Arnica, Calendula and Bellis: a comparison among three Asteraceae

Arnica, Calendula and Bellis are three botanical genera belonging to the Asteraceae (or Compositae, old name) family. Asteraceae is one of the two largest genera in Spermatophytae (plants that reproduces through seed), together with Orchidaceae, because these two genera contain the greatest number of species. Due to the large number of species, the whole family has been subdivided into 13 …

The forgotten healer: teasel

In the past, teasel (Dipsacus fullonum L.) was a greatly esteemed plant, while nowadays it is quite completely forgotten. Since the Ancient Egyptians times, its infructescences were used in wool carding. Unlike plastic and steel tools, the teasel allows a “finer” processing of the wool and prevents its fibers being broken. Human selection over the centuries, aimed at obtaining more …

Persian Silktree

The Persian silk tree or Silktree (Albizia julibrissin Durazz.), mostly used as an ornamental tree for its elegant and beautiful flowers, is also used as a medicinal plant both in Traditional Chinese medicine and in western herbalism for its healing properties. It calms the spirit, uplifts the mood, and treats depression and grief (for eample, due to the loss of …

Prickly lettuce

Prickly lettuce (Lactuca serriola L. or Lactuca sativa L. subsp. serriola (L.) Galasso, Banfi, Bartolucci & Ardenghi) is edible in small quantities: few leaves (when young) are usually mixed with other wild or cultivated leaves, making a tasteful and mellow salad. The slightly bitter taste is quite pleasant. When the stalks and leaves are cut, the plants secretes a white …

Red Beetroot

Red beetroot is an extremely interesting vegetable, since, besides being tasteful, has several important effects on our body. Simply eating it, we increase the in vivo nitric oxide (NO) availability and this has emerged as a potential strategy to prevent and manage pathologies associated with diminished NO bioavailability, notably hypertension and reduced endothelial function. Beetroot is also being considered as …

Nettle seeds

Stinging Nettle’s has a remarkable ability to rebuild and restore. Dried immature seed, when taken (chewed well, or ground) orally, promotes a sense of clarity, wellness, heightened energy levels, reduced stress and seemingly increased lung capacity. They are especially effective for those suffering from severe burnout, resulting in profound fatigue, brain fog, chronic pain and alternating feelings of depression and …