Author: lathamprojectanalytics@gmail.com

Author: Lorena Tran

Jewelweed has historically been used to soothe skin conditions. In Japanese traditional medicine, crushed jewelweed flowers are used to combat itching, while in traditional Chinese Medicine, jewelweed leaves are recommended as a treatment for pain and swelling. Native American tribes also use jewelweed as a medicine to treat skin rashes from poison ivy and stinging nettles, as well as insect bites[1].

Researchers have found that mash made from blended jewelweed reduces rashes from poison ivy just as effectively as dish soap, which is another common treatment[1]. Jewelweed is effective at treating poison ivy rashes because it contains saponins, or compounds that behave like soaps. These compounds alleviate rashes by breaking down the oil that poison ivy deposits on the skin[2]. So, in situations where soap is not on hand, jewelweed provides a quick remedy for poison ivy exposure. In addition, jewelweed usually grows near poison ivy plants, which makes it a convenient treatment. The plant also has anti-inflammatory properties, which explains its ability to treat poison ivy and suggests that it could treat other inflammatory conditions, such as rashes and infections[3].

Sources:

[1] Motz VA, Bowers CP, Mull Young L, Kinder DH. The effectiveness of jewelweed, Impatiens capensis, the related cultivar I. balsamina and the component, lawsone in preventing post poison ivy exposure contact dermatitis. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2012 Aug 30;143(1):314-8.

[2] Motz VA, Bowers CP, Kneubehl AR, Lendrum EC, Young LM, Kinder DH. Efficacy of the saponin component of Impatiens capensis Meerb.in preventing urushiol-induced contact dermatitis. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2015 Mar 13;162:163-7.

[3] Grabowska K, Wróbel D, Żmudzki P, Podolak I. Anti-inflammatory activity of saponins from roots of Impatiens parviflora DC. Natural Product Research. 2020 Jun;34(11):1581-1585.

Author: Lorena Tran

Lavender’s ability to promote and enhance sleep has long been recognized by traditional medicine. In Europe, lavender-scented bath salts, teas, and laundry detergent are traditionally recommended for restless sleepers and those with difficulty falling asleep. In traditional Chinese medicine, lavender is said to relax the mind and relieve the body’s tension, which can aid stress and sleep problems[1].

In contemporary times, several studies have investigated lavender as a treatment for insomnia. Aromatherapy, or exposure to diffused lavender oil in the air, was found to increase blood melatonin levels in adults over the age of 60. Melatonin regulates a person’s sleep and wake cycle, so this increase in melatonin levels indicates that lavender facilitates falling asleep and reduces sleep disorders. This is especially significant for older people, as insomnia becomes more prevalent with aging[2]. Smelling lavender essential oil was also found to increase sleep quality in patients with diabetes. Improved sleep is especially important for diabetics – it can lead to reduced blood sugar, which lessens diabetes symptoms[3].

[1] Buchbauer G, Jirovetz L, Jäger W, Dietrich H, Plank C. Aromatherapy: evidence for sedative effects of the essential oil of lavender after inhalation. Zeitschrift fur Naturforschung C Journal of Biosciences. 1991 Nov-Dec;46(11-12):1067-72.

[2] Velasco-Rodríguez R, Pérez-Hernández MG, Maturano-Melgoza JA, Hilerio-López ÁG, Monroy-Rojas A, Arana-Gómez B, Vásquez C. The effect of aromatherapy with lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) on serum melatonin levels. Complementary Therapies in Medicine. 2019 Dec;47:102208.

[3] Nasiri Lari Z, Hajimonfarednejad M, Riasatian M, Abolhassanzadeh Z, Iraji A, Vojoud M, Heydari M, Shams M. Efficacy of inhaled Lavandula angustifolia Mill. Essential oil on sleep quality, quality of life and metabolic control in patients with diabetes mellitus type II and insomnia. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2020 Apr 6;251:112560.

Author: Lorena Tran

Traditional medicines use yarrow to treat a variety of conditions, the most common being for healing wounds. In Hungarian traditional medicine, ointments made from yarrow leaves are used to treat burns and open wounds. European and Brazilian remedies use yarrow ointments and poultices to stop bleeding and treat skin rashes. Traditional Chinese medicine also treats wounds and bruising with yarrow, but additionally uses it for snakebites and varicose veins[1].

Few large-scale studies have assessed yarrow’s medicinal properties. However, in smaller studies yarrow has been found to promote quicker cell and tissue growth, which explains its role as a wound healer in traditional cultures[2]. Yarrow also has anti-inflammatory properties, as it reduced swelling in women who had recently given birth as well as patients with mouth and throat inflammation[1].

Sources:

[1] Ali SI, Gopalakrishnan B, Venkatesalu V. Pharmacognosy, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Properties of Achillea millefolium L.: A Review. Phytotherapy Research. 2017 Aug;31(8):1140-1161.

[2] Medellín-Luna MF, Castañeda-Delgado JE, Martínez-Balderas VY, Cervantes-Villagrana AR. Medicinal Plant Extracts and Their Use As Wound Closure Inducing Agents. Journal of Medicinal Food. 2019 May;22(5):435-443.