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Showing posts with label licorice. Show all posts
Showing posts with label licorice. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Herbal Remedies – Your Ultimate Health Solution

An herbal remedy literally means solution that is obtained from herbs and natural resources. These solutions are generally meant in health related situations. Thus it can be said that herbal remedies are the health solutions that are achieved by the use of herbal and natural resources.

These herbal remedies are preferred over other health solutions due to the fact that they are obtained from nature and also are far away from casting any side effects on our body.

No doubt today’s world is seeing tremendous advancements in the health industry and due to this substantial growth the expected life of a person has increased manifolds. The allopathic medicine no doubt helpful in treating many diseases that consumed lots of time to treat by contemporary medicines. But in contrast to this it also caused lots of side effects in the body and is the temporary solution to a problem.

With constant search for better health solution, we bent back to our roots. With the rediscovery of our roots and traditions we really got to know about the benefits that herbal remedies had on our life and are also very helpful in treating various ailments. These herbal remedies not only provide relief from the problem but also is effective in getting the cure of that ailment.

Below are some of the herbal remedies that will be very beneficial.

  • Garlic and cholesterol control – because of the properties that garlic possesses has made it famous world wide. Garlic has wonderful properties that has made it most extensively used herb in maintaining the normal levels of cholesterol in the body. It is very effective in removing the plaque formation in the blood vessels there by reducing the dangers like heart attack and angina. It is also very effective in normalizing the blood circulation in the body.
  • Brahmi for brain - Brahmi holds a very special place in ayurveda as one of the best memory enhancer. It is having wonderful results in increasing the memory skills and also enhances the grabbing power. It is helpful in increasing the mental concentration. It is also very effective in treating the mental disorders. Convulsions can also treated by use of Brahmi.
  • Vidanga for worm infestation – vidanga (embelia ribes) is a widely used in treating the wormal infections in the body. It is helpful in suppressing the parasitic invasion in the body. It is also helpful in toning up of digestive tract. Mild laxative activities have also been in vidanga.
  • Lemon for indigestion – lemon or nimbu is used in treating digestive disorders. It helps in maintaining the proper peristaltic movements in the gastrointestinal tract. It is also helpful in improving the taste of the mouth and is good in suppressing the wormal infection.
  • Licorice for throat problems – licorice is widely known as mulethi or yasti-madhu. It is considered as blessing for people suffering from throat related problems. It helps in expelling out the extra amount of mucus that gets accumulated in the body. It is also effective in suppressing the infection in the respiratory tract. It is also helpful in improving the tastelessness condition of the body.
  • Peppermint for acidity - peppermint is very effective in suppressing the acid reflux that occurs due to certain digestive disorders. It is helpful in suppressing the pain in the upper abdomen (epigastic region). It is also helpful in digestive problems.
  • Ashwagandha for depression – Ashwagandha or withinia somnifera is one of the best solutions for treating depression. It is helpful in combating the depressive condition and also suppresses the negative thoughts that are the real cause of depression. It helps in gaining new enthusiasm in the body and also provides the physical and mental stamina to carry on the routine activities with new zeal and power.
  • Arjuna for heart – Arjuna has recently emerged as one of the best cardio protector. It is very helpful in increasing the working condition of the heart and also tones up the heart for its best performance. It normalizes the heart rate and also helps in curbing any heart aliment that is a huge threat to our life.
  • Bhumyamalaki for viral infections – one of the recent discovery by modern sciences that Bhumyamalaki (Phyllanthus niruri) is very effective in suppressing viral infections. But it was known to ayurvedic physicians thousands of years ago. They used it extensively in treating various ailments that are caused by viral infections. It not only helps in curbing the viral infection but also increase the immunity of the body. It is very much effective in treating the liver related ailments and is very much helpful in normalizing situations like jaundice, hepatitis and hepato-megaly.

About the Author

Read more about Ayurveda and Ayurvedic Treatments at http://www.ayurvediccure.com - World's Finest Portal on Ayurveda and Herbal Remedies

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Licorice Root - Side Effects and Benefits

Botanical Name of Licorice: Glycyrrhiza glabra

Other Common Names: Sweetwood, Sweetroot, Black Sugar, Liquorice, French-regliss, German-Lakritze, Italian-liquirizia, Spanish-regaliz, Indian-mulethi, European Licorice

Habitat: The licorice root is native to Southeastern Europe and cultivated in most of Europe. It prefers the open, dry areas with rich soil. It was first harvested from the wild, until it was cultivated one thousand years ago.

Plant Description: The licorice plant is erect, standing about 1.5 meters tall with spikes bearing lilac-colored flowers with bean-like pods containing three or four seeds. The main root (taproot) descends up to a meter into the ground and sends out a network of rhizomes. These roots and rhizomes are harvested after three to five years. The rhizomes have a woody appearance with a brown skin and yellow, fibrous interior.

Plant Parts Used: The main taproot and the rhizomes are used in medicinal and flavoring applications.

Therapeutic Uses, Benefits and Claims of The Licorice Root

* The licorice root is used in flavoring for its sweetness. The flavor often associated with licorice is actually anise. Licorice is added as a sweetener.
* The root was often given in ancient Rome for asthma, dry cough and other diseases of the lungs.
* Licorice shows promise as an expectorant (used to loosen and expel congestion in the upper airway.) It may also stimulate mucous production and secretion in the trachea.
* This herb has been shown to be soothing to irritated membranes and acts as an anti-inflammatory.
* The licorice root has also been used as antacid.
* Gastric ulcers are another target of this herb. Some countries have even experimented with licorice-coated aspirin to help reduce ulcers caused by aspirin use.
* The licorice root also helps promote adrenal function, supports lung health, and cleanses the colon.
* This herb has also been used for its throat-soothing qualities.
* Licorice may help combat some viruses such as Hepatitis B, influenza, and HIV by boosting the immune system and stimulating the production of interferon.
* It has also been shown to relieve rheumatism, arthritis, low blood sugar, menstrual cramps and regulating menstruation.

Dosage and Administration

Licorice may come in an extract format or in root form. The extract can come in teas, capsules, tablets, and in combination with other herbal remedies. Recommended dosage is 1 teaspoon (2-4 grams) of the root in a tea or other form daily.

Potential Side Effects of The Licorice Root

The side effects associated with licorice use include water retention, stomach pain, headache, shortness of breath and joint stiffness. Hypertension (high blood pressure) has also been associated with long term use of licorice at higher doses. The side effects do seem to be dose dependent, with smaller doses having less, or no, side effects. Licorice should not be used in conjunction with diuretics or digitalis glycoside heart medications. Due to the tendency to raise blood pressure and blood glucose levels, this herb should not be used by those with diabetes or hypertension. Persons with cirrhosis of the liver or impaired liver function should also avoid this herb.

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About alien:
Alien writes for Natural herbs . He also writes for herbs and asthma home remedies