Making herbal remedies isn't difficult or complicated, its just made to seem that way. If you can boil water, you can make your own tinctures, infusions or decoctions. In this article we will discuss decoctions, what are they, how are they prepared, and examples of common decoctions.

Simply put, a decoction is your basic infusion juiced up to induce stubborn roots, barks and resins to release their medicinal properties. While most plants will yield their properties to cold or boiling hot water in a matter of minutes, some require a much longer period of time, say 30 minutes or more.

While occasionally a whole plant with stem, twig, flower, leaf and bud is used for special preventive effects, usually only one part of a plant is used at one time. Examples of herbs that work best in a decoction would include:

Elm Bark, used for herpes, scurf, itch and other skin problems

Comfrey Root, the decoction makes for a good gargle and mouthwash for throat inflammations, hoarseness and bleeding gums*

Flaxseed, this decoction can be used for cough, chest and lung problems. Remember to use only ripe seeds as the immature seedpods can cause poisoning.

English Oak Bark, a decoction of the bark can be used internally or externally for hemorrhoids and other rectal problems, menstrual problems and blood in the urine.

Preparing A Decoction:

Fresh herbs should be sliced; dry herbs should be powered or well bruised. A decoction should always be strained when it is hot so that the matter, which separates upon cooling, can be mixed again with the fluid by shaking when the remedy is used.

When preparing your decoction use glass, ceramic or earthenware pots. Do not use plain cast iron with astringent plants. Use 1 ounce (30 g) of dried root or bark to just over a pint of water. Allow this to boil for at least ten minutes or longer. The mixture then steeps with a cover on the pot for an additional 3 to 4 minutes. Strain out the plant parts before drinking.

Warning: The FDA has determined that Comfrey can lead to Pyrrolizidine alkaloid poisoning which causes a liver disorder in humans called hepatic veno-occlusive disease. The small and medium veins in the liver become obstructed, eventually leading to liver disfunction, cirrhosis and death. While only 2 deaths attributed to Comfrey have been documented, due caution is indicated.

The information provided by UsingHerbs.Com is intended to heighten awareness of potential health care alternatives and should not be considered medical advice. Always check with your qualified health-care professional for medical attention, advice, diagnosis, and treatment.

MK Welty hosts an informational site for herb enthusiasts at http://UsingHerbs.com Join us for regular discussions of herbs, their history, properties and uses.

Zandra Jones, RN BBA is an alternative health advisor and owner of Alternative Herbal Treatment

Tags: natural treatment, health, alternative treatment, herbal, herbal treatment

Herbal treatments for hemorrhoids can be very effective alternative.  Hemorrhoids are a very distressing condition that involve the swelling of the veins of the anus and rectum. They are very similar to varicose veins whereby the veins lose their elasticity and swell and this results in the uncomfortable symptoms of hemorrhoids that may include itching, burning pain and bleeding.

In many cases herbal treatments for hemorrhoids will alleviate the symptoms, both taken internally and applied externally, however it is also necessary to address the cause of the condition. Some common factors that can contribute to hemorrhoids include sitting or standing for long periods, lifting heavy objects, dehydration, obesity and lack of exercise, but without a doubt the largest factor is constipation and straining during defecation. A poor intake of dietary fiber is often a major culprit that increases the risk of development of hemorrhoids.

The fact that no animal other than human beings has ever be known to exhibit hemorrhoids can be seen as a major indication that something is wrong with our diets and improving the diet can help this condition dramatically, however herbal treatments for hemorrhoids can often provide immediate relief as well as being effective for the long term treatment of this very distressing condition.

Herbal treatments of hemorrhoids include:

Pilewort - Piles are another name for hemorrhoids and this herb was named for its effectiveness for this condition. It tonifies the blood vessels and stops bleeding. Pilewort may be taken internally as a tea or alcohol-based tincture and it can also be applied externally as an ointment.

Witch hazel - this herb can help to ease the bleeding and swelling associated with hemorrhoids. It is applied externally as an ointment, or the liquid can be applied directly to the area with a sterile cotton pad. Use three times daily until relief is obtained.

Aloe Vera gel - the fresh pulp can be applied directly on the anus to provide pain relief and soothe any burning sensations.

Butcher's Broom - this herb has been used throughout history for the treatment of hemorrhoids and varicose veins. When looking for preparations of Butcher's Broom, try to find those that contain a minimum of 9-11% of ruscogenin content, which is the active ingredient. 100 mg should be taken three times daily.

Pine Bark and Grape Seed is an herbal treatment for hemorrhoids that contain proanthocyanins and anthocyanins which are substances that improve the structural integrity of the veins and in fact the entire circulatory system. It is also possible to obtain them through increasing consumption of berries such as blueberries, blackberries and strawberries as well as cherries.

Fiber along with other herbal treatments for hemorrhoids decrease  the risk of straining during bowel movements and increasing fiber intake may actually be a very effective simple measure that can go a long way towards improving hemorrhoids. Increasing fruit and vegetable intake is a must, however there are also a wide variety of fiber supplements available, such as those containing Psyllium husk or Slippery Elm Bark, that can soften the stools and reduce straining. It is also very important to ensure that water intake is increased when taking fiber supplements.

Herbal treatments for hemorrhoids can greatly assist in reducing the symptoms of hemorrhoids however in very severe cases surgical treatment may be required. In such instances the herbal treatments and dietary changes outlined can be used to prevent the problem from occurring again following surgery.

Tags: varicose veins, natural treatment, butcher broom, herbal remedy, hemorrhoids, herbal treatment

If you experience headaches on a regular basis, you know the prevailing thought when one occurs is how to get rid of it. Headaches come in many forms and for many reasons. When you can pinpoint the cause for your headache, you have a better chance of finding the right headache cures to beat your problem.

Migraine headaches tend to the worst type of headache. These are often accompanied by upset stomach, and sensitivity to light and sound. Migraines can last for days on end, and a lot of common headache cures won't help. They may take the edge off the pain, but the migraine is still there. For headache cures relating to migraines, you can try over the counter migraine medications. These work well for some people, while others feel no effect. If you have tried these headache cures and they have failed, visit your doctor. You may be a good candidate for prescription migraine medication.

When your headache is not a migraine, you have to search for the source. Tension headaches are quite common, and can be felt not only in the head, but in the neck and shoulders as well. Headache cures for this type of headache range from medications to message. Staring at your computer all day can give you eyestrain. This eyestrain will then contribute to a pounding headache. You can take medications for this, or can try a more natural remedy to get rid of this type. Prevention is the best remedy available. Make sure you eye prescription is up to date, always wear your corrective lenses, and take a break from staring at your computer monitor at least every ten minutes.

For headaches of unknown origin, pain relievers often help. You can help eliminate sources of stress and bad habits like smoking or drinking. Natural headache cures often work better if you know the root of the problem. Rest is often a good one, along with cutting back on caffeine and sugar. Simple headache cures often will not help raging and reoccurring headaches that don't have an obvious cause. This is when you might want to see a doctor to discuss your pain. There are times when severe headaches (that are not migraines) can signify a medical problem.

If you have bleeding in your brain, or any other significant medical problem, headache cures will not help you. Your doctor must uncover the root of the problem. Sometimes headache cures do not come in a bottle, they come about when underlying medical issues or living habits are repaired.

Tags: herbal, alternative treatment, natural treatment, health, herbal treatment

We are learning more and more about what ails us, including the disease of Alzheimers. There is still a lot we don't understand however, and we are a long way from finding a cure. There is Alzheimer treatment which can improve symptoms temporarily, but that's as good as it gets at the moment. There is hope for the future as the hunt for better Alzheimer treatment is undertaken.

Alzheimers is a type of dementia which happens when brain cells start to die off and the chemical messengers between cells cease to function properly. This results firstly in loss of memory and difficulties in thinking and reasoning. As the disease progresses, daily life will become more difficult for the sufferer and their personality and behavior will change. Their ability to communicate will be severely impaired, and they may be very anxious or even aggressive. The choice of Alzheimer treatment will be influenced by the rate of development of the disease. This varies a great deal.

As the sufferer's condition declines, families have to be make hard decisions as to who will care for the loved one and which Alzheimer treatment is most appropriate. Some people go on living in their own homes but will eventually require 24 hour care. It is an important part of Alzheimer treatment that the patient feels at ease with their environment, and that their mental state is not worsened by people or surroundings that make them more anxious. There are a number of prescription drugs that have been approved by the FDA. These have been seen to help some sufferers in helping their memory and thinking processes to stabilize to some degree. Clinical trials are ongoing for other drugs that hopefully will be part of future Alzheimer treatment.

A lot of patients and their carers prefer to take the non-drug route, and to try herbal remedies and dietary supplements. There are worries around these products and they don't require the approval of the FDA. When considering this alternative Alzheimer treatment, it's important to consult your doctor and be aware of any potential side effects. Mixing certain ingredients with prescribed medication can be dangerous.

Vitamin E Supplement has been used to treat symptoms and natural remedies found in ancient Chinese medicine. One such Chinese Alzheimer treatment is Ginkgo Biloba, a plant extract that may help some people. There is one troublesome side effect and that is it's effect on the clotting of blood. There is a perceived risk of internal bleeding and it must not be administered along with blood thinning warfarin or aspirin. Another Chinese remedy is the moss extract Huperzine, which is undergoing clinical trials.

Tags: herbal treatment, herbal, alternative treatment, health, natural treatment

Constipation can be a very uncomfortable condition and affect your ability to enjoy life. It's also something that people are embarrassed to seek advice about. It may be the result of an illness or simply the consequence of your lifestyle. Constipation shows that the digestive system isn't working properly. Lack of exercise, stress and an unhealthy diet could be contributing factors. Many of us have frantic lives and we rush around, not eating properly. More fiber and less processed foods could make a big difference. You should drink enough during the day too, but not fill up on caffeine. Natural fruit juice or water is better. There are plenty laxative treatments available but a lot of people prefer natural remedies for constipation.

Treatments from the drug store may fix the problem for some people, whilst others suffer side effects and some come to depend on the laxative. Whether you choose natural remedies for constipation or drug store products, you must see a doctor if the condition doesn't improve or if there is any bleeding in the stools.

Steps can be taken which will help prevent constipation or help to alleviate it. Eating fruit and vegetables is one of the natural remedies for constipation which can easily be incorporated into daily life. The best fruits for this are bale fruit, prunes, pears, grapes, papaya and orange juice. Other recommendations are guava, apple pectin, rhubarb, sweet potatoes, carrots and garlic. Folic acid and ginger tea are also good for the digestion. There are other home cure natural remedies for constipation such as mixing one tablespoon of corn syrup to eight fluid ounces of water and drinking it twice a day. You could also drink a glass of milk twice a day with added sugar or honey.

Herbal tablets are another course to take. They shouldn't produce side effects or be habit forming. Herbs have been used for hundreds of years as natural remedies for constipation. The herbal supplements used most often contain fenugreek, dandelion, psyllium, passiflora, flaxseed or aloe ferox. None of these should lead to diarrhea, dehydration or stomach pain.

Exercise can also build up a resistance to constipation, especially if combined with healthy eating habits. The best forms of exercise for natural remedies for constipation are ones which uses the abdominal muscles. This could involve Tai Chi, which is slow moving but strengthens the muscles. Aerobic exercise is generally good, such as swimming.

The important thing is to find out what works for you and what you can conveniently fit into your life. Some natural remedies for constipation can be used as a long term solution and not just a quick fix for the problem.

Tags: herbal, health, alternative treatment, natural treatment, herbal treatment