Aloe vera (“true aloe”) is the best-known species of the aloe genus, which is native to Africa and certain parts of the Middle East. Renowned for its medicinal properties, aloe vera has been utilized for thousands of years to treat numerous medical conditions ranging from skin irritations and herpes to constipation and diabetes. Indeed, this succulent and mucilaginous plant was one of the most frequently prescribed medicines throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. For the…
Chia is a species of flowering plant that bears oval-shaped, multicolored seeds. These seeds, which have a neutral taste and crunchy texture, have been cultivated for centuries as a survival food in their native Mexico and Guatemala. Chia seeds had only just begun to enjoy recognition in the United States, however, when the eccentric Californian gadget company, Joseph Enterprises, began to market them in the 1980s as “Chia Pets,” which are terracotta figurines that sprouted…
Okra, also called gumbo or lady’s finger, is a tall, flowering plant that is cultivated in tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions around the world. It has been prized for centuries for its edible green pods, which transform into a thick, gooey mucilage once cooked. However, many cultures like to cook okra pods with acidic ingredients, such as lemon juice, which reduces their mucilage and makes them suitable for drier vegetable dishes. Though not as well-known…
Constipation is one of the most common conditions affecting Americans today. In fact, the American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons claims that approximately 80 percent of people will suffer from infrequent bowel movements at some point in their lives. While environmental changes, improper hydration, and a lack of exercise often contribute to short-term constipation, the overwhelming cause of chronic blockages is poor diet. Indeed, since the advent of processed foods, the average American consumes…
