Gotu Kola - The Arthritis Herb

According to the National Center for Health Statistics there were 45.8 million adults with diagnosed arthritis in the United States in 1993. Although the term literally means joint inflammation, arthritis really refers to a group of more than 100 rheumatic diseases and conditions that can cause pain, stiffness and swelling in the joints.

The two most common forms of the disease are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, especially among older people. Sometimes it is called degenerative joint disease or osteoarthrosis. Osteoarthritis is a joint disease that mostly affects the cartilage. Cartilage is the slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones in a joint. Healthy cartilage allows bones to glide over one another. It also absorbs energy from the shock of physical movement. In osteoarthritis, the surface layer of cartilage breaks down and wears away. This allows bones under the cartilage to rub together, causing pain, swelling, and loss of motion of the joint.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the bodies own immune system mistakenly attacks the synovium (cell lining inside the joint). This chronic, potentially disabling disease causes pain, stiffness, swelling, and loss of function in the joints.

Today more and more people are seeking an alternative treatment to combat the pain of arthritis. One such treatment that may hold promise is the use of the herb Gotu Kola.

Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) also known as Indian pennywort, marsh penny and water pennywort is a creeping Perennial herb, native to tropical and sub-Tropical Asia, some South Pacific islands, coastal and central Africa. It has been used for centuries in both Ayurveda and Chinese medicine and was first accepted as a drug in France in the 1880's.

Although treating arthritis is not the most common traditional use of Gotu Kola, down under in Australia Gotu Kola is commonly known as Pennywort "The Arthritis Herb" where the fresh leaves are used to treat arthritic conditions and has become extremely popular. Frequent reports of its efficacy have prompted the Herbal Medicines Research and Education Centre to start a research project to investigate the popular use of Pennywort (Centella asiatica) for the treatment of arthritis.

Numerous reports have emerged from the general public that eating 2 leaves each day is said to relieve the pain of arthritis and even plant nurseries in Australia sell the plant as 'the arthritis herb'.

Note: Gotu kola should not by taken if you are pregnant, breast-feeding or taking certain medications.

Before taking any alternative treatment talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if you have any other medical conditions, allergies (especially to plants), or if you take other medicines or other herbal/health supplements.

Discover more information and articles on Herbs and Herbal Medicine by visiting http://www.herbs4medicine.com

This article is free for republishing
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_60975_23.html

A Natural Remedy for Menopause- Herbs and Foods

It's dreaded by every woman beyond child-bearing years. Obviously there's no cure. Menopause is an entirely natural process, like going through puberty when a woman develops breasts and begins her menstruation. Just as puberty reveals that a young woman is able to have children, menopause signifies the end of that part of a woman's life cycle. Menopause is almost like puberty in reverse process.

Menopause's arrival is made known it's by the slowing and eventual ending of menstruation. Other signs are diminishment of breast size and density, and the body's eradication of hormones linked with child bearing. It is accompanied by unpleasant symptoms such as vaginal dryness, hot flashes, insomnia, osteoporosis, night sweats, and erratic mood swings. Hormone replacement therapy, is often prescribed by gynecologists, however, the link of these medications to breast cancer is still the subject of debate.

So it is no wonder that today more and more women are choosing a natural remedy to ease the symptoms of menopause. One hundred years ago, women used Lydia Pinkham pills, a combination of vitamins and herbal substances, to make menopause easier. Today, if you reject take hormone replacement options, and after discussing with your physician, you may wish to try a natural remedy for menopause.

In traditional Indian medicine (Ayurveda), Shatavari is a particularly useful treatment as a natural menopause remedy for hot flashes. Since it is a natural diuretic, Ayurveda practitioners recommend that women who use it fortify potassium intake to avoid becoming dehydrated by drinking orange juice and eating bananas.

Chinese natural healing uses an herb called Dong Quai to treat women's health issues such as menopause symptom, menstrual cramps, and premenstrual symptoms. Even though its effectiveness has not been confirmed by the FDA, many women find it helpful and recommend it to other menopausal women.

Black Cohosh Root is a particularly popular natural menopause remedy. This herb was used in the original Lydia Pinkham tablets during the turn of the century. It's a general tonic for menopause, relieving hot flashes, irritability, headaches, vaginal dryness and insomnia. It has few, if any, side effects and is tolerated well by most.

Two important cautions about Black Cohosh Root: it should not be confused with Blue Cohosh, a potentially harmful root that has no relation to Black Cohosh. Herbalists recommend that Black Cohosh Root be taken continuously for only six months.

Another favorite natural menopause remedy is Soy Isoflavones. This is a substance derived from soy beans and their by-products tofu and soy milk. Soy acts like a mild natural form of estrogen. It is found particularly useful by women who choose not to use prescription hormone replacement. Herbalists recommend eating soy-containing food rather than taking soy pills or capsules. Soy Isoflavones should not be used if you have a history of breast cancer.

Like Black Cohosh Root, Red Clover is a favorite herb for natural menopause remedy. Red Clover is particularly helpful for easing hot flashes. It may also lower cholesterol levels in post-menopausal women. As a mild form of estrogen, it should not be used by women who have a history or are at risk for breast cancer. Nor should it be combined with blood-thinning medications like Warfarin.

Lastly, gaining ground as natural menopause remedies are alfalfa leaves and seeds. Further research is needed on these plants, but it's been established that alfalfa has an effect on the body similar to estrogen. Those with diabetes or an autoimmune disease such as fibromyalgia or lupus should avoid using alfalfa.

Natural menopause remedies are generally safe and non-toxic if used correctly and with the precautions noted. They are available in many major supermarkets, in natural health and food stores, and of course, on-line.

Was the information in this article helpful to you? For more in depth information on menopause natural remedies, subscribe to this free newsletter, or download this report.

This article is free for republishing
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_84667_17.html

Can I grow Herbs?

I have always loved gardening. Many times I have started gardens only to let them die because of lack of the right care. I have also had many indoor plants that have died and I don't know why. They were difficult plants to grow and possibly, I just didn't know how to correctly take care of them. I have come home to many shriveled and dried up plants and have wondered their mysterious deaths.

This may not be very encouraging to those who are brand new to plants but want to dive in head first. If you are interested in growing herbs, I have good news for you. Growing herbs in not hard, even I have been able to master growing herbs.

Yes, it's true. While I can't keep a patch of strawberries growing strong for an entire season, I have been able to successfully grow my own herbs. Now understand, herbs are not foolproof, but even those without even a hint of a green thumb can figure it out. Even if it takes a little trial and error, you can do it. Better yet, learn from my mistakes and you can start much better off.

I started my herb gardening with a variety of herbs. I had basil, parsley, dill, and rosemary. I had 4 little pots that I planted about a dozen seeds in each. They all sprouted quite quickly. In each pot, I had about a dozen seedlings growing quite close together. It wasn't until after a while that I realized I shouldn't have so many plants in one pot. This may have been the dismay of most of the herbs. After a couple of weeks, I thinned out each pot so that each had just one plant.

The herbs continued to grow slowly. The basil did very well, but the others seemed to stop and started to turn yellow. I watered them almost daily. Eventually, I did a little research and realized I should be adding some type of fertilizer because I hadn't put any in the soil. I started added a little bit of milk to the water every couple of weeks. The basil began to prosper, but the others didn't have a chance.

I dumped the herbs except for the basil, and started growing all basil. I realized I had been watering the plants too often, so I cut back to just a couple times a week. I continued feeding them milk every so often, and finally my herbs began to prosper.

Yes, you can grow herbs, as long as you know what you're doing. Make sure you use pots or containers that allow the water to drain out the bottom. Preferably, put a fertilizer directly in the soil when you first plant them. Make sure they get a lot of sun and never dry out. Follow the rules on the package of your seeds, be patient, and you will get the herbs you want.
If you want to know more about how to grow herbs and how to start your own herb garden, go to GrowingHerbsMadeEasy.info for more information.

This article is free for republishing
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_680378_32.html

Can One Overdose On Herbs Like One Can With Prescription Drugs?

A lot of people are just learning about herbs and have a lot of fear that if you tell someone about an herb they might overdose. No body wants to accidently hurt someone, but we must remember that herbs are food. So the real question is can we overdose with food and what is that in relation to a chemical overdose. Everyone should read the label on anything they put into their mouths so that they are responsible for their bodies. If we put something into our body, we are responsible for whatever action takes place.

A chemical drug overdose is extremely dangerous. There are warnings on bottles to keep them away from children and elderly people. Overdosing also includes the problem of mixing drugs, which causes serious problems. One should be sure to ask their pharmacist about the bad side affects of any drug he or she takes. The overdose of chemicals or drugs into the human body is undoubtedly dangerous and potentially fatal.

An overdose of herbs or food often causes an allergic reaction to that specific food or herb. From an herb standpoint, there are occasionally people who are allergic to a specific herb, which is why it is recommended that one starts on any herb at a very low dosage and then slowly builds up to the needed level. An overdose on herbs does not put the body into a life threatening situation. Rather, the body normalizes itself because it is simply dealing with a food.

The other situation that an overdose of herbs can cause is diarrhea, which is not a health problem unless it occurs over several days. Anyone who begins an herbal program and gets diarrhea should consult an herbalist, who will reduce the intake of those herbs that have a cleansing action on the body or colon. One can see that the overdose of an herb as compared to the overdose of chemicals is at opposite ends of the spectrum, with one being naturally cleansing and the being life threatening.

It is hoped that this knowledge motivates all of us to think of herbs as foods and not medicines. If we´re going to keep herbs out of the hands of drug companies, the fact that herbs are food must be stressed. Recent herb companies and long standing herbalists have upsettingly announced the fact that they are taking herbs to the doctors and the scientific world, taking them from the housewife who knows and uses them best.

Food or herbs can be toxic or dangerous, but not as much so as man-made chemicals. We must have the wisdom to choose foods or herbs that are not poisonous. Herbs and foods were created by nature to be safe for all people. Where as man-made chemicals are dangerous to all. One must use moderation in all things, as an overdose of herbs causes an allergic reaction that could be avoided with a little wisdom. Anyone eating any herb for the first time should begin at a low dosage and watch the bodily reaction for a couple of days. If not heavy cleansing of allergic reaction is felt, than more can be eaten.

--
More information on herbs and herbal remedies is available at VitaNet ®, LLC Health Food Store. http://vitanetonline.com/

This article is free for republishing
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_669820_23.html

Occupation: Webmaster

Webmaster at ArticleTrader.

http://www.articletrader.com/

Herbs And Algae Can Help Fight Herpes (Cold Sores)

Comfrey, one of the most valuable herbs known to botanical medicine, has been used for centuries to heal. It is full of amino acid, lysine, B12, and vitamins A and C as well as high in calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and protein. Additionally, it contains iron, magnesium, sulphur, copper, zinc, and eighteen amino acids. Echinacea is an herb that stimulates immunity within the body and increases its ability to fight infections. It includes vitamins A, E, and C, as well as iron, iodine, copper, sulphur, and potassium. Fennel is used to help stabilize the nervous system and move waste material out of the body.

It also has properties to help against convulsions and mucous and contains potassium, sulphur, and sodium. Garlic acts to rejuvenate the body in all of its functions as it stimulates the lymphatic system to help rid the body of toxins. This herb contains vitamin A and C, selenium, sulphur, calcium, manganese, copper, vitamin B1, iron, potassium, and zinc.

Along with the above herbs, there are others that are good for helping with herpes. Ginger is very effective in its ability to cleanse the bowels, kidneys, and skin and contains protein, vitamins A, C, and B complex, as well as calcium, phosphorus, iron, sodium, potassium, and magnesium. Mullein loosens mucus within the body and moves it out of the body. It is high in iron, magnesium, potassium, and sulphur and also contains vitamins A, D, and B complex. Sweet birch cleanses the blood and is extremely high in fluoride. It also contains vitamins A, C, E, B1, and B2, and calcium, chlorine, copper, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and silicon. Thyme, which destroys fungal infections and skin parasites, has B complex, vitamins C and D, and iodine, sodium, silicon, and sulphur. White willow is also helpful in herpes, as it has a strong antiseptic ability for infected wounds, ulcerations, and eczema.

Along with all of the above herbs, there are many herbs that help protect and build the nervous system, which is closely related to the immune system. These herbs include: alfalfa, dandelion, fenugreek, gotu kola, hops, kelp, lady´s slipper, lobelia, parsley, passion flower, skullcap, wood betony, and red clover. Additionally, there are many herbs for circulation, which increase blood supply to the heart muscles and entire body. Good circulation is crucial for a healthy immune system and can be improved with capsicum, garlic, gentian root, hawthorn berries, kelp, licorice root, and lecithin.

Because the glands regulate many major body functions, these functions often interrelate with the circulatory and nervous systems. Some glandular herbs include: golden seal, Siberian ginseng, burdock, Echinacea, sarsaparilla, black walnut, chaparral, and red clover blossoms. Along with the above, there are several herbs that help with the skin, which can be extremely beneficial to those who are dealing with herpes.

Red marine algae is a natural algae that grows in the ocean. This algae is harvested by many countries including China, Japan, and the United States. Red marine algae contains polysaccharides that can boost the immune system. These special polysaccharides stimulate the immune system to fight viruses and disease which can help fight herpes.

Among these herbs is aloe vera, which helps to clean, soothe, and heal the skin as it contains calcium, potassium, sodium, manganese, magnesium, iron, lecithin, and zinc. Also, comfrey, golden seal, myrrh, bayberry, and oat straw are all good herbs for the skin. As you can see these herbs are loaded with vitamins, minerals and polysaccharides which are essential to the body to keep the immune system strong and the body able to fight off viruses and disease.

--
More information on herbs to improve skin and boost the immune system is available at VitaNet ®, LLC Health food Store. http://vitanetonline.com/

This article is free for republishing
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_669464_23.html

Occupation: Webmaster

Webmaster at ArticleTrader.

http://www.articletrader.com/