Bruised into rendang for generations, and now studied in labs for MRSA, Alzheimer’s pathways and dengue mosquitoes. What is documented, and what is still an early finding.
Limau purut Kaffir Lime Citrus hystrix Read More »
In 2021 a scientist won the Nobel Prize for explaining why chilli burns. The receptor he found sits on the nerve behind migraines. Dose, preparation and what is on your food.
Three unrelated plants share the name “bay leaf”. Daun salam, Laurus nobilis and Indian tejpatta have different chemistry, so their evidence and uses cannot be swapped.
Bay Leaves Daun Salam Read More »
Star anise is the main source of shikimic acid, the starting material for Tamiflu. It also has a toxic look-alike, so both facts belong in the same article.
Star anise Bunga lawang Read More »
The jintan putih in your spice rack shares its main bioactive compound with habbatus sauda, one of the most researched medicinal seeds. Nobody puts that on the jar.
Cumin Jintan putih Read More »
The fennel water grandmothers gave colicky babies has randomised trials behind it. One compound, trans-anethole, explains both the calmer tummy and the “women’s herb” reputation.
Fennel Jintan Manis Read More »
Two species are sold as cinnamon, and one carries up to 1,200 times more coumarin. It is the one on most Malaysian shelves, so which one you hold matters.
Cinnamon Kayu Manis Read More »
No mouth as an adult, a wasp costume with nothing behind it, and possibly in tomorrow’s garbage collection. The full, honest case for the Black Soldier Fly.
Black Soldier Fly (BSF) Read More »
A 3,300-year record, more than 130 clinical trials, and a seed small enough to vanish in your palm. What the evidence says, and who should check with a doctor first.
Black seed Nigellla sativa Habbatus sauda Read More »