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For people who are leery of the alarming side effects of many drugs and medicines on the current market, or just concerned about taking too many pills, there is another option: herbal remedies. The use of herbs for healing has been recorded as early as 2500 B.C. Herbs were widely used as medicines prior to the advent of science with its developments in chemicals, drugs and medicines. Before modern science there were only two basic options for healing - the various plants with known healing properties and the spiritual, including prayer, the laying on of hands, magic and voodoo. For our purposes, we'll concentrate on the world of healing plants and leave the spiritual up to the individual.
What is an herb? How is it different from a spice? An herb is a seed-producing pla nt of the type that does not develop persistent woody tissue, such as that of a shrub or a tree, but remains more or less soft or succulent (having thick or fleshy stems or leaves which can hold a large quantity of water). Some examples of common herbs would be catnip, chamomile, hyssop and mint. A spice is any of the various vegetable plants that are also fragrant or aromatic and are pungent to the taste. Allspice, cumin, paprika and rosemary are all spices. So an herb may also be a spice, like cinnamon or mace.
Most herbs and spices are sun-dried or cured in their indigenous environment. For example, the ginger root is harvested then cleaned before it is dried and exported. Sometimes ginger root is also peeled and sometimes the ginger root is boiled in sugar and preserved before its exportation. Cloves are the dried unopened flower buds of the Syzygium aromaticum, a tree of the Myrtle family, while peppercorns are the dried berries of the Piper nigrum plant. The nutmeg is the hard, aromatic seed of an evergreen tree called Myristica fragrans. The seed is dried and ground or grated and used as a spice.
Herbs can act as astringents (something that slows or stops the flow of blood or other secretions), alkalinizers (something that raises the pH above 7.0), acidifiers (something that lowers the pH below 7.0), tonics (something that refreshes, invigorates or strengthens), diuretics (something that promotes the flow of urine), diaphoretics (something that promotes perspiration), laxatives (something that promotes bowel movements) and also as nervnes (something which excites or relaxes the nerves). Many herbs act as more than one of these, such as Acacia, which has a soothing or softening effect on mucous membranes, an astringent effect, limiting secretions of glands and nutritive qualities as well as nourishing the tissues to which it is applied.
The herbs with mostly astringent (causing blood or other secretions to slow or stop) effects are Acacia, Acorn, Agaric, Agrimony, English Alder, Amaranth, Trailing Arbutus, Balm, European Birch, Bistort, Blackberry, Black Willow Bark, Cinnamon, Black Cohosh, Eyebright, Fireweed, Fluellin, Houseleek, Jambul, Pilewort, Red Root, Red Sage, Peruvian Rhatany, Rhubarb, Rosemary and Skullcap.
Herbs with a mostly alkalizng (raising the pH) effect are Dandelion and Kelp.
The general tonic (nourishing, invigorating, strengthening or refreshing) herbs are Agrimony, English Alder, Alstonia Bark, Angustura, Asafetida, Balmony, Balm of Gilead, Bamboo Brier, Barberry, Berberis, Beth Root, Blackberry, Boneset, Box Leaves, Bugle, Catnip, Celery, Chamomile, Culver's Root, Dandelion, Eyebright, Gentian, Golden Seal, Juniper Berry, Lemon, Mistletoe, Nux Vomica, Peruvian Rhatany, Rosemary, Snake Root and Tansy.
Herbal Tonics for specific areas are the Heart Tonics made from Butterbur and Mescal Buttons, Intestinal Tonics made from Cascara Sagrada, Nerve Tonics made from Damiana and Oats, Stomach Tonics made from Burdock and Sassafras, Strengthening Tonics made from Lucerne and Simaruba and Weight-addin Tonics made from Lucerne.
Herbs having a mostly diuretic (causing urination) effect are Agrimony, Arenaria Rubra, Asafetida, Asparagus, Belladonna, Bilberries, American Bittersweet, Black Currant, Black Haw, Blue Flag, Boldo, Boneset, Bryony, Buchu, Burdock, Butterbur, Caroba, Celery, Coffee, Black Cohosh, Couchgrass, Damiana, Dandelion, Figwort, Garlic, Goat's Rue, Jambul, Jewel Weed, Juniper Berry, Kelp, Lily-of-the-Valley, Night-Blooming Cereus, Onion, Paraguay Tea, Pitcher Plant, Queen's Delight, Soap Tree and White Bryony.
The herb with a mostly diaphoretic (causing perspiration) effect is American Bittersweet. Many other herbs have this effect in addition to their main use.
Herbs having a laxative (causing bowel movements) effect are Agar, American Black Alder, Asafetida, Ash, Asparagus, American Bearsfoot, Benne, Blue Flag, Boneset, Burdock, Cleavers, Culver's Root, Damiana, Dandelion, Fig, Harstongue, Honeysuckle, Horehound, Olive, Pitcher Plant, Queen's Delight and Rhubarb which has the mildest laxative effect.
Herbs that affect the nerves are Black Willow Bark, which eases inflammation of the nerves, Passion Flower, which eases nerve pain, Asafetida, which is a nerve stimulant, Gentian, which is another Nerve Tonic and Black Currant, which restores the nervous system. For nervous disorders, use Arrach, Belladonna, Caroba, Chamomile, Gelsemium, Gentian, Golden Seal, Kelp, Lobelia, Mistletoe, Muira-Puama, Oats, Passion Flower, Rosemary or Scullcap.
Various parts of the herb are used - the flowers, leaves, buds, stems and also the root. Preparations vary as well. Sometimes the part or part used will be steeped and used as a tea, sometimes as a wash, sometimes asa tincture, where alcohol is the activating agent and other ways as well.
Consult an herbal professional or documentation before using herbs. While most herbs are completely safe to use, some herbs are OK just in small doses, but sometimes harmful in larger doses. Learn as much as you can about the herb and follow dosing instructions carefully, especially if using them for children.
Luckily, we have much information available on the Internet, on herbs and other topics. There are libraries in most towns and cities where one can find specific information on herbs and herbal remedies. Health stores that carry herbs and herbal preparations are more plentiful than they used to be and there are more and more healing practitioners versed in using herbs, so gathering beneficial and comprehensive information should not be a problem.
From: Herbal Remedies Inf
Posted 6/26/2008 @ 11:36:56 am by igoheal.com
Ginger is the most widely used and available herbal remedy on the planet, with billions of people using it every day as both food and medicine. A tropical perennial growing to a height of two feet, ginger has lance-shaped leaves and bears stalks of white or yellow flowers. Ginger has long been the subject of fable and literature. Fro centuries, Europeans obtained ginger form Arab spice traders, who protected their sources by inviting stories of ginger field located in lands stalked by a fierce people called troglodytes. And Shakespeare wrote in Love's Labour Lost, "had I but one penny in the world thou shouldst have it to buy ginger-bread." Ginger is used either fresh or dried in nearly two thirds of all traditional Chinese and Japanese herbal formulas. Fresh ginger is used to relieve dryness and heat, while dried ginger is used to relieve dampness and chill. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, ginger is said to "rescue devastated yang", a condition in which invading cold or infection has reached the interior of the body. Ginger warms the energy channels and stops bleeding, especially uterine bleeding. It is a detoxifier, and is always included in formulas with potentially toxic herbs such as aconite, acorus, and pinellia.
1,8-cineole, 6-gingerol, 6-shogaol, 8-shogaol, acetic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, alpha-phellandrene, alpha-pinene, alpha-terpinene, alpha-terpineol, arginine, ascorbic acid, beta-bisolene, beta-carotene, beta-pinene, beta-sitosterol, boron, caffeic acid, camphor, capsaicin, chlorogenic acid, curcumene, gingerols, sesquiphellandrene, zingiberene, resins, starches, fats, proteins. Parts Used
Dried, peeled rhizome, chopped. Chopped ginger is used to treat "wetter" conditions, such as treating or preventing infections, while powdered ginger is used to treat "drier" conditions, such as allergy, asthma. Typical Preparations
Teas, tinctures, encapsulations, in herbal formulas, and in cooking. First-time users of ginger tend to use too much. To make ginger tea, simmer 3/4 teaspoon (0.5 to 1.0 grams) of chopped ginger in 1 cup of hot water for five minutes in a closed teapot. To treat asthma, use an alcohol-based tincture rather than a tea. Summary
Scientists have found evidence to support ginger's wide range of medicinal actions. These actions include the lowering of cholesterol levels, relief for allergies and asthma, arthritis, colds, and nausea; and protecting the digestive tract and liver against toxins and parasites. Ginger inhibits cholesterol production in the liver, which makes up to 85% of the cholesterol in circulation in the blood stream. Ginger also decreases the activity of plate-activating factor (PAF), a clotting agent that creates the clot that can result in heart attack of stroke. Ginger's ability to reduce PAF activity also makes the herb effective against allergies and asthma. PAF, which stimulates the inflammation seen in allergy and the bronchial constriction seen in asthma becomes more active when fat is consumed. Dried ginger, especially dried ginger tinctures, can offset this effect. In a clinical trial in India, the consumption of 5 grams (5 teaspoons) of dried ginger per day for seven days reversed blood lipid elevation caused by daily consumption of 100 grams (3-12/ ounces) of butter. Ginger relieves the pain of rheumatoid arthritis by stopping the immune system's production of inflammatory leukotrienes. Ginger's effects against infection have also been confirmed by laboratory science. One ginger compounds kills cold viruses at a concentration of less than one part per million, a concentration to that found in raw ginger. Ginger contains a chemical called zingibain that dissolves parasites and their eggs. This anti parasitic effect is put to use preparing sushi. Precautions
Although there are warning in both Traditional Chinese Medicine and some medical texts about use of ginger during pregnancy, ginger used in moderation, that is 3/4 teaspoon up to three times a day, poses no risk to mother's or baby's health. Studies in the late 1990's found that eating as much as 2 to 3 tablespoons of raw ginger or 5 to 8 tablespoons of dried ginger daily will not stimulate uterine contraction. Excessive use may cause gastro-intestinal upset.
Posted 6/23/2008 @ 11:44:53 am by igoheal.com
Mint (menthe) has a long and rich history. It could be found in monastery gardens in the Middle Ages. It was used to whiten teeth and cure mouth sores. The Romans believed it cured headaches and improved intelligence. There appears to be at least thirty species of mint, and all can be used in a number of herbal remedies that are safe and effective. Mint has become so common that some people even forget its history as an herbal remedy. Up until the 17th century, herbalists used most varieties of mint in more or less the same way. But now herbalists have expressed definite preferences toward some kinds of mint. Today it appears that peppermint has gained favor with most herbalists. Peppermint is indeed the preferred mint variety in the West, but in China it appears that field mint has prevailed in popularity. Another popular mint is garden mint, which is s ometimes also referred to as spearmint. Although spearmint can be used in much the same way as peppermint, it is mostly recommended for children. Traditional Uses The aerial parts of the mint plant are used to create herbal remedies. The leaves and other aerial plants of mint plants are well known for their ability to relax the muscles and stimulate bile flow in the digestive tract. Mint is well known for its ability to help treat digestive ailments. Mint is often used to treat indigestion, colic, flatulence, and other similar conditions. Mint is also thought to help reduce the feeling of nausea and can be taken to treat motion sickness. Mint can also be used to promote sweating in individuals suffering from fevers and influenza. In traditional Chinese medicine, mint is known as bo he. It is thought of as a cooling remedy for the flu and head colds. It can also be used to treat headaches, eye inflammtions, and a sore throat. Other Medicinal Uses One of the most popular ways to take mint is as an essential oil. Peppermintoil, for instance, is known to contain large amounts of menthol. Taken in large doses, peppermint oil is well known for its cooling, calming and analgesic properties. It is also thought to be a good herbal remedy for treating fevers, skin complaints, migraines and headaches. Peppermint essential oil is also believed to be antibacterial, and it is often used to help combat minor infections. Peppermint oil can also be used to inhale by patients suffering from severe nasal congestion. However, patients should take care to avoid the prolonged use of peppermint oil as an inhalant. If breathed in for too long, mint has been known to irritate the mucous membranes. It should not be given to very young children directly. Peppermin has also been known to reduce the flow of milk, so nursing mothers should use extra caution when dealing with mint. Food and Drink An infusionof mint leaves can be used to create a hot tea. Mint tea is one of the best and easiest ways to consume this helpful herb. Mint can also be used in infuse flavor into ice cream, chocolate, and other deserts. Mint can be harvested at any time and will be at its fullest flavor when fresh. Once mint has been dried it will lose some of its flavor. The herb can be stored for up to a year and can also be placed in a plastic bag and stored in the freezer for a year. From: Herbal Remedies Info
Posted 11/4/2007 @ 5:59:00 pm by igoheal.com
Urinary tract infections (UTIs), often known as bladder infections, are extremely painful. They are more common in women than in men, possibly due to the fact that a woman's urethra is shorter than a man's. This infection is caused by bacteria in the bladder. The most obvious symptoms of a urinary tract include an intense burning pain, which may either be constant or only occur after urinating. You may feel the need to urinate frequently, only to find that not much comes out. The worst cases of urinary tract infections leave you feeling miserable. Though some of us are more prone to these infections, you can help prevent them with the right diet. In many cases you can treat the infection on your own. You can do this by drinking lots of water, which helps flush out the bacteria. But cranberries are especially important. Cranberry juice produces a natural acid that makes urine itself too acidic for bacteria to thrive. It discourages bacteria from sticking to the walls of your bladder. Drink cranberry juice every day; it's good for you. Be sure it's not cranberry cocktail, however, since it contains a lot of sugar and very little real cranberry juice. 100% cranberry juice is best. If you can't find cranberry juice at your local store, or if it's much too tart for you, then you might want to consider cranberry capsules as an alternative remedy. If you're prone to urinary tract infections, then you should drink lots of water, take vitamin C, and drink cranberry juice or take cranberry capsules every day.
Posted 11/3/2007 @ 5:58:00 pm by igoheal.com
God gave us everything we needed when He created the earth for us to live on. That doesn't merely include food and the means for us to build shelter. Many plants and herbs have medicinal properties that can heal us, protect our health, or relieve pain. Even the most advanced of medicines are derived from the natural things He created; in fact, natural ingredients are often used in medicines, treatments, and pain relievers. White willow bark, for example, has been used as a pain reliever for many, many years. Before there was aspirin, there was willow bark. Hippocrates gave it to his patients who were suffering from fever. White willow bark can alleviate symptoms such as fever, headache, and arthritis. The active ingredient of willow bark is salicin. More than 20 years after this ingredient was isolated, a synthetic version of salicylic acid (what salicin is converted to in the body) was created in Germany. Unfortunately it led to stomach pains and ulcers, doing no favors to the stomach lining. Although Bayer has changed its formula to be less severe, aspirin is still known to irritate the stomach lining. White willow bark is less irritating to the stomach, and it may even be more effective. Researchers have theorized that this is because the bark has other active ingredients that are beneficial in relieving pain. However, there are dangers to using white willow bark. Some people have an allergic reaction to it. Anyone who is allergic to aspirin should not take willow bark. It also shouldn't be taken by pregnant women, children, adolescents, or people suffering from ulcers or kidney disease. Do your research and seek advice from an alternative medicine expert to find out if white willow bark is right for you.
Posted 11/2/2007 @ 4:25:00 am by igoheal.com
There is magic and a life force that is inherent in the herbal world that is beyond the powers of modern medicine and may even be interpreted as God-like because of its healing power beyond the imaginations of the scientific world. Nature's pharmacy has several thousand healing plants for problems that concern health issues from menopause, indigestion, headaches, skin problems, to serious health conditions. Many of the healing plants have a natural beauty and living presence that makes them an important part of the healing process. Some even reconnect us with nature and the hidden calmness inside our souls. Greeks, Native Americans, and even Renaissance Europeans have used herbs and ancient healing arts to remedy what could not be helped otherwise. Even now, science is just beginning to understand why these herbs work to cure sickness rather than surgeries and other chemical-based solutions. Herbalists are aware of the particular part of a plant that offers relief from sickness and pain and novices should not attempt to think that they understand these peculiarities of a plant without the proper instruction. Herbs are medicine and need to be used with care. For example, chasteberry leaves are no good at all as a cure but the berries work to help menstrual irregularities. Other plants may carry a poison in parts of their anatomy but may have an irreplaceable medicine in a single part. Astragalus works in the bone marrow. It produces white blood cells and helps the body to produce antibodies and enhances the immune system. Scientists believe that the polysaccharides in this plant are a significant anti-cancer agent. Calendula is a type of burdock and chamomile and reduces inflammation and combats bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. It actually helps the skin to heal. Some research even cites it as a cancer fighter, especially for skin cancer. Evening Primrose and the oil extracted from its seeds is recommended for easing lots of menopausal problems but in Europe it is also used for multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases. The leaves, flowers, and berries of hawthorn are used for long-term cardiovascular improvement. It promotes blood circulation and helps bring more oxygen to the heart. The marsh dwelling plant called marshmallow contains over 40% of mucilage which coats, cools, and moisturizes wounded and inflamed tissue even in the urinary tract. Milk thistle has an active ingredient called silymarin that is one of the strongest protectors of the liver known. Liver damage, hepatitis, and cirrhosis can be spurred to heal with the use of milk thistle. Herbs are valuable and unique but one needs to learn what's available and how the herbal products are used to heal when science cannot predict a diagnosis that offers an acceptable solution. Rely on the natural products that God created to help cure your ills. |
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