If you are interested in keeping your body healthy, then you should find out more information about using a liver cleanser especially if you have already been diagnosed with liver disease.  The liver is an important organ in the body, and if your liver fails, or is riddled with disease, you will lose, at the very least, the ability to enjoy your life to the fullest.  Liver disease, if left unopposed, will even cause death.  Because the liver is so important, let’s see how easy it is to find and use a liver cleanser.

Finding a liver cleanser will be easy when you know where to look.  The first place you should start is your heath food store.  Besides being able to buy any products you will need, health food stores are also a great place to get information.  You will often find free pamphlets that will educate you about the latest findings of diseases and how to treat them.  The employees in most health food stores will be able to give you advice about the most popular liver cleansers and how to use them.  One such popular liver cleanser is milk thistle.

Milk thistle is a liver detoxifier that relieves congestion of the liver, spleen, and kidneys. Today, several scientific studies suggest that active substances in milk thistle (particularly silymarin) protect the liver from damage caused by viruses, toxins, alcohol, and certain drugs such as acetaminophen (a common over the counter medication used for headaches and pain; acetaminophen, also called paracetamol, can cause liver damage if taken in large quantities or by people who drink alcohol regularly.)

You may also want to try an internet search when getting more information about a liver cleanser.  If you are able to find a forum about liver cleansers, or cleansers in general, you will be able to ask your questions and get the advice of many people that have already tried different products.   If you have a particular product in mind that you want to use, you may be able to find testimonials of how it worked for previous consumers.  The internet will also give you a larger selection of places to order your liver cleanser from.  Be sure to read the ingredients of each product and research these ingredients so you are confident you are getting the best liver cleanser for you.

When using a liver cleanser, you should feel comfortable with the product and the process.  If you are unsure of how to use one, or you want professional help, be sure to consult with a doctor before trying the product.  They may be able to tell you about another product or option that you weren’t aware of.

Tags: liver, detoxification, detox, alcoholism, liver cleanser, drug abuse

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, health, herbal treatment, natural treatment

If you have begun using herbs to achieve an all natural lifestyle for you and your family, you will want to investigate the uses and applications of Chinese tonic herbs and how they can improve your family’s well being. One of the best ways to ingest herbs for maximum potency is by mixing them with water and drinking it as a tonic. This simple solution has helped millions of people achieve the health they deserve, besides giving them more joy for life. The Chinese culture is full of simple herbal tonics that can be used for multiple purposes, from aiding the body in detoxification, as a treatment for eczema or just to help you relax after work.

One example of a Chinese tonic herb is called Rising Moon, commonly known as Four Things.  It is a women's tonic used for centuries in China. It cleanses and strengthens the blood, balances the hormones, tonifies the reproductive organs and kidneys, and helps regulate the menstrual cycle. 

Shizandra is another one of the great herbal tonics of all time. It has all five flavors in it and is an excellent tonic, noted for increasing and containing sexual juices, for its ability over time to beautify the skin, and for overall rejuvenation of the body. Lychii berries combines with shizandra like peas in a pod. Lychii gives sweetness, helps increases happiness and improves eyesight. Both Shizandra and lychii berries are good for the liver (Shizandra has been reported to detox heavy metals and toxins from the liver).

Chinese tonic herbs are easy to find. If you are lucky enough to have a health food store within a convenient distance from your home, you would be able to find a lot of various tonics available there, besides getting valuable information from the newsletters or pamphlets available for free. You could ask the employees which Chinese tonic herbs are the most popular with their other customers, or what the benefits or uses of each one would be.

If you don’t have a health food store locally, or they have a poor selection of Chinese tonic herbs, you could also try an online search to find companies that would be able to take your order online and mail you the herbal tonics within a few days. Often times, you will find a brief description of each herbal product that will tell you what they are best used for, and the best way to mix them in the tonic. If you have any questions or just like to speak to someone directly when placing an order, look for an 800 number on the company’s website that would allow you to call and place your order.

You may also want to consult with a dietician to get the most benefit from using Cinese tonic herbs. As a dietician, they have studied the effects that herbs have on our bodies, and they are able to quickly guide you to the solution you need.

Tags: herbal remedy, chinese herbs, chinese medicine, chinese tonic herbs, herbal treatment

Would you resort to fat burning pills for losing weight? Hey, I'm not judging here, but Tome Cruise told me drugs are not the answer. Yeah, that's right; I'm talking about the big-wig himself. Therefore if you take advantage of drugs, then you're clearly glib. Get the message? Well, actually this topic is debatable. However, Mr. Cruise truly is taking a lot of grief over his statements. Heck, I just thought they were entertaining. Anyway, what's the deal with fat burning pills? Are these necessary for everyone or just a handful of individuals? Either way, folks are going to use them.

I personally feel that supplements such as fat burning pills should be a last resort. I think that once you get your diet on track and your exercise schedule down, you won't need fat burning pills. What do you think? The reason I say this basically concerns the overall health of the human body. Typically dumping loads of drugs into our systems is a no-no. This is plain and clear for obvious reasons. You've seen the facts regarding acetometaphine and ibuprofen. These drugs can cause internal damage. I'm talking about your organs here. Do you really want to grapple with liver damage or kidney failure down the road? I'm guessing your answer in no. I know mine is. So when it comes to supplements such as fat burning pills, I believe everyone should test the waters without them first. I'm sure any nutritionist or personal trainer will offer the same advice. They will tell you to adopt a good healthy diet, and exercise regularly. If you are very overweight, you need to start immediately. Try a high protein detox diet with plenty of fruit and water. This is great for losing pounds of fat and gaining muscle. In addition, you should add a heavy cardio and light weight training regime to your schedule. This will really help your body to get back in order and feel phenomenal.

You may need assistance with your new way of living. This is where a personal trainer comes into the picture. Get all the help you need. Also, before you take on fat burning pills, I suggest you get online and do your research first. They may not be exactly what you expect. It's always prudent to attain the scoop first.

The benefits of drinking water have been proven because studies have shown that around 80% of the world's population is dehydrated. The chief reason for this condition is over consumption of caffeinated beverages like tea and coffee that make the body lose water. Water is a naturally available liquid that is the most important factor in human survival. Water comprises about 2/3rd of our total body weight. The biggest irony is that most of us don't know what to drink when we are dehydrated. The answer is simple. Drink water!

The benefits of drinking water is an important factor in the proper health of the body systems. Drinking water has several health benefits. If you have high blood pressure or cancer, drink as much water as possible because water helps to stablized the blood pressure and promote the healing process of cancerous cells. Taking in adequate amounts of water if your are a diabetic is especially important because high blood sugar actually dehydrate the blood cells and causes the blood sugar levels to rise even higher. That's why when a person come in the hospital in ketoacidosis the first line of action is to start an IV and get the person properly hydrated. Often, people forget to drink water unless they feel very thirsty. To help you to remember to drink water at regular intervals, you can set a timer or buy a watch that is equipped with a timer.

It is better to drink smaller quantities of water more frequently than to drink a lot of water at one time. It is recommended to drink 8 to 12 oz a day and if you have not been drinking water regularly, you should double the recommended amount because your cells are already dehydrate. Make sure that you don't too much drink water in the morning prior to beginning any physical activity. It is very essential to plan a proper routine for water drinking.

Water is necessary for proper digestion and absorption of essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, etc. that our body gets from the food we eat. Also, detoxification of the kidneys and liver along with the removal of toxins and wastes from the body happen to be major benefits of drinking water. You should not wait until you are dehydrated to drink water. Drinking water regularly is imperative because dehydration can result in serious illness.

The diverse benefits of drinking water include sustaining energy levels, being mentally and physically alert, removing toxins and wastes from the body and maintaining healthy skin. Drinking water also helps in reducing weight and helps with hypothyroidism weight gain. Since water is a natural appetite suppressant, it helps to cut down overeating and that helps to maintain your proper weight. Which is especially important with hypothyroidism. Doctors often say that, when you feel hungry, your body is actually craving water and not solid food.

Bear in mind that water has its exclusive qualities and other beverages cannot replace the benefits of drinking water. So make sure you drink adequate quantities of water every day to live a healthy and happy life.



Zandra Jones, RN BBA writes about health related issues and alternative treatment. Learn more about how to reverse hypothyroid symptoms naturally.

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

Anxiety disorders are a common problem, affecting approximately 20 million adults and children in America. Anxiety is a common emotion consisting of uncertainty and worry faced by many, whilst anxiety disorders are when such fears are experienced irrationally. There are many treatments available, ranging from medication to therapy and alternative treatments. One treatment is through using natural herbal supplements.

Natural herbs are less costly than medication, and consist of herbs, vitamins and botanicals. They can be taken individually, or with other supplements, but it is best to first consult your doctor before deciding on natural herbs as a treatment for anxiety disorders. They also have the advantage of having no side effects, as compared to medications which can result in side effects such as nausea. Below are some common herbs used in anxiety disorders treatment.

1. Passion Flower
This is a natural plant that is used to treat anxiety, amongst other ailments. Its has unique calming properties, and can also reduce body tremors from fear. It promotes better sleep, and can act as a painkiller. It also contains anti depressants, and is used for high blood pressure and epilepsy.

2. Lavender
This is a more popular alternative than the passion flower, and is also known for its calming properties. It is also one of the more effective treatments for panic attacks, and is a tonic for the nervous system.

3. Lemon Balm
This is used to calm the digestive and nervous system, and also reduces blood pressure. It is uncertain if used alone, lemon balm is effective for treating anxiety attacks. It is usually taken with Valerian, Chamomile or Passion flower.

4. Kava
It is an effective tranquilizer, and whilst it is not an addictive substance, research suggests that it may be linked to liver problems.

5. Valerian
This is another natural plant used for treating anxiety. It also promotes better sleep, allowing for the body to rest and recuperate.

6. Chamomile
Chamomile flower leaves are used to make tea, and is a natural alternative for treating anxiety. It also reduces fever, encourages sleep and enhances the body's metabolism.

7. Dandelion
The roots and leaves are used to treat the body's internal systems, and through it, provide relief for some of the symptoms of anxiety. It is commonly used in salads and tea, and can also be used as a substitute for coffee.

There are many natural treatments available, and herbs have been used for treating illnesses for centuries. However, do keep in mind that it is not a quick fix, and can only alleviate the symptoms of anxiety attacks. It is advisable to seek out behavioral or cognitive therapy so as to eliminate the root of the problem causing anxiety attacks.

Greg Frost is an authority figure in the Anxiety Treatment field and director of http://www.AttackAnxiety.org, a company that provides a variety of Anxiety Attacks information to assist people in treatment.

Different Herbs for Anxiety Treatment

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

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