What Gives Chamomile Its Power?

Chamomile contains two quite different groups of natural compounds, depending on whether we look at its extracts or its essential oil. Alcoholic and hydroalcoholic extracts of Matricaria chamomilla are particularly rich in flavonoids. The best known is apigenin,...

What Gives Lavender Its Power?

Lavender contains two quite different groups of natural compounds, depending on whether we look at its extracts or its essential oil. Alcoholic and hydroalcoholic extracts of Lavandula angustifolia are rich in polyphenols. One of the most important is rosmarinic acid,...

What Gives Nettle Its Power?

Stinging nettle contains a surprisingly diverse mixture of natural compounds, and different parts of the plant have different chemical profiles. Extracts made from nettle leaves are particularly rich in polyphenols. Important compounds include chlorogenic,...

What Gives Calendula Its Healing Properties?

Calendula flowers contain several groups of natural compounds that help explain why this bright orange plant has attracted so much scientific interest, particularly for skin and wound care. Alcoholic and hydroalcoholic extracts contain flavonoids, including quercetin...

Why Is Real Lemon Balm Essential Oil So Valuable?

Lemon balm may grow happily in gardens, but obtaining its essential oil is another matter. Melissa officinalis produces only a small amount of essential oil, making genuine lemon balm oil relatively valuable. The oil is characterized by its high content of citral –...