You’ve likely heard of ginseng and ginkgo biloba—two Chinese herbs long praised for enhancing cognitive function, boosting energy, and reducing stress. But jiaogulan, a lesser-known botanical wonder, is now making waves for its potential to rev up metabolism, lower cholesterol, reduce inflammation, and even promote longevity.

Often referred to as the “immortality herb,” jiaogulan (Gynostemma pentaphyllum) grows in the mountainous, forested regions of Asia. It's commonly known as “southern ginseng” or “miracle grass,” thanks to its wide array of health-promoting properties.

“Few people in the US know about it,” says Dr. Michael Aziz, a New York City-based, board-certified internist and regenerative medicine expert. Aziz, who consumes 900 milligrams of jiaogulan daily, underscores the growing interest in this plant and breaks down the science behind its rising popularity.

Though it has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, jiaogulan’s popularity has spiked in the last decade. Found primarily in herbal teas and dietary supplements, its leaves are valued for their high antioxidant potential.

“Jiaogulan tea has a very high ORAC value (a measure of antioxidant capacity). It’s eight times higher than what is found in green tea,” notes Aziz, author of The Ageless Revolution. He recommends brewing one to two teaspoons of dried jiaogulan leaves in 250 milliliters of water. The tea, he says, has a bitter yet slightly sweet taste, though others may describe it as earthy.

The bitterness comes from the plant’s saponins, natural compounds believed to contribute significantly to its health effects. “The bitter taste and cold nature of [jiaogulan] are particularly effective in clearing heat and detoxifying the body,” researchers wrote in the Journal of Functional Foods (January edition), highlighting its potential in managing viral hepatitis, chronic bronchitis, and gastroenteritis.

In contrast, the herb’s sweet notes are said to nourish the heart and protect the liver, benefiting the flow of qi and blood. It has also shown promise in helping with hyperlipidemia, hypertension, fatty liver, insomnia, and headaches.

Jiaogulan contains gypenosides — saponins structurally similar to the ginsenosides in ginseng. These compounds activate AMP-activated protein kinase, a key enzyme that helps maintain energy balance within cells. “They also improve insulin signaling and the function of mitochondria, the energy producers of our cells,” Aziz explains. These cellular improvements may support healthy aging and extend lifespan.

Jiaogulan may also exhibit anticancer properties and help lower blood pressure. However, like all supplements, it’s not without potential side effects. While generally safe, some users have reported nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, blurred vision, or even tinnitus.

People taking medications — particularly those with diabetes — should consult their doctors before incorporating jiaogulan into their routine. Aziz warns that the herb can significantly lower blood sugar, making dosage adjustments necessary for some.

As more people look to traditional herbs for modern health solutions, jiaogulan may be the next big thing in natural wellness.

As the seasons change and the air becomes heavy with pollen, millions worldwide prepare themselves for the all-too-familiar symptoms of seasonal allergies—watery eyes, itchy noses, sneezing spasms, and breathing difficulty. While pharmacies stock their shelves with antihistamines and decongestants, an increasing number of individuals are looking to a more natural way- homeopathy.

Often viewed with curiosity and skepticism, homeopathy has gradually gained a devoted following from people looking for relief without the need for drugs. But does it really hold a permanent key to allergies? While we celebrate World Homeopathy Day 2025, we take a deeper look into the science, philosophy, and medical professional opinion driving this age-old school of medicine in order to explore its use in seasonal allergy care.

Seasonal allergies, which are typically caused by pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or temperature change, result from an overreacting immune system response to the usual harmless things in the environment. The allergens mislead the immune system, leading to the release of histamines and other chemicals that trigger a cascade of symptoms including:

• Sneezing and congestion in the nose
• Runny nose and postnasal drip
• Watering, itching, or reddening of eyes
• Skin rashes or irritation
• Difficulty breathing or asthma-like symptoms in a few instances

These symptoms not only feel unpleasant—they can easily interfere with one's everyday life, sleep, and overall work.

Why Individuals Are Looking For All Natural Relief Options for Allergies?

Though traditional medications are quick to bring relief, most of them are associated with side effects like sleepiness, addiction, or constant weakening of the immune system. This has led to the global trend of natural and eco-friendly solutions—with homeopathy being a leader in the pack.

As Dr. Manju Singh, a leading homeopathy professional, puts it, homeopathy is becoming increasingly popular because it is more than symptom relief. "Homeopathy addresses the underlying cause by stimulating the body's own natural healing process. It doesn't cover up symptoms—it reconditions the immune system to react more naturally," she describes.

What is the Homeopathic Approach to Allergy Relief?

Homeopathy is based on the principle of "like cures like"—administering tiny doses of substances that, in larger doses, would produce the very symptoms a patient is suffering from. These extremely diluted remedies seek to stimulate the immune system gently to respond more effectively to allergens.

Some of the most frequently prescribed remedies for allergies are:

Allium cepa: Derived from onions, this is used for symptoms like watery eyes, sneezing, and clear nasal discharge—similar to what one experiences when chopping onions.

Sabadilla: Often recommended for severe sneezing, nasal congestion, and itchiness in the throat.

Natrum muriaticum (Natrum mur): Helpful in managing symptoms tied to weather changes, especially during spring and fall, and works by boosting the body’s defenses.

Dr. Singh adds, "These remedies are specifically matched to an individual's individual symptom pattern. Homeopathy is not an off-the-rack system—it's tailored, which is why it's critical to see a trained practitioner."

Does Homeopathy Really Work?

Clinical data on homeopathy is still controversial within the medical profession, mainly because of the ultra-diluted state of the medicines. But user reviews and increasing clinical interest keep it popular. In nations such as Germany, India, and the UAE, homeopathy is an accepted system of medicine, and patients often exhibit better tolerance to allergens and fewer flare-ups following regular treatment.

Numerous patients turn to us having exhausted all else. They have grown weary of medication that gets results for the moment but produces no lasting solutions," Dr. Singh says. "In several such instances, within a matter of months using homeopathic solutions, we witness lowered frequency and severity of the condition."

Is It Safe? What to Know Before Starting

One of the most attractive features of homeopathy is its low risk profile. The medicines are so diluted that they hardly produce side effects, and hence they can be used by children, elderly, and even pregnant women, as long as they are used under medical supervision.

Some people may even have a short-lived worsening of symptoms, referred to as a healing crisis, which practitioners see as an indication that the body is reacting to treatment. "This is an inevitable stage and usually goes away in no time," assures Dr. Singh.

Still, it's important not to self-diagnose or self-medicate, particularly when dealing with chronic allergies. A trained homeopath takes into account an array of physical, emotional, and environmental variables before suggesting a remedy.

In a time when lifestyle disorders and immune sensitivities are on the increase, individuals are looking for treatment philosophies that support long-term wellness objectives. Homeopathy, with its focus on individualization, natural healing, and immune strength, presents a strong alternative for individuals who wish to escape the side effects of steroids or lifetime reliance on antihistamines.

Dr. Singh stresses, "It's not a matter of either/or. Many of our patients incorporate homeopathy into their overall health regimens—along with dietary changes, stress reduction, and conventional care where appropriate."

So, can homeopathy cure seasonal allergies? For many, the answer is yes—but it's not a magic bullet. The true strength of homeopathy is its subtle, cumulative action, allowing the body to become less reactive over time. As word spreads and more people come forward with their success stories, homeopathy is moving into the limelight—not as a replacement, but as a trusted ally in the quest for holistic health.

If you’re considering homeopathy for allergy relief, consult a licensed practitioner and stay consistent. Relief may not come overnight—but for many, it’s a breath of fresh air in more ways than one.

Dr Manju Singh senior homeopathic doctor and expert, senior homeopathic medical officer at SBL Global in India

Even if you may not be used to it, sunscreens should be a regular part of your skincare routine, especially for the upcoming sunny days. While the sun may feel great after for a while, your skin will suffer damage if exposed to it for too long. It is good to have a stock of sunscreen so that you do not run short of necessary days, however the way you store them could sustain or destroy how effective they are.

Like other skincare and room temperature sensitive products, sunscreen also needs to be stored in a particular space to ensure that the product does not get damaged. In a viral TikTok video, Neal Rimmer, a senior scientific advisor at ‘Which?’, pointed out a big mistake many people make while carrying their sunscreen, especially when they are sunbathing. People usually don't bother keeping it in the bag after they are done using it, which means it lies around in the sun. That is ruining the shelf-life of the product as high temperatures decrease the product quality.

Sunscreen Has a Shelf Life

Just like milk or other products in your house, sunscreen doesn't last forever. Neal pointed out that it's really important to always check the date on your sunscreen bottle. You'll usually find a small symbol that looks like an open jar with a number and a letter next to it, such as '12 M'. This tells you how many months the sunscreen will be effective after you first open the bottle. Even if you haven't used much of it, if it's past this date, it might not protect your skin properly anymore. Using old sunscreen is like using a worn-out shield – it might not keep you as safe as you think. So, make it a habit to check the expiry information on your sunscreen before you use it each time, especially at the start of the sunny season.

You Shouldn’t Just Rely On Sunscreen

Putting on sunscreen is a great way to protect your skin, but it shouldn't be the only thing you rely on. Neal advised that for the best protection, we should use a combination of methods. Think of sunscreen as one layer of defense, and wearing clothes and a hat as extra layers. Clothes can cover up large areas of your skin that you might miss with sunscreen, and a hat can shield your face, ears, and neck, which are often very exposed to the sun.

Also, remember that sunscreen needs to be reapplied regularly – about every two hours – to keep working well. If you're swimming or sweating a lot, you need to put on more sunscreen even more often. Experts also recommend choosing a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, and a higher number means more protection from the sun's harmful rays.

Weight loss can be a tricky subject for many people. It isn’t a linear process and there are often ups and downs before you reach your ideal goal. There are many weight loss trends, diets and advice floating around on the internet, while many of them are good, others can be detrimental for your health. Many people believe that skipping breakfast or dinner may be the way to go, however not only does it not help you lose weight, but it also increases your risk of developing heart conditions or even heart attacks.

Skipping Meals Stress Your Heart

Many studies have shown that skipping meals is not only contradictory for losing weight, but it also impacts your heart. A 2017 study published in journal of the American College of Cardiology today suggests that regularly skipping breakfast is associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a serious condition where plaque builds up inside the arteries, causing them to harden and narrow.

Researchers explained how previous studies have already shown that eating a healthy breakfast is good for your heart. It's been linked to maintaining a healthier weight and cholesterol levels. While we knew that skipping breakfast might increase the risk of coronary heart disease, this new study is the first to specifically look at the connection between breakfast habits and the actual presence of early-stage atherosclerosis (subclinical atherosclerosis).

Another study published in the Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease 2019, found that of all the participants who were in the study, the ones who skipped breakfast regularly were more 21% more likely to experience a Cardiovascular disease (CVD) or die from it.

Cycle Of Skipping Meals And Overeating

The expert also noted that when you eat less during the day by skipping meals, you're likely to feel much hungrier at night. This increased hunger often leads to eating larger portions later in the evening.

The Journal of the American College of Cardiology study also explained how participants who skipped breakfast were more likely to have other unhealthy habits, including a poor overall diet, frequent alcohol consumption, and smoking. They were also more likely to have high blood pressure and be overweight or obese. The study authors noted that in the case of obesity, it's possible that some obese individuals might be skipping breakfast to try and lose weight, so the cause and effect isn't entirely clear in that specific link.

The authors of the study state that the findings are important for health professionals and might be used as a simple message for lifestyle-based interventions and public health strategies, as well as informing dietary recommendations and guidelines

Experts state that the high percentage of adults who skip breakfast mirrors the increasing rates of obesity and related heart and metabolic problems. While some people skip breakfast to lose weight, they often end up eating more unhealthy foods later in the day. They concluded by saying that this evidence supports the idea that "breakfast is the most important meal of the day."