Today, garlic is a familiar household herb, and we often forget its true properties and health benefits. Before the advent of anti-biotics, garlic was one of the herbs often used to assist with many health conditions and diseases. Studies now show that garlic, apart from having potent anti-microbial, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties, can also lower high blood pressure and assist with hyperlipidemia and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Osteopathy focuses on treating and understanding the entire body. This is why it has a wide range of applications, and can assist with anything from decreasing joint pain, improving mobility and range of motion, reducing chronic pain, and assisting with respiratory and gastrointestinal health.

There are three most well-known types of ginseng, but not many know that they differ in their potency. While American ginseng is valued for its calming and anti-stress effects, Siberian ginseng is known for its adaptogenic qualities. Korean ginseng, on the other hand, has proven antioxidant, immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory and heart protective effects.

Acupuncture is a treatment that encourages energy flow through the body. Acupuncture points are located along channels, or meridians, through the use of needles. The treatment can help neurological, chemical and hormonal processes in the body.

Slow breathing is often defined as taking about six breaths per minute, and many of us are not far away from this figure in normal circumstances. This, of course, will differ when it comes down to our age, weight or how we breathe – through our nose or mouth. Studies have shown that slow breathing, through our nose, can positively impact our memory, cognition, stress levels, blood pressure and even our bowel movements.

Skin-to-skin contact supports brain development and promotes our overall well-being. Throughout our history, touch has been utilised for communication, bonding, and as a therapeutic tool. This is why different forms of massage have played an important role in the development of healing methods in many different cultures around the world.

Echinacea is one of the most popular herbs in use today. Before the arrival of European settlers, it was widely used by the Native Americans for a variety of conditions. Today, studies and research indicate that echinacea can assist with skin and gastrointestinal health, cardiovascular issues, and it has antiviral and antimicrobial properties while being a potent antioxidant.

Ashoka has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for many conditions and has antifungal and antibacterial properties. Studies show that it can assist women with depression, hormone regulation, and menstrual cycles.

Haritaki is one of the three superfruits that are often used in Ayurvedic medicine, either on its own or in different formulations. Current studies suggest that Haritaki can assist with several health issues, and might also be beneficial in controlling the markers of inflammation that shorten our lifespan.

Licorice has been used traditionally for a wide range of conditions and was found beneficial due to its specific compound called glycyrrhizin. Today, studies have shown that licorice has potent antiviral and antibacterial properties and can also assist with healthy memory.

Ginkgo has been used in traditional natural medicine for thousands of years, but its real medicinal value has only been recognised in the last fifty years. Today, in Germany, Ginkgo is approved for the use in treatment for dementia.

In our previous article, we talked about how yoga can be used as a form of therapy to help with mental health conditions such as ADHD, OCD, PTSD and PTSP. In this article we look more into the benefits of yoga for mood disorders and how it can positively affect cognitive abilities.