The Herbal List

Herbal and Natural Remedies for Insomnia

2011-08-15T10:49:00.000-04:00

With the increasing stress we are facing every day, insomnia is becoming an issue for more and more people. Natural and herbal remedies can help. I have done a series about specific herbal remedies beginning several years ago. You can read some of these posts at these links: A Natural Approach to Sleeplessness; Herbal Remedy for Sleeplessness – Shou Wu; Herbal Remedies for Sleeplessness – Valerian; What Is Insomnia.

I found an article on Natural Medicine, the New Zealand Journal of Natural Medicine that talks a little about some herbal remedies for insomnia, but also includes some other tips about natural treatments for insomnia, including some homeopathic remedies and some essential oils that may help treat insomnia. I have only a little experience with homeopathy, and none with essential oils, so I don’t know how well they work. But if you are suffering from sleepless nights, they may be worth a try.

If your insomnia is severe, please see a qualified medical professional, and rule out any medical problems. This is usually a good idea anyway, even if the problem is not severe.

“There’s nothing like a good night’s sleep to make you feel tip-top. We ‘sleep on it’ when there’s a tough issue to resolve, or remind ourselves that ‘things will look better in the morning’ when we’re stressed. That’s because sleep is like the body’s own mechanic: it allows it to mentally and physically restore itself.

Sleep involves five stages, lasting a total of 90 - 110 minutes and repeating throughout the night…

What if sleep eludes you? Anyone who’s suffered from insomnia knows how slowly those dreadful minutes tick by while you lie awake. An estimated 30 - 50% of people suffer from insomnia, 10% chronically. Identifying the cause is the first step in resolving insomnia. Stress is the most common cause of short-term/acute insomnia, and if this isn’t addressed, it can become chronic.”

Read the full article here: Insomnia

The material presented in this blog is for informational use only and should in no way be used as a substitute for needed medical treatment. I am not a doctor, I do not diagnose or treat disease. If you need medical care, please consult the appropriate medical professional. And please discuss with your doctor if you are taking or planning to take any herbal preparations. Technorati Tags: herbal remedies, herbs, natural remedies, alternative remedies

Shou Wu or Fo TI

2010-07-06T20:18:00.001-04:00

Shou Wu or Fo-Ti

One of my favorite Chinese tonic herbs.

This herb, (botanical name: Polygonum multiflorum) also known as He Shou Wu, sometimes Ho Shou Wu is one of the few Chinese tonics that are frequently taken as a single herb. It is available in tablet form, called Shou Wu Pian, which basically means Shou Wu Pills. (It is also part of many traditional Chinese herbal formulas, such as Shou Wu Chih, but I am talking about the single herb here.)

The Shou Wu Pian from China is usually available in a sugar coated tablet, which some people find easier to swallow. They are available without the sugar coating, but the plain tablets are sometimes harder to find.

Some herbalists feel that it is safer to buy products manufactured in the US, because there have been some incidents with contaminated products made in China. There are several manufacturers producing high quality herbal products such as Dragon Herbs here in the US.

Traditionally Shou Wu has been recommended as a tonic for the Liver, Kidneys, and Blood. (in traditional Chinese medical terminology, these are not the same as what Western medicine means when talking about these substances and structures, but relate to functional descriptions.)

Shou Wu is considered a valuable restorative tonic, and is taken to prevent premature aging. There are many stories about Shou Wu which claim it restores grey hair to its original color, increases fertility, and restores strength and vitality to theelderly. It is a very safe herb, even taken in high doses.

Shou Wu has been used as a treatment for sleeplessness. I have found it helps if the insomnia is caused by a deficiency condition.

I take this herbal tonic regularly, and I suggest you give it a try.

The material presented in this blog is for informational use only and should in no way be used as a substitute for needed medical treatment. I am not a doctor, I do not diagnose or treat disease. If you need medical care, please consult the appropriate medical professional. And please discuss with your doctor if you are taking or planning to take any herbal preparations. Technorati Tags: herbal remedies, herbs, natural remedies, alternative remedies

Traditional Spring Tonic

2010-02-26T16:18:00.001-05:00

With spring approaching, I wanted to mention one herb traditionally used as a spring tonic, the common dandelion.

This plant is considered by most gardeners as a troublesome weed to be eradicated at all costs. But dandelion plants have been used medicinally for at least 1000 years.

The roots and the leaves have been used medicinally, with slightly different effects.

Dandelion leaves are a good source of potassium, and also have a strong diuretic effect. (Many pharmaceutical diuretics deplete the bodies potassium.)

The root of the dandelion has a slight diuretic effect, but it is generally considered to be tonic to the liver. (That means it strengthens the liver function, or makes the liver work better.) Dandelion root has traditionally been used to treat hepatitis, there is some contemporary research that supports this use of the root. (If you think you have hepatitis, please consult a doctor, don't try to treat yourself.)

Dandelion stimulates the liver to make more bile (a secretion from the liver which helps the body digest fats, generally stored in the gall bladder) and increases the flow of bile from the gall bladder into the digestive tract. By stimulating both the production and release of bile, dandelion helps improve digestion. Bile also has a laxative effect, and helps move the bowels.

Dandelion also has a reputation as a blood purifier, and may lower cholesterol.

With spring approaching, this is a good time to try some dandelion, you can try it as a tea, or use the leaves as a vegetable or salad green.

The material presented in this blog is for informational use only and should in no way be used as a substitute for needed medical treatment. I am not a doctor, I do not diagnose or treat disease. If you need medical care, please consult the appropriate medical professional. And please discuss with your doctor if you are taking or planning to take any herbal preparations.

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Sore Throat Herbal Remedy

2009-06-19T12:10:00.003-04:00

I was recently asked by a friend for a recommendation for a herbal remedy for sore throat. There is one remedy that I use myself, a traditional Chinese remedy, made from the white part of watermelon rind called Watermelon Frost.

It is a powder, which is sprayed from a squeeze bottle into the throat. It has a strong bitter taste, but it brings almost instant relief, and lasts for hours. I have used it myself for many years, and recommended to dozens of clients, friends, and family members. It is available in Chinese pharmacies, and even grocery stores in the Chinatown section of Philadelphia. If you don't have a local source available, it is sold on Amazon, SANJIN Watermelon Frost Compound - 3 gram (Solstice), they also have throat lozenges available, but I have never tried them.

The material presented in this blog is for informational use only and should in no way be used as a substitute for needed medical treatment. I am not a doctor, I do not diagnose or treat disease. If you need medical care, please consult the appropriate medical professional. And please discuss with your doctor if you are taking or planning to take any herbal preparations.

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Ginseng and Tonic Herbalism

2009-06-02T16:20:00.001-04:00

Many people today are aware that many of the pharmaceutical medicines we use regularly are derived from traditional herbal remedies. Many are also aware that there is a tremendous amount of research happening today trying to derive new medications from traditional herbs.
Every culture around the world has developed some form of natural medical system, generally including some variety of herbal remedies. In some cultures, the level of sophistication developed around herbal remedies is astounding. Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Japanese Kanpo, and other styles of herbalism developed many complex formulae to treat a wide range of diseases and injuries.
There is also another style of herbalism in most cultures, besides medical herbalism. This is the tradition of Tonic Herbalism.
Tonics may be defined in many ways; in this article, the term will be used to describe a certain subset of medicinal herbs. (That means that all the tonic herbs may be used as medicinal herbs, but not all medicinal herbs can be used as tonics.)
The focus of tonic herbs is not relieving symptoms, but to increase or fortify the natural processes and systems of the body. Tonic herbs are generally very safe to use, with few or no contraindications, and many benefits.
In Chinese medicine, they divided the tonic herbs into two classes, Superior (or Celestial) and Inferior tonics. Some Western herbalists use the terms Major and Minor tonics to describe these two classes of tonics.
The Superior Tonics generally have very broad effects on a wide range of body functions; some are even believed to affect psychic and spiritual energies.
More recently, researchers have coined the term "adaptogen" to describe some of these tonic herbs. They discovered that adaptogenic herbs actually have a stronger effect when the organism taken those herbs is under greater levels of stress.
Ginseng is probably the most familiar tonic herb. There are several types of ginseng, including Panax Ginseng, probably the most famous of the ginsengs, and for the oldest roots, the most expensive. It is most commonly available as red or white Ginseng. The difference between red and white ginseng is how the roots are treated after harvesting.
There is also a Siberian Ginseng, although this term is used to describe several different plants. Eleutherococcus Senticosus (often called Eleuthero) is the most researched of these, and may actually be the most researched herb on the planet. This was the herb first described as an adaptogen. Acanthopanax Gracilistylus is also sold as Siberian Ginseng, and shares many properties.
There is also an American Ginseng, Panax Quinquefolium, which once grew wild in great abundance, but over-harvesting has made wild American Ginseng scarce. Botanically, it is the closest of the Ginsengs to Panax Ginseng.
All these varieties share many characteristics. They all function as adaptogens, they all tonify a range of body systems and they all are safe to use, and are suitable for long-term use.
Some people find that Panax ginseng over stimulates them, and find that Siberian or American ginseng are better choices.

The material presented in this blog is for informational use only and should in no way be used as a substitute for needed medical treatment. I am not a doctor, I do not diagnose or treat disease. If you need medical care, please consult the appropriate medical professional. And please discuss with your doctor if you are taking or planning to take any herbal preparations.

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Herbal Remedies and Depression-St. John's Wort Revisited

2008-08-11T21:11:00.000-04:00

I recently had a conversation with an acquaintance about using herbal remedies, particularly the herb, St. John's Wort.

My acquaintance said that he had tried St. John's Wort to treat a mild depression, and found that it did not help. I asked him how long he had tried using the herb, and at what dosage.

His reply was that he did not know the dosage, "It was whatever was in the box." And that he had tried it for almost two weeks.

His comments made me feel that I needed to emphasize here that herbs take time to work. They are generally not as powerful as pharmaceutical drugs, though I believe that they are usually more effective. (Meaning that if you are taking the correct herbal remedy, it will not only treat the symptoms, but also the cause. Too often, pharmaceutical remedies treat only the most obvious symptom, and cause more problems with side effects. And, then you need another drug to deal with the problems caused by the first drug.)

The deeper the condition you are trying to treat with herbal remedies, or the longer it has existed, the longer the herb will take to help your body change. (And, any healing, even with powerful drugs, is done by the body's own healing mechanisms, not by the external substance. The best it can do is encourage the body to heal, or aid the body in fighting an infection.)

I think every person who uses herbal remedies, and every herbal remedy is unique, so it is difficult to give an absolute rule for how long to take a remedy. (If you use a standardized remedy, you reduce the uniqueness of the herb, I wrote a couple posts about standardization on February 2, 2006, and February 3, 2006, if you care to go back and read them.

With that said, I told my acquaintance that he should have been taking 300mg of a standardized preparation 2-3 times daily, and given the herb at least one or two months to begin working.

I have commented that I believe that herbal remedies are often more effective than pharmaceutical drugs. That is my opinion, and should not be taken as medical advice, do not change any prescriptions you are taking without your doctors approval, and do not add herbal remedies to any prescriptions without discussing it with your doctor.

The material presented in this blog is for informational use only and should in no way be used as a substitute for needed medical treatment. I am not a doctor, I do not diagnose or treat disease. If you need medical care, please consult the appropriate medical professional. And please discuss with your doctor if you are taking or planning to take any herbal preparations.

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Herbal Remedies and Depression-Saffron

2008-08-04T20:01:00.000-04:00

I read about an interesting study that was done at the University of Tehran, comparing fluoxetine (a pharmaceutical remedy used to treat medication, Prozac is a brand name) and a remedy made from the petals of the Crocus sativus flower.

The stigmas (they look like little orange or yellow threads) of this plant are the spice, saffron; which are very expensive. The petals, on the other hand, are not.

Over an eight week study, researchers found that the improvement rates were roughly equal in both groups. (If you want to read more, there is an abstract of the study available at: Medline Plus

The material presented in this blog is for informational use only and should in no way be used as a substitute for needed medical treatment. I am not a doctor, I do not diagnose or treat disease. If you need medical care, please consult the appropriate medical professional. And please discuss with your doctor if you are taking or planning to take any herbal preparations.

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A Natural Remedy for Depression

2008-08-03T19:36:00.000-04:00

A study at Duke university reported that exercising in a group setting seemed to be as effective at reducing depressive symptoms as standard anti-depressants drugs.

Researchers in Texas produced similar results, finding 3-5 30 minute workouts a week reduced feelings of depression in young adults.

If you feel a little down, get up and get moving, you may be surprised how much better you feel.

But, please, if you are seriously depressed, seek professional help.

The material presented in this blog is for informational use only and should in no way be used as a substitute for needed medical treatment. I am not a doctor, I do not diagnose or treat disease. If you need medical care, please consult the appropriate medical professional. And please discuss with your doctor if you are taking or planning to take any herbal preparations.

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Herbal Remedies and Depression-St. John's Wort

2008-08-02T20:34:00.000-04:00

I mentioned St. John's Wort briefly in an earlier post. I want to add some more information about this herbal remedy today.

It is the most herbal remedy for treating depression, and has been the subject of numerous studies, and been tested against pharmaceutical remedies; it has often worked at least as well as the pharmaceutical drugs in the study, and with fewer side effects.

(One caution, if you are taking any other medication, check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking St. John's Wort, or any other herbal remedy, to be sure there are no interactions between the drug and the herbal remedy.)

This herbal remedy is approved by the German Commission E to treat anxiety and depressive moods. (The German Commission E is the German Regulatory Authority's herbal watchdog agency, which conducted extensive assessments of scientific data about 300 common herbal remedies; they listed the uses for which the herbal remedies may be considered effective. Their conclusions are considered to be the best expert consensus on medicinal herbs currently available.)

St. John's Wort may increase sensitivity to sunlight, especially if there is a past history of photosensitivity (that just means sensitivity to light). For most people, this reaction is dose related, and would require a massive dose, about 8 ounces for someone weighing 150 pounds. The recommended dose is generally in the area of 300-900 mg daily, usually in several doses. Check the dosage recommendations from the manufacturer of any herbal remedy you may take, as different manufacturers produce products of different strengths. It is also a good idea to discuss the appropriate dosage with a professional herbalist, or your doctor or pharmacist.

If you are suffering from depression, I cannot urge you strongly enough to check with your doctor or other qualified health professional to rule out any major health problems.

The material presented in this blog is for informational use only and should in no way be used as a substitute for needed medical treatment. I am not a doctor, I do not diagnose or treat disease. If you need medical care, please consult the appropriate medical professional. And please discuss with your doctor if you are taking or planning to take any herbal preparations.

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Herbal Remedies and Depression

2008-07-31T17:58:00.000-04:00

I have been talking about herbal remedies and sleeplessness for the last few days, I want to move to a slightly different topic, depression.

Depression can be a cause of sleeplessness, some of the traditional herbal remedies for depression also affect sleeplessness and insomnia.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, depression affects nearly 21 million Americans. there are many symptoms of depression, which may include: persistent sad , anxious feelings; hopelessness, worthlessness, helplessness; restlessness or irritability; difficulty concentrating; difficulty making decisions; insomnia or excessive sleeping; overheating or loss of appetite; thoughts of suicide; persistent pains or headaches, or digestive problems that do not respond to treatment.

Depression can range from mild to severe, and symptoms vary from person to person.

If you suffer from depression, please consult a medical professional, especially if your symptoms are severe.

There are herbal remedies which have traditionally been used to treat depression, I will discuss them in the coming days.

I want to start with just a few remarks about St. John's wort, also called Hypericum perforatum.

There were some studies reported in the press, which said that St. John's wort was not effective for treating depression. The studies this information was based on are considered flawed, according to reports on the National Institute of Health's website: "However, due to problems with the designs of these studies, they cannot be considered definitive. Overall, the scientific evidence supports the effectiveness of St. John's wort in mild-to-moderate major depression. The evidence in severe major depression remains unclear."

If you would like to read the full entry about St. John's wort, it is available at this link: NIH St Johns wort report.

I will have more to say about St. John's wort in the coming days.

The material presented in this blog is for informational use only and should in no way be used as a substitute for needed medical treatment. I am not a doctor, I do not diagnose or treat disease. If you need medical care, please consult the appropriate medical professional. And please discuss with your doctor if you are taking or planning to take any herbal preparations.

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Herbal Remedies for Sleeplessness and Anxiety- Lemon Verbena

2008-07-30T18:54:00.001-04:00

Yesterday, I talked about Lemon Balm; today, I want to talk about a similar herbal remedy for sleeplessness, Lemon Verbena.

The botanical name of this herb is Aloysia triphylla. It is a popular herbal remedy in France, in fact, it is on many restaurant menus under the name, Vervaine Oderante.

The French use this remedy for relief of upset stomach, and other disorders of the digestive system, and for agitation and insomnia. It is also used as a flavoring agent in medicinal teas, since it has a pleasant lemony taste.

This herb is also a very safe herb, with no side effects or adverse reactions noted.

You can read a longer article I wrote about Herbal Sleep Remedies here: http://ezinearticles.com/?Herbal-Sleep-Remedies&id=2372875.

The material presented in this blog is for informational use only and should in no way be used as a substitute for needed medical treatment. I am not a doctor, I do not diagnose or treat disease. If you need medical care, please consult the appropriate medical professional. And please discuss with your doctor if you are taking or planning to take any herbal preparations.

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Herbs For Sleeplessness-Lemon Balm

2008-07-29T22:04:00.000-04:00

Today, I want to talk a little about the herbal remedy, Lemon Balm, also called Melissa (its botanical name is Melissa officianalis), which has a long history of use to treat sleeplessness, as well as nervousness and anxiety.

This herb is very safe, with no health hazards or side effects noted at therapeutic dosages, (300-400mg in capsules, or several cups of an infusion steeped in boiling water per day.)

Not only has it been used at least since the 17th century, but recently, it was included in the German Commission E monographs, and approved as a natural remedy for nervousness and insomnia.

It also has some calming effect on digestive disturbances, as well as some anti-bacterial properties.

It is a useful addition to the herbal medicine chest for insomnia and sleeplessness.
The material presented in this blog is for informational use only and should in no way be used as a substitute for needed medical treatment. I am not a doctor, I do not diagnose or treat disease. If you need medical care, please consult the appropriate medical professional. And please discuss with your doctor if you are taking or planning to take any herbal preparations.

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Herbal Remedies for Stress and Sleeplessness- Rhodiola rosea

2008-07-28T20:41:00.000-04:00

I mentioned an adaptogenic herb called Rhodiola rosea, also called Arctic root or Golden root in an earlier post, and said I would discuss it further this week.

Adaptogen is a word coined by researchers seeking to describe the effect of Eleutherococcus senticosus, also known as Siberian Ginseng; they had observed that as stress on the experimental subjects increased, the effect of the Eleutherococcus seemed to be stronger. Their observation was that the herb somehow helped the body adapt to the stressor, whether it was physical or psychological. The researchers thought the word "adaptogen" was the best way to describe this ability of the herb to help the body function under stress.

Further research has led to other herbs also being classed as adaptogens, among them is Rhodiola rosea. (While there are other varieties of Rhodiola, Rhodiola rosea is the type most studied, and thought to be the most effective.)

Rhodiola rosea helps the body adapt to many different types of stress, but also has other health benefits.

It seems to both stimulate mental function, while calming the emotions; it appears to help the memory, and improve concentration.

Rhodiola rosea also helps improve the energy levels of the body, and make it more resistant to fatigue, as well as improving recovery time after strenuous exertion.

This herbal remedy also seems to have strong anti-oxidant effects, and Rhodiola extract was shown to reduce C-reactive protein, a protein that increases during systemic inflammation (meaning wide spread or general inflammation, rather than a local inflammation which may occur with an injury), and C-reactive protein seems to show increased risk for heart disease. For more information about C-reactive protein, see the American Heart Association website .

Chinese researchers have also demonstrated the ability of Rhodiola rosea to reduce feelings of agitation, and sleeplessness, and described calming and sleep inducing effects from the herb. There are also preliminary reports that Rhodiola rosea has anti-anxiety and anti-depressant effects.

The many positive effects of this herbal remedy suggest that it is a good addition to anyone's herbal repertoire. The only caution I have seen for this herb is that it may cause feelings of agitation in high doses. The average doses I have seen range from 200-400mg of standardized extract daily. (I always suggest starting at the lowest dose, and increasing if needed, as long as there are no side effects.)

As always, consult with your doctor, or a professional herbalist, before taking any herbal remedy.

The material presented in this blog is for informational use only and should in no way be used as a substitute for needed medical treatment. I am not a doctor, I do not diagnose or treat disease. If you need medical care, please consult the appropriate medical professional. And please discuss with your doctor if you are taking or planning to take any herbal preparations.

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Some Book Recommendations to Learn About Herbal Remedies

2008-07-27T22:21:00.000-04:00

The first book is a favorite of mine, with a lot of information, and aimed at the general reader, rather than the health professional.
Prescription for Herbal Healing

This book is an excellent resource; I personally own several editions. It is very thorough, but aimed at herbal practitioners and medical professionals.
PDR for Herbal Medicine

This next book is one of the definitive texts on Chinese Herbal Medicine, and highly recommended, if your interest is in Chinese herbs.
Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica

The next book is an introduction to the concepts of Traditional Chinese medicine, written by American acupuncturists, and, also contains some information about Chinese herbs.
Between Heaven and Earth

If you want to explore the concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine, I highly recommend the book by Ted Kaptchuk
The Web That Has No Weaver.

The material presented in this blog is for informational use only and should in no way be used as a substitute for needed medical treatment. I am not a doctor, I do not diagnose or treat disease. If you need medical care, please consult the appropriate medical professional. And please discuss with your doctor if you are taking or planning to take any herbal preparations.

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Adaptogens for Stress Relief

2008-07-26T20:57:00.001-04:00

Just a short post today, since it is the weekend. I have been talking about sleeplessness, stress and anxiety, and some herbal remedies for these problems.

There is a class of herbs described as "adaptogens" which were so named because they seemed to help the body "adapt" to different types of stress.

I already mentioned one in an earlier article, Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus), which is useful both for stress, and insomnia. (I will discuss it at greater length next week, along with the next herb.)

Another adaptogenic herb worth discussing here is Rhodiola rosea, also called Arctic root or Golden root. It is a tonic herb which was relatively unknown in the United States until quite recently, although it was much researched in the former Soviet Union. It is particularly noted to boost energy, and combat mental fatigue. Stay tuned for more on these great herbs.......

The material presented in this blog is for informational use only and should in no way be used as a substitute for needed medical treatment. I am not a doctor, I do not diagnose or treat disease. If you need medical care, please consult the appropriate medical professional. And please discuss with your doctor if you are taking or planning to take any herbal preparations.

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Herbal Remedies for Sleeplessness-Valerian

2008-07-25T15:28:00.001-04:00

The herb I wanted to talk about today has been used for centuries as a treatment for sleeplessness or insomnia. Unlike Chamomile, Valerian has been used to treat severe insomnia, as it more strongly induces sleepiness. In fact, some researchers say it appears as effective as some prescription sleep aids. (Unfortunately, it is not the most pleasant tasting herb, and for that reason, I usually recommend it as a capsule, or extract. See my post from November 15, 2006 for more information about Valerian.)

Taking Valerian about thirty minutes before retiring is usually enough to help you fall asleep, and to enter deep sleep cycles. If you are taking capsules, 400mg is a standard recommendation, but check the dosage recommendation on any product you use, for the correct dosage.

Side effects from Valerian are generally mild, and may include feeling sleepy the next morning, or stomach discomfort. Personally, I have never had any stomach discomfort, but I have occasionally have felt a little groggy in the morning, but that feeling passed quickly. If you are taking any herbal remedy (or prescription pharmaceutical remedy for that matter) and experience any strong side effects, stop taking them, and discuss the side effects with your doctor. Your doctor can tell you if the side effects are serious, and if there are other options you might consider without side effects. Never change your medication without talking to your doctor, and be sure to keep the doctor informed about any herbal remedies you may be taking.

The material presented in this blog is for informational use only and should in no way be used as a substitute for needed medical treatment. I am not a doctor, I do not diagnose or treat disease. If you need medical care, please consult the appropriate medical professional. And please discuss with your doctor if you are taking or planning to take any herbal preparations.

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A Gentle Herbal Remedy for Anxiety and Sleeplessness

2008-07-24T18:02:00.000-04:00

Today, I want to talk about another herbal remedy with a long history of use, Chamomile. (I have written about this herb in another post, see January 2006 post on Chamomile and Dandelion.)

Chamomile is a very safe and mild herb, safe enough even for children, (but check with your pediatrician, first), the only real precaution is if you are allergic to ragweed and pollen, it may set off your allergies, as it is made from flowers. (I have hay fever, but I can take chamomile tea with no problem.)

One of the uses of chamomile is as a nerve tonic, it is used both to calm and tonify the nervous system. It is widely used as a natural sleep aid, because of its calming effect and mild sedative action. I have found it to be quite helpful for mild anxiety.

The flavor is mildly sweet, and tastes even better with a little honey, so it is an easy herbal remedy to take. And the ritual of making a cup of herbal tea can be very calming, along with taking the time to sip it.

I am talking about very mild remedies first, both because I always look for the least intervention that will give me the effect I am looking for, (in this case, calming and relaxing a nervous or anxious state) and , if you have a severe problem, with anxiety or insomnia, you should seek competent professional help.

I am always willing to answer questions from any readers, the easiest way to ask a question is with the form here.

The material presented in this blog is for informational use only and should in no way be used as a substitute for needed medical treatment. I am not a doctor, I do not diagnose or treat disease. If you need medical care, please consult the appropriate medical professional. And please discuss with your doctor if you are taking or planning to take any herbal preparations.

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Herbal Remedy for Sleeplessnes- Shou Wu

2008-07-23T22:00:00.000-04:00

I have been talking for several days about sleeplessness, stress, anxiety and insomnia. Today, I will begin talking about herbal remedies for these conditions.

One of the reasons I have researched these subjects is an experience I had several years ago.

Most of my life, I had absolutely no problem sleeping, I could decide that i was going to sleep, and be asleep in 10 minutes or less, and awaken within 10 minutes of whatever time I wanted to get up, without an alarm clock.

This all changed when I was injured by a tractor trailer crashing through the wall of a building I was standing in. The person I was talking to was killed, and I was hospitalized. I only spent several days in the hospital, but I was confined to a hospital bed at home for several weeks, because I could not get up or down without the help of the bed raising and lowering.

My injuries healed, but I had great difficulty sleeping, at first because of the intense physical pain, then later because of nightmares, and the psychological effects of the accident, (including survivor guilt). I spent several years working with a trauma counselor, who told me I was suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Even now, years later, I still find it difficult to sleep through the night. So this is a subject where my experience is not from suggesting treatments to clients, but from my own experience using these remedies to help myself.

So the first herbal remedy that I would like to talk about is a traditional Chinese herbal remedy, and one of my very favorite herbs. It is known by various names, He Shou Wu, Ho Shou Wu, or simply Shou Wu; Fo-Ti; the botanical name is Polygonum multiflorum.

It is a famous tonic herb in China, said to have a rejuvenating effect on anyone who takes it for some length of time. Shou Wu has many tonic effects according to Chinese tradition, it is tonic to the blood, the Liver and Kidneys; it is said to keep the hair from turning grey, and restore it's color if it has already turned; and to be tonic to that part of the body called the Jing. Jing is difficult to translate, it is sometimes described as the "essence" of a human, the "original qi (chi); I don't want to say much more than that about Jing, I could write for pages about it, trying to explain it.

But the reason I bring up Shou Wu here is that it also is said to help calm the heart spirit, and in traditional Chinese medicine, restlessness, sleeplessness, and anxiety may all be related to a restless heart spirit. (In Traditional Chinese Medicine, they talk about different spirits inhabiting different body organs, Heart Spirit, Kidney Spirit, Liver Spirit, Lung Spirit, and Spleen Spirit; each having specific functions, as well as disorders.)

When the Heart Spirit is restless or unsettled, it may manifest as insomnia, anxiety, or restlessness; in extreme cases , even what we would call psychosis.

Shou Wu is a safe and gentle herb, with a calming and tonifying effect. (Some authors say it's calming effect comes from the tonifying properties, which make the Heart a more comfortable place for the spirit to reside.)

This talk about "spirits" may seem like hokum, but this herb does have a calming effect on whatever it is that produces the effect we call "restlessness", "anxiety", and "insomnia". It is generally one of the first herbs I suggest to people who are having trouble with these problems.
For myself, taking this herb helped me get past the nightmares; and, when I take it regularly, it helps me sleep.

Even though this is a very safe herb, you should discuss it with your doctor, or an experienced herbalist, before you begin using it, especially if you have any medical condition, or are taking any medications.

The material presented in this blog is for informational use only and should in no way be used as a substitute for needed medical treatment. I am not a doctor, I do not diagnose or treat disease. If you need medical care, please consult the appropriate medical professional. And please discuss with your doctor if you are taking or planning to take any herbal preparations.

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Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders

2008-07-22T21:31:00.000-04:00

Continuing with my discussion about sleeplessness, stress and anxiety, I'd like to say a few things about anxiety and anxiety disorders. Much like stress, a little anxiety is not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, it is a normal reaction in some situations, and can help us focus under stress.

Anxiety can become a problem if it becomes pervasive, or excessive and irrational. It can become a disabling disorder.

The National Institute of Mental Health lists five major types of anxiety disorder:

1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder, an chronic anxiety disorder characterized by exaggerated worry and tension, even when there is little or nothing to provoke it, and it seems there is no relief for the anxiety. It may include physical symptoms, such as headaches, tension, fatigue, irritability, or sweating.

2. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (Also known as OCD), an anxiety disorder characterized by obsessions such as recurrent thoughts and/or compulsions. Repetitive behaviors such as handwashing, counting, checking, or cleaning are often performed in hopes of preventing obsessive thoughts or making them go away. These repetitive behaviors provide only temporary relief, and not performing them can increase anxiety.

3. Panic Disorder, which manifests as unexpected and repeated episodes of intense fear or terror, which may be accompanied by physical symptoms including chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, or abdominal distress.

4. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, (PTSD) an anxiety disorder that may occur after exposure to a terrifying accident or event in which serious physical harm occurred or was threatened. Traumatic events that may trigger PTSD include violent assaults, natural disasters, accidents, or military combat.

5. Social Anxiety Disorder or Social Phobia, which manifests as overwhelming anxiety and excessive self-consciousness in social situations. Social phobia may be limited to a specific situation — such as a fear of public speaking , or eating or drinking with others — or, in its most severe form, a person may experience symptoms whenever there are other people around.

Each of these disorders has a range of severity, from barely noticeable, to absolutely debilitating. Anyone with a serious disorder should consult with their doctor, or an appropriate mental health professional.

Each of these anxiety disorders may contribute to sleeplessness and insomnia. I will discuss some herbal remedies which have been traditionally been used for stress, anxiety, sleeplessness and insomnia, beginning tomorrow.

The material presented in this blog is for informational use only and should in no way be used as a substitute for needed medical treatment. I am not a doctor, I do not diagnose or treat disease. If you need medical care, please consult the appropriate medical professional. And please discuss with your doctor if you are taking or planning to take any herbal preparations.

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Stress-Is It Always A Bad Thing?

2008-07-21T21:46:00.000-04:00

People talk about stress all the time, but it's hard to be sure what someone means by the word "stress". The dictionary offers several definitions, some of them quite neutral, such as "constraining force or influence", but the stress most people talk about is considered to be a negative factor.

Part of the problem is that we label it as negative, ("Nothing is good or bad, until thinking makes it so", I don't remember the source of that quote, but I believe it is often true.) Stress is sometimes a good thing, for example, muscles do not develop without being stressed, (as our astronauts have discovered, if you remove the stress of gravity, muscles become weaker, and even wither.)

Most of the time people talk about stress, they are thinking of psychological stress, rather than physical stress, but even in the psychological realm, stress is not necessarily bad. It can be a great motivator to change, or to accomplish a difficult task.

Stress becomes a problem when it is unremitting, and we have no way to diffuse it. (Although, this description is not necessarily accurate, it may appear that there is no way to diffuse the stress, but i think it is a matter of perception and personal choice. If you think your life is so much more stressful than I could imagine, and there is no way anyone could bear the stress you are presently, I suggest you read Victor Frankl's book about his concentration camp experience, Man's Search for Meaning. It will give you a new perspective.)

I don't usually get so philosophical here, this is after a blog about herbal remedies, but I wanted to offer a few thoughts about stress, as part of this series I am currently about sleeplessness, stress, anxiety and insomnia.

I will have some suggestions for herbal remedies in a few days, my next post will be some thoughts about anxiety.

The material presented in this blog is for informational use only and should in no way be used as a substitute for needed medical treatment. I am not a doctor, I do not diagnose or treat disease. If you need medical care, please consult the appropriate medical professional. And please discuss with your doctor if you are taking or planning to take any herbal preparations.

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A Natural Approach to Sleeplessness

2008-07-20T21:41:00.000-04:00

There are some simple things that you can try that may help with occasional sleeplessness. (Even though I am an experienced herbalist, I believe that the least intervention that helps a problem is the best, I always suggest simple solutions first, more complex remedies later.)

So here are some recommendations to help with mild or occasional insomnia:

1. It's best to establish a routine, go to bed at the same time every night, and get up at the same time, even on week ends.

2. Make sure you do something physical every day, even if it's only taking a short walk, just don't take a brisk walk close to bed time, give yourself some time to wind down.

3. Don't eat dinner right before bed time, 2-3 hours before is better. (Also, don't go to bed feeling ravenously hungry, that will also keep you awake.)

4. Caffeine and alcohol can both disrupt sleep, don't use either too close to bed time, again 2-3 hours is a good rule of thumb.

5. Avoid bright lights when you are preparing to sleep. As the light grows dim in the evening, your body begins to secrete hormones, such as melatonin, which help you feel drowsy. Bright light disrupt this natural cycle, and can leave you feeling wide awake.

6. If noise is keeping you awake, there are sound generators available, which produce sounds from white noise (kind of like static between radio stations) to ocean surf, or falling rain, to mask the disturbing noise.

7. Don't use your bed as an office, don't work in bed, don't pay bills in bed. reserve the bedroom for sleep and sex. (An exception is reading something you find relaxing, to help you fall asleep; just don't keep the light too bright. See number 5 above.)

If your sleeplessness is persistent, see your doctor, to rule out any health problems.

The material presented in this blog is for informational use only and should in no way be used as a substitute for needed medical treatment. I am not a doctor, I do not diagnose or treat disease. If you need medical care, please consult the appropriate medical professional. And please discuss with your doctor if you are taking or planning to take any herbal preparations.

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What Is Insomnia?

2008-07-19T20:44:00.001-04:00

I wanted to start my series about sleeplessness and insomnia by talking about what "insomnia" is.

The easiest definition of insomnia is too little sleep; but it can also mean poor quality sleep. Some of the ways you experience insomnia are trouble falling asleep; waking up frequently, or not being able to stay asleep, waking up earlier than you want to, and not feeling rested even after sleeping for 8 hours or more. (Everyone's need for sleep is different, but 7-8 hours seems good for most people.)

There are different types of insomnia: short term insomnia (transient insomnia, if you need a more technical sounding term) which only lasts a little while, and may be the result of things like jet lag, and usually returns to normal by itself; intermittent insomnia, which comes and goes; and chronic or long term insomnia which can happen for many consecutive days. (I think the medical definition of chronic insomnia says 3 nights a week for a month or more.)

Chronic insomnia is divided into primary insomnia, which is not caused by another medical condition; and secondary insomnia, which can be caused by other medical conditions, or medications, or stress, or anxiety, poor sleep environment, or psychological conditions, such as depression.

Short term insomnia usually does not require any treatment, as it goes away on its own; chronic insomnia may require medical treatment, especially if it is related to another medical problem. It is a good idea to discuss any sleep problems with your doctor, or other primary caregiver, to rule out any other medical problems.

I will continue this discussion in my next post.

The material presented in this blog is for informational use only and should in no way be used as a substitute for needed medical treatment. I am not a doctor, I do not diagnose or treat disease. If you need medical care, please consult the appropriate medical professional. And please discuss with your doctor if you are taking or planning to take any herbal preparations.

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Herbal Remedies for Sleeplessness

2008-07-18T18:30:00.001-04:00

I have written previously about insomnia, but I have been getting more and more questions about sleeplessness, anxiety, insomnia, and stress. So I am going to write a series of articles on these topics, and go into a little more detail about them, and some traditional herbal remedies.

I wanted to start by listing a few herbs that I have found helpful generally for all these problems. Some are relaxing herbs, some are adaptogens (herbs that help the body adapt), some are general tonics.

A partial list of herbs follows: Siberian Ginseng (not a true ginseng, see my post,
More Than One Ginseng); Reishi Mushroom; Rhodiola rosea; Chamomile; Scutellaria; Vallerian; Hops; and He Shou Wu are the primary herbal remedies that come to mind.

I will post more specific information about these herbs, and how to use them safely and effectively, as well as some thoughts on dealing with stress, anxiety and sleeplessness.

If you have any questions, use the form here: Ask Your Herbal Remedy Questions.

The material presented in this blog is for informational use only and should in no way be used as a substitute for needed medical treatment. I am not a doctor, I do not diagnose or treat disease. If you need medical care, please consult the appropriate medical professional. And please discuss with your doctor if you are taking or planning to take any herbal preparations

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Make Green Tea A Better Antioxidant

2008-02-27T11:07:00.000-05:00

Everyone who knows me knows that green tea is my favorite beverage. Other than water, it is the only one I drink every day. I began drinking it because I enjoy the flavor, and I found the caffeine content did not make me feel jittery like I felt after several cups of coffee.

As I have learned more about health benefits of green tea, I have felt even better about drinking it regularly.

Green tea is a good source of antioxidants, a much heralded component of many fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants help reduce damage caused in the body by free radicals of oxygen. (These free radicals damage living cells similar to the way oxygen makes iron rust.) I have created a glossary to explain some of these terms, if I have not sufficiently explained them here. Also, you can send me questions directly here: Ask A Question.

One class of antioxidants abundant in green tea (also in black and oolong teas) is catechins. Catechins are plant chemicals which have demonstrated the ability to slow or prevent the growth of cancers and improve survival rates of animals with cancers in laboratory studies.

Studies of living human populations in China and Japan have suggested that the regular consumption of green tea contributes to the lower incidence of breast cancer in these populations.

Purdue University recently released a study which said adding citrus juice (lemon or lime) to green tea or taking vitamin C with tea, boosted the ability of the digestive system to absorb the catechins. The study showed up to an 80% improvement.

It seems like a simple, economic (and delicious) way to improve an already healthful beverage. Why not try it?

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Herbal Remedy for Cholesterol

2007-08-29T14:14:00.000-04:00

I was recently asked for a natural or herbal remedy for cholesterol. There is one that comes immediately to mind, it's even been called cholesterol's natural remedy, and that is garlic.

Eating garlic regularly can help control cholesterol levels, so can taking garlic supplements. (Follow the manufacturer's directions, if you are using a supplement.) Eating one garlic clove daily has significantly improved cholesterol levels in test subjects. (Eating one half onion daily also improved levels.) Raw garlic has a stronger effect, it seems more effective if it is crushed a few minutes before eating. If the taste of raw garlic is too much for you, even eating food cooked with garlic will help, although the effect will be less.

Garlic also has antibiotic properties, and has been used that way in many different cultures. It also helps lower blood pressure, and has been used for colds and flu, especially to help with respiratory problems.

A note of caution, garlic helps keep platelets from sticking, and can thin the blood; it should be used with caution if you are taking blood thinners of any kind. A clove a day should not be a problem, but it is best to check with your doctor.

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