Guggulsterone has been cultivated for thousands of years in India and surrounding regions. Before being brought to the Western world, it was popularized in Ayurvedic medicine; now it’s a common ingredient in dietary supplements. Guggulsterone is a compound derived from the gummy resin of the gugul plant (Commiphora mukul). Traditionally, it was used as a remedy for ulcers, obesity, arthritis, and even epilepsy. Today, though, its supplemental use is largely confined to controlling weight and cholesterol. Read the rest of this entry »

Few herbs are as important in religious traditions as they are in folk remedies, but holy basil fits that description. Holy basil derives its name from its importance in Hindu religious rituals. Thought to help inspire concentration and sharpen the memory, the plant is commonly grown around temples and in the courtyards of religious families’ homes. The holy basil plant itself is worshiped as a deity, and it is an important feature in Hindu life. Read the rest of this entry »