Integrative Herbalism Use and Precaution

Anti-Inflammatory Herbs can Ease Gout Pain

2011-10-09T03:25:00.000-07:00

Gout is one of the forms of arthritis or joint inflammation. The commonest site is the ball of the big toe. Some herbs also have anti-inflammatory effects and this is interesting alternative treatments that may help ease pain from gout. Below are popular herbs for gout pain relief.

Devil's Claw

Devil's claw, or Harpagophytum procumbens, has anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antirheumatic actions. It is a creeping perennial native to Southern Africa. Traditional healers use the roots to treat pain, fever, poor appetite, rheumatism, arthritis, ulcers, and boils. It is also used as a general tonic. The active ingredients include iridoid glycosides such as harpagoside, harpagide and procumbide. Dr. Linda B. White and Steven Foster claim that poor digestion of proteins can cause the buildup of uric acid and painful crystals and recommend devil's claw for gout for both its anti-inflammatory and digestive properties. An article published in the February 2007 issue "Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice" notes that cat's claw may reduce the body's production of pro-inflammatory chemicals.

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine reports that cat's claw has few side effects when taken at recommended dosages. However, rare side effects may include dizziness, vomiting and headaches. However, Devil's claw should not be used during pregnancy as it may have abortive effects, or by people with gastrointestinal or coronary disorders. Also avoid this herb if you have an immune disorder, because it may stimulate the immune system. According to NCCAM, you should stop taking cat's claw if you are scheduled to undergo surgery as it may interfere with blood pressure control.

Curcumin

A study published in the April 2006 issue of "Inflammation Research" shows that curcumin, a substance found in turmeric, can reduce crystal-induced forms of arthritis. Clinical studies examining the role of turmeric in the treatment of gout are lacking. You may prefer to take 300 mg of a standardized extract of turmeric three times daily. These doses should be used only as a guideline; consult your doctor about the best dose and treatment plan for you.

Anyway, turmeric was not approved by U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat any medical condition and may have side effects and cause allergic dermatitis according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. There is a caution that turmeric may lower the blood sugar levels, so if you have osteoarthritis associated with diabetes, it will be safer to consult a doctor before using it. Also it is not fully guarantee for safety for pregnant and breastfeeding.

Though herbal treatments such as Devil’s Claw and Curcumin (tunmeric)have been sold in many OTC forms or even used in Ayurvedic herbalism and traditional Chinese herbalism medicine for hundreds of years, they still need more scientific support to get more space in modern markets not only as alternative medicines but also integrative medicines and integrative herbalism.

Reference

· "The Herbal Drugstore"; Linda B. White, M.D., Steven Foster; 2000

· "Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine"; David Hoffmann; 2003

How Herbal Treatment Works for Acne

2011-10-08T02:57:00.000-07:00

In many ways, integrative medicines view herbal remedy as another treatment to cure symptom of underlying health problems that cause acne. Generally, roots of acnes include sluggish liver, hormonal imbalances, poor digestion, bowel function and nutritional deficiencies.

Herbs and herbal supplements for acne treatment are varied by the underlying cause. We have listed some herbal remedies commonly used for acne treatment here.

Burdock, Dandelion (Taraxicum officinalis), Yellow Dock (Rumex crispus) :

These herbs work as blood purifiers, helping to aid in kidney function and correct imbalances and improve digestive function by increasing the output of bile from the gall bladder into the small intestine. Many traditional herbalists will prescribe these herbs together as an overall tonic for the liver and gall bladder. That will help the body to remove unwanted waste and bring back hormonal balances.

Burdock root is useful for clearing up all types of skin conditions from acne to eczema as it is a general tonic for moving the body towards health and harmony.

Dandelion is one of the best diuretic herbs, helping to detoxify by supporting the kidneys. It also supports the liver.

Yellow dock is an all-around cleansing herb with a reputation as a blood-cleanser. It also supports the liver and has gentle laxative properties.

Dong Quai : Aslo called Angelica dahurica or Angelica sinensis in traditional Chinese herbalism. A study in 2003 found that dong quai had anti-acne benefits similar to that of erythromycin ; an antibiotic often used as an acne medication.

Golden Seal (Hydrastis Canadensis) : Goldenseal contains a compound called berberine that kills many types of bacteria. It is considered a natural antibiotic and is most often combined with echinacea in preparations designed to strengthen the immune system. Berberine is widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat dysentery and infectious diarrhea.

Guggul : Guggul is used in Aurvedic medicine. The Ayurvedic herbalism suggest that it can help relieve acne, particularly for those who have oily faces.

Turmeric : It's often-used spice in curry powder, mustard and some cheeses. Turmeric can clear up pimples either taken as a supplement or in a food, or directly applied to the skin. Studies have shown turmeric has anti-inflammatory activity, which would explain its ability to bring down the swelling of a pimple. It also can dry out blemishes while stopping formation of new ones but not dry the skin. To use turmeric, you may take turmeric mixed with warmed milk or mix turmeric with coconut oil or sesame oil before applying on pimples.

To get the best result from herbal acne treatment, you have to change your bad behavior and dietary. According to Ayurvedic medicine and traditional Chinese medicine, you should avoid hot, spicy and greasy food but choose a high fiber fruits and veggies, less processed diet. Avoid alcohol and drink a minimum of eight glasses of water a day. Natural supplements such as zinc, Vitamin C and E are also suggested by the doctors.

What is The Best Herbal Treatment for Arthritis

2011-10-07T02:16:00.000-07:00

Arthritis is a particular kind of joint pains that can be chronic disease, commonly found among people of particular age group such as 35 year old and above. There are different types of arthritis but osteoarthritis is regarded as degenerative bone joint issue. Since arthritis is long-lasting disease, integrative herbalism becomes widely used nowadays as more economic option for arthritis treatments compared with conventional medicines.

Below are some herbs that can be used for Arthritis treatment.

Borage - This is highly prized by natural healers for its medicinal seeds. These contain GLA, a fatty-acid that the body requires to make an inflammation fighting and immune boosting chemical.

Cayenne Pepper – With capsaisin, cayenne pepper is one of the finest hot spices that takes away the pain of inflammatory arthritis. Clinical trials have confirmed this plant's value in alleviating pain and discomfort from both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis.

Celery - celery seeds are known as joint cleanser, believing to help remove waste products and excess fluid from arthritic joints. Celery seed extracts provide the arthritis sufferer with some 25 anti-inflammatory substances, plus other plant chemicals that are natural diuretics.

Dandelion root extracts - improve bowel movements and treat arthritis.

Garlic- few pieces of garlic are to be boiled in mustard oil. It is very good for rubbing on aching joints.

Ginger - contains zingibain and other phytochemical compounds which quench inflammation. Ginger is also great for protecting the body cells from free-radical damage.

Ginkgo Biola - not only improves circulation to damaged joints, but also contains a dozen different anti-inflammatory chemicals and seven natural anti-histamines.

Oil and essential oil - lavender , eucalyptus oil , castor oil, coconut oil, birch oil, black paper oil, chamomile oil, Australian Emu oil, Rumatone gold oil, Narayana oil ( sesame oil) all help improve arthritic conditions.

Stinging Nettle - the Romans used to flay their ailing joints with nettles to reduce the associated pain. Stinging nettle contains natural anti-histamines and anti-inflammatories.

Turmeric - This herb is a first-rate anti-inflammatory ideal for the pain and swelling of arthritis. It also triggers better bile flow, improving digestive function which is often poor in arthritis sufferers.

White Willow - It provides us with salicylic acid and has been used to relieve arthritic pain for over 2,500 years.

There are many herbs not listed in here and waited for our discovery. Modern medicines just begin after traditional wisdom like Ayurveda and TCM ( traditional Chinese medicines) for hundreds of years. This post is only for information and further track and trace will be needful for everyone.

Is Turmeric Most Effective for Alzheimer’s?

2011-10-06T01:40:00.000-07:00

It has been known that India has the world’s lowest rate of Alzheimer’s Disease. To understand Ayurveda- traditional wisdom, their lifestyle and food intake may reveal the secret.

One of common food ingredients use in every house of Indian is turmeric, the golden spice which contains powerful antioxidant – curcumin. Indian people have used turmeric powder for hundreds of centuries not only in their everyday food but also in Ayurvedic medicine

herbalism, wedding ceremony, and daily mask claimed to clear acne and nourish skin either use it directly on the face or mixed together with milk.

There are estimates that people in India take about 2 grams of turmeric per day from the food intake and that provides roughly 100 mg of curcumin. Some scientists think that the regular ingestion of this spice help reduce rate of Alzheimer's disease in India. The prevalence of Alzheimer's among adults in India aged 70 to 79 is among the world's lowest. It is 4.4 times less than the rate in the United States.

Turmeric is being studied for its ability to help treat Alzheimer's disease but most of the studies so far have been on animals. Good news is there is a growing number of mainstream researchers see turmeric and curcumin as possible herb in preventing and fighting disease in humans. But until these compounds are tested in people there is no way to know their full potential.

Besides FDA’s approved drugs for Alzheimer’s, curcumin may be effective than many other drugs being tested as Alzheimer's treatments. Scientists found that curcumin was able to reduce deposits of beta-amyloid proteins in the brains of elderly lab mice that ate curcumin as part of their diets. Moreover, when the researchers added low doses of curcumin to human beta-amyloid proteins in a test tube, the compound kept the proteins from aggregating and blocked the formation of the amyloid fibers that make up Alzheimer's plaques. The study by UCLA and Veterans Affairs scientists, indicated that a rodent chow laced with curcumin slowed the accumulation in mouse brains of protein fragments known as beta amyloids which are focused as a key to the development of Alzheimer's.

This is likely to be so good to be true if we overlook the side effects of turmeric. It is not clear about the effect of high dose turmeric curcumin consumption for continuous use and scientists cannot fully attest that it will not interact with other medicines. According to American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, there is a possibility that the consumption of supplemental doses of turmeric can significantly increase oxalate levels in urine and lead to increasing risk of kidney stone formation. However, some researchers theorize that calcium can help prevent the formation of stones and drinking enough water can flush away those might cause kidney stone. Considering the fact that Indian food is always added yogurt or milk in recipe, this may be another traditional wisdom from Indian people

New researches and tests are on the way and we will see soon if Turmeric – Curcumin is the promising herb for alzheimer’s as we wish or not.

10 Homey Herbal Remedies for Reducing High Cholesterol

2011-10-05T01:26:00.000-07:00

Most westernized scientist have developed cholesterol medications as a main treatment, but because of side effects and costs, people are now looking for integrative herbalism as safer and more natural ways to lower cholesterol.

Cholesterol itself isn’t bad but it is an important building block in the cells in our body. However, there is a bad cholesterols called “LDLs” caused the build-up of cholesterol in the arteries leading to high blood pressure and risk of heart attack.

High cholesterol can be reduced by herbal remedies. Below are some suggestions.

Take a spoonful of honey is also good for lowering cholesterol
Take guggulu for natural cholesterol lowering
Take a teaspoon of oil seeds ishabgul twice a day. It will help in reducing blood cholesterol
Take fenugreek seeds regularly to control cholesterol level.
Take more foods richly in vitamin E like sunflower seeds, soyabean oils, butter, safflower and also the sprouted seeds and grains.
Drink a glass of water and add 1 teaspoon of methi powder in it for one month in an empty stomach.
Drink a mixture of one tea spoon of lime juice and one teaspoon of honey in one cup of hot water daily in the morning to lower your cholesterol naturally.
Drink a glass of water and add two tablespoons of dry seeds of coriander and allow it to w properly. Allow it to cool and strain the decoction. Take this decoction two times a day for lowering of the cholesterol. It is also an effective natural remedy for the treatment of high cholesterol.
Drink onion juice to reduce the cholesterol, clean the blood and regulate the heart.
Garlic, turmeric and cinnamon are also very beneficial natural treatments of high cholesterol

The above mentioned herbal treatments are potent and have proven their worth. It is easy, not expensive and safe, so it is not surprising that herbal remedies become a good option for reducing high cholesterol.

Is Herbal Remedies for High Sugar Blood Better Medication Treatment

2011-10-04T01:17:00.000-07:00

While some conventional medicines can damage liver, herbal remedy seem to be a good choice of alternative treatment for high sugar blood or diabetes.

Diabetes is a disorder of metabolism. When people eat, the pancreas automatically produces the right amount of insulin to move glucose from blood into the cells. But in people with diabetes, the pancreas either produces little or no insulin, or the cells do not respond appropriately to the insulin that is produced.

Herbs for Diabetes treatment were used to combat diabetes for hundreds of years. Below quoted integrative herbalism has been studied through by scientific investigations, which appear to be non-toxic and safe when use properly.

Cinnamon : helps to slow down the effect of type 2 diabetes. Cinnamon has insulin-like properties, which able to reduce blood glucose levels as well as triglycerides, fasting blood glucose and LDL cholesterol.

Ginseng: commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat diabetes. It has been shown to enhance the release of insulin from the pancreas and to increase the number of insulin receptors. It also has a direct blood sugar-lowering effect. However, many studies on ginseng and diabetes have used North American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius). Those studies have shown that North American ginseng may improve blood sugar control and glycosylated hemogobin , a form of hemoglobin in the blood used to monitor blood glucose levels over time, levels.

Garlic: has been noted in clinical research studies to lower blood sugar and blood cholesterol levels. Anyway, garlic is a common used in Ayuvedic herbalism.

Gymnema Sylvestre: It good for diabetic type 2 where the body produces normal urine but the cells responsible are not responding. Because gymnema may lower blood sugar levels, people taking medications for diabetes or using insulin shouldn't take gymnema unless they are closely monitored by their health care provider.

Indian Gooseberry: It stimulates the Pancreas to secrete insulin that eventually reduces blood sugar.

Malabar Kino: Therapeutic content extracted from this tree has been used for a long time to as a herbal Remedy for Diabetes

Mango Leaves: Mango leaves helps in lowering the blood glucose level in diabetics.

Fenugreek : The plant help to lower blood sugar level especially in diabetes type 2.Its seeds not only lower blood glucose but reduce insulin levels, total cholesterol and triglycerides, while increasing HDL (good cholesterol

Tenner's Cassia: Most oral diabetic drugs are made for it. It is ancient herbal used in Egypt.

Stevia: helps to reduce the intake of sugar because it is about 500 times sweeter than sugar, and according to research, it apparently does not raise the blood sugar levels, it is used by many diabetics who do not wish to consume sugar or artificial sweeteners.

Ask your doctor or health care provider before making decision to use herbal remedy as alternative treatment for diabetes. If you do not use it correctly, it may not improve your health but make it worse.

rove your health but make it worse.

What Herbs Works for Weight Loss

2011-10-02T00:53:00.000-07:00

Although herbal supplements for weight loss is tempting us to try, we still have to think about possibility of side effects. Safety concerns should be the first priority since using herbal remedies can be both promising hope and fault hope that can be harmful. Here, we will continue checking information about some herbs of the more popular weight loss.

Coleus works to assist weight loss by breaking down fat deposits and preventing production of adipose tissue. It also mildly stimulates the metabolism by increasing thyroid function. A diterpenoid called forskolin is the active constituent of this herb and is the only plant derived compound known to directly stimulate the enzyme, adenlylate cyclase, and in turn, stimulates cellular cyclic AMP which boosts metabolism to assist weight loss.

Dandelion stimulates fat metabolism, and removes fatty acids and cholesterol from blood. Thus it helps to lose weight extensively.

Fucoxanthin is an antioxidant found naturally in edible brown seaweed such as wakame, the seaweed used in miso soup. The preliminary studies in animals suggest it may target abdominal fat. Fat in the abdomen is linked to heart disease and diabetes.

Garcina Cambogia is popular weight loss herb traditionally used in South East Asia to make meals more filling. Its active constituent called hydroxycitric acid (HCA) suppresses appetite and reduces the body’s ability to form adipose(fatty) tissue due to overeating. It is thought Garcinia’s weight loss action works by inhibiting the body’s ability to convert carbohydrates to fats. This same mechanism floods the liver with glycogen which leads the brain to respond by suppressing appetite. Another significant study, using an animal model, found that during exercise the regular use of HCA promotes fat burning. Contra indications for garcina cambogia are: pregnancy, diabetes and people with dementia syndromes. This herb does interact with some prescription medicines and this should be discussed with your health care practitioner before use.

Ginseng boosts up lipid metabolism and enables one to lose weight.

Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) a good source of antioxidant and famous in rich of caffeine reducing weight gain by stimulating metabolism.

Guarana (Paullinia cupana) aids weight loss via increased metabolism like the way caffeine woks. However, caffeine could also stimulate the central nervous system and heart, and may result in anxiety and rapid heart rate in larger amounts.

Guggul (Commiphora mukul) is believed to help metabolism and reduce cholesterol levels.

Guar gum (Cyamopsis tetragonolobus) is a plant based dietary fibre derived from the bean

of the plant.

Licorice regulates blood sugar levels and control desire for sweets and desserts. In this way licorice helps to control obesity.

Nettle is an excellent thermo genic herb, helping in losing weight.

Spirulina (Blue-Green Algae) is thought to be useful in weight-control diets because its high nutritional value helps to satisfy hunger.

Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis) is reputed to increase metabolism.

Herbs for weight loss can be really helpful in boosting a sluggish metabolism, but it must be done together with diet control and exercise. Last of all, it is always a good idea to consult your doctor or health provider before starting herbal treatment.

Herbal Weight Loss List

2011-10-01T00:23:00.000-07:00

In addition to changing life styles, many people turn to herbal supplements and herbs to aid their weight loss. There are various ways by which these herbal supplements and herbs are thought to work for weight loss and those include adding bulk to the diet, increasing metabolism and increasing fat burning, nutritionally-rich preparations and mood enhancement.

Dieting and binge eating can play havoc with our metabolism and lead to further weight gains, making the prospect of losing weight harder to achieve. If you want to lose weight with herbs and herbal supplements, consider a balanced preparation that also has a quality B complex to boost your energy levels.

Below are herbal remedies for weight loss.

Aloe Vera juice effectively cleanses digestive track and controls weight gain.

Astragalus improves nutrient absorption and burns down fat. It is an effective weight loss herb.

Bitter Orange (Citrus aurantium) contains beta antagonists which are known to cause body fat loss. It helps to increase metabolism in those who are combining exercise and dietary measures to lose weight. There are not much scientific studies for weight loss, so it should be used with caution, especially if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, other cardiovascular conditions or diabetes. It shouldn't be taken with caffeine or herbs containing caffeine (green tea, yerba mate), because it could theoretically increase the risk of adverse effects and interacts with many medications that can increase or decrease their effect.

Bladderwrack has fat burning agents and helps one to lose weight.

Cayenne (Capsicum minimum, Capsicum annuum, C. frutescens) is rich in capsaicin stimulating burning of accumulated body fat.

Chickweed is an effective herb for shedding weight.

Hoodia gordonii a succulent from the deserts of southern Africa. The San Bushmen called it Xhob and it ate it as an appetite suppressant when on long journeys. Now, Hoodia is remarkable for appetite suppression in the United States. While there are many varieties of Hoodia, only Hoodia gordonii has P57- the active constituent. What we known about this steroidal glycoside is it works on the brain to suppress appetite. On the other hand, it also indirectly reduces fat storage by lowering blood glucose, which lowers the insulin circulating in the blood. Till now, Hoodia has not shown to have significant side effects and looks set to become a major treatment in weight control.

Coconut oil is rich in medium chain triglycerides, promotes weight loss.

Since I am personally interested in weight loss management, the list of herbs will be a bit longer than usual and we will continue explore integrative herbalism from any traditional wisdom, that not limit to only from Ayurvedic, western or traditional Chinese medicines for weight loss in next post. Hope that will be useful information background for all who are having weight problem.

Superior Advantages of Natural Treatment for Baldness

2011-09-29T00:08:00.000-07:00

In western science, baldness commonly caused by a nutrition deficiency, aging, hormones, genetics and stress called alopecia areata. While herbs address directly the cause of the illness, naturally supporting the body’s healing mechanisms, most drugs just take care of the symptoms without eliminating the real cause.

Take a quick scan what herbs are effective for bald treatment.

Aloe vera activates the production of nitric oxide and an enzyme called superoxide dismutane, two substances that may work together to stimulate hair regrowth.

Coconut Oils is one of the few oils that actually contain protein easily absorbable into the hair strands, and thus, is one of the few oils that strengthen the hair follicle.

Eclipta Alba is a well-known Ayurvedic herbal medicine considered to be the best natural remedy for the hair loss and premature greying of the hair.

Green tea (Camellia sinesis) - catechins found in green tea may inhibit the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase that converts testosterone into hair- DHT. Therefore, green tea is believed to be effective in preventing and treating male pattern type baldness. Several cups of green tea each day is a good idea.

Onion is high in sulfur, which is thought to be a hair healing mineral.

Saw palmetto (Seranoa repens) – it has ability to protect the prostate, slow hair loss and encourage hair regrowth. It forms the core element of many commercially prepared hair loss treatments but can easily be obtained in its pure form. The recommended dose is a 160mg capsule twice each day, but make sure the ingredients are made from the berry extract not the dried berries themselves.

Stinging nettle (Urtica diocia) - its ability to block the conversion of testosterone into DHT is considered to prevent baldness. It is particularly effective when combined with pygeum and saw palmetto. It can be taken in pill or capsule form with an optimum dose of 50-100mg per day.

Yucca’s root is used as a shampoo. It cleanses the hair and provides an excellent treatment for the scalp. The plant is said to contain saponins which is a natural detergent. It can treat dandruff and itchy scalp.

It remains controversial that herbal remedies can really prevent and treat hair loss and encourage hair growth. While more scientific trials are needed, herbal remedies are still popular because of the benefits they cause on the user's hair and scalp if use correctly. However, in current stream of medications, integrative herbalism is on the way and that may be a promising hope for men and women who are suffering from hair loss or baldness. But would be naive to say that herbal remedies are a miracle and they cure all forms of hair loss.

Herbal Remedies for Woman Hair Loss - Will it Same Male Hair Loss

2011-09-27T23:36:00.000-07:00

Though baldness occurs in both genders, male pattern baldness often results to total baldness while female pattern baldness, other hand, results to thinning of the hair in some areas but not complete hair loss. Besides the conventional medicines of which the result is not clear, natural treatment for hair loss becomes more in trend when people try to find alternative treatment.

Hair loss problem leads to depression and many women are losing confidence because of thinner hair. Hair loss in women is indicating that there is something wrong with the body and that may be because of stress, unbalanced alimentation, lack of vitamins, a wrong shampoo, hormonal disorders or even polluted environment.

Let’s see the most popular herbal remedies for hair loss and decide if you should try these herbs for solving your hair loss problem or use herbs as integrative treatment for baldness.

Aloe Vera is still being debated on whether aloe vera, or aloe barbadensis, really helps increase hair growth, anyway, aloe vera helps in the treatment of wound, burns and minor skin infections and is a very good scalp conditioner. When used externally, it will cleanse the pores of the scalp, healing it and balancing the pH level of the skin. Be careful its latex – the yellow liquid as some people are prone to developing allergies to it. Topical application of aloe vera is not applicable to people taking hydrocortisone or other topical steroids.

Green tea or Camellia sinesis is very effective in combating male hair loss. It is thought that catechins found in green tea may inhibit the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase that converts testosterone into hair-unfriendly DHT. Anyhow, its exact effects are not proven in female hair loss treatment, but we should know that this herb improves blood circulation and contributes to the relaxation of blood vessels.

Ginkgo biloba is an herb famous for improving blood circulation both to the brain and skin. Specialists consider that if we increase the blood flow to the scalp area, it will deliver more nourishing substances to the hair follicles, enhancing the hair growth.

He Shou Wu or Polygonum multiflorum, also named Fo-Ti is a traditional Chinese herb medicine used for centuries to cure hair loss. You can find it as a component of many commercial products for combating hair fall, as well as in teas and capsules. The ancient Chinese healers used this herb for sustaining the kidneys and the liver. It is considered that liver blood nourishes the head and thus the hair, also controlling the aging process.

Rosemary and sage are popular treatments for hair loss and alopecia areata in the Mediterranean region. They are both astringents and have a tightening effect on the pores. The combination of rosemary and sage cleanses the pores and stimulates the hair follicles in the skin.

Saw palmetto is well known in North America as treatment for hair loss, particularly alopecia areata. Experts say that because it can treat prostate problems, its effect on testosterone production make it a good treatment for hair loss. However, saw palmetto is not advisable for people with anemia because it can interfere with iron absorption of the body. This is also not advisable for people who are taking finasteride, anti-platelet, and anti-coagulants.

Many herbs are not yet approved by the FDA, and should not be considered as professional medical advice. However, hair loss can be avoided without the side effects of chemicals in over-the-counter drugs. Above herb is another remedy for hair loss and baldness for women which can also applied to male hair loss.

What is Anxiety and How Herbal Remedies Calm it Down

2011-09-26T21:44:00.000-07:00

Herbal remedies for anxiety and stress have been used for centuries. Many people choose some form of herbal remedy as a calming or reviving supplement; here I would like to mention only popular natural herbal remedies for Anxiety.

It's normal to feel anxious, but if you feel anxious without reason and it tends to persist as well as affect your life, you may have general anxiety disorder. You can notice the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder from feeling tense or on edge, restlessness, irritability, impatience, and poor concentration. Some people may have changes in their physical health such as headaches, jaw pain, bloating, excessive sweating, muscle tension, difficulty falling or staying asleep (insomnia), dry mouth, fatigue, chest tightness, and indigestion.

These are some of the herbal remedies that are being used for anxiety.

Green Tea has L-theanine which is believed to be very effective medication to cure anxiety. It is not a compound on which anyone can become easily addicted to. It even consists of antioxidants that help flush out harmful toxins from body and also reduce aging effects.

Chamomile has properties that help reduce anxiety and promote sleep. Unfortunately, the National Institutes of Health warn that its reputation as a gentle medicinal plant is not entirely warranted. They point out that many people have allergic reactions after coming into contact with chamomile preparations and a few have even been life threatening. Anyway, you may like its taste and need a cup of chamomile tea.

Valerian is a perennial flowering plant found in Europe and Asia with pink or white trumpet-shape and used in both western herbalism and Chinese medicne. The roots are the part of the plant that is used medicinally. This herb provides you quick relief from anxiety as it helps reduce the stress within one hour of its intake.

Scientists believe that Valerian acts on neurotransmitters in the brain in a manner similar to benzodiazepines, such as Valium and Xanax, but valerian appears to have a prolonged effect. In clinical trials, patients with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) who took valerian regularly have reported lower levels of anxiety and stress

It has been theorized that valerian compounds block the enzyme that breaks down gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that controls mood, relaxation, and sleep. However, there are also possible side effect such as stomach problems, headache, restlessness and, in rare cases, overstimulation.

Passionflower extract is highly useful to treat panic attacks or stress which can easily be combined with other natural herbs like valerian to help you get relief from anxiety.

tIt was once used in over-the-counter sedatives and sleep aids. But the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned these herbal anxiety remedies in 1978, citing a lack of studies confirming their effectiveness. However, the herbalists have continued to use passionflower in natural herbal remedies for anxiety due to its calming effect and low incidence of side effects.

Passionflower may increase the effects of other sedatives, and it should not be taken with antidepressants in the MAO-inhibitor category without first consulting your doctor. In most cases, however, passionflower is well tolerated.

To integrate herbal remedies for anxiety with other alternative knowledge such as massage therapy, aromatherapy , yoga, and meditation may help you get better result of treatment. Overall, natural remedies for anxiety are safe alternatives to prescription drugs. But as with any herb, it’s important to monitor for side effects or allergic reactions. It's still important to be evaluated by your doctor for a proper diagnosis and to rule out other medical problems that may resemble anxiety.

Integrative Relief Headache by Herbal and Home Remedy

2011-09-24T22:53:00.000-07:00

There are many ways to integrate treatment for headache relief. If you do not want to use drugs or over-the-counter painkillers such as aspirin, paracetamol (acetaminophen), or ibuprofen, there are many alternative headache treatments, for example, herbalism, acupuncture or acupressure, chiropractic, homeopathic remedies, hydrotherapy, massage, meditation, yoga. Here we are focusing on integrative herbalism ; home and herbal remedies for headache treatment.

Most headaches are relatively associated with alcoholic hangovers, exertion, fatigue, emotional stress, and poor posture. Some headaches have more sinister implications and may be associated with food allergies, very high blood pressure, low blood sugar levels, very salty foods or brain damage after a blow to the head.

Headache may broadly be classified as primary or secondary: there are situations in which headache itself is the problem (primary headache), and others in which headache is a symptom of some other condition (secondary headache).

Below are another way to get rid of headache by using easy home and herbal remedies.

Drink chamomile or peppermint tea can relieve headache
Drink two tablespoon apple cider vinegar mixed with raw honey in a cup of water can relief headache
Place henbane leaves on the head, and then covering it with a moist warm cloth can cause headache to disappear.
Use warm poultice made of ginger powder can reduce headache. The poultice is to be placed on forehead.
Apply a paste of sandalwood on forehead can cure headache.
Take grated coconut mixed with sugar can reduce headache.
Apply a solution made out of half teaspoon mustard seed powder and three teaspoon water in the nostrils. This is an effective way of treating headache.
Intake freshly sliced apples every morning is an effective cure for chronic headache.
Soak feet in lukewarm water and placing a cold towel on forehead can lessen headache.
Nasal irrigation is a way to clear nasal congestion and reduce headache.
Steam inhalation is an effective remedy for headache.
Apply essential oils such as lavender, ginger, peppermint, and wintergreen to the temples or neck, that can provide relief.

These are just a few of the home and herbal treatment for headaches you can try. Comparing with the OTC drugs, I found these are much more pleasant.

Natural Treatment for Eczema Available in Store

2011-09-23T22:36:00.000-07:00

Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is an itchy inflammation of your skin. It's a long-lasting or chronic condition that may be accompanied by asthma or hay fever. It causes itching, crack and red colored patches on your hands, feet, elbow, knees and ankle. Eczema is a very common skin disease. Only in the United States, more than 15 million people suffer from eczema.

The cause of atopic dermatitis is unknown, but it may result from a combination of generic factor and malfunction in the body's immune system. Eczema related to allergies, but it ironically appears that allergy shots are rarely helpful in clearing the condition.

Treatments for eczema are available in the OTC products in creams and steroid injections, focused on inflammation and itching reduction Over-the-counter (nonprescription) anti-itch creams and other self-care measures may help control mild atopic dermatitis. To explore further treatment, we will search for integrative herbalism for eczema.

For more optional treatment for eczema, natural remedy can also help.

Neem: The affected part should be cleaned daily with warm water boiled with the bark of the neem tree. This simple measure prevents secondary infections, and itching.

Bitter gourd : is highly beneficial according to Ayurvedic medicine

Tumeric: Pure turmeric is extremely useful. It can be applied externally over the patches and can be taken internally along with milk in a dose of ½ teaspoonful twice a day.

Aloe Vera : This is an excellent herb to help with eczema because it naturally relieves inflammation. If you can, you should purchase it in the gel form (100 percent aloe vera gel) for the best results. When the inflammation is under control, it lessens the symptoms. Apply the aloe vera to the affected areas of the skin several times each day.

Oatmeal : Use oatmeal products for bathing that do not include perfumes or dyes. Oatmeal on its own is very healing and can help lessen the discomforts of eczema.

Flaxseed Oil : Flaxseed oil is wonderful in its own right and you should take this orally on a daily basis. It is high in fatty acids, which in turn lubricates the skin. Helping the skin stay moist is a way to stave off eczema conditions.

Chamomile Cream : Chamomile in and of itself is very soothing when taken internally or applied directly to the affected area. When selecting a chamomile cream, scrutinize all the ingredients. You want the number one ingredient to be chamomile. You also want to make sure there is no dyes, excessive additives, or perfumes.

Coconut butter or shea butter: you can use it in oil, cream or lotion. That will help keep your skin soft and prevent any further cracking.

However, eczema is not severe disease and there are many ways to help. Try natural treatment and herbal remedy for eczema may make difference. Self-care measures, such as avoiding soaps or other irritants and applying creams or ointments, can help relieve itching. See your doctor if your symptoms distract you from your daily routines or prevent you from sleeping.

Stop Migraine-Make it More Pleasant-Home and Herbal Remedy

2011-09-22T22:21:00.000-07:00

Migraines are severe, throbbing, disabling headaches that usually affect only one side of the head. The pain often starts behind one eye and is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and visual disturbances. About 10 per cent of the populations in Britain suffer from a migraine attack some time during their life and it usually last from 4 to 72 hours each time.

There are many home and herbal remedies for migraine that can help you without taking chemical based medicines.

Acerola Cherry : is a Latin American "super fruit" with high levels of Anthocyanins - anti-inflammatory similar to aspirin and ibuprofen - and are known for their headache relief quality.

Basil oil : Crush basil leaves and get the oil extract. Massage it on your temples. It stimulates brain activities and allows you to work even when experiencing migraine. It also helps stimulate blood flow to the brain.

Chamomilev: Chamomile tea is great for headache relief.

Feverfew : is an herb that acts by limiting the production of Prostaglandins, the brain chemicals responsible for contracting blood vessels. The contraction and expansion of the blood vessels are thought to cause the "pounding" of headaches. Feverfew tends to release the pain.

Ginger : This can prevent platelet aggregation. It controls the flow of blood to avoid the sudden rush of blood cells in the veins. It lessens the frequency of migraine attacks and reduces the pain you feel.

Ginkgo Biloba: This has great benefits when it comes to blood distribution. It improves the flow of blood to the brain. This is also a good remedy for memory and concentration problems.

Hemp and Flax seeds: have high in Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) that have an anti-inflammatory effect.

Lemon crust : The crust of lemon provides temporary relief to the pain. The scent of lemon also stimulates better blood distribution and brain functions. Try grinding the crust. Add soothing oil like lavender oil to make a paste. Apply the paste on your temples and forehead. Massage gently using a circular motion.

Willow bark : Willow bark contains Salicin - a chemical similar to aspirin or acetylsalicylic acid. This works as pain relief and anti-inflammation. Though the effect is slower than aspirin, it lasts longer.

Trust you have an idea about home and herbal treatment for migraine. Do you agree with me that this is likely to be a good choice. Instead of taking anti-migraine drug alone, you can integrate knowledge of traditional wisdom on western herbalism and eastern herbalism which has been through many alternative schools of medicines.

How to Cure Depression by Herbal Treatment

2011-09-21T22:07:00.000-07:00

Herbal remedies for depression is not a substitute for medical treatment. But with your doctor’s consultation, they can be used along with the medical treatments.

Currently, almost 20 million adults in the United States have depression. The stats are significantly higher after economic recession and rise of unemployment. The first step is to talk with your doctor, but most people with depression do not seek treatment, although the majority can be helped with treatment. Depression can be a serious sickness and lead to another symptom conditions, such as hypothyroidism or anemia.

Among many advocated herbal remedies for depression, below herbs have been around for many years.

St John’s Wort : This is highly rated as a natural anti-depressant, called hypericum perforatum and has been used for centuries to treat sadness, worry, lack of sleep, nervousness and depression. The elements present in this herb help to increase the levels of the important neuro transmitters and it may be helpful in the treatment of symptoms of mild depression. In the USA, it is classified as dietary supplement and not yet approved for use in depression. But it is quite popular in Europe. St John’s Wort has proved to be effective in countering depression which is an offset of SAD (seasonal Affective Disorder) that usually occurs during winter when there is a decrease in the amount of available sunlight.

SAMe : SAMe is the short form of S-adenosyl-L-methionine which is a synthetic form of chemical found in the body. In Europe it is a prescription drug to treat depression, while in the USA it is still classified as dietary supplement and approved for treating depression. Some studies do indicate its effectiveness to treat depression.

Kava : “ the calming plant” is another natural remedy for depression used for hundreds of years by people living in the islands of the south pacific region.

Gingko biloba : This herb is among the highest selling herbs in the US. It contributes to mental health as anti-oxidant to combat depression, believed to improve memory and intellectual functions. However lack of conclusive evidence in its role in treating depression exists. This herbal preparation is not to be used if you have diabetes, seizures or bleeding disorders.

Jia Wei Xiao Yao Wan (Mood Smooth) and Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan (kidney Yang Tonic : In traditional Chinese medicine, depression is attributed to an imbalance or blockage in one or more of the internal organs (Zang/Fu) and the energy pathways (meridians). Some common patterns that can manifest as depression are Liver Chi Stagnation, Spleen Chi Deficiency, Kidney Essence Deficiency, or Lung and Heart meridian disorder. Chinese medicine works holistically. A good Chinese medicine practitioner will always give you a complete evaluation including what kind of deficiency or imbalance you have, which energy pathway is blocked, what foods to eat or avoid, and how these things relate to your mental health.

Examples of Chinese herbal formula Mood Smooth are Buplerum (Chai Hu), Mint (Bo He), Angelica (Dang Gui), Peony (Bai Shao), Atractylodes (Bai Zhu), Poria (Fu Ling), Licorice (Fu Ling), Ginger (Sheng Jiang), Peony Bark (Mu Dan Pi), Gardenia (Zhi Zi). For kidney Yang Tonic (Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan), it includes Aconite (Fu Zi), Cinnamon (Gui Zhi), Rehmannia (Shu Di Huang), Cornus (Shan Zhu Yu), Dioscorea (Shan Yao), Alisma (Ze Xie), Peony Bark (Mu Dan Pi), Poria (Fu Ling).

To integrate herbal remedies for depression with proper dietary may help you get better result of treatment. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, less processed food and sugar, take nuts, whole grains and green vegetables which are good sources of vitamin B 6 and magnesium needed for serotonin production. In overall, natural remedies for depression are safe alternatives to prescription drugs. But as with any herb, it’s important to monitor for side effects or allergic reactions. It's still important to be evaluated by your doctor for a proper diagnosis and to rule out other medical problems that may resemble depression. If you are currently taking medication or undergoing other treatment for depression, do not stop without consulting your doctor.

Herbal Remedies – Alternative Treatment for Menopause

2011-09-20T04:20:00.000-07:00

Studies have been done in order to provide herbal treatments and remedies for menopauses. Menopause is normally defined as the time at which menstruation or period stops. It is naturally occurred one year after the stoppage of menstruation. Since everybody has their own biological clock, the average age of menopause can be 47-50 years. A premature menopause is called for women who have menopause before the age of 40 years. span>

Here are some common menopausal symptoms and recommended herbal remedy associated with each symptom of menopause.

Hot Flashes - Hot flashes are one of the most common symptoms for women during menopause. Hot flashes can last up to 6 minutes and can potentially occur several times within one day.

Herbal Remedy for hot flashes incude Black Cohosh, also known as squaw root, black snake root or rattle weed.

Abnormal Hair Growth - Abnormal hair growth (also called hirsuitism) is perhaps one of the most embarrassing symptoms for women suffering from menopause. Abnormal hair growth can occur anywhere, although above the upper lip is usually a common target.

Herbal Remedy for abnormal hair growth include Saw Palmetto , also known as Serenoa repens or windmill palm. It is used for treating men with enlarged prostates as well as for women who are experiencing abnormal hair growth during menopause.

Insomnia - Many women experiencing menopausal symptoms also have difficulty sleeping. If you suffer from sleeplessness on a regular basis, you probably suffer from chronic insomnia.

Herbal Remedy for insomnia include Kava (or Kawa), Valerian root and HOPS , the herbal remedies proven effective for treating insomnia and sleeplessness are.

Depression and Mood Swings - Although most people joke about women becoming depressed and moody during menopause, these symptoms are very serious and if not treated properly can become dangerous and harmful.

Herbal Remedy for depression and mood swing include St. John's Wart or goat weed. It has proven to be an affective antidepressant in reversing the feelings of depression which many menopausal women experience. More details of herbal treatment for depression

will be seperately explained.

Herbal remedies for menopause is only one of alternative treatment and integrative medicines that will help you relief from the symptoms. At this stage life, regular checkup is needful. Breast examination, diabetes and pelvic examination should be done to rule out any unwanted diseases. In most severe menopausal symptoms, you may need estrogen therapy or clonidine therapy in case you do not respond to estrogen therapy.

Re-Thinking about Herbal High Blood Pressure Treatment

2011-09-19T23:14:00.000-07:00

One of the alternative treatments for high blood pressure treatment that often overlooked is herbal remedies and that will be briefly discussed here.

High blood pressure is a common name for hypertension. It increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, nearly one in three adults in the United States has high blood pressure. We can have high blood pressure for years without experiencing symptoms or knowing we have it unless it happens very suddenly.

A new trend of herbal remedies for high blood pressure or hypertension has been mentioned as more and more people are looking for alternative ways to restore health or keep healthy and integrative herbalism is one of those ways. It is surprising that western medicine didn’t fully realize its benefit until the end of the 20th century. That will not be too early to back to the future and find out what herbal medicines were used for blood pressure hundreds of years.

Rauwolfia Serpentina or sarpagandha in Ayuravedic herbalism. It was the first proven allopathic medicine for high blood pressure extracted from this herb. Rauwolfia has a treasure-trove of alkaloids for easing the arteries, synchronizing the blood flow in them, reducing palpitation and even removing the cholesterol buildup in the arteries.

Garlic is one of the best home remedies and widely considered to be the best remedy for high blood pressure. Garlic is an antispasmodic agent that reduces the pressure in the arteries caused due to the pumping action of the heart during blood circulation. It also eases other high blood pressure problems such as dizziness, shortness of breath and indigestion.

Alfalfa (Medicago satina) contains several elements which are needed in the softening of the hard arteries. This reduces the tension in the arteries and hence helps to treat hypertension. Alfalfa also contains a significant amount of Vitamin K. It has been found effective in preventing and curing high blood pressure in test animals, and may turn out to be important for the same use in humans. Another benefit of alfalfa sprouts is that they are nearly sodium-free, with only 2 mg sodium per cup. So, this is countable as DASH Diet-The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension according to the 2010 Dietary Guidelines from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. However, If you are pregnant, harmful bacteria from raw alfalfa sprouts can lead to complications during pregnancy.

Hawthorn is suggested to be good for the heart and blood vessels. It strengthens the contractions of the heart muscle and improves coronary artery blood flow. Anyhow, it is likely to work for mildly lower blood pressure in some people with high blood pressure.

Oleuropein in olive leaves can reduce systolic and diastolic pressure as well as dilate the coronary arteries around the heart in animals. Oleuropein is an anti-oxidant which has anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-parasitic effect. But we don’t know yet what effects it will have on humans. It is claimed to be useful in the management of metabolic syndrome, also known as syndrome X, characterized by high blood sugar, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and weight gain.

There are no magical herbs or medicines that can cure disease. The result is also individual and many doctors do not recommend using it as substitute of conventional medicines as long as there are not enough scientific supports, even though many kinds of Ayurvedic and western herbalism have proved themselves for hundreds of years, not only for hypertension, but depression and menopause that will be discussed soon.