Botanical Supplementary Aids
Wojciech Wiśniewski
2026-03-20
5 min. read
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Botanical remedies are gaining a larger market share due to their cost-effectiveness and safety of use. Our article introduces a few lesser-known herbs that may offer numerous benefits when used as supplementary aids.
Tulasi - Indian herbal adaptogens
Tulasi, also known as Asian basil, is considered one of the most important plants in traditional Indian medicine. Due to its characteristic aroma, it is often used in the form of incense, powder, or oil. The benefits that come from using this plant are due to its oily extract. The fat obtained from the leaves of Tulasi is primarily considered as an anti-stress remedy and a stabilizer of mental health (also known as an adaptogen). It is believed that this preparation can be helpful in treating colds, angina, or flu, as well as the associated symptoms (e.g. hoarseness, dry cough). The therapeutic properties of Tulasi also include the increase in testosterone levels, the slowing down of aging processes, the stimulation of blood circulation, or the protection of the liver. The dosage of the supplement depends on body weight. It is assumed that administering a dose of 500 mg extract twice a day is mainly used for neurological purposes and as an adaptogen. Considering body weight, supplementation looks as follows (doses are theoretical and based on animal studies): – 1100-2200 mg at a weight of 70 kg for general improvement and 5500 mg for increasing testosterone levels; – 1500-2900 mg at 90 kg body weight for general improvement and 7300 mg for increasing the amount of testosterone; – 1800-3600 mg at 110 kg body weight for general improvement and 9100 mg for increasing testosterone levels. Side effects that may result from the regular intake of the preparation are rare but can include diarrhea, stomach upset, and vomiting. Contraindications for taking Tulasi include liver failure and hypothyroidism.
Ayurvedic assistance for joints by using Boswellia
Boswellia serrata is a medicinal plant that belongs to the family of plant pharmaceuticals. It can be found in India, Nigeria, and eastern Africa. Because of its contained olibanum – a granular substance with a yellowish-brown color – it is used to produce incense. Due to its ability to inhibit degeneration of joint cartilage and alleviate pain, Boswellia is used in cases of degenerative joint disease and rheumatism. This means that it can be beneficial for athletes as a preventive measure against issues related to the strained musculoskeletal system. It is also worth mentioning that this plant has antiseptic, immunomodulatory, and calming properties. A therapy using Boswellia involves the use of doses ranging from 300 to 400 mg of the raw material, which should be taken orally three times a day. During an experiment conducted on mice, a dose of 100 mg resulted in a reduction of the pancreatic tumor by more than 50%.
Divine herb
The common herb, commonly known as fenugreek, Greek cyanide, or goat's milk, is a popular herb in the Arabian and Indian regions and has been cultivated around the world. For centuries, it has been used as an aphrodisiac and essential oil, as well as a food additive. Fenugreeks are used primarily as a libido enhancer by improving the blood flow to the genitals. They also increase milk production in breastfeeding women and their testosterone levels. Due to the presence of trigonelline in their composition, they also regulate blood sugar levels. Fenugreeks are also successfully used to stimulate appetite, prevent cramps, lower cholesterol, heal wounds, and purify blood. The dosage of the herb should be adjusted depending on the goal to be achieved. A dose of 500 to 600 mg helps to increase the libido and testosterone levels. A dose of 2 to 5 g of seeds helps to maintain a normal blood sugar level.
The king of medicinal plants
The plant known as ostrich is widely used in traditional Tibetan medicine and often described as an anti-inflammatory agent. It grows in northeastern and southwestern China, mainly in the regions of the Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau. It should be noted that there are no scientific evidence of the positive effects of this plant on the human body. Nevertheless, it is believed to have analgesic and antioxidant properties due to its phenyloethylamine content. Tibetan culture utilizes this plant for lowering cholesterol levels, improving the function of the nervous and cardiovascular systems, and treating flu, bleeding, and inflammation. The plant is mainly used in the form of powder, which can be used as a component of poultices, aimed at accelerating wound healing.
Ordinary Tatar
The ordinary Tatar is a plant of the Tatar family that grows in extensive parts of the globe and is used as an edible, cosmetic, medicinal and oily plant. In medicine, it is used in a wide range of applications. Tatar is known for its blood-forming, diuretic, soothing and strengthening properties. A variety of Tatar found in India and Canada is used as a sleep aid. Moreover, Tatar has an effect on the digestive system through its relaxant activity. The extract of Tatar is used in the alcohol industry and to produce fragrance stabilizers. In medicine, it is used as a remedy for anemia, asthma, uterine pain, mental illnesses, tuberculosis, hemorrhoids and bronchitis. The rhizome of Tatar has a progastric effect, increases the secretion of gastric juice, accelerates digestion and facilitates the absorption of food. Animal studies have allowed the determination of doses that can be transferred to humans:
A Chinese Arouser
She Huang Zi, also known as Cnidium Monneri, is a Chinese herb that has been employed in traditional Chinese medicine for millennia. It is regarded as a natural aphrodisiac and libido enhancer (for both sexes). Its composition includes compounds like phenylferin, coumarins, sesquiterpenes, and sitosterols. Cnidium Monneri is used in sports, among other uses, as it aids the body in producing nitric oxide, a compound responsible not only for improving sexual functions and relaxing the smooth muscle tissue but also for triggering muscle pump effect. The plant's health-promoting properties are utilized in managing asthma symptoms and colds, acne, stimulation of digestive processes, and alleviation of digestive disorders and bloating. Administration is carried out during meals, and the daily dose of the preparation is 0.5 g. Unwanted side effects seldom occur with Cnidium Monneri, and if they do, they manifest as nausea and vomiting. The preparation is contraindicated for use by lactating women and during pregnancy.
