Ginsenosides for Herbal Naturopathy: properties, benefits, uses, side effects

Ginsenosides are saponins extracted from the roots of ginseng plants with an adaptogenic and stimulating action on the immune system. Let’s find out better. What are ginsenosides Ginsenosides are a group of triterpene saponins with a steroid structure, present in the roots of plants of the genus Panax L., which also includes Korean ginseng, Panax ginseng CA Meyer, perhaps the best known, although other … Read more

Sedum (Sedum telephium) for Herbal Naturopathy: properties, benefits, uses, side effects

Sedum, scientific name Sedum telephium, is also known as “Madonna’s herb”. The sedum plant belongs to the Crassulaceae family, it is therefore a succulent plant, native to Europe, highly appreciated for its healing properties. Let’s find out better. Sedum property The sedum plant contains flavonoids, polysaccharides – the two main chemical constituents with pharmacological activity – resins, mucilages, pectins and polyphenols. Sedum … Read more

Echinacea: side effects

Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea and Echinacea angustifolia) is a medicinal plant belonging to the Composite family. Its therapeutic use dates back to the Indians of North America, who used echinacea for the external treatment of wounds and burns. Today it is known for its immunostimulating and antiviral properties, useful for promoting the immune system and treating cold symptoms. Let’s find out the characteristics and side effects … Read more

Fucus (bladderwrack) for Herbal Naturopathy: properties, benefits, uses, side effects

Fucus (Fucus vesiculosus) is a plant of the Fucaceae family. Known for its laxative and slimming properties, it is useful for countercellulite and gastroesophageal reflux. Let’s find out better. Properties of fucus Fucus is a sea algae, of which thallus is used and contains  mucopolysaccharides (among which alginic acid, fucoidan and laminarine stands out), polyphenols, vitamins (especially B1, C, E), polyphenols, tannins, plant sterols, pigments vegetable (fucoxanthin, beta-carotene) mineral salts (iodine, bromine, … Read more

Glycyrrhizin for Herbal Naturopathy: properties, benefits, uses, side effects

Glycyrrhizin is an active ingredient extracted from licorice useful for pressure control and against ulcers and gastritis. Let’s find out better. What is Glycyrrhizin Glycyrrhizin (also known as glycyrrhizic or glycyrrhizinic acid) is a triterpene glucoside and the most important active ingredient extracted from licorice root. Thanks to its presence, licorice, a plant useful for pressure, has anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer and anti-gastric properties.  Once … Read more

Fucus (Fucus vesiculosus): side effects

Fucus (Fucus vesiculosus) is a very common alga in the British and Atlantic islands of America and northern Europe, belonging to the Fucaceae family. In the past it was used as a red dye and Virgilio recommended it against anemia. Today, fucus is known for its laxative and slimming properties, and is widely used as an anti-cellulite. Let’s find out the characteristics and side … Read more

Griffonia: side effects

Griffonia (Griffonia simplicifolia) is a plant native to central-western Africa belonging to the Leguminosae family. Widely used in the ancient African tradition to heal wounds and against kidney disorders, today it is recognized as a remedy for depression, anxiety and insomnia. Let’s discover the characteristics and side effects of griffonia. Griffonia: characteristics and properties Griffonia is a large woody shrub with greenish … Read more

Griffonia (Griffonia simplicifolia) plant for Herbal Naturopathy: properties, benefits, uses, side effects

Griffonia (Griffonia simplicifolia) is a plant of the Leguminosae family. Useful against depression, anxiety and insomnia, it increases the levels of serotonin in the body. Let’s find out better. Property of griffonia The seeds of griffonia contain 5-hydroxy-tryptophan (5-HTP), a precursor of serotonin, the “feel-good hormone”, which in our body is involved in various physiological functions, including the regulation of mood, sleep and appetite. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter synthesized by … Read more

5′-hydroxytryptophan: properties, use, benefits and contraindications

5′ -hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is a derivative of the essential amino acid tryptophan. Tryptophan is a precursor of serotonin, the so-called good mood hormone. In phytotherapy, 5-HTP is extracted from the seeds of Griffonia simplicifolia Baill., A tropical African plant. Serotonin is one of the main neurotransmitters of the nervous system, that is, it transmits messages between nerve cells and is involved in the … Read more

Guarana: side effects

Guarana (Paullinia cupana) is a plant native to the Amazon forest, belonging to the Sapindaceae family. Several tribes of Indios considered it a sacred plant thanks also to its tonic and stimulating effect. Currently used as a supplement against depression and psychophysical fatigue, it is also useful for accelerating the body’s metabolism. Let’s find out the characteristics and side effects of … Read more