Find Herbal Education in the United States and Canada. Many natural health schools have integrated herbal education into standard curriculums and coursework. Students seeking an internship or practical training in natural medicine will find that an herbal education provides necessary skills and knowledge to become certified herbalists, herbal consultants, Chinese herbal medicine practitioners, and even naturopaths.

Herbal education is comprised of in-depth studies in the practice and art of clinical herbalism. In most herbal education programs, students are taught the roots of herbalism, including classes in therapeutic herbal medicine, medicine making and lab work, anatomy and physiology, herbal formulations, plant identification (botany) and growing of herbs, diet and nutrition, aromatherapy, plant chemistry, and other related subjects of study.

Typically, students who have successfully completed an herbal education will know how to identify, harvest and manufacture herbal medicine from medicinal plants. In addition, an herbal education will have trained students in how to effectively use herbal medicine as a treatment for common ailments, illnesses and other health conditions.

Depending on which natural health school in which you choose to enroll, an herbal education curriculum is often incorporated in naturopathic and Oriental medicine studies. In these courses, students are frequently introduced to natural herbal medicine and aspects pertaining to both Eastern and Western medicine.

A number of herbal education programs will commonly result in certification in the respective course of study; however, some natural health schools do offer herbal education that may result in a degree in herbal sciences.

As the consumer demand for natural healthcare and alternative medicine continues to grow, students who achieve an herbal education can feel confident that this coursework is not only beneficial to personal enrichment, but to professional growth as well.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding herbal education, let career training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore career school programs near you.

Zandra Jones, RN BBA is an alternaive health advisor and owner of alternative herbal treatment

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

In this article 'Herbal Menopause Treatment: Black Cohosh', you will discover:

• What is black cohosh?
• Why is black cohosh a good herbal menopause treatment?
• How much black cohosh do you need to take as an herbal menopause treatment?

What Is Black Cohosh? Black cohosh is a shrub-like plant which is found in the forests in the eastern parts of the USA and Canada.

Black cohosh is also known as black snakeroot and squaw root.

It gets it's name from the colour of the root and the word 'cohosh' means 'rough' in Algonquin Indian which refers to the root structure.

Black cohosh has been used for centuries by Native Americans for its beneficial health properties.

It is the rhizome and dried root of black cohosh which is used for medicinal purposes.

Black cohosh has the following health properties:

• Adaptogen
• Helps to balance female hormones
• Helps to balance moods
• Relaxant
• Uterine stimulant

Why Is Black Cohosh A Good Herbal Menopause Treatment? Black cohosh a good herbal menopause treatment because clinical trial have shown that it is very effective at reducing hot flushes in postmenopausal women.

In fact, one trial found that extract of black cohosh to be just as effective as oestrogen therapy in reducing hot flushes.

How Much Black Cohosh Do You Need To Take As An Herbal Menopause Treatment? As an herbal menopause treatment, try taking 20 mg of a highly concentrated black cohosh extract twice per day for up to 6 months then discontinue use.

Warning: As with all supplements, please consult your doctor before taking them.

Some people may experience nausea, indigestion, abdominal pain, dizziness and headaches with black cohosh.

So, to sum up…

Black cohosh is a safe and effective herbal menopause treatment.

Clinical trials have shown that black cohosh can reduce hot flushes in post-menopausal women.

Stewart Hare C.H.Ed Dip NutTh

Download 'How To Beat The Menopause Naturally' Free E-book

Zandra Jones, RN BBA is a Alternative Health Advisor and owner of Alternative Herbal Treatment

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

There is a great tradition in different cultures around the world about the use herbs, for their flavor in cooking and for their healing properties for the mind and body. The monks and nuns in early England were amongst the first people in the West to learn about herbs. They experimented with herbalism in their gardens and soon became experts in dispensing the appropriate treatment.

It's important when learning about the usage of herbs for medicinal purposes, to choose the correct dosage and to make sure of the purity of the herb. Many people who don't know about herbs think that they are completely harmless because they grow naturally. This is not true, as herbs can have side effects just as much as drugs can if not administered correctly.

If you are not sure about herbs, seek advice and go to a licensed herbal practitioner. This is particularly important if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or receiving treatment by drugs. Taking both a herbal treatment and a drug can double up on components and flood the body too much.

The use of herbs and their effects is well documented. A lot of medical professionals from conventional backgrounds are beginning to give herbal remedies more respect as they learn more about herbs. The Chinese have already had herbal medicine as part of their everyday treatment for a very long time. Different ailments have their own treatment solutions, with many herbs duplicating each other.

Aloe Vera is a multi purpose herb, treating many ailments including arthritis, acne, warts, and allergic reactions. Lavender can also help with arthritis. Nigella Sativa (Black Cumin), is another herb that is used for a variety of patients, treating influenza, stomach ache, and pulmonary infections. St. John's Wort (one of the more dangerous herbs in incorrect doses), has been tested in medical trials for the treatment of mild to moderate levels of depression. Results showed that the herb performed better than a placebo.

A lot of people suffer from acute insomnia but don't want to take sleeping pills. In studies about herbs, it's been found that Valerian root is a good alternative and doesn't cause drowsiness in the morning. General fatigue can be helped by periwinkle or dandelion. Periwinkle can also ease the symptoms of the menopause, as can fennel.

Many gardeners get a lot of pleasure from growing a herb garden, providing wonderful scents and flavor for the pot. A stock of mint, basil, oregano, sage, thyme, and parsley will give you the basic supply needed for most dishes. Add some rosemary and chives and you're well set up. You'll have fun learning all about herbs and their uses in the kitchen, whether you follow advice in cookery books or do some experimenting of your own.

Tags: herbal tea, periwinkle, fennel, aloe vera, lavender, lavender oil, herbal remedy, herbal

There is a long tradition, going back many centuries, for using plants and flower extracts in the treatment of various ailments. Evening Primrose Oil is one such example. The plant species is said to have originated in Central America and Mexico, and Native Americans are known to have believed in its healing properties. There are various species with differently colored flowers, yellow being the most common. Some are also red, pink, white or purple. The flowers open in the evening, hence the name. Bees and moths pollinate the flowers.

The wild plant grows in the most inhospitable of places, bringing welcome color to wasteland and ground adjoining railway tracks and roads. In addition to the Evening Primrose Oil, the rest of the plant is also put to use. Young roots provide a vegetable which resembles the flavor of a pepper, and some people use the shoots in salads. Of course, some people just like Evening Primrose plants for the attractiveness it adds to the garden. In the past, people used to take the plant and make an infusion from it, which was used to treat gastro-intestinal problems and asthma symptoms. The plant was also used to make poultices, believed to soothe bruises and quicken the healing of wounds.

So, what are the claims made by the defenders and enthusiasts, concerning Evening Primrose Oil? It has been used as a sedative and as a pain killer. The most common use of evening primrose is for menstrual health.  It helps ease pre-menstrual tension, menstrual cramps and breast tenderness. Other conditions treated by the oil include whooping cough, high cholesterol levels and low immune system. Skin conditions are said to be helped by Evening Primrose Oil, such as psoriasis, eczema, acne  and rosacea (hot flushing).

In modern times, the oil is usually sold in the form of capsules. There are many claims made for the benefits of  Evening Primrose Oil. The medical establishment say that some of these claims go too far and no benefits have been proved in clinical trials. The consensus is, there may be an  exception to this, in that rheumatoid arthritis could be helped. The oil has been seen to reduce blood pressure levels in animals but it's difficult to quantify the effects in humans. The Evening Primrose Oil is pressed from the plant's seed which contains an Essential Fatty Acid (EFA) and there lies its therapeutic value. Others argue that you can get sufficient EFA from a good diet.

The debate will rage on, no doubt. It's good advice however, that you consult your Doctor before taking Evening Primrose Oil, especially if you are pregnant, breast feeding or are suffering from epilepsy. The oil can sometimes interact unfavorably with other supplements, herbal remedies or prescribed drugs. Most people agree, that in the majority of circumstances, Evening Primrose Oil will do no harm and any side affects are likely to be headaches, stomach pains or rashes.

There is a long tradition, going back many centuries, for using plants and flower extracts in the treatment of various ailments. Evening Primrose Oil is one such example. The plant species is said to have originated in Central America and Mexico, and Native Americans are known to have believed in its healing properties. There are various species with differently colored flowers, yellow being the most common. Some are also red, pink, white or purple. The flowers open in the evening, hence the name. Bees and moths pollinate the flowers.

The wild plant grows in the most inhospitable of places, bringing welcome color to wasteland and ground adjoining railway tracks and roads. In addition to the Evening Primrose Oil, the rest of the plant is also put to use. Young roots provide a vegetable which resembles the flavor of a pepper, and some people use the shoots in salads. Of course, some people just like Evening Primrose plants for the attractiveness it adds to the garden. In the past, people used to take the plant and make an infusion from it, which was used to treat gastro-intestinal problems and asthma symptoms. The plant was also used to make poultices, believed to soothe bruises and quicken the healing of wounds.

So, what are the claims made by the defenders and enthusiasts, concerning Evening Primrose Oil? It has been used as a sedative and as a pain killer. The most common use of evening primrose is for menstrual health. It helps ease pre-menstrual tension, menstrual cramps and breast tenderness. Other conditions treated by the oil include whooping cough, high cholesterol levels and low immune system. Skin conditions are said to be helped by Evening Primrose Oil, such as psoriasis, eczema, acne and rosacea (hot flushing).

In modern times, the oil is usually sold in the form of capsules. There are many claims made for the benefits of Evening Primrose Oil. The medical establishment say that some of these claims go too far and no benefits have been proved in clinical trials. The consensus is, there may be an exception to this, in that rheumatoid arthritis could be helped. The oil has been seen to reduce blood pressure levels in animals but it's difficult to quantify the effects in humans. The Evening Primrose Oil is pressed from the plant's seed which contains an Essential Fatty Acid (EFA) and there lies its therapeutic value. Others argue that you can get sufficient EFA from a good diet.

The debate will rage on, no doubt. It's good advice however, that you consult your Doctor before taking Evening Primrose Oil, especially if you are pregnant, breast feeding or are suffering from epilepsy. The oil can sometimes interact unfavorably with other supplements, herbal remedies or prescribed drugs. Most people agree, that in the majority of circumstances, Evening Primrose Oil will do no harm and any side affects are likely to be headaches, stomach pains or rashes.

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

Do you suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)? Unfortunately, CTS has become fairly common in people who have jobs requiring repetitive hand-wrist movement, such as typists, programmers and data entry clerks, musicians and certain athletes.

Conventional carpal tunnel treatment may include cortisone, expensive and with significant side effects you may wish to avoid. Try a natural approach to carpal tunnel treatment. There are many foods, supplements and herbs with demonstrated and substantial pain-relieving and healing effects. Let's take a closer look at some of these natural healers.

Here are some foods to include in your diet: Bananas, pineapple, dark-green vegetables, potatoes, the white meat of chicken, curry dishes, and brown rice. These foods all contain nutrients and enzymes beneficial to a carpal tunnel treatment program. They help with inflammation and nerve health.

Include minimal amounts of saturated fats and fried foods to reduce inflammation. If it suits you, eliminate them completely from your diet. It's sometimes difficult to get remedial amounts of nutrients in your diet, and supplements of the following are recommended. You can purchase these at your pharmacy or health food store.

Bioflavonoids: In a carpal tunnel treatment program, nutritionists suggest 1000 mg, three times daily. In addition to boosting your resistance to illness, these help relieve pain and promote healing of damaged nerves.
Vitamins B2 (Riboflavin) and B6: These work together, so don't take one without the other. Hospital and medical university studies concur on the benefit of these B vitamins in carpal tunnel treatment.

As yet unproven, there are strong suggestions that a deficiency of these two B vitamins may be a cause of CTS. Stress can deplete your available supply of B6 in particular. Genetic factors may play a part, as individual requirements vary. Some people need more of the entire group of B vitamins than others.Nutritionists suggest 10 mg of B2, and 50-200 mg of B6 per day for increased mobility and relief from pain. One three-month study showed improvement in 85% of the patients.

Some other natural treatment are Curcumin: Take 250 to 500 mg a day, between meals. Curcumin is a potent anti-inflammatory contained in the herb turmeric. Bromelain: The recommended dose, in a carpal tunnel treatment strategy, is 250 to 500 mg per day, between meals. Bromelain is an enzyme with powerful anti-inflammatory effects, found in pineapple.

Try some of these herbs, all having significant anti-inflammatory or pain-relieving properties: Cumin, Mexican Wild Yam, Chamomile and Cayenne. Cumin is a common spice in Chili and Mexican dishes, and is beneficial in recipe amounts. The same goes for Chamomile. Drink a few cups of the tea each day.

A final alternative you might explore is acupuncture. Some clinical studies showed that acupuncture may be a promising carpel tunnel treatment strategy. A number of patients found normal function of nerves and long lasting pain relief with acupuncture treatment. These are some of the most researched natural remedies for carpal tunnel treatment. Try some or all, and see which works best for you.

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