July 3, 2008

What You Need to Know About Caralluma Fimbriata

Caralluma fimbriata is a succulent plant, in the cactus family, that has been used as a natural appetite suppressant in India for centuries. It's a new arrival in the family of cactii and succulent plants that are becoming increasingly popular for th…

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

Source: HealthBuy.com

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October 5, 2007

Evening Primrose Oil

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.

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November 1, 2006

Evening Primrose For Menstrual 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.

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November 10, 2006

Understanding Bach Flower Remedies

An English doctor by the name of Edward Bach developed Bach Flower Remedies in the early twentieth-century. He was trained initially in orthodox medicine, but later turned to the more holistic form of natural medicine and homeopathy to treat the whole person. The thirty-eight flower remedies originally created by him are still used in various forms today in alternative treatment.

Though these herbal remedies are sometimes confused with aromatherapy, the process of procuring a plant’s healing properties is markedly different. In aromatherapy, steam or alcohol distillation occurs to extract the oil from the plant. With Bach Flower Remedies, the properties are taken after floating the plant on spring water and exposing them to sunlight, allowing the nutrients to transfer into the water.

Following this process, the concentrated amount of the plant extraction and an equal amount of brandy is added together, that comprises the main bottle of which further tinctures can be made. Several drops from the first bottle, added with more water and brandy dilute the mixture become the basis of Bach Flower Remedies.

Each remedy is associated with a certain emotional state, and people react differently to each remedy. Dr. Bach believed that this affected the way that different people reacted to different illnesses. Some well trained homeopaths attest to knowing what flower remedies are needed just by ascertaining the personality of their patients.

Different combinations of Bach Flower Remedies can be used in different times and in different circumstances. The remedies now feature in many health food stores and can also be found in popular drugstores in the United Kingdom.

The most popular and well known of the Bach flower remedies is the Rescue Remedy, which contains a mixture of several plants. It is used in times of emergency and does not need any specialized knowledge to be used. It can be taken before an exam or interview, and can be used before a traumatic event, such as an operation. It is one of the best antidotes to treating shock or fear, and I have used it on a number of occasions to combat my fear of flying. It is simple to use as well- drops are taken with a glass of water or placed under the tongue. If a person is unable to swallow, it can be dabbed on the lips and absorbed as a remedy.

Bach Flower Remedies remain very popular today and now number into the hundreds. Their lasting power stands as a testament to their effectiveness for treating a range of both physical and mental ailments. Though different from aromatherapy oils, they are compatible with them and can be used at the same time.

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January 23, 2007

Finding, Growing and Using Golden Flower Chinese Herbs

Herbs are one of the best sources of all natural medical and nutritional ingredients around, and everyone using herbs will want to learn more about the golden flower Chinese herbs. Herbs from China have been handed down from generation to generation along with the teachings of how herbs can help us maintain our health and beauty. The billions of lives that have lived under Chinese teachings are a testament to the everyday tasks that herbs can be used for.

Herbs can be drank in teas for their medical effects, rubbed on the body for their fragrance, used to flavor foods, or crushed so their oils can be used in aromatherapy. The golden flower Chinese herbs have a multitude of uses just waiting for you to discover. You may find that this one group of herbs has the power to reinvigorate your body, relax your mind and keep you smelling fresh all day long. Where can you find these rare wondrous herbs? They are easier to locate than you might think.


To find the best places to order your golden flower Chinese herbs, search on the internet for sites that specialize in products for all natural lifestyles. These sites will more than likely have a better selection of the herbs you need, and they will also have them in most popular forms, such as tea for drinking, or with the oil already extracted from the plant. If you are interested in learning how to process herbs, you may be able to buy the raw plant at a much cheaper price, and then you would be able to use create the tea packet, aromatherapy oil, or food flavoring as you need it.

Another great source of information about herbs would be an internet forum. Here you will find friendly people that are always happy to answer questions about golden flower Chinese herbs. Many have probably been living an all natural lifestyle for many years and can probably suggest different ways to apply the herbs that you may not have thought about. They may even be able to suggest the best place to purchase your herbs, or give you ideas about where to get more information on them.


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October 28, 2007

Natural Treatments with Aloe Vera Juice

Aloe Vera Juice can be used to help the Hypothyroid Symptom of
constipation. Increasing your fiber intake also can help as well.
Aloe vera juice comes from the plant Aloe. Aloe is a genus of plants
belonging to the Asphodelaceae family, and is related to onions and
asparagus. The Aloe genus appears naturally in Africa, although many
members of the genus are popular houseplants and can be found around
the world. The most famous member of the genus is Aloe Vera, known for
its medicinal uses and applications.

Though there are several common medical uses for Aloe Vera, the most
frequent use of the plant is in the form of a topical gel. Gels made
from Aloe Vera are used to treat burns and minor scrapes. Aloe Vera
benefits range from soothing inflammation, pain relief, and a reduction
in the likelihood of infection. Studies have also shown that regular use
of an Aloe Vera based gel will actually speed the healing process in
minor wounds, and even severe burns. It has been used in this capacity
for hundreds of years. The thick leaves can be snapped open, and the
moist open ends of the leave can be rubbed onto a burn or scrape directly.

Aloe plants, including Aloe Vera, have also found medicinal uses
internally. Used in this way primarily for constipation, the juice from
aloe can be dried into a dark powder composed of yellowish granules that
are quite bitter to taste. Using the aloe vera to help with constipation
has it benefits because it is a natural laxative and you don't have to
swallow a pill. As we know, hypothyroidism causes the metabolism to
slow down which causes constipation. Other internal uses of Aloe are
marketed as a treatment for coughs, ulcers, muscle pain, headaches, and
even cancer and HIV. The only proven Aloe Vera benefit in internal use is
the relief of constipation. Additionally, even in this use, internal
use of the plant has a number of side effects, can cause nausea, and
should not be taken by women who may be pregnant.

In industrialized areas, the moisture form the Aloe leaves are
extracted and made into the popular gel most people are familiar with.
In more recent years, it has become more popular than ever and has found
its way into skin lotions, cosmetic products, shampoos, lip balms, soaps
and sunscreens. Some Aloe Vera benefits include a strong moisturizing
capacity, and its extract contains a number of vitamins and minerals that
are believed to promote healthy skin. It is a very gentle substance in
itself, so one of the benefits of Aloe Vera is that it can be used in
sensitive areas, such as around the eyes.

As mentioned earlier, increasing fiber intake is the optimal thing to
do to deal with constipation and for your overall health. There is of
course a lot of hype and mystery surrounding the Aloe genus, especially
its most popular member Aloe Vera. Clearly, many Aloe Vera benefits are
proven constipation and skin care. Its benefits for internal use are
somewhat dubious, however. If you have any questions, please consult
your Doctor.

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October 23, 2006

Natural Acne Treatment Remedies

Finding natural acne remedies for adult acne my not be as easy as it may seem.  Even though there are many alternative treatment for acne, the treatment itself may not be enough.  Many people think of acne as something suffered solely by hormone laden teenagers, but many adults can attest that that's simply not the case! At least eighty percent of adults suffer from acne at some point after leaving their teens, and many adults suffer recurring bouts of acne well into their thirties and even forties.

Not only can acne be disfiguring and embarrassing, but most acne medications were created with young skin in mind, and simply don't suit the skin of older people (many acne treatments are too drying, as they treat "oily" skin; although many acne sufferers actually have so-called normal or even dry skin).  Therefore finding and effective acne treatment can be a challenge.

So what is a mature acne sufferer to do? One excellent place to start is by looking at natural acne remedies. Many are just as effective as their over the counter or prescription counterparts, but are often much more gentle and far less likely to irritate sensitive skin.

There are several natural acne remedies which work effectively against acne, many of which are plant based, or herbal in nature. It's possible to buy many herbal based acne products online or even from your local pharmacy or health food store. For many people, this is a convenient way of treating their acne naturally. However, other people prefer to make their own natural acne remedies.

One natural herbal acne remedy involves the use of strawberries or strawberry leaves. The use of moistened strawberry leaves as a treatment for acne actually dates back to Egyptian times. You can replicate the treatment of the ancient Egyptians quite simply, by moistening strawberry leaves with a little water, and then leaving them on your face for ten to fifteen minutes as you rest. Alternatively, you can try using mashed strawberries, applied as a paste to your skin.

Another natural acne remedy is the use of the herb dandelion as an alternative treatment. To use dandelion, you can chop up both the leaves and root of the plant and boil it in water. After simmering the mixture gently for ten minutes, turn off the heat, allow it to cool and then strain. The liquid can be drunk as a tea, or applied directly to the skin (or both!).

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