Tag: Herbal properties

Used for thousands of years in both cooking and traditional medicine, the humble bay leaf contains volatile organic compounds like eugenol, cineole, and linalool that contribute to its aroma and potential benefits.

Recent research has highlighted the significant and varied nutritional components within the *Sterculia* genus, with edible seeds from species like *Sterculia striata* containing up to 19.58% protein and 21.15% fat. This diversity in composition across different species means that the overall nutritional profile is not uniform and depends heavily on the specific plant part and species being examined.

According to Ayurvedic tradition, coriander seeds possess a distinct cooling potency (known as *shita virya*) that can soothe the digestive system and reduce internal heat. This ancient wisdom suggests that while many spices are warming, coriander seeds are used specifically to cool and purify the body.

According to the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), oolong tea is considered a relatively neutral tea, balancing the more cooling properties of green tea with the warming effects of black tea. However, this designation is a broad generalization, as oolong's energetic nature is heavily influenced by its specific processing and oxidation level.

In Ayurveda, spices are intentionally used to balance the body's doshas, with fennel seeds frequently prized for their cooling effect. However, different traditions present conflicting views, making the question "Is fennel warming or cooling?" more complex than it appears, depending on the plant part and preparation method.

Research has identified over a dozen major classes of phytochemicals in cleavers, scientifically known as *Galium aparine*. This diverse array of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, iridoids, and phenolic acids, is what gives the plant its therapeutic properties and justifies its traditional use in herbal medicine.

Traditional Indian medicine, Ayurveda, classifies fenugreek as a warming spice, known to increase internal body heat when consumed dry. But does fenugreek heat the body according to modern science, and can its effects be controlled through preparation methods?

Star anise has been used for over 3,000 years in traditional medicine systems like Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). These ancient practices classify foods and herbs by their energetic properties, not just their flavor, to determine their effect on the body's internal balance. Understanding whether star anise is heating or cooling is key to unlocking its full therapeutic potential.

According to a 2009 study, even though the nutrient concentration is high on a dry weight basis, a typical serving of coca leaf flour provides less than 10% of the daily intake for many essential nutrients. This highlights that while the coca leaf does possess a notable nutritional content, the practical dietary contribution from traditional consumption is limited.

Menthol, the primary compound in mint, activates the same cold-sensitive nerve receptors in your mouth that are triggered by icy temperatures. This sensory illusion makes many wonder: is mint cooling or heaty, and how does it truly affect the body's internal temperature and energy?