Constipation is one of the worst thing that can happen to you. It will make you feel bad, smells bad and look bad. So many remedies for constipation are available in the market but I was looking for alternatives… herb for constipation. And I stumbled upon dandelion herb. Surprisingly,  “ugly-duckling” dandelion possess medicinal use not just for constipation but it has antioxidant properties as well.

It may be unpopular to gardeners because of its self-seeds and spreads readily to become a garden weed. But you may want to give dandelion herb a second look before you kill them.

What’s hot: It may be a pesky weed but do you know that dandelion is a rich source of vitamins A, B complex, C, D, as well as minerals such as iron, potassium and zinc? Amazing huh? In fact you can use the whole plant. The young leaves for salads and tea. The roots  can be found in some coffee substitutes. For constipation, fresh or dried dandelion herb can be used. Boil the herb in water and drink as a tea. Here’s what research and studies from the University of Maryland Medical Center has to say about dandelion’s medicinal uses:

Dandelion leaves produce a diuretic effect while the roots act as an antiviral agent, appetite stimulant, digestive aid, and may help promote gastrointestinal health. Dandelion flower has antioxidant properties. Dandelion may also help improve the immune system.

The medicinal use of the dandelion herb seems endless! You can read their full research/review by just clicking the above link.

What’s-not-so-hot: A garden weed. Some people may develop allergies in touching dandelion, like mouth sores. Also in some people, dandelion can cause stomach acid and heart burn.

Turns out the good side of dandelion outweigh the bad. But like any other herbs, consult your health care provider before taking any dandelion leaf.

organic roasted dandelion root $25.38, dandelion root capsule $2.59, dandelion moisturizer $35.98, organic dandelion tea $15.53, dandelion dried leaves $1.79,  fentimans dandelion and burdock soda $3.25.

Chopped raw Parsley is a common ingredient in salads, soups, fish, potatoes and sandwiches. But do you know that there’s more about Parsley than just an attractive garnish to dishes? The Stanford Cancer Center provided a comprehensive and complete list of nutrition to reduce cancer risk. Parsley as a dark deep green herb is included in the list as one of the Carotenoids. Preliminary evidence suggests that Carotenoids contain phytochemicals that may play a role in decreasing the risk of cancer. The dark curly leaves contain vitamins, minerals and iron. You want to know more? Read on…

What’s hot: As as plant, Parsley proved to be easy to grow. In fact you can grow Parsley in an egg shell! You can have Parsley all year round just protect it from frost. There are varieties of Parsley, the “curled” Parsley and the Italian with flatter leaves.

It is said that Parsley tea helps fight fluid retention (diuretic) and has a beneficial effect on the urinary system. Based on stories of people who tried drinking Parsley tea, it proved to be an effective treatment for kidney and bladder complains. I came across the website of Dr. James Howenstine a clinician and herbalist, who wrote about how drinking Parsley tea cured his wife’s UTI and kidney stones! It’s very informative and an interesting story. And if you like garlic, like I do (especially in fried rice) but do not like the after taste and smell of garlic in your mouth, chew on Parsley to counter the smell of garlic. You are kissable again in no time.

What’s-not-so-hot: It is advised that Parsley should not be taken as medicinal doses by pregnant women.

I am amazed of the new things I learned about Parsley. I think I will try Parsley tea next time, not that I have kidney or bladder complains, but I am curious of what the tea would taste like. I will make my own concoction and will tell you all about it!

freshly packed parsley in large jars $3.79, parsley sphagetti $14.49, parsley tea $14.82, parsley herbal supplement $5.39

Someone said, “Humans are passionate about health and pleasure.” We yearn for a tasty, fat-free, sugar-free chocolate bar, smoke organic tobaccos and drink Coke zero. A hedonist and health junkie what a combo! As they say, life is short, live your life the way it makes you happy. Some people find pleasure in eating a chocolate bar or visiting a chocolate factory. Though chocolates are not considered “good” snack option, do you know that chocolates comes from an herb called Theobroma cacao that contains many health benefits? The “Chocolate tree” thrive in tropical countries and it can grow up to 20 feet. The main ingredient in chocolates are the seeds or beans are fermented, dried, roasted and then ground into a paste. It becomes yummy by adding sugar.

What’s hot: Studies show that cocoa powder have a variety of health benefits. An alkaloid found in the beans (theobromine) stimulates heart, kidneys and muscles. It’s a stimulating herb, both cooling and warming. It’s also diuretic and lowers high blood pressure by dilating blood vessels. Cocoa is also used in many cosmetic products, especially cocoa butter as a very effective skin moisturizer. For culinary use, chocolate flavoring is added in sauces, drinks and many more. My favorites are chocolate cakes and chocolate milk shakes.

What’s not-so-hot: Not all chocolates we love are fat-free and sugar-free. Chocolates is a common trigger of allergies and for some migraines.

Photo Source: Kalyx.com

Cocoa butter lip balm $5, organic cocoa powder $10.35, fat-free chocolate chip cookies $3.49

Never heard about saw palmetto until there was a rave about it that helps men with enlarged prostate. Sadly, enlarged prostate gland is now common not just in older men but men as young as in their 40’s. Nobody knew how this came about but it helps to know that there are alternative ways aside from the common drugs to shrink enlarged prostate glands.

About the plant: Saw palmetto is a garden ornament as a ‘”fan palm.” Its a tropical looking palm that is hardy, drought-resistant and the only species in its genus Serenoa. It is native in the southeastern part of the U.S., especially in Florida. Its scientific name honors the American Botanist Sereno Watson who initially made a detailed description of plants in North America.

What I discovered: The palm-looking saw palmetto bear fruits and from these fruits extracted remedies used for various conditions. Saw palmetto extracts have properties such as diuretic, antiseptic, expectorant, sedative, tonic and warming. The fruits were discovered high in fatty acids and  cholesterol-lowering (phytosterols). Saw palmetto is considered a body-builder – boosting the important mucous membranes in good condition to keep the reproductive, respiratory and digestive systems healthy. This plant is not just for men but for women as well.

I bet you are curious how saw palmetto became a natural “sex pill,” here it is folks, it is said that it acts in the body’s hormonal system, aside from prostate-related problems (specifically benign prostatic hyperplasia) but as well as loss of libido and impotence. Maybe, its the “warming” properties of saw palmetto that makes it happen but nobody knows for sure. But there were stories that Native Americans in the southeast use the fruit of saw palmetto to treat impotence, testicular problems, poor lactation, female infertility, painful menstruation, tender breasts and low libido.

What’s hot: Saw palmetto extracts boasts in affecting the endocrine system, especially its action on prostate gland and for libido. Maintains healthy tissues and mucous membranes of the body, treat cystitis, uterine inflammation, poor lactation, colds, asthma.

What’s not-so-hot: If you don’t want to take saw palmetto supplements and want to go natural by eating saw palmetto fruits, go ahead, its edible but they said its unpleasant tasting. And that is if you can grow this herbal plant in your garden. If you live in temperate countries you can always have a greenhouse. Who knows? You might get lucky growing this interesting plant.

Photo source: Kalyx, Art.com

I’m a sucker for blueberry cheesecakes and blueberry muffins! When I’m out, I try to find delis that sells this scrumptious and delicious dessert plus a big mug of coffee. Just eating blueberry cheesecake put a big smile on my face. But there’s more about blueberries that I should be happy about. Check it out!

About the plant: Blueberries are widely cultivated for culinary purposes.  But Highbush blueberries and rabbit-eye blueberries are the preferred crop for commercial cultivation. Blueberries are from the genus Vaccinum.  They are shrubs that grow up to 4 m. tall. They thrive in temperate countries.

What I discovered: Aside from being a super yummy dessert, blueberries were discovered to have high nutrient content. The extracts are rich in anthocyanidins, a bioflavonoid and phytonutrient that gives blueberries the antioxidant properties. It is cooling and pungent. Blueberry preparations have a diuretic effect, laxative (if taken in large quantities) and can lower blood sugar levels.  Here’s more: it is said that blueberries can be applied to hemorrhoids, burns (fruit), eczema; the juice is used as a mouthwash for imflamed gums and to sooth sore eyes; extracts from supplements maintain peripheral circulation and skin collagen… the best part: proven to combat typhoid and bacilli of the colon. The leaves and the fruits are the parts being used from this shrub.

What’s hot: Blueberry is a superfruit! Just imagine a wide array of health benefits you’ll get in taking blueberry fruits and supplements. Its therapeutic use extend to patients with diabetes, anemia, dysentery, diarrhea and urinary problems. No garden space? No worries, you can plant these shrubs in a pot! Gurney’s have dwarf blueberries for you to choose from.

What’s not-so-hot: Some products like blueberry jams, preserves, jellies, juices, do not contain the “real” blueberries. Some are artificially made. Hence, if you can’t grow your very own blueberry shrub, do your own research and find the product that works for you.

Someday, I’ll have this shrub in my garden and I’ll have blueberry cheesecake everyday, putting it in my vanilla ice cream sounds yummy too!