Harpago , which means grapple or harpoon in Latin, and from the Greek phuton , which is translated by plant, vegetable , gives its name to harpagophytum because its fruits are provided with hooks curved in the shape of grapples; they cling to the fur and hooves of animals which frantically struggle in all directions to get rid of them, hence its other name of “Devil’s Claw” . A little … Read more
In immune pathologies in adults, particularly respiratory infections; the clinical approach in herbal medicine retains all its interest, in particular the use of standardized extracts guaranteeing the contribution of totum , so as to provide as much hyposoluble fractions ( ex: polysaccharides of ginseng for immune stimulation, in particular to strengthen the action of vaccines in the elderly ) than liposoluble ( eg: alkylamides of echinacea in acquired immunity ), … Read more
If the etymology does not tell us much about witch hazel, on the other hand the French and English synonyms tell us more: “ Witch-hazel “ → Le noisetier de sorcière. In fact, this endemic shrub in North America played the same role there, or nearly so, as the hazel tree in Europe. Dowsing rods were made from its branches , … Read more
Guarana is native to the lower Amazon, Brazil more exactly, where it grows in abundance. Cultivated in a few localities on the South American continent, this plant has only been known in Europe since 1817. Guarana is a Brazilian name which derives from the name of the Guarani tribe , indigenous to the Amazon. A little bit of mythology … Read more
Ginger is one of the most esteemed spices and drugs, and cultivated since ancient times in the Philippines. Its use is already mentioned in the oldest Chinese and Sanskrit writings . It was not lost on the ancient Greeks and Romans. The botanical name Zingiber comes from the Sanskrit word shringavera , which means “shaped like a deer antler”, referring to the shape of the … Read more
Gastroenteritis is an acute or chronic inflammation simultaneously affecting the lining (inner lining) of the stomach (gastritis) and the small intestine (enteritis). This pathology is generally infectious; that is to say, it results from the presence and multiplication of pathogenic germs (viruses, bacteria in contaminated food: salmonella , Escherichia coli, etc.) Gastroenteritis is common in children and results in vomiting and especially diarrhea, with abdominal … Read more
“ Our health is in our hands ”. This expression has never been truer than during this time of the Covid-19 pandemic. To stem the spread of the coronavirus , the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that everyone wash their hands regularly with soap and water. And failing that, use an alcohol-based disinfectant , whose “biocidal” action eliminates viruses and bacteria. This is how … Read more
When we hear about the griffonia for the first time, some country people will first think of hunting dogs, whether they are running or pointing, while urbanites will evoke canine breeds of amenities originating in Belgium. . Others, more focused on the marvelous and the fantastic , will immediately make reference to the griffin , this chimerical animal, a mixture … Read more
The clove tree, whose botanical name is Eugenia caryophyllus, belongs to the Myrtaceae family. Its essential oil is obtained by distilling the air-dried flower buds known as “cloves”, and the pedicels known as “claws”. History of Clove Grown for a long time on the Moluccan islands, the clove tree is part of Ayurvedic medicine (1500 … Read more
We have been delaying and moving our watches for almost half an hour now during seasonal changes. This usual act eventually became completely mores and thus became a kind of custom; especially for generations who have experienced only this biannual time change. Therefore, they never perceived the world at the natural rhythm of its authentic … Read more
In the past, feverfew was known as Chrysanthemum parthenium . If we have since kept its adjective, this chrysanthemum has disappeared in favor of a tanacetum which borders on tansy, while this previous substantive brought it closer to the vast tribe of “chrysanthemums” , a word forged thanks to two Greek roots: chrysos , “Gold” and anthemos , “flower”. A little history Cazin , evoked a Matricaria parthenium , whose plate … Read more
Can herbal medicine help prevent cancer? Although there is a genetic predisposition to certain cancers , gene expression can be modulated through epigenetics; recent discipline, which explains how the environment and individual history modify gene expression. These phenomena are transmissible from one generation to another, but can be reversible, in particular under the influence of nutritional factors … Read more