Natural Health » Herbal Remedies

Organic Herbal Remedies: Getting Rid of Your Body’s Aches The Natural Way

Jennifer — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 20:32:32 +0000

Did you ever wonder how our ancestors survived without pharmaceutical products and modern science to treat their body pains? In the olden times, people relied on organic herbal remedies to get rid of their body pains. You may not believe it but most of the organic herbal remedies used by our ancestors are really effective. In fact, the organic herbal remedies used by our ancestors are so effective that many of these people last to live more than a hundred years old! Of course the fresh and stress free environment at that time may have a large contribution on the life expectancy of the people in the olden times but the fact still remains that organic herbal medicines at that time helped control diseases and keep people healthy.

History Of Organic Herbal Remedies

The earliest record of the use of organic herbal remedies dates back some 5,000 years ago. The Sumerians kept extensive records about the medicinal use of some types of plants such as thyme, laurel and caraway. In 2700 B.C., the Chinese also came up with a book of herbs which include some three hundred sixty five types of medicinal plants. These medicinal plants were described at length in the book of herbs and most of these plants are still being used today as organic herbal remedies many people all over the world. Aside from the Sumerians and the Chinese, the Egyptians are also well known for their medicinal herbs. In fact, we learned about the medicinal use of garlic, mint, indigo and others from the ancient Egyptians.

The Egyptians, the Sumerians and Chinese were not the only keepers of the secrets of the ancient medicine. The Greeks and the Romans also practiced the use of organic herbal remedies. However, unlike the rest of those who practice this ancient art of curing diseases, the Greeks and the Romans brought the use of herbal cures to the next level. Hippocrates and Galen, two of the most famous medical practitioners of the olden times provided the framework for our modern medicine. Hippocrates advocated the combination of rest, fresh air, good food and simple herbal medicines to cure bodily ailments. On the other hand, Galen improvised on the existing knowledge of herbal medicine at that time and combined herbs with mineral ingredients and animal products.

The use of organic herbal remedies evolved over time. At present, many new types of plants have been discovered to have some potent medicinal value. Many people who want to heal their body the natural way, find themselves going back into these types of medicines to find relief from their bodily aches and pains.

Guide To Herbal Remedies: Getting To Know Your Herbs Better

Jennifer — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 05:02:36 +0000

Many of us often turn to herbal medicine to relieve our bodily discomforts. A large percentage of Americans use herbal remedies every now and then. However, herbal remedies are something that we should never just take for granted. Most of us believe that herbs do not have any adverse effects on the body and that we can take these herbal remedies as much as we want without fear of side effects. Unfortunately, this is not really true. According to experts, too much of anything can harm the body. Moreover, plants and herbs contain natural chemicals that should be taken in excess by human beings. It is therefore very important that before you start taking any herbal remedies, you should read a reliable guide to herbal remedies and learn more about the effects of herbs in your body. With the use of a reliable guide to herbal remedies, you will be able to determine the right amount of herbs that you should take in a day to relieve your symptoms and cure your ailment.

Finding The Right Guide To Herbal Remedies

The best way to find the right guide to herbal remedies is to talk to your herbalist and ask for recommendations. Tell your herbalist about your concerns so that he or she can recommend the right book for you. If you do not have an herbalist, you can ask a friend or a family member who is practicing alternative medicine about guides to herbal remedies. People who are into alternative medicine know a lot about guides to herbal remedies so you are bound to lean something from them.

Another way to find the right guide to herbal remedies is to join in one of those online communities of alternative medicine enthusiasts. There are a number of online communities that feature lively discussions about herbal medicine. The good thing about these online communities is that their members are always happy to help each other. In most cases, you will get some informative replies on the questions that you post in the forum. What is more interesting about these online communities is that you can get some really good information and advice for free. However, you should be careful about joining just about any online communities. Join only in those forums that have some of well known herbalists as members. Don’t waste your time in those forums that do not really have well informed members.

The Proper Herb Can Make You Think Better

Jennifer — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 05:06:33 +0000

Some people consider herbs to be ideal for improving their memory though they do need more information regarding how fast they work and also the effects that you can expect, and whether there are any side effects to contend with. Of course, you would also be interested in knowing the price and it would pay to compare different medicinal plants so that you can choose the best herb to help you in improving your memory.

More Than Better Memory

In many cases, the effectiveness of each herb depends on the ways that the herbs can help improve your memory, and in the case of Gingko biloba, there is enhanced flow of blood to the brain and also better circulations in the body. In addition, Gingko biloba also does not allow cholesterol to turn to plaque and it will fight free radicals, and also bring about an improvement in the mood. Thus, there little doubts that Gingko biloba is the best herb that will do a lot more than simply improve your memory, and it should thus is your first option.

It is also believed that the brain requires as much as twenty percent of the oxygen that you have inside of you, and any drop in level of oxygen in the brain results in vertigo, dizziness as well as fatigue, and finally, loss of memory. Thus, using Gingko Biloba is believed to be your best bet since this herb does wonders for your memory and also reduces your fatigue that comes about because of not having enough oxygen in the brain.

There are more benefits to using Gingko Biloba because this herb helps to make your memory better and it contains as many as more than forty active substances, and among them, terpenoids and flavonoids are very important, because these two antioxidants will provide your immune system with a much needed boost and they also help fight free radicals.

Another herb that you could consider to improve your memory is Ginseng which is a booster and makes you feel more energetic, while also aiding the lessening of stress as well as levels of depression, which otherwise would have caused you to lose your memory (partially, at least). Even the herb known as Rosemary will help to improve your memory because it helps enhance your mental processes directly.

However, before you select your best herb to aid in improving your memory, do make it a point to apprise you of the contraindications and the majority of herbs are actually anti-coagulants, and thus must never are used in excess.

Important Herbal Information

Jennifer — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 05:07:23 +0000

Herbs can be very beneficial to your health and general well-being, but it is important that you take the time to learn about the different herbs and what they are used for before taking any yourself. Many people mistakenly think that just because herbs are plants and are therefore natural that they can take as much of them as often as they want but this is not true at all.

Herbs are still a form of medicine and so you need to be cautious and follow proper dosage instructions. You also should speak to your doctor before you begin taking any sort of herb so that you know you are using the one best suited to your condition and so that you can learn how to take the herb properly.

Herbal Options

There are quite a few herbal options available, including alfalfa, barley grass, Echinacea, feverfew, ginseng, licorice, Aloe Vera, elderberry, goldenseal, kava kava, milk thistle, yucca root, arnica, bilberry, don quai, saw palmetto, gotu kola, and garlic.

Visiting an Herbalist

If you are interested in beginning to include herbal products in your life, then one of the first things you should do is visit an herbalist. They are specially trained with herbs and can help you to determine proper treatment goals. They aim to correct imbalances, resolve patterns of dysfunction and educate you more on herbal medicine and products in general.

A typical session with an herbalist will last about an hour, but you can also request the session to be longer if you want. You may be physically examined and you will definitely be questioned about your medical history and your general well-being so that the herbalist can get a better idea on the type of lifestyle that you are living and what sort of health problems you may be suffering from.

Herbalists can use herbal medicine to help you with a variety of health conditions, including arthritis, menopause, fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, asthma, eczema, and more. There are a few herbs in particular that are most commonly offered by herbalists, and they can even customize a specific herbal regime to fit your needs.

Just remember that an herbalist is not a qualified doctor and so you should not rest your health entirely in their hands. You can listen to their advice absolutely, but you should also consult with your own doctor as well to learn more, especially if you are already on any type of prescription medication.

Using Herbal Remedies for Depression

Jennifer — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 05:09:57 +0000

Herbs have been around and been used for ages, but over the past few years in particular they have become especially popular. More and more people are realizing how beneficial they are, either for targeting a specific ailment or for improving general well-being.

Herbs for Depression

If you suffer from depression, there are some herbs that work very effectively, and one in particular is St. John’s Wort. This is actually one of the best herbal remedies for depression and it has actually been used for centuries, not only to treat depression but also other mental disorders and nerve pain.

Another of the most commonly used herbal remedies for depression is ginseng. Ginseng has a long history of being used for depression as by athletes to strengthen the body, help with bronchitis, circulatory problems, diabetes, infertility, a lack of energy, and for stress.

The best herbal remedies for depression are those which contain proven ingredients in the proper doses and potencies. Look only for herbal remedies for depression that have been manufactured with strict quality-control procedures so that you know you are getting the very best in terms of quality.

You also have the option of growing your own herbs and making your own herbal remedies for depression. It is important to make yourself educated before you begin this however because even though herbs are natural they are still a form of medicine and therefore if taken improperly they can cause adverse side effects.

You may also want to speak to your doctor about taking any herbal remedies for your depression especially if you are presently on any prescription medication because the combination can be dangerous, even lethal.

Additional Treatment

Although herbal remedies often work very well for depression, if your condition is especially severe or persistent then you may need to include additional forms of treatment. Psychotherapy is one of the most effective options, as studies have shown that talking to an expert about your condition can help to resolve it.

Medication may also be recommended, and even if you are not particularly fond of conventional treatment methods it may be a good idea at least for the time being, so that you can give your body time to relax and heal and during this time you can work towards finding out the root cause of your depression and relieving this, after which you can slowly taper off with the medication.

People with depression often feel helpless but it is important to remember that there are many forms of help available and that you can get back to feeling like your old self once again.

Herbal Treatment For Arthritis

Jennifer — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 18:51:16 +0000

Arthritis is an expanded disease that commonly affects the joints. There are many conditions which can be attributed to arthritis. This disease is one of the leading causes of disability in older people. Many people need medication to be able to handle the pain and the inflammation that accompanies this disease. There are also some kinds of herbal treatment for arthritis which can help to alleviate the pain and inflammation.

The many forms of arthritis may have different causes as to why an individual is plagued by this disease. The many different forms of arthritis can be slowed down by kinds of herbal treatment for arthritis. The many symptoms and effects of arthritis can also be alleviated by other herbal treatments for arthritis. Herbs are not entirely made from plants and may also encompass some animal parts and tissues.

Treating Arthritis With Herbs

The more commonly known herbs that can positively affect those who suffer are alfalfa, wolf’s bane or arnica, bee venom, devil’s claw, ginger, meadowsweet, guaiacum and shark cartilage. There is no greater herbal treatment for arthritis among these herbs. Each one has its own effects and may have its own degree of positive effect for each person.

Alfalfa is usually ingested by the individual who suffers from arthritis as well as devil’s claw, ginger, guaiacum, shark cartilage and meadowsweet. Bee venom and arnica are not to be ingested as arnica can be deadly if ingested. Arnica or wolf’s bane is just applied as a liniment or tincture to the affected area for relief from inflammation and pain. You might also want to massage arnica on the affected area but if you feel pain, refrain from massaging it. This herbal treatment for arthritis needs to be done several times in a day if the inflammation and pain still bothers you.

Bee venom as a herbal treatment for arthritis on the other hand is applied direct from the source. You need to be stung by more than a single bee to have the desired effects. This uncommon herbal treatment for arthritis is usually done by an apitherapist. An apitherapist is a beekeeper who is experienced in using bee venom as an herbal treatment for arthritis. If you are allergic to insect bites and stings, especially bee stings, you might want to put off this kind of herbal treatment for arthritis for another kind of remedy. Herbal treatment for arthritis can be beneficial for some people because the treatment is usually natural and organic.

Antifungal Herbs: Faster And Safer

Jennifer — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 21:51:00 +0000

Forget those creams, lotions, and serums that you often buy over-the-counter on drugstores and groceries. As we all know, you may have to buy dozens of tubes of antifungal medicines before you get your desired result. By far, the fastest and most natural way to treat your skin problems and infections is through the use of antifungal herbs.

Antifungal herbs have been used as an alternative medicine since thousands of years ago to relieve itchiness and irritation which has been clinically researched and approved to be of great help.

Best Herbs For Skin

Garlic is considered to be great not just for sautéing but also considered to be a great antifungal herb because it is proven to work against various microorganisms including bacteria that resists antibiotics. This is the reason why garlic is not only used to lower blood pressure but also a good antifungal herb and antiviral. Also, among the great antifungal herbs is the gingko boliba because the flavinoids in it are potent free radical scavengers that when applied to the bacteria or fungus, they eat them automatically.

Licorice, bilberry, echinecea, and milk thistle are known to produce antioxidants that are not just good for the body but also for the skin. Also, these antifungal herbs help in boosting your immune system, making you less susceptible and stronger against infections.

You Could Buy Them

Though the common popular antifungal creams are chemically formulated, there have been stores which are now selling antifungal creams that are made from herbs. A product like Herbal-Medi-Care has an antifungal cream that is made from natural ingredients and used antifungal herbs such as garlic, echinecea, goldenseal, and pau d’arco. You could use the antifungal cream that was made from herbs for nail fungus, athlete’s foot, mouth fungus, skin fungus, scalp fungus, vaginal infections, and other types of similar infections.

This antifungal cream has been developed to help build and enhance the immune system while the body has skin irritation. It is said to be of help when the body is still in the process of treating the fungus and is guaranteed to be made with one hundred percent all natural ingredients and do not have any chemically based fungicides or like dangerous chemicals that would do more harm to the infected area.

The company behind Herbal-Medi-Care also released antifungal remedies in the form of a shampoo that is best to be used for scalp irritation. One thing is for sure, antifungal herbs are sure to be found on their every product to give a more effective and faster relief for skin irritations.

Herbs for anxiety: Different Herbs For Different Anxieties

Jennifer — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 22:20:45 +0000

Fear is a major factor that influences a person and causes a lot of anxiety, and the two often play off against one another even though they are quite the opposite of one another. Fear means being afraid and it may be the result of pain, danger that is impending, evil and a number of other reasons. On the other hand, anxiety is caused when the mind becomes distressed and is more of a gut feeling rather than any concrete fact. Fear will help a person remain safe while anxiety will cause them to become stressed out.

Herbs for Anxiety That Are Common Today

There are a number of herbs for anxiety and their use is quite common today. You can find some heady mixtures of herbs that can be used to deal with your anxiety. You can think of herbs such as aspen, Mimulus, red chestnut, elm as well as rock rose, which are collectively known as Bach Flower Remedies, which will help treat anxieties of the past using Mimulus, and those of the future with aspen, while for overwhelming anxiety you could use elm. The herbs for anxiety such as red chestnut can be used to treat anxiety about other people’s safety, while you may want to use rock rose when you suffer from anxiety that results in pain. Most of these herbs for anxiety are very convenient to use and are also quite simple and can be taken with you wherever you go.

Of the more common remedies that are used as herbs for anxiety is a rose, whose smell is known to have a very calming influence on people. In fact, it is common to use rose oils whilst being massaged and their effects are thought to last for weeks. You will enjoy the warmth of feelings that you get when using these herbs for anxiety, which will keep you feeling free from anxiety the whole day after use.

The advantage to using herbs for anxiety is that these herbs have been used for many centuries and so are tried and tested, and they contain many nutrients that help with dealing at the very source of the anxiety and thus promotes your well being as well as good health. Amongst the more popular and well known herbs for anxiety are Gingko Biloba, Bacopin, Chamomile, Rhodiola, and Passion Flower. You could try them singly or in combination, and different combinations are known to work differently on different people; so, you may have to experiment with different herbs for anxiety before arriving at the most suitable combination.

Diabetes And Herbs: A Look Into This Holistic Therapy

Jennifer — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 21:55:32 +0000

Using herbs as a source of medicine has long been touted in history. Plants can offer medicinal solutions to many of the illnesses that people suffer from including diabetes.

What Is Diabetes

Diabetes is a serious illness with many physical consequences. Some of the common symptoms of diabetes include severe thirst and hunger, weight loss, blurred vision and the need to frequently urinate especially at night. If you suspect you have diabetes seek medical attention immediately to begin treatment. The two major types of diabetes include type 1 Diabetes that is also known as juvenile diabetes. With this form of diabetes, the body does not produce insulin, which is needed in the body to process sugar. People with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin. With type 2 diabetes, the pancreas’s ability to produce insulin are impaired to different degrees. Type 2 diabetes can be controlled with prescription medicines and helped through diet and exercise.

When looking at diabetes and herbs, it may be important to know which type of diabetes you have. The idea behind diabetes and herbs is to help the body process sugar or increase insulin levels. Whenever deciding to begin a program involving herbs, consult a physician to identify any contradictions between the herbs and current medications.

Which Herbs Should Be Used

Diabetes and herbs have a long history in natural medicine. In India there are several plants used in conjunction with diabetes and herbs. Indian Kino has long been used as a treatment for diabetes. This herb comes from the bark of a tree. When looking at diabetes and herbs, Indian Kino was found to help prevent beta-cell damage in rats. This may assist the pancreases in humans.

Bitter Melon is another diabetes and herbs treatment. With this herb, the blood sugar is actually lowered, making the body balanced and insulin production centered. It can cause severe diarrhea and stomach cramps if taken in too high of a dosage, especially in children.

A relatively easy diabetes and herbs formula is to use onion and garlic. Both are thought to have properties that will lower blood sugar. Again, this aids the body’s ability to process sugar with lower levels of insulin.

Blueberry leaves and Asian Ginseng are two more of the diabetes and herbs group. Cinnamon is thought to actually help insulin, by pumping it up so it is more powerful.

All of these diabetes and herbs combinations are considered non-toxic. It is always important to talk with a physician before beginning any holistic treatment plan that involves changing your body’s chemistry.

Common, Effective Natural Herbs For Allergies

Jennifer — Thu, 17 May 2007 23:06:29 +0000

Allergies are an umbrella term for a wide variety of physical responses triggered by some item in the environment. Even if they are allergic to the same thing, one person may be merely annoyed while the other one may have life-threatening symptoms that require emergency treatment.

If you suspect you have allergies, see you doctor to confirm just what it is you are allergic to. He or she may also prescribe medicines. If you want to use natural herbs for allergies, talk to your doctor. He or she should know if the natural herbs for allergies might clash with any prescription medicine you are already on. He or she could probably refer you to a local qualified herbalist or homeopathic practitioner for you to see. If you know what you are allergic to and your reactions are mild, consider these common natural herbs for allergies.

Reishi Mushroom

Fungi are considered natural herbs, even though they are technically fungi and not plants. But why quibble? Reishi mushrooms are classified as natural herbs for allergies. Reishi mushrooms can be found through herbalists, health food stores and stores catering to Chinese traditional medicine. They’re quite tasty, like shiitake mushrooms, but to get the most benefit from them, you have to take capsules instead of eating a whole bowlful of Reishi Mushrooms. The mushroom acts as a natural antihistamine. It is also used to lower cholesterol and thin the blood.

Nettle

This all too common garden invader of European lands is good medicine and good food. It is one of the cheapest of the natural herbs for allergies. You might want to start off with a smaller dose than recommended to help your body get used to nettle’s powerful cleansing effects. If you prefer to take your nettle as nettle tea, drink no more than three cups a day or you might get dehydrating diarrhea. Nettle has been used for hundreds of years as an overall tonic, but does help the circulatory system.

You can also take it in capsules. If you have fresh nettles growing in a place not contaminated by fertilizers, pesticides or car exhaust, carefully harvest the tops of the plant and make your own tea. Use one handful of nettles per cup of water. Pour boiling water into the nettles and let it steep for at least ten minutes so the entire sting is taken out. The nettles themselves can be eaten as a source of greens. Avoid nettles if you have high blood pressure.