Herbal Remedies

Tea Time!

2009-05-18T18:56:00.000-07:00

The news is out--antioxidants are in. And there's no easier source for antioxidants than tea. For centuries, Asian peoples have known about the many health benefits of drinking tea. Only recently has this knowledge become commonplace in North America. Some studies suggest that green and black teas have 10 times the level of antioxidants of fruits and vegetables!

Studies show that the antioxidants in black and green teas are highly beneficial to our health, says 82-year-old John Weisburger, PhD, senior researcher at the Institute for Cancer Prevention in Valhalla, N.Y.

"I've published more than 500 papers, including a hell of a lot on tea," says Weisburger, who drinks 10 cups daily. "I was the first American researcher to show that tea modifies the metabolism to detoxify harmful chemicals."

All true teas come from the same plant: Camellia sinensis. The differences between black (ceylon), green, and oolong teas is simply in the way they are processed. Green tea is minimally processed--generally just dried, then crushed. Oolong and black teas are crushed and fermented to create their flavors. There are no health distinctions between the types of teas. All are equally effective.

The primary antioxidants present in teas are polyphenols and flavanoids. These antioxidants are fantastic little molecules that work through your body and purge cells of free radicals--nasty damage-causing molecules that find their way into your body via smog, pollution, poor diet, and other means, that accelerate the body's aging process and hinder it's ability to fend-off illness. Antioxidants also help to provide protection from future damage from free radicals.

In studies, simple tea consumption has been shown to prevent and protect the human body from blood clot formation, cancer, atherosclerosis, heart disease, and stroke. It has also been shown to slow the body's aging process, lower total and LDL cholesterol (the "bad" cholesterol), speed up metabolism to aid weight loss, slow down the growth of tumors, protect bones, prevent bad breath, improve skin, aid allergies, protect against Parkinson's disease, slow down the onset of diabetes, and may even prevent certain types of cancer.

So, bottoms up! Drink it hot or cold, regular or decaf--but drink it, nonetheless! Regular tea consumption may be the best thing you've ever done for you body.

Herbal Insect Repellent

2009-05-08T06:27:00.000-07:00

Good news! The FDA and EPA recently approved Eucalyptus oil for use as an insect repellent. This means you can finally put an end to stinky, harmful, chemical insect repellents of the past.

Eucalyptus oil, also known as p-menthane 3,8-diol or PMD, has been shown in studies to have similar repellent properties to that of DEET. While DEET has proven irritant to some and is not recommended for children due to it's toxicity, Eucalyptus oil can be used on children over 3 and has shown no adverse reactions other than mild eye irritation (if product gets in eyes). Commercial mixtures are often mixed with other natural ingredients such as citronella, rosemary oil, and camphor, creating a pleasant, skin-soothing fragrance.

Eucalyptus oil offers protection from mosquitoes, biting flies, gnats, and even ticks, and therefore may help reduce the risk of contracting West Nile Virus, Malaria, and Lyme Disease. In studies, a repellent made with 30% Lemon Eucalyptus oil protects about the same as repellents containing 10%-15% DEET. One recent study showed the following results:

Mixture made with 4.75% DEET – 88.4 minutes protection time
Mixture made with 30% Lemon Eucalyptus Oil - 120.1 minutes protection time
Mixture made with 23.8% DEET – 301.5 minutes protection time

When applying insect repellents to children, avoid applying the repellent to their hands (in case they rub their eyes or mouths), around their eyes, or to any areas where there are cuts or irritated skin. Use only the amount needed to cover exposed skin. Heavy application and saturation generally are unnecessary for effectiveness.

Stevia

2009-04-29T10:43:00.000-07:00

STEVIA Botanical: Stevia Rebaudiana

In the past few months, it's possible you've noticed a new addition in the sweetener aisle at your grocery or specialty store--stevia! If you haven't heard of it yet, stevia is a small, South American shrub that has been grown for centuries for it's naturally sweet taste, also known as "sweetleaf". Having up to 300 times the sweetness of sugar, stevia use is on the rise, particularly for use in low-carbohydrate, low-sugar food alternatives. It is an all-natural, no-carbohydrate, no-calorie food.

Traditionally, the Guaraní tribes of South America used stevia, which they called "sweet herb", as a sweetener in "yerba mate" and medicinal teas for treating heartburn and other ailments. Stevia has also been used in parts of Asia for many years. In fact, stevia now holds 40% of Japan's sweetener market.

Recent medical research has indicated that stevia may help treat obesity, hypertension, and high blood-pressure. With a glycemic index of zero, stevia has little to no effect on blood-sugar levels, so it's use in carbohydrate-controlled diets has proven particularly advantageous for those suffering from diabetes and hypoglycemia.

Stevia has also been proven to have the lowest effect on blood-acid levels of all types of sweeteners--the best option for preventing acidosis in the body--and therefore useful in the treatment of:

Cardiovascular damage, including the constriction of blood vessels and the reduction of oxygen.
Weight gain, obesity and diabetes.
Bladder and kidney conditions, including kidney stones.
Immune deficiency.
Acceleration of free radical damage, possibly contributing to cancerous mutations.
Hormone concerns.
Premature aging.
Osteoporosis; weak, brittle bones, hip fractures and bone spurs.
Joint pain, aching muscles and lactic acid buildup.
Low energy and chronic fatigue.
Slow digestion and elimination.
Yeast/fungal overgrowth.

Stevia is available in both liquid and powder forms, and is now stocked at most major retailers. It can also be grown in the home garden.

Peppermint

2008-07-12T12:15:00.000-07:00

PEPPERMINT Botanical: Mentha piperita

Peppermint is more stimulating to the circulation than spearmint and a stronger remedy for alleviating flatulence, dyspepsia, and indigestion.

While most Americans cool off with cold beverages, the Chinese refresh themselves with hot peppermint tea. In addition to aiding digestion, drinking a mild infusion of peppermint teas leaves you feeling comfortably cooler. This is because it brings more blood to the skin, where evaporation then wicks away body heat. A strong infusion of the herb will produce copious perspiration, and one of peppermint's traditional uses has been in breaking fevers.

Peppermint contains menthol, thymol, and other volatile oils that give the herb a variety of therapeutic properties. Any herb that contains significant amounts of menthol, as peppermint does, has a slight antiseptic quality.

Peppermint tea has been used as a gargle for sore throats and to wash wounds. A simple infusion of this wonderfully aromatic herb is a classic headache remedy, and it has also been used to relieve tension, insomnia, nervousness, and trembling. A strong cup of peppermint tea, taken at the first sign of a cold or flu, may help ward it off. If the bug does bite,peppermint tea is a soothing treatment for dry cough, fever, and other cold related symptoms.
Peppermint has been, and still is, one of the most widely used herbs in the world.

Commercially; peppermint is among the most important world herb crops. It is grown on a large scale in many European countries, as well as in the United States. Tons of peppermint, distilled into oil, finds its way into toothpaste, soap, bath oil, candies, syrups, gums, and many medicinal preparations.

Peppermint is mainly used for: Nausea, indigestion, weak digestion
Dosage: People from many cultures drink peppermint tea daily to keep their digestive tracts in good shape. To treat nausea or indigestion, take when needed. You should feel better within 30 minutes. To improve digestive function, take one dose three times a day before meals. To improve digestion in general, use for a month.

Maitake

2008-06-24T15:46:00.000-07:00

The herb: Maitake is used for: Immunity, chronic infections including sinus, tonsillitis, bronchitis, cystitis, herpes, colds, cancer
Dosage: As with other herbal immune stimulants, Maitake should be used only when necessary.

Nettle

2008-06-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

Nettle or ( Stinging Nettle) is Used for: Seasonal allergies, joint inflammation, allergic skin conditions including hives ( Contains histamine and formic acid )
It has been used for hundreds of years to treat rheumatism (disorders of the muscles and joints), eczema, arthritis, gout, and anemia.
Today, many people use it to treat urinary problems during the early stages of an enlarged prostate (called benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH), for urinary tract infections, for kidney stones, for hay fever , treating sprains and strains, tendonitis , osteoarthritis especially when used together with anti-inflammatories .

Saw Palmetto

2008-06-22T08:00:00.000-07:00

Saw Palmetto : can and must be used for long periods of time!
It's botanical name is SERENOA REPENS , is a member of the palm family. It grows in the southeastern United States, especially in the Florida Everglades. The Seminole Indians originally ate it as a food, Now it's used in the treatment of (BPH) BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA .
It is also used in the treating the lack of sex drive in men,used to gain weight ,and muscle mass.

Siberian Ginseng

2008-06-21T08:00:00.000-07:00

Siberian Ginseng Used for: Exhaustion, stress, lack of endurance, recovery from illness, stamina.
Dosage: Siberian ginseng In fact, it has been found to protect the liver from damaging toxins. You can take for as long as you need it. Most people notice a change in their energy level after just a week.

St. John's Wort

2008-06-20T08:00:00.000-07:00

St. John's Wort Used for: Depression, burnout, nerve damage
Dosage: St. John's wort is safe for long term treatment. Millions of people have used it year after year with no reports of ill effects. It can be taken for as long as it is needed. People often try it for a week or two, then conclude it ,it does not work. But to feel the full effects, you must use it for at least 4 weeks and sometimes for as long as 8 weeks.

Valerian

2008-06-19T08:00:00.000-07:00

Valerian is a central nervous system relaxer, and as such has been used as a calming sleep aid for over 1,000 years. When taken in the proper dosage, Valerian can induce restful sleep without grogginess the next morning, unlike prescription drugs that mimic it's properties, such as Valium. It is also much safer when used with alcohol, as it doesn't magnify the effects of alcohol as do it's prescription counterparts. It is widely used in Europe, and is rapidly gaining popularity in the United States as more people discover it's beneficial properties.

Valerian root is the part of the plant that is used for medicinal purposes. The root can be distilled into oils and ointments, or dried and used in teas or capsules. Please see the links below for specifics on how to make fresh or dried root into homemade medications. Obviously, you can also buy prepared Valerian online or at any health food store.

Valerian has a fairly wide range of uses in the home medicine cabinet. It is an effective stress reducer, and has benefit in cases of nervous tension, depression, irritability, hysteria, panic, anxiety, fear, stomach cramping, indigestion due to nervousness, delusions, exhaustion, and, of course, nervous sleeplessness. It also appears to have real benefits in cases of sciatica, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, shingles, and peripheral neuropathy, including numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and pain in the extremities. Testing has also revealed that it eases muscle cramping, rheumatic pain, migraines, uterine cramps, intestinal colic, and stress-related heart problems and hypertension. It has shown some benefit in behavioral problems in both adults and children, and is used to treat attention deficit disorders, hyperactivity, anxiety headaches, and bedwetting, and it has shown some promise in helping reduce thumb sucking and nail biting in children. It has a stabilizing effect on blood pressure and can help regulate arrhythmias.

Lastly, Valerian is useful as a digestive aid, is helpful in cases of gas, diarrhea, and cramps, and alleviates the pain of ulcers. In the respiratory tract, it is believed to be of benefit in reducing the discomfort of asthma attacks.
Valerian is contraindicated in pregnant and breast feeding women, but otherwise is a safe herb to use intermittently when needed for stress or sleep related problems. It is not recommended that you use it every day, however. Overdose is unlikely, so experiment with dosages that work best for you. The usual dose with an oil is 1 teaspoon as needed, and with a tea or capsule, 1-2 cups or tablets as needed.

Alfalfa

2008-06-17T15:58:00.001-07:00

ALFALFA (Lucerne, Buffalo Grass)Botanical: Medicago sativa
Alfalfa is rich is some important nutrients, including calcium, phosphorus, iron, potassium, magnesium, essential enzymes, choline, sodium, and silicon, as well as vitamins A, B6, D, K, and P Herbalists have long used alfalfa to treat ulcers with surprisingly good results.
The vitamin P or rutin, that alfalfa contains builds capillary strength and reduces inflammation of the stomach lining, the vitamin A helps maintain the stomach's health, and enzymes present in alfalfa aid in food assimilation. Alfalfa tea aids in the digestion of proteins, starches, fats, and sugars.
The part of the alfalfa plant used is the flowering top and leaves, which are dried and made into a tea. Western herbalists make the tea with the whole leaves and flowers and then strain off the plant parts. Chinese herbalists make a fine powder of the dried plant parts by grinding them with a mortar and pestle. They then add the powder to water to make a tea.
Alfalfa must be afforded a prominent place in the healing garden, both for its restorative qualities to the soil and the ecosystem in general, and for its traditional healing uses.

Artichoke Extract

2008-06-17T15:56:00.000-07:00

Artichoke Extract
Artichokes contain a compound called cynarin, which increases the liver's production of bile. That's important because bile plays a key role in the excretion of excess cholesterol from the body.
Cynara scolymus Artichoke's medicinal properties are used for treating anemia, preventing arteriosclerosis, diabetes, high cholesterol, and kidney disease This herb is also very good for stomach complaints. The young, immature flower heads make a delicious addition to any dinner. In some countries, artichoke leaf extract is considered an aphrodisiac.

Feverfew

2008-06-17T15:34:00.000-07:00

Feverfew Used for: Migraines, chronic headaches
Dosage: Feverfew is safe to use long term, which is beneficial because people with chronic headaches and migraines need it on an ongoing basis. Do not expect to see results for at least 2 months.

Echinacea

2008-06-12T22:12:00.001-07:00

Resembling a black-eyed Susan, Echinacea or Purple Coneflower is a North American perennial that is indigenous to the central plains where it grows on road banks, prairies, fields and in dry, open woods.

It is also called snake root because it grows from a thick black root that Indians used to treat snake bites. Echinacea one of the best blood purifiers and an effective antibiotic.
It activates the body's immune system increasing the chances of fighting off any disease.

This popular herb has been used to help ward off the common cold and to relieve the symptoms of hay fever.
Echinacea helps white blood cells to attack foreign microorganisms and toxins in the bloodstream.

Echinacea properties may offer benefit for nearly all infectious conditions. Studies show echinacea prevents the formation of an enzyme which destroys a natural barrier between healthy tissue and damaging organisms.

Echinacea is considered an effective therapeutic agent in many infectious conditions including upper respiratory infections, a cold and sinusitis. The herb is a mild antibiotic that is effective against staph and strep infections.

Echinacea's antibacterial properties can stimulate wound healing and are of benefit to skin conditions such as burns, insect bites, ulcers, psoriasis, acne and eczema.

It's anti-inflammatory properties may relieve arthritis and lymphatic swelling. It has also been used in homeopathy treatments for chronic fatigue syndrome, indigestion, gastroenteritis, and weight loss.

Part Used: Root, dried; also liquid extract and juice. Often used in combination with golden seal and /or Vitamin C.

Echinacea products are used as a general nonspecific stimulant to the immune system, supporting and stabilizing cellular immunity and cleansing the blood, for the prevention and treatment of infections. There are no known side effects associated with it's use.

Top 5 Herbs

2008-06-11T13:48:00.000-07:00

Top 5 Herbal Remedies

While all herbal remedies can have spectacular results, some herbs appear to get more attention than others. Below are what I believe to be the Top 5 Herbs, which are available in most health-food stores and supermarkets:

* Chamomile is a popular variety of tea, but the chamomile plant is also used in a number of herbal remedies. To learn how to use chamomile to treat anxiety, cramping, and muscle pain, read Chamomile: Herbal Remedies.

* While echinacea was used centuries ago by the Native Americans, today many people take this herb to help fight off colds. For more info, read Echinacea: Herbal Remedies.

* Ginkgo, or ginkgo biloba, has received a lot of attention lately for its ability to improve circulation and brain activity.

* Ginseng has been used for thousands of years, but has recently found favor with a public looking for a natural energy-boost. (for more info Siberian Ginseng)

* Many people have looked to St Johns Wort,as an herbal alternative to prescription medications for anxiety and depression. (more info St Johns Wort)

Another Informative Blog!

2008-06-06T16:10:00.000-07:00

Just came across another Herbal remedies blog that I like to share with my readers!

Chers Spot

I found this blog to be informative and a interesting read! Check it out and maybe leave a comment to encourage the author to post more!

Dandelion

2007-12-16T18:31:00.000-08:00

DANDELION Botanical: Taraxacum officinale Also called: Chin Tsan Ts'Ao, Hindiba Berri, Pissabed, Pissenlit, Priest's Crown, Swine's Snout, Wild Endive, Lion's Tooth.
Dandelion's botanical name means "the official remedy for disorders," and since ancient times, the plant has lived up to that title. The dandelion is perhaps the world's most famous and hated weed but it is probably the most versatile of the healing herbs and contains many nutrients and beneficial properties, so perhaps people should begin to be less irrated when they appear.

The Dandelion has many uses, among them, wine, salad greens, tea, cooked greens and the remedy for many common ailments. The sap contains a latex which is used in treating warts, corns and ailments of the gallbladder and liver. The leaves and roots can be brewed to make a tea that is good for the heart and hypertension.

The root is high in insulin, the flowers contain helenin considered good for the eyes. Dandelion root is considered a diuretic but unlike most diuretics, Dandelions are high in potassium, which replenishes what is lost in urine. Dandelion roots are considered a builder for the pancreas. The root of the plant is most often used for healing purposes. Also many herbalists consider dandelion as one of the best herbs for building the blood and curing anemic conditions and also a gentle laxative.

Dandelion is very safe and can be used for extended periods of time. As a diuretic, its effects will be seen within a few hours. As a constipation remedy, it will work within 72 hours. For general health and energy, you'll need to take it for at least 1 month.

One ounce of the fresh leaves contains large amounts of vitamin A and calcium, as well as substantial amounts of vitamin BI, vitamin C, sodium, potassium, and trace elements.AII parts of the dandelion are edible and considered useful for healing. The leaves are rich in vitamins and minerals. Dandelion has been used in European herbal medicine for centuries to treat diabetes. In the spring, the root contains levulose, a sugar easily assimilated by daibetica By autumn, this sugar has changed to insulin, a starch also easily assimilated by diabetics.

Dandelion root is a classic European remedy for liver diseases, particularly those involving deep congestion of the liver. Like chicory root, roasted dandelion root is sometimes used as a coffee substitute or as an addition to coffee. Dandelion root is believed to strengthen the liver, as well as the spleen, pancreas, and kidneys. In fact, it acts as an antidote to many of coffee's detrimental effects on the body

Damiana

2007-10-16T13:32:00.000-07:00

Damiana (Turnera diffusa) Also known as: Damiane, Oreganillo.

The leaves have traditionally been made into a tea which was used by native people of Central and South America for its reputed aphrodisiac effects.

Damiana has been used to treat conditions ranging from coughs, to constipation, to depression. Damiana has been reputed to help with Energy, Emphysema, low Estrogen, Frigidity, Hot Flashes, Impotency, Infertility, Menopause, Parkinson's Disease, PMS, Inflammation of Prostate, Lou Gehrig's disease.

Chasteberry

2007-10-09T13:32:00.000-07:00

Chaste Berry (Vitex agnus-castus) can also be known as Chaste Tree, Monk's Pepper, Vitex.

Chasteberry is the fruit of the chaste tree, a small shrub-like tree native to Central Asia and the Mediterranean region. Its red berries are harvested in the fall and then dried.

Chasteberry has been used for thousands of years, mostly by women to ease menstrual problems and to stimulate the production of breast milk and is still used for menstrual problems, such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), as well as for symptoms of menopause, some types of infertility, and acne.

Chamomile

2007-10-07T13:31:00.000-07:00

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita [Latin]), also known as German chamomile, has been used medicinally for thousands of years and is one of the oldest garden herbs. Native to Europe and northwest Asia, and also grows in North America and elsewhere as well. A small plant (8 to 16 inches in height), it has little white and yellow flowers.
The entire flowering plant, or the flowers alone, may be used medicinally. The herb has anti-inflammatory activity, promotes wound healing, combats certain bacteria on the skin, and has a mild tranquilizing effect. Chamomile continues to be used today to battle illness, promote calm and relieve anxiety at bedtime.

In Europe, chamomile oil is an active ingredient in many over-the-counter anti-inflammatories and antiseptics. In the United States, chamomile is not as widely used, and is best known as an ingredient in herbal teas used to calm the nerves and promote sleep, and as a herbal tea, it is naturally caffeine-free. The finest varieties of Chamomile, of which our tea is great example, continue to come from Egypt.

If you want to take chamomile, you’ll find chamomile-containing products and supplements at some pharmacies and all health-food stores. It is available in many forms.

Do not use Chamomile if you have an allergy to another member of this plant family (including arnica, artemisia, feverfew, tansy, and yarrow). Be extra cautious using Chamomile, if you have hay fever or asthma; it has been known to trigger a severe allergic reaction under these conditions. It can also cause allergic skin reactions when used externally.

Calendula

2007-10-03T13:30:00.000-07:00

Calendula Officinalis, is part of the Asteraceae family. It is a colourful plant that is valued for the flowers rejuvenating properties. Even though, it is not a true marigold, it is also known as pot marigold), varieties of this plant can grow anywhere from 6 inches to up to two feet in height.
The dried flowers are used in treatment, and usually taken internally (tincture or infusion) or in an ointment lotion or cream.
Numerous topical preparations exist for external use.

Calendula Herbal tea - The dried petals of the flower can be prepared as an herbal tea and taken internally for treating arteriosclerosis and varicose veins, thereby improving blood circulation. Since calendula tea is well tolerated, it can be safely taken as a daily beverage. Two cups a day already have a preventive effect. Calendula teas can be used as a mouthwash for gum and tooth infections, a gargle for sore throats and tonsillitis, and a sitz bath for genital inflammation or hemorrhoids. Or the tea can help to treat bladder infections or stomach ulcers. Drinking calendula tea can also eliminate parasites and arthritis. Prepare like ordinary tea or follow the instructions on the package.

Calendula Tincture - It’s easy to make a calendula tincture at home by just adding 15 grams of fresh petals of the flowers to 100 millilitres of vodka, letting it stand for 10 days, then siphoning it off. However, it’s better to purchase a quality brand tincture at your health food store that guarantees the proper potency. Calendula tincture, diluted in four parts of water, is very helpful in making a compress for open and poor healing wounds. You can treat insect stings, mycosis (nail fungus), all other skin irritations and inflammations by repeatedly dabbing a tincture-soaked cotton wad on the affected area.

Calendula Cream - Many cosmetic skin creams ( even baby creams and soaps)sold today have calendula asa major ingredient. You can find special creams with a higher concentration of calendula for natural skin care in health food stores. If you value beautiful skin, your top choice in terms of ingredients should be calendula cream. It’s also excellent for rough hands and fingernails.

Calendula Ointment - Calendula is excellent for treating wounds, skin cancer, burns and bedsores. The ointment is extremely easy to apply, rapidly soothes pain and there are no restrictions whatsoever to its use in terms of tolerability or unwanted side-effects. The ointment is a useful and versatile product to keep in your first-aid kit or home medicine chest. In addition to treating minor cuts and abrasions, the salve is great for chapped lips and diaper rash.

Black Cohosh

2007-09-16T13:29:00.000-07:00

Black Cohosh: Latin name is Cimicifuga racemosa. Black Cohosh is a member of the buttercup family and is also known as Black Cohosh, Black bugbane or Black snakeroot or Fairy candle! Insects avoid it, which accounts for some of these common names. Black Cohosh is not related but has similar medinal properties as the Blue Cohosh plant.

Black Cohosh is grows in eastern North America from the extreme south of Ontario south to central Georgia, and west to Missouri and Arkansas. It grows in a variety of woodland situations, and is often found in small woodland openings.
Black cohosh has been included in herbal compounds or dietary supplements marketed to women as remedies for the symptoms of premenstrual tension, menopause and other gynecological problems.
Black cohosh can cause stomach discomfort and headaches and do not take for a period greater than 6 months!

Astragalus

2007-09-15T13:29:00.000-07:00

Astragalus's latin name: Astragalus membranaceus, is also known as Milk Vetch Root, Huang-qi (Yellow Leader). Make sure that you use Astragalus membranaceus only. Other plants in the Astragalus family, including the "locoweed" species, can prove toxic.
Astragalus is a perennial plant, about 16 - 36 inches tall, it is native to the northern and eastern parts of China and Mongolia and Korea. It has hairy stems with leaves made up of 12 - 18 pairs of leaflets. The root is the medicinal part, and is usually harvested from 4-year-old plants.
Astragalus ( Astragalus membranaceus) has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years, often in combination with other herbs, to strengthen the body against disease. Astragalus contains antioxidants, which protect cells against damage caused by free radicals, byproducts of cellular energy.primarly used for endurance, immunity, colds, illness recovery and viral infections!

Astragalus also boosts the immune system. It's recommended usage has been for a variety of conditions that can benefit from improved resistance, including acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), burns and abscesses, night sweats, chronic colds and flu, fatigue, and loss of appetite. It has been used in the treatment of heart failure, liver disease, and kidney ailments. It's also taken to counter the toxic effects of cancer treatment and to relieve the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.

Aloe

2007-09-15T13:28:00.000-07:00

Almost everyone has heard of the wound-healing and pain-relieving effects of the Aloe vera plant. This well-known medicinal plant is being used around the world to treat skin ailments, burns, other herbal remedies. Aloe vera is one of the best herbal remedies for soothing skin and healing burns, rashes, frostbite, and wounds. Aloe is found commercially in a number of creams and lotions for softening and moisturizing the skin.

Aloe is commercially grown in warm, tropical climates,like Barbados, Haiti, Venezuela, South Africa and even the warm regions of the United States (Texas). All you need to grow your own potted aloe plant is a warm area.

Dosage: Apply aloe three times a day to the injured area,(severe burns require treatment by a physician.) Aloe is even safe for use on children.

If you have an potted aloe plant, cut off a lower leaf and remove the spines. Split the leaf in half. Aplly th egle directly onto your cut, burn, wound, etc. Allow the gel to dry on the skin, don't wipe i toff. The gel must dry on the skin for it to work completely. Do this for 2 weeks of continuous treament!

Modern clinical studies show that aloe is one of the best herbs for soothing skin and healing burns, rashes, frostbite, and severe wounds. It also is used to treat eczema, dandruff, acne, ringworm, gum disease, and poison oak and ivy. It works by inhibiting formation of tissue-injuring compounds that gather at the site of a skin injury. The plant contains chrysophanic acid, which is highly effective in healing abrasions.

The gel of the inner part of an aloe leaf is used to treat burns, skin rashes, and insect bites, as well as chafed nipples from breastfeeding, when applied to the affected area externally. Internally, Aloe vera can be used to keep the bowels functioning smoothly, but there are other herbs that do this job better. Aloe vera aids in healing wounds by drawing out infection, and preventing infection from starting. The fresh gel is best to use, rather than "stabilized" gels found in the stores.
For more practical uses of read.. Aloe or Chers Spot

Eucalyptus

2007-09-08T12:18:00.001-07:00

Eucalyptus Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)
Also called: Blue Gum Tree, Stringy Bark Tree, Lemon-scented gum tree, White ironbark, Red flowering gum, Spinning gum.
Parts used: sap, bark, leaves, volatile oils

The eucalyptus tree is native to Australia and Tasmania, where they can grow up to 200 feet high. In North America these trees are known as the food supply for Koalas, and for the oil's respiratory benefits, but they have many other uses as well.

Eucalyptus oil is antiseptic and mildly anesthetic. It is used to treat fungal infections of the skin as well as skin parasites. A gargle made of a decoction soothes raw sore throats and eases coughs. Topically applied, the (diluted) essential oils ease respiratory ailments.
Fragrance (from the volatile oils) from the Citron-scented Gum tree is highly valued for making perfumes.

WARNING: Do not use if you have high blood pressure or are diabetic.
Large quantities irritate the kidneys.

You can make a simple eucalyptus tea by steeping a handful of fresh or dried leaves for 20 minutes in a quart of water that has just been boiled. This tea makes a stimulating astringent addition to the herbal bath and can also be combined with rubbing alcohol and used as a refreshing aftershave. Probably the most popular use of eucalyptus is as a cleanser for the lungs and lymph systems. A classic remedy to clear the nose and help dry mucous conditions is to inhale the vapors of hot eucalyptus leaf tea. The steaming tea is placed in an open pot on a table or on the floor, and the ailing person sits or lies near the pot and breathes in the trailing vapors of the eucalyptus infusion.

You can also use the oil distilled from the leaves for this purpose in an electric vaporizer or the way described above. The oil is considered safe to use in this way, but like all distilled herb oils, it is very potent, so exercise caution when using it. Never apply eucalyptus oil directly to the skin, but dilute it first with water, vegetable oil, or rubbing alcohol. Always keep eucalyptus oil away from your eyes. For internal use, never administer more than a few drops of eucalyptus oil at a time, and be sure to dilute it with water to make a tea.

Disclaimer

2007-09-07T13:45:00.001-07:00

This blog was entirely written solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE.

Always consult a knowledgeable physician or health practioner before using any herbal and nutrional supplement(s)!

To minimize or avoid any side effects, begin with a lower dosage than what is stated on the label. Gradually increase the dosage until you have reached the recommended levels!

Some nutrional and or herbal supplements can be very toxic when taken in higher than recommended dosage

If you are pregnant or nursing-avoid all supplements, unless prescribed or approved by your doctor!

Also consult with your physician before using any supplements if you are taking any prescribed mediactions!