Read the latest news about quality dietary supplements, vitamins, immunity, and health.
Liver and Gallbladder Balm - Dandelion
Dandelion (in Slovak, 'púpava', Latin, Taraxacum officinale, also known as milkweed, smotánka, májik) is a well-known and ubiquitous weed (especially when it randomly appears overnight on a perfectly manicured lawn, even sprouting through cracks in asphalt), but foremost, it is a healing plant with a long history of use in herbal medicine. The milky tubes contain white sap that hardens in the air andleaves colorful stains on hands. Dandelion seeds can travel kilometers. It is among the longest-blooming plants, wholly edible, albeit having a not very pleasant bitter taste.
Do we need the 'sunshine' vitamin D3 only in winter?
When you feel the sun's rays on your skin, know that your body is creating one of the most important vitamins - D3, which was discovered thanks to centuries of research. The discovery of vitamin D3 became one of the most significant medical achievements of the 20th century, saving millions of lives: It was the year 1650 and in the streets of London, doctors noticed that more and more children were suffering from a strange disease called rickets (their bones were weak and brittle, legs deformed, growth slowed). It wasn't until 1919 that Dr. Huldschinsky exposed children with rickets to ultraviolet light and their bones began to heal! Three years later, biochemist McCollum discovered a substance that prevented rickets and called it vitamin D. Gradually, the existence of the most important form of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) was discovered.
Ashwagandha - Withania somnifera
„Ashwa“ (horse) „gandha“ (root smell), the name itself points to the plant's ability to provide strength and vitality (animal strength hidden in the root). Known by names „Indian ginseng“ (similar root shape), also „winter cherry“ (fruits resemble cherries). From the small bush with yellow flowers, mainly the root is used in traditional medicine. Given its calming effects, it's appropriately named Withania somnifera, sleepy or dreamy. The Latin name somnifera also reveals its sleep-inducing property.
Is Collagen Only for Older People?
Collagen is essentially a protein that the human body can produce by itself, as it is necessary for the proper functioning of cartilage, glands, joints, and even bones, muscles, and skin. Out of all the proteins in our body, collagen is the most abundant (up to 30%). Unless you are addicted to social media, you really don't need collagen until you suddenly start feeling pain in your tendons, knees, ligaments... Because if you have a proper, balanced diet, and enough exercise, your body should produce enough. However...
Cordyceps - Zombie in Reality
Cordyceps sinensis - this is our zombie predator. In China, it is called "in winter insects, in summer herbs." Imagine a fungus that during reproduction in summer shoots its spores (seeds), which attach to the insect's body. It gradually grows throughout and parasitizes it, devours it from the inside out, with the insect still alive, even altering its outer appearance but still foraging until it retreats underground where it dies and mummifies. The fungus can survive in it for a longer period. The fungus literally controls the host's body, growing out of its body in summer, forming slender "sticks" 5-20 cm high. This inspired the video game series Last of Us where the Cordyceps fungus turns humankind into zombies. In real life, this video game unfolds in the actual life of insects. The victims are larvae of butterflies, large ants, spiders...
Fascinating Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)
It is not by chance that in various countries it is referred to as the "mushroom of immortality" and the "mushroom of eternal life". In Japan, "Reishi" means "spiritual power". In China, it is known as "Lingzhi", which means "divine mushroom". It is one of the most valuable mushrooms in traditional medicine, used for the treatment of chronic diseases, and acknowledged for over 4000 years for its strong effects (similar to ginseng) documented in ancient books. It's also called the "mushroom of happiness" for its ability to alleviate ailments such as arthritis, insomnia, chest tightness, persistent weakness, high blood pressure, dizziness, mushroom poisoning, and heart diseases ...
