Medicinal Herbs - 12 Herbs for Men

A good portion of information about medicinal herbs is related to women, but what about men? Some common herbs may help relieve or prevent health issues related to men. From athletes foot to sperm count, 12 common herbs and the possible benefits they can provide may help your man's health.

Garlic (Allium Sativum) - Possibly reduce cholesterol. There is more than 30 years of research to show garlic reduces cholesterol and triglyceride levels. For flavoring stews, soups, meats, dressings.

Ginseng (Panax ginseng) - Boosts energy and reduces fatigue. This is one of the oldest remedies for boosting energy. It also appears on the market as crystals, extract, powder capsules and is sold as the whole root.

Hawthorne (Crataegus oxyacantha) - Strengthens the heart by dilating the coronary arteries. This can be taken as a tea or tincture. Effective for lowering blood pressure. The stems, leaves and fruit of Hawthorne are used for medicinal preparations.

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) - Helps lower blood pressure by inhaling the aromatic oils.Grown inside or out -- they take such little space and give so much pleasure!

Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) - The active ingredient, Silymarin, binds with liver cell membranes. This can protect the liver from damage caused by toxic chemicals and may even help repair damage already done.

Peppermint (Mentha piperita) - Treat most digestive problems with the bitters, tannins and menthol oils of peppermint. Peppermint makes an excellent tea, and adds flavor to many foods.

St-John's-wort (Hypericum perforatum) - A German study concluded the use of St-John's-wort worked for the treatment of mild depression. This plant can be weedy or invasive according to the authoritative sources

Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) - May be able to maintain a healthy prostate gland, increase sperm count and nourish male sexual organs. This plant got it's name for the saw-toothed leaf stems that are very sharp.

Skullcap (Scutellaria laterifolia) - Anxiety and stress reliever, skullcap is taken as a tincture. Skullcap is an herb of the mint family from rich woods and moist soils in eastern North America.

Tea tree oil (Melaleuca species) - Inhibits the growth of yeast and other fungal infections. Used as an antiseptic for cuts, insect bites and athletes foot. Melaleuca is a fast-growing and hardy tree.

White Willow (Salix alba) - A tea brewed with white willow bark may be useful in reducing pain and swelling. The salicin in white willow is the nature's version of the active ingredient in aspirin, salicylic acid.

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) - Aside from the many benefits for women, yarrow may also promote healthy sexual organs and urinary tract in men. Yarrow is an aromatic herb that grows in meadows. It has alternate, wooly gray-green fern-like leaves.

As always, you should check with your physician before starting any herbal treatment. It is possible that medicines prescribed by your doctor contain some of the same properties as the herbs. This may cause an overdose of that particular chemical.

Wayne Schaefer - Avid gardener for 15+ years. Experienced in vegetable and perennial gardening, landscaping and outdoor living. Visit my website at "The Garden Swap" at http://www.thegardenswap.com.

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Medicinal Herbs

Herbs have long been revered as saviors in the wake of sickness and pain. They are medicines and because of their ability to heal and restore, they are kept dried and in dark bottles so that they can be used all year round. Herbs are now integrated in food and cuisines of many a culture, and they can influence the way are body functions and help us optimize our health on a daily basis. The medicinal properties of herbs prompt us to use them as remedies for diseases ranging from the simple to the severe.

Some herbs are discussed as examples of the curative mandate these plants have:

There are hundreds of species of the herb St. John's Wort. It has been regarded as a medicine for thousands of years. It has extremely active compounds such as choline, pectin, hypericin and pseudohypericin. The flowers and leaves act as analgesic, antiseptic, digestive, diuretic, astringent, sedative and stimulant. Some compounds of the plant have proven anti-retroviral capabilities without grave side effects. It is said in some medical circles to play an important role to play in the treatment of AIDS. St. John's Wort is also known to have mild anti depressant qualities.

Chamomile flowers are most commonly used as a medicine. It is very aromatic and is used in teas. It is very useful in treating cuts and wounds. It has antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is used in teas to treat insomnia. The active principles are flavonoids, terpenoid volatile oils.

The flowers and leaves of the Feverfew contain parthenolide. This compound is found in glands on the reverse side of the leaves. This herb is used widely as a remedy for a number of ailments such as tooth aches, disorders of the bones and joints, migraines, asthma and menstrual problems.

Herbs, as we can see, heal, soothe and relieve. They are nature's gift to mankind.

Herbs provides detailed information on Herbs, Medicinal Herbs, Herbs And Spices, Chinese Herbs and more. Herbs is affiliated with Mediterranean Diet Food [http://www.e-mediterraneandiet.com].

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Medicinal Herbs - 5 Benefits of Healing Herbs

Today's women are turning to the healing garden of herbs to treat and prevent things such as colds, headaches, and allergies etc. Healing herbs can be found right outside your backdoor.

5 Benefits of Healing Herbs:

1. Herbs are an effective alternative to chemically produced prescriptions or even over the counter medicines. They can treat minor cuts and scratches to headaches and insomnia. Herbs provide relief for indigestion, PMS, and even acne. Don't think of herbs as being a weak alternative to prescriptions as they are powerfully effective.

Instead of using motion sickness medications try using Ginger. It's a strong rival to even the top brands sold.
Some studies suggest extracts from Ginkgo leaves may treat symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.
Silymarin, the active ingredient in Milk Thistle seeds, may repair and help protect liver cells.

Of course it's not just as simple as replacing conventional medicines with herbal remedies. They should work together. Always check with your medical doctor and an experienced herbalist before combining herbal medicines with prescription medication.

2. Making the right choices and the right dosage will produce fewer side effects. For the most part side effects produced by herbs are much milder than those produced by drugs. It is believed the complexity of the chemistry in plants is the reason the side effects are milder. However you should not take herbal formulas after the need has passed.

For example, if you are taking a prescription for water retention, one side effect from the drug is the depletion of potassium. On the other hand the leaves from dandelions not only act as a diuretic they also supply potassium. Over the counter cold remedies may cause drowsiness making it unsafe for you to drive or work. Herbs like garlic you can fight off the cold without the drowsy side effect.

3. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Stress, low immunity, and tiredness can all be reduced with the use of botanical remedies. Use herbs in teas and cooking for preventive medicine since some of these may be taken for weeks or months without side effects. This will provide your body with minerals and vitamins. Just like any other health plan or diet, you need to combine exercise and good eating habits.

4. Herbs are really suited for the different needs created by the many cycles women go through. Herbal remedies may support a woman through an emotional crisis. Chamomile reduces anxiety while St. John's-wort may relieve mild depression. Part of the benefits from using herbal remedies is the simple task of preparing them. Create beneficial beauty products for the body using oils and fragrant herbs. You'll have skin care that won't expose you to synthetics or other additives.

5. Stop to smell the flowers, or in this case, the herbs. The rapid pace of everyday living has us running from one place to another. Little time is left to really enjoy the beauty around us. Stop for a cup of herbal tea or take an extract of herbs. Enjoying the natural tastes and aromas and reuniting with nature. Start healing yourself physically and emotionally.

Using herbs in teas, tinctures, oils and even cooking is definitely a benefit to your health but remember to use botanical remedies wisely and above all, safely. Generally herbs are very safe if used in the proper dose. For minor medical problems head for the herbs but if the issue is more serious go to your doctor for a diagnosis. Herbs still may be right for treatment or you may combine them with conventional medications under your doctor's direction.

If you become pregnant you should stop using herbs immediately.

Wayne Schaefer - Avid gardener for 15+ years. Experienced in vegetable and perennial gardening, landscaping and outdoor living. Visit my website at "The Garden Swap" at http://www.thegardenswap.com.

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Indian Medicinal Herbs

The Ayurvedic Medicine practitioners of India have long used medicinal herbs to heal their patients. While originally the only medicine available in historic times, many of these Indian medicinal herbs are still used today. Those that use them prefer natural over pharmaceutical medications because they tend to have fewer side effects.

Licorice root is often used for respiratory problems. It is an expectorant and helps with coughs and fever, making it a good choice for use in chest congestion and colds. It can also be used to relieve urinary disorders. Care should be taken with licorice, however, as it can affect blood pressure. Those with heart problems or high blood pressure should use it only under the supervision of a qualified doctor.

Ashwagandha, sometimes referred to as winter cherry or Indian ginseng, has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine. It invigorates the body and has been used as a treatment for arthritis, rheumatism and leprosy. It is also considered to have aphrodisiac effects.

Valerian is a calming herb. It works well in those with hysteria, stress, and nervous conditions. It is sometimes given as a treatment for insomnia. As an antispasmodic, it is useful in the treatment of nausea and vomiting.
The root of the calamus plant has many medicinal uses. It is used for digestive difficulties such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. With its sedative effects, it can be helpful in treating mental disorders and epilepsy.
Ginger, a staple of Indian cuisine, also offers medical benefits. It is soothing to the digestive system, relieving nausea and vomiting. It is also a natural anti-inflammatory, making it a good choice for inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.

Most people, even those without experience with Ayurvedic medicine, are familiar with chamomile. It has a wide variety of uses. It calms the stomach and digestive tract. Used on the skin, it can help to treat acne and other disorders. Chamomile tea can help ease stress and relieve insomnia.

Basil, while better known as a culinary herb, also has medicinal uses. It is commonly used for respiratory disorders as it relieves congestion and eases coughs. It is also used in digestive problems as it calms the stomach and breaks up gas pockets that can lead to abdominal distention and discomfort. It is sometimes used by diabetics as it can lower blood sugar.

Most of us are familiar with aloe vera's use on sunburns. However, it has many other uses. The gel can be used to treat skin problems, wounds and cuts. The juice of the plant is sometimes given for use internally to treat jaundice, hemorrhoids and menstrual irregularities.

Lemongrass is an excellent herb to include in your garden not only for its medical benefits, but also its culinary uses. It is a natural carminative, helping to relieve flatulence. It also helps repel insects.
With these Indian medicinal herbs in your garden, you will be able to treat a wide variety of illnesses from digestive upsets to coughs and colds. Many of these can also be used in your cooking, bringing exotic flavor to even the most basic of culinary dishes.

Nova Person is an expert on herbs and their uses. She has been growing her own home herb garden for more than 20 years now and has been enjoying the benefits of herbs since then. She is especially fond of the natural healing properties of medicinal herbs. For more info on Medecinal Herbs, visit her site: http://www.GrowHerbsInfo.com.

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Growing Medicinal Herbs - Chamomile

Chamomile is one of the most common medicinal herbs that you can grow in your garden. It is fairly easy to grow and with its many uses, especially as a medicinal herb, it definitely is a valuable addition to your home herb garden.

Grow Chamomile

Chamomile, grown for its daisylike flowers, prefers full sun outdoors. It grows up to 20 to 25 inches and is best planted in the ground than in containers. It is also ideal for mass planting and landscaping provided that each plant is 6 inches apart. Soil has to be well drained with adequate nutrients, and like most sun-loving herbs, water only when the topsoil is dry to the touch.

Propagation is through the seed. However, starting chamomile from seed can be very tricky and challenging. It's better to start from a young seedling in a container then transplant in the garden once the plant has hardened. An established chamomile plant is very hardy and can tolerate almost any growing conditions.

Medicinal Properties

The key element in a chamomile plant is its flowers. Chamomile flowers are used as medicinal herb, cosmetic agent, herbal tea, aromatherapy ingredient and can even be tossed in salads and beverages.

Its flowers have anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, nervine or nerve-soothing properties. As anti-inflammatory, it can be used to treat skin irritations, gingivitis, rheumatism, arthritis, and other painful swellings. As antispasmodic, it can be used to relieve stomachache and gas pain, menstrual cramps, indigestion, diarrhea and ulcer. It is also a very good laxative. As nervine, it is slightly sedative and can be used to induce sleep and dull pain. It also helps to alleviate anxiety and depression.

As a cosmetic agent, chamomile can lend anti-allergenic and soothing properties to beauty products. It is sometimes added to soaps and lotions because it can soften the skin. It is also great for aromatherapeutical applications because it has a calming effect and relieves mental and physical stress. It is also used in shampoos for its sweet-smelling scent.

However, chamomile is not recommended as an alternative medicine for pregnant and breastfeeding women. It is also anti-coagulant (blood-thinning) and vasodilative (nerve-dilating) and must be avoided, at all cost, weeks before and after undergoing surgery. Use with medications having the same effect is also highly discouraged.

How to Use

This wonderful and common medicinal herb is often use in the form of herbal tea. Dried flowers are added into boiling water then covered and steeped for at least 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can also place them in a tea bag to eliminate the need for draining.

Dried flowers can also be used in a bath soak as a relaxing beauty regimen. They can also be made into potpourri and burned for aromatherapy. Commercial chamomile essential and massage oils are also available in the market. If you're in for an organic gastronomical treat, you can eat chamomile flowers fresh by tossing some into your salad or your favorite lemonade.

The uses and benefits of growing medicinal herbs in your home is plenty and truly amazing. Having chamomile, along with other common medicinal herbs will make your herb gardening more worthwhile.

To know more about growing medicinal herbs and other herb gardening technique, visit her site: http://www.GrowHerbsInfo.com. Nova Person is an herb expert and a gardener and her site is a collection of all her gardening wisdom and know-how that she learned from her 20 years of experience in growing and tending herbs.

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The Ancient Power of Medicinal Herbs

Lately, more and more of my patients have expressed an interest in using herbs for their specific health concerns. They are concerned, as am I, about side effects, as well as rising costs of prescription drugs with health care insurance issues being what they are these days.

Herbs have been used as medicine for centuries in many cultures around the world. Traditional Chinese Medicine and Indian Ayurvedic medicine lead the way in treating illness with herbs. In fact, prior to 1930, herbal medicine was the only medicine used in America!

For the past 30 years, however, herbal, or botanical, medicine is enjoying resurgence in America. People are revisiting the healing power of all those ancient herbal formulas. Echinacea fights colds, St. John's Wort brightens mood, chamomile settles upset stomach, and ginseng boosts energy. These herbs are so commonly known they're sold in grocery stores!

The use of medicinal herbs is a vast subject, so I'd like to touch on some of the most common herbs and their uses.

Herbs for General Health

Especially in men and women over age 40, along with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and enough restorative sleep, taking at least 1 of these herbs can help keep you healthy in general:

•Garlic - antioxidant, antibiotic, and cholesterol reducer, can help prevent heart disease.
•Green tea - an all-around powerhouse antioxidant, can lower cholesterol and help prevent mouth and stomach cancers. Drink 2-3 cups a day without milk or cream.
•Turmeric - (yellow mustard ingredient) long used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine, an excellent antioxidant which lower cholesterol and is said to prevent cancer.
•Olive Leaf Extract - anti-inflammatory, immune system booster, kills viruses and bacteria that can cause illness.
Herbs for Men's Health Issues
There are several herbs that are beneficial to men's specific health concerns such as prostate and impotence issues. Here are a few of them:
•Saw palmetto/beta sitosterol - one of the most popular herbs, treats BPH, benign prostatic hypertrophy, by shrinking the enlarged prostate and relieving urinary problems.
•Gingko biloba - helps increase blood flow throughout the body which can alleviate impotence and help cognitive brain function and circulatory issues.
•Muira puama - stimulates libido (both male and female), treats erectile dysfunction, and balances hormones.
•Tribulus - stimulates testosterone production, addressing impotence and libido.
Herbs for Women's Health Issues
Women's specific health concerns such as painful menstruation, menopause, libido and infertility have been treated with herbs for centuries. Recently, traditional medical doctors have turned to safe, herb-derived bioidentical hormone replacement to treat symptoms of menopause. The following are herbal estrogen and progesterone sources that come from:
•Black cohosh - full of natural plant estrogens, good for menopause symptoms and PMS.
•Wild Yam - contains isoflavones, treats menopause symptoms, and maintains bone strength.
•Dong Quai - for menopause, treats hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and weak bladder tone.
•Red Clover - like soy, contains isoflavones, treats menopause symptoms.
The Big Three and Herbs
In the United States, the highest rates of illness are from cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Let me share with you some herbs that have shown a lot of promise in research studies to specifically address these conditions:
•Sheep Sorrel - Cancer. Noted for its tumor shrinking, anti-metastasizing properties.
•Green Tea Extract - Cancer. Contains ECGC, an antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals that damage healthy cells. Slows/prevents the rapid cell replication of cancer.
•Turmeric - Cancer. Contains curcumin, boosts immune system, and prevents tumor growth.
•Cinnamon - Diabetes. 1/4 to 1 tsp sprinkled on food, can control insulin spikes. Also helps lower high blood pressure.
•Banaba - Diabetes. An herb from the Philippines extensively studied for diabetes. Like cinnamon, has insulin-like activity that helps maintain normal blood sugar.
•Ampalaya (bitter melon) - Diabetes. Also extensively researched, the favorite treatment for
diabetes in India, Asia, Africa. Said to stimulate beta cell production in the pancreas that helps the body's natural production of insulin.
•Valerian - Heart/high blood pressure. Relaxes you, lowers blood pressure, and aids sleep.
•Alfalfa and Garlic - Heart/arteries. Lowers LDL cholesterol by blocking absorption and preventing oxidation into plaques or clots.
•Cayenne - Heart/circulation. Stops heart pain by rapidly increasing blood flow to the heart. It has been touted as a first aid treatment for heart attack - 1 tablespoon Cayenne in a glass of warm water drank quickly.

There you have a basic introduction to medicinal herbs. There are innumerable health conditions that herbs can be used for. However, they are not without risk. You have to take them properly as you would prescription drugs. Consult a doctor familiar with the use of herbal medicine to treat illness. They can ensure correct usage and monitor you for any possible adverse reaction.

Mark Rosenberg, M.D.

Institute For Healthy Aging
http://www.vitalmaxvitamins.com/

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Growing Medicinal Herbs - A Healthy Alternative

Among the uses that can be made of herbs, home remedies is one of them. Though generally known for its culinary usage, growing medicinal herbs is favored by many and has been used for many, many centuries. They are most often presented in the form of teas or infusions which makes them quite easy to consume.
Herbs of all types have been growing freely everywhere since vegetation has garnished this planet and has has shared its beneficiary effects with mankind for a long time and, for many purposes. Culinary, ornamental, fragrances and medicinal all plays an important role in our lives. Herbs are the ancestor and the principle active agent in modern pharmaceutical production.

Growing a Garden of Medicinal Herbs:

To start growing herbs for such a purpose, you will do so the same way you would grow any other herbs, flowers or plants. As most other herbs, they can be grown outside, in the garden, or inside of your home. Of course, you will need to choose which herbs you will be growing and the proper care needed to succeed, how to harvest and prepare them for storing.

Once you have chosen the herbs you wish to grow, you will go to the local gardening center and buy the plants and other supplies needed. The plants and good soil are pretty much all you need for planting in the garden, for growing inside you might also need pots, some gravel for proper drainage.

When planting, dig a hole for each plant making sure that there is enough room for the roots to be nested in without any bending. Proper sunlight, watering and weeding will vary according to the variety of plants you are growing. Be aware that an important factor to the choice of herbs you are growing. There are 3 main types of plants - annuals, biennials and perennials. These variations will strongly affect when and how the plant is to be grown.

Once your crop has reached maturity, it is ready to be harvested and prepare for storage. Medicinal herbs are dried the same as other herbs by hanging them upside down, stored in bags, or dried in the oven.

Medicinal Herbs: Which one and what for?

There is a good choice of herbs to choose from and it depends essentially on the needs you wish to cover. There are numerous other herbs available to care for your health that you may wish to grow, but these are a few to get you started.

• Valerian, Passion Flower, Skullcap and Chamomile: Calming effect, will help assure a good night sleep.
• Sweet Annie, Baikal Skullcap, Barberry, Meadowsweet, Marshmallow, Licorice and Ginger: Great for the digestive track and digestion.
• Saw Palmetto, Pygeum bark, Horsetail, Pipsissewa, Echinacea and Marshmallow: Beneficiary effects for male prostate health.
• St. John's Wort favors emotional well being and concentration.
• Reishi is a fantastic support to the immune system and milk thistle is good for the liver.
• Helonias, Black Cohosh, Dang gui, Partridge Berry, Chasteberry, Angelica, Ginger and Licorice are all favorable to women's health.
• Hawthorn, fresh Skullcap, fresh Motherwort and fresh Cayenne are popular herbs to help with cardiovascular health.

How to use these herbs:
As mentioned before, teas or infusions are the most common way to consume the herbs. Of course, fresh leaves are the best option for preparing the tea. but stored herbs will do the job just as well when out of season. In both cases you only need to apply boiling water over the stems, leaves or flowers for several minutes. It can be drank hot or you may prefer to let it cool down a bit.

When using the herb's roots, the bark or any other hard part of the plant, you will need to do a decoction. To do so, you will put 1 teaspoon of dried herb (3 if fresh) for each cup you wish to make, add the water and bring to a boil. Do not use an aluminum pot, a glass or enamel saucepan should be used when doing this.Once boiled, simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Keep the lid on the saucepan so that all the essential oils and nutrients remains locked-in. Strain the flavorful potion and enjoy.

For more thorough information on growing medicinal herbs, please follow the links to my website or get the full blown version on everything you need to know covered in the ebook ''The Easy Guide to Successful Herb Gardening".

Eustache Davenport is a gardening enthusiast and author. He lives in Montreal and enjoy teaching his gardening secrets to work groups on how to setup, optimize and maintain an amazing herb garden. For more great tips and information on growing medicinal herbs and more, visit http://www.herbgardeningonlineguide.com

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