V/Hydrate Vaginal Moisturizer

Used in Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Greco-Arab systems for skin ailments, digestive issues, and wound healing. Egyptian texts call it the “plant of immortality.” Ayurvedic texts classify it as Rasayana (rejuvenating) and prescribe for skin disorders, constipation, female reproductive health, and wound healing. Traditional external use: burns, wounds, eczema, psoriasis. Traditional internal use: constipation (latex), digestive tonics, liver ailments.

Staple food and culinary fat; coconut water as a refreshing beverage and folk rehydration drink; oil and cream in skin/hair care; wood/fiber for materials.

Topical vulnerary for minor cuts, abrasions, burns, and inflammatory skin conditions; washes and ointments for wound care; internal teas/tinctures traditionally used for GI and gynecologic complaints (modern internal medicinal use is limited by safety prudence in pregnancy).

In West African communities shea butter has long been used to moisturize skin and hair, treat minor wounds, soothe rashes and as a general-purpose topical medicine. Shea kernels are also eaten or used as cooking fat in some regions.

Ayurveda and traditional Southeast Asian medicine have used gotu kola as a medhya rasayana (cognitive tonic), for wound healing, skin disorders, and as a mild anxiolytic and adaptogen. Externally it has long been applied to wounds, burns, and scars.

D-mannose rose to popularity as a non-antibiotic strategy to prevent recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTIs) based on its ability to block adhesion of uropathogenic E. coli to the urothelium. Early small trials suggested benefit; a large, modern primary-care RCT did not confirm efficacy (see evidence below).

Traditional Ayurvedic and folk uses: nutritional tonic, lactation support, treatment for inflammation, wound care, diarrhea, anemia, and to support energy and vitality. Seeds and seed oil historically used for water purification and as an edible oil; seeds also used as astringent / diuretic in some traditions.

Culinary aromatic used fresh (leaves) and as a spice (fruits). Traditional carminative/antispasmodic for bloating, dyspepsia, infant “gripe water;” galactagogue uses are described in folk medicine. (Modern clinical evidence is limited; see below