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There is a common misconception that because herbs and vitamins are “natural”, they won’t interact with medications. In reality, as more people use prescription medicines alongside supplements, the potential for interactions becomes more important to consider. Many people may be taking medications such as blood thinners, statins, or medicines for blood sugar or blood pressure. While [...]

You've likely taken vitamins and supplements at some point in your life and know they’re good for the body, but how exactly do they work? Below, let's break it down step by step. Vitamins vs supplements — what’s the difference? It’s easy to mix up the terms “vitamins” and “supplements” but they have distinct definitions when it [...]

Gut health can be influenced by several factors, including diet and lifestyle, as well as intake of alcohol, smoking and the amount of antibiotics consumed. The health of our gut is reflective of our overall health and well-being. If our gut isn’t in good shape, it can potentially have a negative impact on the health [...]

Bioflavonoids, or flavonoids (once known as vitamin P), are a large class of powerful polyphenolic compounds or chemicals that are found in plants. They occur naturally in citrus fruits, apples, figs, blueberries, berries, fruits and vegetables, and herbs. Red wine, dark chocolate (70% and above), black and green tea, and buckwheat also contain flavonoids. In the [...]

What is Fish Oil and What Does It Do for Your Health? Fish oil is derived from the flesh of cold water fish, such as salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines, and anchovies, which are natural sources of omega 3 fatty acids.  Fish oil is an excellent source of the important omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic [...]

What Are Urinary Tract Infections? Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common problem among the ageing population, with prevalence reaching between 20-50% in women over 65 years of age. However, they can affect anyone regardless of gender and age. Contributing factors include the shorter female urethra (as compared with male), reduced oestrogen levels, decreased urinary concentration, incomplete [...]

You're likely aware of the importance of Vitamin D in maintaining our overall health and wellbeing. You may already know that sunlight exposure and dietary sources contribute to its production. If you suspect you're not getting enough Vitamin D, you may be curious about the distinction between Vitamin D and Vitamin D3. Whatever the reason, whether [...]

With financial living costs rising, it can be tempting to scrimp on healthy food. But you don’t always have to choose unhealthy foods to save money. With planning and preparation, you can still have healthy foods available for the family, and investing in your health saves medical costs. Some of the top tips for eating [...]

Turmeric and Curcumin. Both are difficult words to pronounce at the best of times! And both can provide an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effect in the body, which can help relieve pain associated with conditions such as osteoarthritis.But what is the difference between Turmeric and Curcumin? We get asked this question a lot at Australian NaturalCare, [...]

Turmeric is widely used to support joint health, and general wellbeing. Here’s what traditional use and research say. Curcuma longa (turmeric) is a perennial herb and part of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae) that originated in India and is cultivated in Southeast Asia and other parts of the world. It is widely used as a culinary spice [...]

It’s a normal and almost unavoidable part of life that we spend a significant amount of time looking at screens on digital devices. Whether for work, online shopping, watching your favourite streaming service or time spent on social media, most of us are exposed to screens daily. The impact of this consistent screen time on [...]

What is African Marigold? Tagetes erecta (African marigold) is a flowering plant from the Asteraceae family, native to Central and South America and now cultivated worldwide. The flowers are a natural source of lutein, a carotenoid that plays an important role in maintaining eye health and supporting antioxidant protection. Historical uses Historically, African marigold has been used in various [...]

Why Doesn't Curcumin Always Have Black Pepper Added? With many types of turmeric and curcumin products on the market, it’s easy to be confused about the differences between them. Turmeric is a well known culinary spice that contributes to the flavour and colour of many traditional dishes, particularly curries. It is aromatic, earthy and mildly spicy. In traditional Indian cooking, turmeric is often prepared with ghee, butter or oils. Interestingly, modern research suggests there may be a reason for this traditional preparation method. The therapeutic compounds found in turmeric are known as curcuminoids, with curcumin being the most studied. Curcuminoids naturally make up only a small percentage of turmeric, generally around 2 to 6%. One challenge with curcumin is that it has poor water solubility and is not easily absorbed into the bloodstream. Because of this, different formulation methods have been developed to help improve bioavailability and absorption. Two of the most common approaches include combining curcumin with black pepper extract or with phospholipid complexes. Curcumin with Black Pepper Black pepper contains a compound called piperine, which has been shown to enhance the bioavailability of curcumin. Piperine appears to work by slowing the breakdown and metabolism of curcumin in the intestine and liver, helping more curcumin remain available for absorption. One early human study found that combining curcumin with piperine significantly increased curcumin bioavailability compared with curcumin alone.¹ However, piperine may also influence the absorption and metabolism of certain medications. For this reason, some formulations use alternative technologies to enhance curcumin absorption. Curcumin with a Phospholipid Complex Another approach involves combining curcumin with phospholipids. Phospholipids are compounds that contain both water loving and fat loving properties. This dual nature may help improve the transport and absorption of certain nutrients and herbal compounds across the intestinal wall. Lecithin is one example of a phospholipid source and naturally contains compounds such as phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylserine. Curcumin phospholipid complexes, sometimes referred to as phytosome or phospholipid formulations, have been developed to help improve curcumin absorption and bioavailability. Studies have also shown that phospholipid complexes may significantly improve curcuminoid absorption and bioavailability when compared with standard curcumin extracts.²˒³ Researchers suggest this enhanced delivery may be due to improved solubility and transport across the gastrointestinal lining. This brings us back to traditional cooking methods where turmeric was commonly heated with oils or ghee. Combining turmeric with fats may help support the dispersion and absorption of curcuminoids. Which is Better? Both black pepper extract and phospholipid technologies are used to help improve the absorption of curcumin. Piperine primarily works by slowing the metabolism of curcumin, while phospholipid complexes are designed to improve solubility and transport. Different formulations may suit different individuals and preferences, and research into curcumin delivery systems continues to evolve.⁴ Using turmeric in cooking remains a simple and enjoyable way to include this traditional spice in the diet. Whether added to curries, soups, eggs or golden milk, turmeric continues to be widely used around the world. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional. This information is general in nature and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. References Shoba G, Joy D, Joseph T, Majeed M, Rajendran R, Srinivas PS. Influence of piperine on the pharmacokinetics of curcumin in animals and human volunteers. Planta Med. 1998;64(4):353–356. Cuomo J, Appendino G, Dern AS, et al. Comparative absorption of a standardized curcuminoid mixture and its lecithin formulation. J Nat Prod. 2011;74(4):664–669. Anand P, Kunnumakkara AB, Newman RA, Aggarwal BB. Bioavailability of curcumin: problems and promises. Mol Pharm. 2007;4(6):807–818. Prasad S, Tyagi AK, Aggarwal BB. Recent developments in delivery, bioavailability, absorption and metabolism of curcumin: the golden pigment from golden spice. Cancer Res Treat. 2014;46(1):2–18.  

Vitamin K is a group of fat soluble vitamins that play an essential role in normal physiological processes in the body, including blood clotting and the regulation of calcium. The term “vitamin K” comes from the German word Koagulation, reflecting its role in helping blood clot normally. There are two main forms of vitamin K: vitamin K1 [...]

What Is High Blood Pressure? Blood pressure refers to the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. Over time, consistently elevated blood pressure can place strain on the cardiovascular system. High blood pressure often develops without noticeable symptoms, which is why regular monitoring is important. If you have concerns about your blood pressure, it [...]

Corydalis (Corydalis ambigua) is a flowering plant that has been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It belongs to the Papaveraceae family, the same plant family as the opium poppy, although the two plants contain different active compounds and have distinct traditional uses. Traditionally, Corydalis has been used in Chinese herbal practice and has attracted scientific interest due to its unique alkaloid content. Today, researchers continue to investigate its bioactive compounds and their potential effects within the body. A Traditional Herbal Medicine The tuber of Corydalis contains a range of naturally occurring alkaloids, including corydaline, berberine, protopine and palmatine. These compounds have been studied for their biological activity and are thought to contribute to the herb’s traditional use. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Corydalis has historically been used as part of herbal formulations for a variety of purposes and remains an important herb within traditional practice today. Key Compounds Found in Corydalis One of the most researched compounds found in Corydalis is dehydrocorybulbine (DHCB), an alkaloid that has attracted attention from researchers studying the mechanisms involved in pain perception. Laboratory and animal studies suggest that DHCB may interact with pathways involved in the nervous system, including dopamine and opioid related signalling pathways. These findings have contributed to ongoing scientific interest in the plant and its constituents. It is important to note that much of this research remains preclinical, and further human studies are needed to better understand the significance of these findings. Corydalis and Pain Research Researchers have explored Corydalis and its constituents for their potential role in pain related pathways. Early studies suggest that certain alkaloids may influence how pain signals are processed within the body. While these findings are promising, most research has been conducted in laboratory or animal models. More clinical research is required before firm conclusions can be drawn regarding its effects in humans. Understanding its Relation to the Opium Poppy Corydalis belongs to the same botanical family as the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum), which often leads to comparisons between the two plants. Although they are related botanically, they contain different chemical constituents and have different traditional uses. The compounds responsible for the effects of opium are not the same as those found in Corydalis. This botanical relationship highlights the diversity of plants within the Papaveraceae family and continues to be an area of interest for herbal and pharmaceutical researchers alike. Final Thoughts Corydalis is a fascinating herb with a long history of traditional use and a growing body of scientific research examining its unique alkaloid compounds. While modern studies continue to explore its biological activity, much remains to be learned about how these findings translate to human health outcomes. As with many traditional herbs, ongoing research will help further our understanding of this intriguing member of the Papaveraceae family

If you are prone to cold sores, you may be familiar with the tingling sensation around the mouth or nose that can signal the onset of an outbreak. These small fluid filled blisters are commonly associated with periods of stress, fatigue or illness. Cold sores are linked to the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV 1). [...]

Our bodies have different needs at different stages of our lives. As we grow older we have different health needs that come with aging, it’s important to ensure you are taking the right supplements for your needs. Whilst we always advocate talking to a health professional to establish if certain supplements are right for you [...]

Calcium is an essential mineral that plays an important role in maintaining bone health, as well as supporting normal muscle and nerve function. While many people understand its importance, questions often arise around how much calcium is needed and whether supplements are necessary. This guide explores calcium intake, dietary sources, and how supplements may fit into [...]

Herb of the month: Epimedium sagittatum Epimedium sagittatum (Horny Goat Weed) is a perennial creeping rhizome from the Berberidaceae family of plants. Horny goat weed refers to numerous herb species of the Epimedium genus and may be known as "yin yang huo”. About 52 species of Epimedium grow in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Far [...]