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: martial arts, herbal remedy, chinese herbs, dit da jow

 

You've seen those shelves at your local stores over flooded with all sorts of natural herbal remedies. Due to the many discussions of the side effects of medication, many people have now jumped off the prescription drugs wagon and onto that of herbal remedies. Herbal remedies are anything but new to people, since they've been employed since ancient times, the first nation to have used herbs is China, where they relied on ginger, garlic, and spices to cure ailments as early as 2000 BC.

How can the modern individual make use of herbs and alternative medicine? Here are a couple of reasons why you should consider an herbal alternative to your pills:

Budget Friendly

Herbs are lifesavers when it comes to the budget. Once you are completely sure of what you need, you can always go and find your herbal remedy without the need to get a prescription. However, you must remember that herbal products are not tested by any official entity, since they are classified as natural foods. You must be careful before buying anything, since it could have side effects or alien elements that might make you ill.

Instant Results

Most herbal remedies give you instant results or close to that. Why? Because its easier for the body to deal with products rather than with pills. Herbs are known to be more effective as long as they're organic and not subjected to the common hazards of modern plant cultivation - mass cropping, pesticides, etc.

Does this mean you should throw away your heart medication? The answer is of course not; if your condition is gravely serious, you must not go off your medication until you consult with a doctor. Whatever you do, discuss your options with your physician before reaching for that over the counter herbal remedy.

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

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

Everyone knows that giving up an addiction is very difficult, but did you know that it’s possible to use herbals to stop smoking? For thousands of years, cultures around the world have depended on the power of herbs to help them heal, for nutrients and to give up addictions, such as nicotine. There are many different ways to apply the wonderful uses of herbs to your life, and if you are looking for a way to give up smoking, you will not regret finding out what herbs can do for you.

To begin, you will need to do some research on herbs. Finding out what herbs best tackle the problem of nicotine addiction is the first step. While doing this research, you will also want to take note of how each herb is best applied. Some herbs are better when used in foods, while some are more potent in teas. Some herbs will even work by breathing the aromas or rubbing it into your skin. You may need to try a variety of herbs in different manners to find the best herbals to stop smoking. Perhaps you will be able to use a few different herbs and drop the addiction that much sooner!

Now that you have started your research, I have found that the first thing you need to do is get a very good multi-vitamin.  When you stop smoking this puts your body under a lot of stress so a multi-vitamin will help alleviate this.  Also the herb lobelia mimics nicotine as an herb of choice to help you stop smoking.  However lobelia is a very potent herb because it can cause respiratory failure if you take too much but more than likely will cause you to throw up. Make sure you consult your health care professional or herbalist before using lobelia. 

Also remember the best places to look are your local public library and the internet. In the library, you will be able to find many books about herbs, and may even find a book that is only about the particular herb you need. On the internet, you may be able to find a forum where you can ask questions of others. There you would be able to find out what herbals to stop smoking that others have used before you.

When you have educated yourself on herbals to stop smoking, it will be buy the best products for you. Go to your local health food store and find out what they have to offer. The employees may be able to answer your questions and give some advice of what you may find useful. You may also want to consider contacting a dietician or addiction specialist. They would also be able to give you insights into which herbs could help you to stop smoking.

Tags: smoking, lobelia, herbal remedy, stop smoking

I've had a pretty weak immune system ever since I was a kid, so I've had more than my fair share of illnesses over the years. I've never gone through a single year without getting several bad colds, the flu, or even worse. As a result of my poor health, I've become very familiar with both over-the-counter and prescription medications. I never gave my medications a second thought until I read a published report that said these drugs might be doing more harm than good in some cases. That's when I decided to look into alternative herbal medicine.

One advantage of alternative herbal medicine is that it's all natural and chemical-free. This means that there's zero chance of becoming addicted to the medication, which is definitely not the case with prescription drugs. Another advantage is that alternative herbal medicine is often much cheaper than the products put out by major pharmaceutical companies. With prescription costs rising all over the country (prompting thousands of people to cross the border to Canada to buy their medications), this low cost makes alternative herbal medicine even more attractive. A third reason that someone might choose alternative herbal medicine is because of allergies. For example, I am allergic to acetaminophen, which is a common pain reliever and fever reducer in over-the-counter medications, so I need to find a different way to treat those problems.

When I tell people that I prefer natural cures, I am often met with puzzled looks. The most common question I get is if I'm taking alternative herbal medicine because of religious reasons. While it's true that some people might be doing so, that's not the case for me. I would just rather treat my illnesses as naturally as possible rather than infusing my body with all kinds of chemicals that may turn out to be harmful in some way.

The second most common question I get is whether or not alternative herbal medicine actually works. I was genuinely surprised by the number of people that apparently think alternative herbal medicine is just a sham. Of course I haven't tried all the products out there, but the ones I've used have worked wonderfully well for me. I have used alternative herbal medicine to successfully treat colds, the flu, headaches, digestive disorders, and even a mild case of arthritis.

I'm by no means saying that alternative herbal medicine will work equally well for everyone and for every type of health problem out there. But there's no harm in at least giving these products a chance. So if you're looking for a different way to treat common ailments, then I suggest checking out alternative herbal medicine right now.

Some of the best herbal products on the market today are Herbal Teas. Also Products for Herbal Weight Loss, Herbal Remedies for Depression and even Herbal Remedies for Acne. One of the most recent cures available now are Herbal Remedies for Menopause.

As you can see, Herbal Remedies are here to stay. Try then, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

I wish you well and hope you find a Herbal Remedy that's right for you

For more information on Herbal Remedies and Alternative Herbal Medicine, try visiting Herbal Remedies4u.com, where you can quickly and easily find tips,advice and resources on the benefits of Herbal Remedies and find out Are Herbal Remedies Right For You

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

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