Category: Traditional medicine

Historically used in traditional medicine across Asia and Europe for centuries, sea buckthorn leaves are rich in bioactive compounds with remarkable health properties. Many are now asking, what is the use of sea buckthorn leaves, as this often overlooked part of the plant gains new attention for its diverse applications.

Originating from the Garo Hills of Northeast India, the endangered wild citrus species *Citrus indica* holds significant cultural and medicinal value for local communities, particularly the Garo tribe. This small, sour fruit is utilized for far more than culinary purposes, including traditional remedies and spiritual ceremonies.

While most people are familiar with the common fig, the fruit of the sprawling banyan tree, *Ficus benghalensis*, is far less known. Though generally not a sought-after delicacy, ripe banyan fruit is edible, often consumed by wildlife and, in certain regions, by humans during times of scarcity or for its medicinal properties.

Dating back thousands of years in West African traditions, the kola nut has been used for its medicinal and cultural significance. Today, while the original soda recipes have changed, the kola nut continues to be used in a variety of products, primarily for its natural caffeine content. Understanding which products contain kola nut requires looking beyond its historical association with cola beverages.

For centuries, the resinous buds and bark of poplar trees have been used in traditional medicine for various ailments, particularly for their anti-inflammatory properties. We explore what is the benefit of poplar tea and how this historical herbal remedy supports wellness today.

Used for centuries in traditional Mexican medicine, the tejocote, or Mexican hawthorn, is valued for its rich concentration of vitamins, minerals, and potent phenolic compounds. The fruit and leaves offer a range of nutritional benefits, though it is critical to distinguish these from potentially harmful, unregulated supplements.

According to ancient Ayurvedic texts, sesame oil, known as 'til oil,' is prized for its warming nature and its ability to pacify certain body energies. This traditional belief contrasts with other culinary perspectives, prompting many to question: is sesame oil hot or cold for the body? The answer largely depends on the lens of traditional medicine you are viewing it through and its preparation.

Derived from the medicinal mushroom Ganoderma lucidum, also known as Lingzhi, a review published in *Molecules* found that lucidenic acid possesses a range of potential pharmacological effects, including anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-viral properties. These triterpenoids, while less studied than their counterparts, ganoderic acids, represent a significant area of emerging health research.

Native to South and Southeast Asia, Caryota urens, also known as the fishtail palm, has long been a source of nutritious starch extracted from its trunk. This complete guide explains how to use Caryota powder to prepare traditional dishes and incorporate this high-fiber, antioxidant-rich ingredient into modern cooking.

According to some traditional belief systems, despite its physically cold temperature, consuming ice can have a warming *taseer*, or post-digestive effect, on the body. The seemingly simple question, 'Is ice taseer hot or cold?', opens a complex exploration into the principles of traditional medicine and how foods affect our internal constitution.