Herbs and plants
We have 322 expert articles with research and specialist opinions on health — in 14 languages
Thyme for a cough — can a kitchen herb replace cough syrup from the pharmacy?
Henryk Różański recommends thyme honey and an infusion made with a spoonful of the herb in a cup of boiling water as home remedies for a cough.
Read the answer →Echinacea — does it really boost immunity, or is it supplement marketing?
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) states that oral echinacea herb juice taken early may prevent cold symptoms and relieve them faster than a placebo.
Read the answer →Chamomile for the eyes — home rinse or risky habit?
Henryk Różański describes chamomile infusion compresses for inflammation of the eyelids and conjunctiva, as well as for a gritty feeling or tired eyes: they should be applied for 30–45 minutes and repeated every 6 hours.
Read the answer →Ribwort plantain — a weed by the fence more effective than pharmacy syrup?
Henryk Różański describes ribwort plantain as a plant that soothes coughs, especially in syrups.
Read the answer →Valerian — natural calming without feeling groggy after taking pills?
Henryk Różański points out that valerian’s calming effect requires a large dose of tincture, and that improper drying, storage, or processing can deprive it of valuable constituents.
Read the answer →Propolis—the bee antibiotic that puts the medicine cabinet to shame?
Henryk Różański calls a mixture of propolis, guaiacol, and essential oils an alternative to antibiotics.
Read the answer →Black seed oil — “cure-all” or overrated oil?
Henryk Różański attributes effects on many ailments to black seed oil, from infections to skin problems.
Read the answer →Varicose veins—can herbs save your legs from the scalpel?
Henryk Różański recommends a mixture of apple leaves, buckwheat or rue, arnica, violet, and horse chestnut or black locust for varicose veins.
Read the answer →Rosemary — an herb for memory and circulation that we have in our kitchen?
Henryk Różański associates rosemary with stimulating circulation and warming effects, based on its similarity to bath cosmetics made with wild thyme.
Read the answer →Calendula — the golden flower that heals wounds better than pharmacy ointment?
Henryk Różański says that calendula helps wounds heal and has anti-inflammatory effects.
Read the answer →Aloe in a pot — a home remedy for the skin and digestion?
Henryk Różański states that aloin, the hardened sap from aloe leaves, has a laxative effect when swallowed.
Read the answer →Dandelion—a lawn weed that supports the liver?
Henryk Różański states that dandelion was used as a liver remedy, and that its extracts and juice are said to stimulate bile production and secretion and detoxify the body.
Read the answer →Linden Blossom — A Home Remedy for Colds That Works?
Henryk Różański recommends an infusion of linden blossoms for colds, especially those with fever and inflammation of the respiratory tract.
Read the answer →Horsetail for hair and nails — myth or real help?
Henryk Różański attributes stronger hair and nails, and prevention of breakage and splitting, to horsetail.
Read the answer →Sage—a herb for sore throats worth keeping at home?
Henryk Różański recommends an infusion for gargling every two hours and fresh preparations for sore throats.
Read the answer →St. John’s wort—a natural antidepressant that may interact with medications?
Henryk Różański states that antidepressant effects have been attributed to alcoholic and oil extracts of St. John’s wort.
Read the answer →Chamomile for the stomach — an old wives’ remedy or a pharmacy medicine?
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) says that medicines made from chamomile flowers may relieve bloating and mild gastrointestinal cramps.
Read the answer →Ginger — a natural remedy for nausea and the common cold?
Henryk Różański describes ginger as an antiemetic and mentions its use for the common cold.
Read the answer →Garlic—a natural antibiotic in our kitchen?
Henryk Różański points out that garlic kills bacteria and fungi only at concentrations that cannot be reached by swallowing it, though they may be possible when applied to the skin or mucous membranes.
Read the answer →The liver — do milk thistle and herbs really cleanse it?
Henryk Różański recommends an herbal mixture to support liver detoxification, while Hubert Czerniak mentions milk thistle for cleansing the body, not the liver itself.
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