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Sideritis Scardica is one of the most famous herbal wonders of Bulgaria. It has a strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-anemic effect and provides a lot of valuable substances to support immunity and alkalization of the body. Floral, citrus, sweet and slightly earthy notes are intertwined in this feast for the senses, for which we will tell you more in the following lines.

Mursalski-tea---what-it-really-is

Mursalski tea - what it really is

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Mursalski tea is called the "tea of longevity" and is extremely valuable in terms of composition - it provided many useful plant pigments, essential oils, minerals, thanins and other components. It is probably one of the secrets of the longevity of the people inhabiting the Rhodope Mountains in Bulgaria, along with yogurt and spring water.

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But what is so special about this tea and why is it worth trying it?

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Mursalski tea (Sideritis scardica, Mountain tea) is prepared from dried leaves and flowers of Sideritis plants. This tea is abundant in flavonoids, terpenes and essential oils, iridoids, coumarins and sterols and does not contain any caffeine.

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The name "Siderritis" is derived from the Greek word "sideros",which means "iron". In the ancient past, "Sideritis" was a common reference to plants used to treat wounds caused by iron weapons during battles.&nbsp;

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The raw material for Mursalski tea "Sideritis Scardica" grows in Bulgaria on plantations whereas total area is no more than 30 kilometers. Therefore, it is considered rare and quite valuable - it is also listed in the Red Data Book of the Republic of Bulgaria. [ref.1] The plant used to make the tea is located on rocky slopes at an altitude of over 1000 meters. It was found that Mursalski tea with excellent qualities grows at an altitude of over 1200 metres.

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Although many people in the West are not familiar with Sideritis Scardica, it has been used for centuries in the Balkans, in Greece and parts of the Mediterranean, where it grows in the wild. In different countries it is known by various names, including Mountain Tea (common name), Μαλωτίρα (Greece), Mursalski Tea - Mursalski Tea (in the Rhodope region of Bulgaria), Pirin Tea - Pirin Tea (in the Pirin region of Bulgaria), Ironwort, Shepherd's Tea, Bergtee (Germany) and others.

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As for the taste and aroma, tea has a very strong and specific sweet taste. When prepared, there are also light mint notes that give it a tonic finish. The aroma is pleasant and light, without intrusiveness, which is typical for black tea for comparison.

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An interesting fact about Mursalski tea is that it has long been used by rhodopean locals, who are known for their longevity, good health and vitality. In addition to its tonic effect, Mursalski tea also has a general strengthening, anti-anemic, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effect. This tea helps to reduce blood pressure and thereby reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke. Some of its ingredients can help prevent the development of cancer cells and the development of atherosclerosis.

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Dr. Anatoly Alikowski, a urologist from the town of Smolyan, has repeatedly spoken out in support of Mursalski tea. [ref. 2] In his medical studies, Dr. Alikowski identified the beneficial effect of the protected Sideritis Scardica plant in the following health problems:

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Acute and chronic bronchitis, laryngitis</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Acute colitis and chronic gastritis</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Food poisoning</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Кdney urate stones and stones, renal failure</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Prostate cancer</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Infertility in men and women</li>
</ul>

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Useful components of Mursalski tea

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Mountain tea is extremely popular in the Balkans and is most often used in the autumn-winter season in colds, flu and other viruses. The infusion of above-ground parts of S. scardica is mainly used as an expectorant to treat bronchitis and bronchial asthma, cold, pulmonary emphysema and angina pectoris. Tea aids digestion, the immune system, can relieve mild anxiety and acts as a strong antioxidant in the body. It also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent. [ref.3,4,5]

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Mursalski tea also has many other beneficial properties due to its composition. Its vitamin profile is really unique and is very effective in the treatment of chronic diseases. Back in time in Ancient Egypt, local healers have successfully used it as a means of treating infertility in men.

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Next, here is the full composition of Mursalski tea, that provides these extensive benefits for the body:

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<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Flavonoids - the main active substances with antimicrobial and antioxidant effect in Mursalski tea, which contributes to its beneficial effect. They help with a powerful purifying effect, contribute to the removal of toxins, allergens, poisons from the body and improved overall detoxification.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Vitamins E, C, D - key vitamins for the health of the immune system in any season and especially in the autumn and winter months, when it is difficult to get our vitamin D from the sun.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Essential oils - essential oils in Mountain tea consist of numerous dominant compounds, mainly monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, which help improve the transfer of oxygen into the body and protect at the cellular level;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Amino acids - contribute to improving mood, cognitive abilities, digestion and maintaining acid-base baalnce.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Twenty-three (23) minerals and trace elements: iron, copper, selenium, sodium, zinc, potassium, iodine and others of key importance for hormonal balance, nervous and brain system, musculoskeletal system and proper growth and development.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Tannins - increase the elasticity of blood vessels and veins and support normal digestion.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Iridoids - natural antiseptics that help fight bacteria and viruses, protecting the body from oxidative stress and cellular damage.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Phenols - some species have neuroprotective action, help prevent cardiovascular disease, cancer and dementia.</li>
</ol>

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Important areas of action of Sideritis

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The species Sideritis has been widely studied by the scientific community in different countries. An animal study conducted in Southeastern Europe and Turkey with the participation of Bulgarian scientists explores the antioxidant effects of those species. The results show that Sideritis has protective chemical properties that fight cancer-inducing cell damage. [ref.6]

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Another study proves prevention against Aβ-induced memory disorders through herbal extracts of Sideritis scardica and Sideritis euboea in APP-tg mice. [ref.7] Sideriitis has been proved very effective against common and dangerous strains of bacteria and fungi, such as E. coli, Staphylococcus and Candida. [ref.8] And perhaps the most interesting field of action in which Sideritis can fit is in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, both as a cure and as a prevention. Sideritis scardica extracts demonstrate pharmacological activity against the characteristics of Alzheimer's disease, which may be of an exceptional benefit in reducing or limiting cognitive decline in patients. [ref.9]

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How to prepare Mursalski tea

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There are several important factors to consider when preparing &nbsp;Mursalski tea – water quantity and brewing time. We will show you two different techniques - the first is for quick boiling, and the second is a more complexed procedure for maximum therapeutic effect.

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Regardless of the method of preparation, in no case should you prepare the tea in a microwave or heat the water in such an appliance. The reason is that the preparation of tea in this way destroys all useful nutrients in the plant. Water heated in a microwave does not allow to achieve the necessary boiling and soaking time. Our recommendation is to use spring water to make the tea and also you should avoid using tap or distilled water.

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Here are the two methods of preparation to try at home:

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Quick method of preparation (for 2 cups of tea): In a stainless steel saucepan or glass boil 2 cups of spring water. Add 1 to 1-1/2 sprigs of tea. Cook for 30 seconds and turn off the heat. Leave for 5-7 minutes before drinking.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Traditional brewing method (for 2 cups of tea): In a stainless steel saucepan or glass boil 2 cups of spring water. Add 2 sprigs of tea. Cook for a minimum of 2 minutes or a maximum of 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the tea in for 20 minutes before drinking.</li>
</ul>

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Optionally, you can add cane sugar, honey or other natural sweetener for more sweetness.

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Contraindications-to-Mursalski-tea-consumption

Contraindications to Mursalski tea consumption

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Product stems growing in ecologically clean areas do not contain harmful substances such as pesticides and nitrates, which can cause an allergic reaction or poisoning. However, individual reactions after taking Mursalski tea may occur - if there is discomfort, skin rash, digestive disorder, dizziness or any other reaction, you should avoid consuming it.

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Fortunately, such reactions are quite rare, and tea can be used by almost all except hypertensive patients.

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But perhaps most importantly, Sideritis scardica also occurs at our latitudes and we should appreciate this sacred gift for good health and longevity.

Sources-used

Sources used

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<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Pirin Tea (Mursal Tea), Red Book of the Republic of Bulgaria Volume I - Plants and Mushrooms <a href="http://e-ecodb.bas.bg/rdb/bg/vol1/Sidscard.html#map" target="_blank" rel="noopener">http://e-ecodb.bas.bg/rdb/bg/vol1/Sidscard.html#map</a> </li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Dr. Anatoly Alikowski pointed out the wonders of Mursal tea, April 28, 19 <a href="https://glasnews.bg/zdrave/d-r-anatoli-alikovski-posochi-chudesata-mursalskiia-chai-367403/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://glasnews.bg/zdrave/d-r-anatoli-alikovski-posochi-chudesata-mursalskiia-chai-367403/</a> </li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Effects of Gamma-Irradiation on the Antioxidant Potential of Traditional Bulgarian Teas <a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/en/pubmed/Effects_of_Gamma_Irradiation_on_the_Antioxidant_Potential_of_Traditional_Bulgarian_Teas_30428206" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> https://www.herbal-organic.com/en/pubmed/Effects_of_Gamma_Irradiation_on_the_Antioxidant_Potential_of_Traditional_Bulgarian_Teas_30428206</a></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Dietary burden of phenolics per serving of "Mountain tea" (Sideritis) from Macedonia and correlation to antioxidant activity. <a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/en/pubmed/Dietary_burden_of_phenolics_per_serving_of_Mountain_tea_Sideritis_from_Macedonia_and_correlation_to_antioxidant_activity_21941904" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> https://www.herbal-organic.com/en/pubmed/Dietary_burden_of_phenolics_per_serving_of_Mountain_tea_Sideritis_from_Macedonia_and_correlation_to_antioxidant_activity_21941904</a></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Żyżelewicz D, Kulbat-Warycha K, Oracz J, Żyżelewicz K. Polyphenols and Other Bioactive Compounds of Sideritis Plants and Their Potential Biological Activity. Molecules. 2020;25(16):3763. Published 2020 Aug 18. doi:10.3390/molecules25163763 <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7464829/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7464829/</a> </li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Aneva I, Zhelev P, Kozhuharova E, Danova K, Nabavi SF, Behzad S. Genus Sideritis, section Empedoclia in southeastern Europe and Turkey - studies in ethnopharmacology and recent progress of biological activities. Daru. 2019;27(1):407-421. doi:10.1007/s40199-019-00261 <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6593022/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6593022/</a></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Hofrichter J, Krohn M, Schumacher T, et al. Sideritis spp. Extracts Enhance Memory and Learning in Alzheimer's β-Amyloidosis Mouse Models and Aged C57Bl/6 Mice. J Alzheimers Dis. 2016;53(3):967-980. doi:10.3233/JAD-160301 <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4981905/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4981905/</a> </li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Tadić V, Bojović D, Arsić I, et al. Chemical and antimicrobial evaluation of supercritical and conventional Sideritis scardica Griseb., Lamiaceae extracts. Molecules. 2012;17(3):2683-2703. Published 2012 Mar 5. doi:10.3390/molecules17032683 <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6268164/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6268164/</a></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Heiner F, Feistel B, Wink M. Sideritis scardica extracts inhibit aggregation and toxicity of amyloid-β in Caenorhabditis elegans used as a model for Alzheimer's disease. PeerJ. 2018;6:e4683. Published 2018 Apr 30. doi:10.7717/peerj.4683 <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5933321/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5933321/</a> </li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Wightman EL, Jackson PA, Khan J, Forster J, Heiner F, Feistel B, Suarez CG, Pischel I, Kennedy DO. The Acute and Chronic Cognitive and Cerebral Blood Flow Effects of a Sideritis scardica (Greek Mountain Tea) Extract: A Double Blind, Randomized, Placebo Controlled, Parallel Groups Study in Healthy Humans. Nutrients. 2018 Jul 24;10(8):955. doi: 10.3390/nu10080955. PMID: 30042362; PMCID: PMC6116054. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30042362/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30042362/</a> </li>
</ol>

Very aromatized and somehow exotic, cinnamon is a spice that can't be mistaken for any other. People have been using cinnamon since 2000 BC. a.d. in Ancient Egypt, where they valued it extremely because of its useful properties. In the middle ages, doctors used cinnamon as a means of treating various conditions - cough, arthritis and sore throat. It also has other interesting areas of action that we will tell you about in the following lines. 

What are the health benefits of cinnamon and how it is consumed

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Yarrow tea is prepared from a popular medicinal herb called yarrow (Achillea millefolium). It has been used for thousands of years because of its potential health benefits. In fact, the name of the genus to which Achillea belongs refers to the Warrior Achilles in Greek mythology, since he used yarrow to treat the wounds of his soldiers. More than 140 different types of Achillea are known, which are characterized by their grape flowers and aromatic leaves. Studies have shown that this plant may have different benefits prepared such as herbal tea, extract or essential oil.

5 Benefits and Uses of Yarrow Yea (Achillea millefolium)

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Essential oils are extracted and distilled oils from various beneficial plants. These oils contain the chemical compounds that characterize and maintain the life cycle of the plant. As a form of alternative medicine, essential oils are usually used in aromatherapy - a holistic type of treatment practiced for a thousand years. 

The Power Of Antifungal Essential Oils - And How They Work

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Sempervivum tectorum L. (Crassulaceae), known as "Common houseleek", is used in traditional medicine to treat inflammation of the ear. It can also be used as a compress on wounds, burns and abscesses, as well as on painful areas attacked by gout, acting as refrigerant and astringent agent. The healing properties of the Common houseleek do not stop here - according to some sources, this flowering plant also has an antitumor effect, as well as other interesting effects. 

Usage and health benefits of Common houseleek (Sempervivum Tectorum)

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Rumex L. species have received huge recognition since humans used plants and herbs as a cure against diseases due to their healing benefits and various therapeutic advantages. Rumex is the second largest genus of the Polygonaceae family and among its most famous representatives is Rumex acetosa, which we know as "sorrel". This is a perennial herbaceous plant with numerous applications and opportunities for culinary use, which we will present to you in this article.

Sorrel for improved digestive and anti-inflammatory function, plus more benefits

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Complex complex of immune, inflammatory and oxidative-mediated reactions caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection contribute to the pathogenesis of COVID-19. Ginger has been widely used for thousands of years as a spice or dietary supplement, as well as as traditional medicine for the treatment of various diseases. Can its anti-inflammatory potential be applicable to coronavirus infection and what may be the effects? Stay with us to learn.

The therapeutic potential of ginger against COVID-19: is there sufficient evidence

Birch trees (Betula spp.) originate in Europe, parts of Asia and the Northern Hemisphere, in the northern regions of temperate ecosystems and subarctic climates. Globally, there are more than fifty types of birches. The leaves of this tree, as well as the bark and buds of trees are often used in traditional medicine to relieve joint pain, kidney stones, bladder stones and urinary tract infections. More information about the benefits, but also possible side effects, can be found in our article.

Birch leaves - health benefits, usage and side effects

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Coronavirus disease COVID-19 has a wide range of pathophysiological effects. Curcumin, an active ingredient of Curcuma longa, has several properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, antithrombotic and antiproliferative, making it a promising candidate for symptomatic treatment of COVID-19. Although the pandemic has already weakened its strength, this does not mean that we need to stop looking for better healing agents, and curcumin has the potential to be one of them.

Curcumin as a potential treatment for COVID-19

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Sideritis scardica (Mursalski tea, Mountain tea) is an endemic plant on the Balkan Peninsula, which is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of antimicrobial infections, gastrointestinal complaints, inflammations and rheumatic diseases. Its composition is impressive and its usefulness is supported by dozens of clinical studies in its capacity as herbal tea. Mursalski tea can help treat numerous common health problems such as bronchitis, bronchial asthma, cough, increasing the body's immune defenses.

Mursalski Tea - an herb with healing power and valuable ingredients for longevity

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 Mursalski Tea - an herb with healing power and valuable ingredients

Бетина Цветкова

<a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/herbal-and-natural-medicine/id1527570321" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Download app for iOS</a>

<a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=eu.bioseek.herbalmedicine" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Download app for Android</a>

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<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.herbal-organic.com</a>

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Author: Sylvia Marinova, PhD student in the Genomic Stabilit lab at BAS

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I am almost certain that I did not have a friend from the children's English courses who voluntarily wanted to be with me in one room at the summer camps in Pamporovo, as various bugs often crawled out of the wonderfully smelling thyme which I used to dry in our wardrobe.

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Later, when I grew up a little, when we went to the mountains with my parents, I was bringing a large encyclopedia of the herbs in Bulgaria. If I liked a plant, I started flipping through the pages until I found out what it was and what properties it had.

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Now I know a lot more herbs, and to be honest, I usually collect the same species and don't have to carry thick books in the mountains.&nbsp;However, it often happens that I am asked which plant is what, knowing that I studied biology, and since botany never became my favorite at university, there are definitely a lot of medicinal plants that I do not know well and can not always answer properly.

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This is why in the article below, I will tell you about the Herbal and Natural Medicine app - a pocket encyclopedia for herbs and pure salvation for the biology student as more than a good alternative to herbal books, which are neither comfortable to carry in the mountains, nor fit well into lightweight mountaineering luggage. And not only - it is super useful in different situations, and I would definitely recommend it to any avid amateur and herbalist. Also to anyone who is interested in herbal treatment and how they can help themselves with the help of natural means and is looking for information about them that they can trust.

What-is-the-app-about

What is the app about

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The essence of Herbal and Natural Medicine is to be an application that allows you to perform a search by a plant, an active substance or a disease. The cool thing is that it gives access to scientific publications related to a particular plant and its applications in both Western and Traditional medicine. Generally speaking - it plays the role of a search engine that extracts articles from the most famous scientific databases by giving a lot of useful information about all its studied properties. Imagine something like Google, but very closely specialized in the field of scientific publications related to the world of medicinal plants.

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For example, if I write thymus vulgaris, the application will automatically sort the properties of the herb by how many scientific publications have examined them. This is already a great landmark, because it immediately shows me valuable information, and even if I don't read the listed papers, I already know that the antioxidant and antibacterial properties are much better studied ythan the laxative one of thyme. But why is this so important and convenient?

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The answer is very simple - we live in a sea of information that floods us constantly, and it is easy to mislead which claims are credible and which are not.&nbsp;For this reason, it is very important to have points of reference when filtering information and not to trust everything read on the Internet, especially when it comes to our health.

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Our Health Is In Danger: 17 Ways to Identify False Information

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Herbal and Natural Medicine does just that - it helps us find scientifically proved information, systematizes it and allows us to handle it in a convenient and understandable way. Long story short - the application makes a connection between medicinal plants, properties and diseases and shows us scientific articles that we even have the opportunity to translate into our native language.

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Associated with this feature is the possibility to conduct our search in reverse order - we set a disease or condition, and the application gives us a list of the herbs and plants that are associated with it, as well as the relevant scientific publications and their number.

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Another great thing is that the app is appropriate even when we need to do a more complicated search by key active ingredients of plants that we want to know more about.

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Identification of plant species

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Another main feature of the application is that it can recognize plant species by a photo. And, you see,&nbsp;to get out of an awkward situation poorly learned textbook on plant taxonomy biologists.

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You will see an option in the menu to directly capture the plant within the app, as well as one to upload a photo from the gallery of the phone. As long as the photo is in focus and you correctly determine which part of the plant is photographed (for example, flower or root), the application does everything else. It defines the Latin name and, most coolly, compiles a list of its properties and the scientific publications in which they were mentioned. Useful and easy, isn't it?

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The plants around us

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Last but not least, the third main function of Herbal and Natural Medicine is to show us a map of any plant of interest. Anyone who captures and identifies a plant can choose to keep it in a database. Thus, other people using the app can easily navigate where around them there is any specific plant that interests them.

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Imagine wondering where to go for a walk in the mountains to pick thyme. The solution is given to you again by Herbal and Natural Medicine - open the application and see on the map in which regions thyme is marked on the map and plan your walk accordingly.

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Online shop

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There is also a built-in store in the app. Whether you are looking for a specific plant or disease, you can find with a single click dietary supplements or products related to a keyword of interest. It operates with an&nbsp;integrated matching algorithm that delivers intelligent product suggestions.

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Conclusion

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In short, Herbal and Natural Medicine is an extremely convenient and useful application. Unlike other botanical applications that only identify plant species, here you get quick access to scientific publications extracted from the most reputable scientific databases. This is complemented by an intuitive view, well-organized information, shopping opportunities and geolocation of plant species of interest. Although recently released, Herbal and Natural Medicine already has over 100,000 downloads. So instead of looking for great herbal books and loading your luggage with them, download the app and go to the woods to try it out.

In the season of the ramson find out what health properties it possesses, how it has been used in the past and how to prepare delicious pesto from wild garlic.

Wild Garlic - The Healing Properties of Ramson. Bonus: Recipe for Delicious Wild Garlic Pesto

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Tea is the second most common drink after water. Tea, which is prepared from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant is 3 types: green, oolong and black - depending on the degree of oxidation of the leaves. The most oxidized are the leaves of black tea, not so much of the oolong tea and the leafs of green tea are not oxidized at all.

9 unexpected health benefits of green tea and how to prepare it

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Chillies owe their effect to a compound called capsaicin, which can help control inflammation and other harmful processes in the body associated with the accumulation of fatty plaques in the arteries (atherosclerosis), for example.

Are chili peppers healthy - find out what science has to say

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Studies have suggested that ginseng reduces physical, chemical and biological stress, while increasing overall vitality and immune function, including physical and mental capacity.

8 reasons why the Chinese call ginseng The King of Herbs

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The most common diseases of this organ are viral hepatitis (hepatitis B and C), cirrhosis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, steatosis, fibrosis, alcoholic liver disease (alcoholic hepatitis), liver cancer, liver failure.

The liver does not hurt. Which are the herbs that can improve its health in the case of hepatitis, steatosis, and cirrhosis

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Silymarin has been used as a healing agent since ancient times. How its healing properties are manifested in the organism and what they are, you can find out in this article.

Silymarin - a well-known ancient herb - for the benefits in humans and animals

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Hops is well known as it is a major raw material in the production of beer. Interest in this plant is growing not only due to the search and creation of beer with new different flavors, but also for discovering and proving new beneficial properties for our health.

Healing Properties of Hops - The Essential Ingredient of Beer

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In recent years omega-3 fatty acids have gained popularity due to their numerous health benefits. They are an important part of lipid metabolism of animals and play a significant role in human health.

Omega-3 fatty acids: health benefits and sources

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Herbal and Natural Medicine - Your Pocket Encyclopedia About Herbs

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 Herbal and Natural Medicine - Your Pocket Encyclopedia About Herbs

Силвия Маринова

Author: Sylvia Marinova, PhD student in in the "Genomic Stability" lab at BAS

Gin tonic - a favorite drink, which we can safely call one of the symbols of warm summer evenings, filled with broad smiles and high spirits in the presence of good company. And this is only the simplest variation of this refreshing drink - with a little imagination one could add wonderful notes of variety and taste, and at the end of the article you will find a few original ideas for easy cocktails with gin. Until then - let's turn to the curious and less familiar facts about the history and benefits of gin.

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Where does gin come from

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As a national drink of the British, you might easily think that the gin originated from there. But that's not quite the case. It turns out that the drink has a longer history.

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Francisco Sylvius, physician from the Leiden University, is officially thought to be the discoverer of&nbsp; gin. He was first to describe the production of the drink in the 17th century by distilling fermented cereals, namely malt wine, to which "fruit" of juniper was added during the process.&nbsp; It has strong aromatic and healing properties, and the resulting drink he used as a medicine mainly for kidney problems. He called the juniper liqueur - gin (in Latin juniper is Juniperus).

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Although his name is traditionally mentioned as the discoverer of gin, there is various evidence to suggest that even previously, high-alcohol distilled juniper beverages were well known as a medicinal product [<a href="https://www.diffordsguide.com/g/1108/gin/history-of-gin-1100s-mid-1500s" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.1</a>]. For example, during the Black Death, the devastating bubonic plague epidemic that spread across Europe in the mid-14th century, there was a belief that distilled juniper drinks helped fight the disease. For this reason, they were very popular.

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Still, how does gin as we know it get to the British and to us? Even before Francisco Sylvius was born, the Dutch had produced large quantities of giniver and traded with it. In the 17th century, during the wars, English soldiers in the low lands called the giniver "Dutch courage". They shortened the name of the drink to gin and brought the new taste to their homeland. Then the gin industry flourished and the famous London gin was born.

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What about tonic water?

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It is also worth mentioning briefly about the history of tonic - after all, it is half of the drink gin tonic, and its origin is also associated with its healing properties.

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The tonic is a heartless drink and contains a substance called quinine <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Quinine_an_old_anti_malarial_drug_in_a_modern_world_role_in_the_treatment_of_malaria_21609473" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[ref.2]</a>, which is&nbsp; due to its bitter taste. Quinine is an alkaloid, which is found in a large amount in the bark of the quinine tree.

Traditional and alternative medicine