animal study, may be more effective at promoting hair growth than minoxidil, but still, more research is needed to fully understand how butterfly pea flower may affect your hair and skin.
Some studies suggest that butterfly pea flower may aid in weight loss efforts. While one test-tube study suggested Butterfly pea flower extract may slow the formation of fat cells some older test-tube/animal studies have found that the ternatins found in Butterfly pea flower. Additionally, studies indicate that butterfly pea flower may reduce your risk of diabetes and related symptoms. In one study, researchers reported that the antioxidant properties of butterfly pea flower may protect against cell damage and complications related to diabetes.
Because Butterfly Pea Flower is such a versatile natural resource, with very few side effects, it can be a great addition to your diet. While Butterfly pea flower is generally considered safe when consumed in moderation, there are some anecdotal reports of side effects such as nausea, stomach pain, and diarrhea following consumption of butterfly pea flower, but there is no research to support these effects.
Moringa Leaf
Moringa Leaf has the highest concentration of vitamins of any other plant. The Africans would feed this to their children when malnourished. It has also been called the drumstick tree, the miracle tree, the ben oil tree, or the horseradish tree.
The extract has been shown to help wounds close as well as reduce the appearance of scars. And due to its antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties, moringa extracts might combat infections caused by Salmonella, Rhizopus, and E. coli.
Moringa Leaf is also thought to be helpful in treating depression, anxiety, and fatigue. It may help to reduce the amount of glucose in the blood, as well as sugar and protein in the urine. This improved the hemoglobin levels and overall protein content in those tested.
Moringa Leaf extract may help reduce the severity of some asthma attacks and protect against bronchial constrictions. It has also been shown to assist with better lung function and breathing overall.
This herb contains high levels of antioxidants that might aid toxicity levels in the kidneys. People may be less likely to develop stones in the kidneys, bladder or uterus if they ingest moringa extract.
Moringa Leaf also contains properties that may improve eyesight-improving due to its high antioxidant levels. The antioxidants slow the dilation of retinal vessels, to prevent the thickening of capillary membranes, and inhibit retinal dysfunction.
It is thought that Moringa Leaf extract is very helpful in treating and preventing anemia and sickle cell disease. Because Moringa Leaf extract supports iron absorption it may help this issue by increasing your red blood cell count.
Evidence has shown that moringa extract can be effective in reducing and controlling weight gain in mice. Its high vitamin B content helps with smooth and efficient digestion and can assist the body when converting food into energy, as opposed to storing it as fat.
Nigella Seed
Nigella seed is one of the most revered seeds in medical history. Mainly used for asthma, allergies and autoimmune disorders, Nigella has been regarded as a panacea herb. Traditionally used as a natural remedy from a wide range of health issues- ranging from bronchitis to diarrhea.
The famous Greek physician Dioscorides used black cumin seeds to treat headaches and toothaches. And Mohammed said that black cumin cures every disease but death itself.
These little seeds have over one hundred different chemical constituents, including abundant sources of all the essential fatty acids. Nigella sativa seeds have very little aroma but are carminative, meaning they tend to aid digestion and relieve gases in the stomach and intestines. They also aid peristalsis and elimination. The seed may also be beneficial to promote hair growth.
Nigella seeds are said to control and prevent diabetes, kills bacteria, and prevent disease-Causing Infections. Its anti-inflammatory properties help in lowering cholesterol levels, prevent stomach ulcers, and keeps the liver healthy. The essential oil of black cumin is antimicrobial and helps to rid the intestines of worms.
The first major study of Nigella sativa in cancer prevention and treatment was performed by scientists at Cancer Immuno-Biology Laboratory of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. They concluded that a healthy immune system would detect and destroy cancer cells before the cancer endangers the patient. The immune system does this by supporting increased production of immune cells, bone marrow cells, and B-cells that produce antibodies.
Black cumin also stimulates neutrophil activity. These are the short-lived immune cells that are normally found in bone marrow but mobilized into action when there is a bacterial infection. Extracts of black cumin have also been shown to modulate production of interleukins, a quality it shares with some other highly revered herbs: ginseng, astragalus, mistletoe, garlic, and cat’s claw.
These are just three of the many exotic herbs available to us. And while herbs add a wonderful array of alternative health solutions that may help improve your physical and emotional wellbeing they may also make your life a little healthier, a little happier and a little more extraordinary!
Black Cumin Seed: The Ancient Remedy for All Diseases (kitchendoctor.com)
7 Astounding Health Benefits of Kalonji (Nigella Seeds)kalonji (parentinghealthybabies.com)
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