During the summer of 2001 I had the wonderful opportunity to be part of an ongoing clinical herbal trial here in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, where I qualified to participate because I happen to have high blood pressure. My blood pressure can range anywhere from 145 points to as high as 175 points at times. When I first came into and began the trial, my blood pressure was taken and read at 165 over 95 plus.

I’ve learned from participating in this clinical trial and doing some further research that specific herbs can help lower your blood pressure in a natural way.

At the start of the trial, I was asked and instructed by the participating naturopathic doctor to take every day, an organic liquid herbal extract that included ten herbs (see list below). I was directed to take 15 drops under my tongue three times a day for the time duration of the trial for 2 months. I was also asked to take note of any changes I might sense or be aware of during the time as well.

The liquid herbal blend tasted absolutely horrible where I could hardly take it… but I persevered and took the required amount that I was asked to take. After a few days, it didn’t seem to taste quite as bad, as I guess I started to get used to it. I had the sense that because it tasted so strong, it had to be maybe doing something and hopefully it was good!

After the two months time period, I was again seen by the naturopathic doctor who tested my blood pressure three times.

I was quite pleasantly surprised to learn that my blood pressure had actually dropped 24 points. I hadn’t done anything differently with my life-style other than take this liquid herbal extract as asked. I had also noticed other benefits that I felt pretty soon after taking the herbal blend. I quickly felt an overall sense of well-being and later noticed that an ongoing problem I’ve had with heart-burn wasn’t as prevalent and had almost disappeared. I was also sleeping better.

I’ve since learned that some of these ten herbs can also help to naturally unclog the plaque in your arteries as well.

I find it exciting to know that these herbs can offer some alternative help to the many evasive drugs that are often prescribed to folks who have no other alternative. I am happy to share an alternative that may help others as they have helped me.

Here is the list of the ten herbs that I was asked to take on the trial:

Please note that many other benefits may be known for some of this list of herbs – I’ve pretty much listed the benefits specifically related to lowering high blood pressure and general cardiovascular heart health.

? Garlic (Allium sativum)

Has antibacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal properties, drains fluid congestion. Prevents and dissolves clots, lowers blood pressure and reduces cholesterol. Garlic can protect against infectious organisms like viruses, bacteria and fungi and blocks the enzymes that enable organisms to enter the tissue. It increases the enzymes that can detoxify cancer triggers. Garlic works as an anticoagulant to inhibit blood clotting and to lower blood pressure, by widening the blood vessels and encouraging good circulation. It is believed that Garlic may also facilitate less cholesterol being released into the blood. All of these factors make Garlic a good nutrient for prevention of heart disease and other heart-related issues.

? Hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha)

Helps estore and stimulate the heart and arterial circulation Regulates and balances the whole cardiovascular system. Hawthorn can help treat heart disease related symptoms. Considered by herbalists to be the world’s best cardiac tonic. Used for beginning heart disease, mild heart-muscle weakness, angina, and arrhythmia. Hawthorn promotes healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels by relaxing blood vessels, increasing metabolism in the heart muscle, and improving blood supply to the heart. Also used for sleeplessness, nervousness, poor digestion, and weight control.

? Coleus (Coleus Forskohlii)

Helps lowers high blood pressure, positive inotropic action on heart, increases force of contraction Ideally suited for treatment of mild congestive heart failure Works synergetically with other herbs, potent inhibitor of human platelet aggregation. Coleus has been traditionally used to treat high blood pressure and other benefits include help in losing weight, improving digestion and nutrient absorption, fighting cancer, and immune system support.

? Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)

Is a circulatory stimulant, can help lower blood pressure, is a sedative and nerve tonic. It also regulates blood pressure and rapid heartbeat and tones the heart. Tests show that it treats heart disease effectively by reducing cholesterol levels. It also treats menstrual irregularities and the symptoms of menopause.

? Bilberry (Vaccinium Myrtillus)

Very good for eyes (night vision) inhibits macular degeneration of the eye Inhibits growth of bacterial cells and dilates blood vessels. Bilberry keeps the blood vessels healthy. The compounds contained in the bilberry, notably the anthocyanosides, have been shown to help fortify blood vessel walls, thereby aiding circulation and increasing blood flow.

? Butchers Broom (Ruscus aculeatus)

Helps keep blood from forming clots, reduces vascular permeability, assists circulation. It narrows blood vessels and can relieve the discomfort of circulatory conditions such as chronic venus insufficiency and varicose veins. It also relieves related symptoms such as cramping, itching, numbness and swelling.

? Mistletoe (Viscumalbum)

For arterial hypertension can help lower high blood pressure and has been shown to affect blood pressure central arteries in the brain. It’s good for high blood pressure, cancer and a fast heart rate from feeling nervous. It may also be used to improve the immune system. This system protects your body from infection.

? Kelp (Laminaria digitata)

Used mainly for the iodine and effect it has on the thyroid gland and is a sustainer to the nervous system and the brain. Kelp is also very rich in vitamins, nutrients and minerals that it works wonderfully as an all around every day vitamin.

? Ginger (Zingiber Oficinale)

Helps improves digestion, can help improve liver function, nervine, thins blood and lowers cholesterol Stimulates circulation, especially to extremities. It particularly inhibits cholesterol production in the liver, which makes up to 85% of the cholesterol in circulation in the blood stream. Ginger also decreases the activity of plate-activating factor (PAF), a clotting agent that creates the clot that can result in heart attack of stroke.

? Cayenne Capsicum annuum)

Equalizes the blood flow in the body, enhances the effect of other herbs Stimulates body and organs properly so that they heal, cleanse, and begin to function normally. It helps regulate the heart and blood pressure. It can improve blood circulation and normalize both high and low blood pressure. It apparently increases heart action without increasing blood pressure.

NOTE: This information is summarized for its educational value and should not be used for the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of disease. It should not be used to replace the services of a qualified practitioner.

Carol Weaver is reiki practitioner with a private practice in Canada – she can work remotely or by appointment… and can be contacted through her website here at.. http://www.carolweaver.com or by email by replying to this article if you would like more information and/or enquire about her work.

? copyright 2008-2010 Carol Weaver

For those who are concerned about avoiding or treating influenza, there may be an herbal and homeopathic alternative. Flu shot medicine or vaccine contains only three strains of dead viruses. Leaving a number of strains, including the strain referred to as the bird flu, that is currently making people very ill in parts of Asia and India.

Andrographis paniculata is one herbal and homeopathic alternative. Flu shot medicine is designed to create an immunity to specific strains of flu virus. These viruses are constantly changing, thus the reason for a different vaccine each year. Andrographis paniculata is recommended because it stimulates the entire immune system and studies have shown that it is effective in the treatment of influenza. One study in Volgograd showed that andrographis paniculata, not only contributed to quicker recovery, but also reduced the risk of post-flu complications. Flu shot medicine is still considered by most doctors and the Center for Disease Control to be the most effective flu preventative.

There is no herbal and homeopathic alternative flu shot medicine, meaning there are no herbs, botanicals or other natural products that will cause the body to build up an immunity to specific strains of the flu. All herbal and homeopathic products can do is stimulate the immune system allowing the body’s natural immunities to these viruses to take over. People who have strong immune systems get fewer colds and flu viruses. People with chronic illnesses and those who have weakened immune systems should not rely on an herbal and homeopathic alternative. Flu shot medicine is still the best choice for these people.

Healthy people consider products that boost the immune system as herbal and homeopathic alternative flu shot medicine. Taken regularly, particularly during cold and flu season, products containing andrographis paniculata, beta glucans and other herbal flu remedies (bilberry, green tea, ginseng, turmeric, etc) may prevent colds and flus and complications that may arise from them. Even people who take the flu shot can benefit from these herbal products. They have few unwanted side effects and scientific studies, as well as historical use as treatment for colds and other infections, have shown that they can be effective and safe.

In addition to the already mentioned herbal and homeopathic alternative flu shot medicine or remedies, extra vitamin C and essential minerals such as copper, manganese, magnesium and zinc are all important to assist the body’s natural immune system in fighting off viruses. Add these to proper diet, adequate rest, an immune system booster and you have a recipe for improved health, as well as a possible herbal and homeopathic alternative flu shot medicine. For more information about how to boost your immune system and protect yourself from colds and flus this year, visit www.immune-system-booster-guide.com.

Patsy Hamilton has more than twenty years experience as a health care professional and currently writes informational articles for the Immune System Booster Guide. Read more at http://www.immune-system-booster-guide.com

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

Herbal cleansing is the process of using herbs to cleanse your body. This may include removing unhealthy bacteria, ridding your intestinal track of worms or revitalizing your body with healthy goodness.

People all over the world turn to herbs to improve their health and to help them to enjoy life to the fullest. Don’t you owe it to yourself to consider herbs to cleanse your body and start over with a healthy lifestyle? Using herbs is easy with a little research and guidance.

Bacteria grows all over your body, but it also grows and festers inside your body. This isn’t all bad, as bacteria plays a large part in the digestion of food. However, there are some bacteria that, if left unchecked, can become a health hazard. Using an herbal cleansing will help you with this.

Herbs can be used to combat and rid your body of the bacteria that aren’t part of important functions. These bacteria, if not removed, can cause sickness, contribute to all sort of diseases such as cancer and, in some cases, can be lethal.  I read in 100% of autopsies of a cancer victim were clusters of worms in the intestines that looked like tumors. Using herbs is an easy way to remove these worms and bacteria  threat to you and your family.

Worms are not a topic that people want to discuss, especially when there is the possibility that the worms are inside them. Worms can live in animals’ and humans’ intestinal tracks, and they absorb the vitamins and minerals that were meant for us to use.  People who have done a detoxification noticed a decrease in allergies and fatigue.

Herbal cleansing is used to loosen the hold these worms have on your intestinal walls, so they can be flushed out of your system with the rest of the waste. Worms are able to enter your body most commonly when you eat under cooked meat, but they are also able to enter through your skin if you come into contact with animal feces. You owe it to yourself to use herbs in ridding your body of these nuisances.

Herbal cleansing will also jump start your body with the minerals it needs for a healthy life and also jump start any weight loss program. You’ll feel better throughout your day after rejuvenating your body and giving it the nutrients it needs. Don’t go another day without providing the very best for yourself!

[tags]detoxification, detox, herbal cleansing, bacteria, viruses, allergies, body cleansing[/tags]

Would you choose chinese herbal remedies over traditional herbal product?  We all just hate getting sick? Regardless of how much we all dislike the colds, flu, and other annoying viruses that seem to come each and every winter, we always seem to get them. Even those of us who take precautions with a flu shot or some other form of deterrent, that darn sniffling and coughing always commence on schedule. Well, at least that’s my experience anyway.

There must be a way around it all. You know, some hidden path that has not yet been discovered by the masses. A close friend of mine from Taiwan claims that Chinese herbal remedies are often better than American medicines. Who knows; maybe he’s onto something. Are you willing to give Chinese herbal remedies a shot?

What do you currently know about Chinese herbal remedies?  Does the name Bi Yan Pian, Ping Chuan, or Gun Mao Ling ring a bell? Well these remedies are for cold and flu viruses.  Oh, no problem.  Although most American do not have a great depth and knowledge regarding Chinese herbal remedies, I have had an experience with Xiao Yao San for hormonal balance.  Which was very effective against my mood swings, bloating and menstrual cramps. 

Ever heard of Dit Da Jow?  Well, chances are, unless you’re into Chinese martial arts, you probably haven’t. Dit Da Jow is a liquid herbal remedy used to heal bruises and damaged tissue.  I used it rather frequently when I first began training in a Chinese martial art known as Wing Chun. The repetitive damage I received to my forearms during training rituals, called for some serious healing. A martial arts buddy of mine, who had been training for years, recommended Dit Da Jow.  Now, I’m not going to lie to you. In my humble opinion, this stuff stinks. However, it did remedy my bruising and promote healing.  Therefore, I do believe this stuff works. This along with other Chinese herbal remedies are often recommended in the martial arts circles.

Would you search for ancient Chinese herbal remedies to cure a headache? This is a funny question actually.  While watching a Tai Chi seminar a few years back, I spotted a student offering his teacher a massage to help remedy a headache his teacher complained of.  The old Chinese teacher grinned at him and said, "That sounds nice, but I think I’ll just take some aspirin."  I could tell this shocked the student who had been fascinated by Chinese herbal remedies and massage therapy.  He thought they were better for some reason.  However, it’s always best to use what truly works for you.

[tags]chinese herbs, herbal remedy, dit da jow, martial arts[/tags]