Alternative herbal medicine is one of the best ways to cure chronic or other disease, in many cases. The major benefit of herbal medicines is that it is 100% natural and does not have any side effects, if taken according to the advice of a competent doctor. Look for and use organic herbs when ever possible.

Gamma Linoleic Acid (GLA) is the wonder medicine made from primrose, borage or currant seed oil that is extremely effective for treatment of alcohol addicts. Alcohol intake in huge amounts has the chances of slowing down your brain cells. This particular effect of alcohol can be checked by Valerian herb. Another effectual herbal medicine for people suffering from emotional or physical stress is Skullcap.

The alternative herbal remedies for stress, anxiety or depression are St. John's wort, ashwagandha, valerian and hops ginseng, and Motherwort.

If one is suffering from any degree of sleeplessness, the most helpful herbal medicines are lemon balm, linden, chamomile and ginger tea. For quick relief from common ailments like the odd headache, you can go for eucalyptus or peppermint oil and lavender while for rapid pain relief or inflammation, one can take meadowsweet or willow bark instead of chemical painkillers.

Salicylic acid, the chief component of the pain - killer aspirin, is found in its salicin form in willow bark and meadowsweet. The salicin is reacted upon in the stomach and transformed to salicylic acid, which grants you instant relief from pain. Ginger, which reduces the prostaglandin levels in the body, is another useful pain reliever.

Thanks to the hectic modern style of present day living, most of us suffer from stress in different forms. Herbal medicine is a great way to counter this. Ginseng and Siberian ginseng are two of the most potent stress relievers. Herbal medicines like gingko biloba, ginseng, Siberian ginseng and gotu kola are also successful in curing partial memory loss. Hawthorn, ginseng, motherwort, valerian and pineapple are the wonder herbs that help in curing angina or irregular heartbeat.

Most herbal medicines are prepared from the major herbal ingredient along with other contents. At present, almost 80% of all the medicines have some herbal ingredients.

Although herbal medicines have been extremely successful in treating many diseases, prescription drugs still hold the fort when it comes to treating critical diseases. Thus, one should not consider alternative herbal medicine to be a competitor of prescription drugs, but as a new and effective form of medicine that works in tandem with prescription drugs to treat certain illnesses.

Another benefit of herbal medicines is that it is accessible to most everyone. Herbal treatment is not at all expensive and the herbs can even be grown in your backyard! In fact, prescription drugs are much more expensive and associated with a greater amount of risk.

Alternative medicine is cheap, effective and most importantly, natural and free from any side effects.

Samuel Oliver has a site HerbsTips.com where your can discover info and tips all about herbs and herbal use for health and wellness Herbal Remedies

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

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

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: herbal, herbal treatment, natural treatment, health, alternative 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: butcher broom, herbal remedy, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, natural treatment, herbal treatment

 

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

Constipation is a condition which refers to sporadic bowel movements that are generally hard in consistency and often excruciating to eliminate.

According to dietitians, a number of factors can contribute this condition, such as prolonged bed rest, lack of exercise, low intake of fluids and fiber, irregular eating habits, and stress. Other common factors that aggravate, or lead to this condition include taking certain medications like antacids and antihypertensive agents, narcotics and iron supplements.

Changing Your Diet Helps Alleviate This Disorder

For individuals who are diagnosed with constipation or bowel obstruction, you could be suffering from this condition as a result of your lifestyle, so there are different treatment options for you.

One of these is changing your diet, as individuals who have chronic constipation will almost certainly need a change in diets, where it could mean augmenting the amount of fiber intake and eating larger amounts of raw fruits and vegetables, brown wild rice, flaxseeds, bran and whole grain cereals. Implementing an exercise regimen also will help in regulating your bowels, and these types of exercises can be as simple as taking a brisk 15 to 20-minute walk in the morning of evening.

Herbal Alternatives For Alleviating Constipation

At present, many herbal products and food supplements are designed to aid in constipation. However, if you decide to try out a specific herbal remedy, ensure that you talk with your physician first, as some herbal ingredients interfere with the prescription medicines you may be taking. Among the most notable herbs for treating this condition are aloe vera, ginger, senna and yerba mate. Here are other effective herbs for treating bowel obstruction.

- Honey. Honey is considered a natural laxative, and the early Egyptians were prescribed to take honey mixed with warm water-taken every morning for 3 or 4 days, as a cure for constipation.

- Flaxseed Oil. This herbal ingredient aids in softening stools. Freshly-ground flaxseeds are also potent and commonly used.

- Rhubarb Root. This root is useful in relatively small doses as a laxative, and is noted to be safe for use by infants.

- Slippery Elm. This herb is helpful as a laxative and for relieving the stomach as well as the intestines.

In order to effectively alleviate this condition, try to go the bathroom at the same time every day, after meals and as soon as you feel the urge. Remember to never ever hold in a bowel movement. It would also be good to eat foods that are rich in soluble and insoluble fiber.

Soluble fiber also helps to lowering blood cholesterol levels as well as blood sugar levels, and the is commonly found in barley, apples, dried beans, carrots, oats (such as oat bran and oatmeal), oranges, and rye. Insoluble fiber, or roughage, helps to keep your bowel movements regular, and this is common in whole-grain breads and cereals, dried beans, fruits and vegetables with skins, pasta, seeds, and wheat bran. The National Cancer Institute recommends that adults get a daily fiber intake of 20-35 grams.

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While natural ingredients include an entire range of produces derived from plant leaves, roots, bark, fruits, and even extracted oils, herbal skin care products derive their beneficial effects from herbs. Herbs are low-growing aromatic plants that can be used either fresh or dried; these include annuals (which must be seeded each year) as well as perennial herbs (which survive the winter to grow again in the spring). Usually, it's herbs' leaves that are used to enhance skin care products' benefits.

The Herb Research Foundation classifies herbal & organic skin care products into one of four groups, depending on the herbs that the products include, and the scale of sale. The four groups are Ayurvedic, Chinese, General, and Commercial.

Ayurvedic herbs are the herbs used in India, including ginger, turmeric, and frankincense as well as pants that are less well known in English such as ashwagandha. These four, in combination, have been shown in texts to decrease rheumatoid factor and interleukins, which are the biological markers of rheumatoid arthritis activity.

It's a little-known fact that Chinese herbs are seldom used alone, but are more often used in formulas of four. In Chinese herbal medicine, the formula is assembled just like the individuals in a royal court. There's a King Herb that has the strongest effect, a Minister Herb that addresses the min pathology as well as a secondary pathology, and assistant herbs. Assistant Herbs can be helpful and strengthen the King's effect, corrective and eliminate the King or Minister herb's toxic effect, or opposing in order to decrease the King's effect.

General herbs are those with entries in reference publications such as the Encyclopedia of Popular Herbs that describe their medicinal properties. The names of many of these will be familiar to you; you may have seen seeds to grow them in the grocery store, or you may actually have some of them growing inside or near by your house. And commercial herbs are those wholesalers sell in bulk.

For more on homemade organic soap making as well as candle making and other do-it-yourself crafts visit the soap making resources center at Pure and Natural Soaps where you'll find articles, recipes, instructions, ideas and tips.
To discuss these and other craft projects visit the Soap Making Message Board - a community forum for soap and candle making as well as other crafts and do-it-yourself projects. Discuss techniques, share ideas, learn new methods, post your favorite recipes and meet new friends.

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

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