![]() Domingo Choc Che Courtesy of Mónica Berger Gonzalez |
Food as Medicine: Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa, Malvaceae) Bright red and pleasingly tart, the hibiscus flower has become a favorite in tropical and equatorial climates as part of a cooling beverage in hot weather and a seasonal cranberry replacement in the winter. Traditionally, hibiscus was used for its anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and fever-lowering actions. Guided by these traditional uses, modern research is studying hibiscus as a potential cardioprotective aid, metabolic aid, and more. Read more >> |
![]() ![]() |
The Rising and Falling Fortunes of Vanuatu Kava By Tyler Smith In Case You Missed It: Preserving Peyote. By Connor Yearsley. May 2020. Food as Medicine Update: Artichoke and Cardoon. By Jenny Perez and Amanda Reat. June 2020. The Rising and Falling Fortunes of Vanuatu Kava. By Chris Kilham. July 2020. |
![]() |
Did you know? HerbalGram is available in three digital formats: PDF, page-flip, and HTML. Check them out!

![]() |
This text explains the science behind cannabis as medicine. Author and teacher Tammi Sweet discusses the chemistry of the whole cannabis plant, the body’s endocannabinoid system, and why and how cannabis affects it. Based on research and her own clinical experience, Sweet provides instructions for medicinal cannabis preparations and specific dosage recommendations for using these remedies to address a wide range of conditions, including stress, chronic pain, anxiety, PTSD, insomnia, and more. Health care professionals, herbalists, dispensary workers, medical cannabis users, and other interested parties will find plenty of information about the science of cannabis and its effects on the human body.
The Wholistic Healing Guide to Cannabis can be purchased from the publisher. ©2020 Storey Publishing. This material is reprinted with permission from the publisher and may not be used for any other purpose.
Single Dose of Blueberry Polyphenols Boosts Cognitive Performance in Middle Aged Adults. NutraIngredients. August 5, 2020. After consuming a single dose of wild blueberry polyphenols, healthy, middle-aged adults showed improved cognitive function and metabolic response.
Medicinal Plants Export Fetches $500m. TehranTimes. August 5, 2020. The export market for medicinal herbs in Iran reached $500 million in the last calendar year, and saffron alone was an estimated $350 million of that total.
Thai Cabinet Approves Draft Law Expanding Access to Cannabis. The Washington Post. August 4, 2020. Thailand’s cabinet approved a proposal from the Public Health Ministry that would allow health professionals, farmers, and patients to grow, produce, and export cannabis and its products instead of limiting these privileges to government units.
Cannabinoids May Affect Activity of Other Pharmaceuticals. Science Daily. August 3, 2020. Cannabinoid-containing products may alter the effects of some prescription drugs, according to researchers; this information could help medical professionals make safe prescribing choices for their patients who use cannabinoid products.
Hot New Medicine: This 1,000-Year-Old Mixture of Garlic, Onion, Wine, and Cow Bile. Popular Mechanics. July 31, 2020. Scientists are studying a millennium-old medicinal recipe they say might be able to kill some antibiotic-resistant bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus.
The Best Natural Remedies for a Stomach Ache, According to a Gastroenterologist. Insider. July 9, 2020. Herbs with anti-inflammatory or antispasmodic properties can ease pain and discomfort from an acute, short-term stomachache.
UC Santa Cruz Leads Research Center on Botanical Dietary Supplements. EurekAlert! July 8, 2020. A grant from the NIH will support a collaborative research program to understand the cellular mechanisms by which botanical natural products may affect human health.

Study: Cannabis Use Associated with Opioid-Sparing Effects on Pain Patients. NORML. August 6, 2020.
“Paradise Island Teeming with Life”: New Data Reveals New Guinea Has the Highest Plant Diversity of Any Island in the World. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. August 5, 2020.
FDA Approves New Indication for Drug Containing an Active Ingredient Derived from Cannabis to Treat Seizures in Rare Genetic Disease. US Food & Drug Administration. July 31, 2020.
NPA Asks FDA to Stop Fraudulent Products from Entering US Natural Products Association. NPA. July 20, 2020.
AHPA Online Botanical Safety Handbook Updated with New Information. American Herbal Products Association (AHPA). July 14, 2020.
CRN’s Label Wise Honored with 2020 NutraIngredients USA Industry Initiative of the Year Award. Council for Responsible Nutrition. July 14, 2020.
AHPA Requests USDA APHIS Amend and Delay Phase VI of the Import Declarations Enforcement Schedule. AHPA. July 9, 2020.
Tony Hayes, 1955-2020 — In Memoriam. AHPA. July 9, 2020.
Plant Medicine for Modern Epidemics Summit. August 24-28, 2020. Online. A timely gathering of integrative doctors and other experts will discuss multifaceted approaches to healing with the help of nature. More information.

VitaFoods Europe. September 1-3, 2020. Geneva, Switzerland.
6th International Mediterranean Symposium on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants. October 15-17, 2020. İzmir, Turkey.
American Herbalists Guild 31st Annual Symposium. October 15-19, 2020. Online.
10th Annual Spirit Plant Medicine Conference. October 23-25, 2020. Online.
More event listings can be found on ABC’s website.
When you’ve overindulged in some cheer,
or acne makes onlookers jeer,
this prickly friend
can pull through in the end.
What is it? You'll find out right here!