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Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Hoodia Gordonii – The Weight Loss Herb

Hoodia Gordonii has burst into the marketplace as one of the amazing weight loss herbs that actually work. It is a natural appetite suppressant, so necessary for a diet to be successful. It is a completely natural and safe herbal diet pill for weight loss.

Hoodia Gordonii was introduced to the United States in 2004 as a weight loss herb. It has been around for thousands of years and has been used by the San people in South Africa for its ability to be an appetite suppressant while hunting. The Hoodia Gordonii plant looks like a cactus but is really a succulent that grows in the high areas of the Kalahari Desert. It is the weight loss herb for anyone looking to diet without hunger. Hoodia Gordonii is not a drug, it is an herb. It is a completely natural and safe herbal diet pill for weight loss that will not cause any stimulation.

There are many pharmaceutical firms that are trying to make a synthesized version of the Hoodia Gordonii plant, in order to patent it. But from all the research that has been done you must consume the plant or powder causal to achieve the weight loss you desire.

Since this weight loss herb has become so lucrative people are digging up anything that looks like Hoodia. Because of the high demand for Hoodia Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa have placed this herb on the Endangered Species list. This enables them to control the harvesting and exportation of Hoodia Gordonii.

To be sure you are purchasing only natural Hoodia, check if the company has two things that will guarantee it. First make sure they have a C&A, which is a Certificate of Analysis. This tells you that the substance has been analyzed and it is pure Hoodia Gordonii. The next piece of information you want to have about this herb is if the company has a CITES certificate, it is the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of the Worlds Fauna and Wildlife. The second line on the certificate will say "valid until (date)", make sure it is still valid. These two pieces of documentation let you know that you are buying real Hoodia Gordonii. While there are several species of Hoodia, only Hoodia Gordonii is the herb with the appetite suppressant.

Hoodia Gordonii has a molecule that acts much like glucose on the nerve cells. It is an herb that tricks the brain into feeling full. In some trials it has reduced the appetite by hundreds of calories each day. The Hoodia molecule has been found to contain 10,000 times the molecule as glucose. The molecule goes to the hypothalamus in mid brain and fires the cells that signal your brain that you have had enough. This herb actually takes away your desire to eat.

Some of the qualities of Hoodia Gordonii are, losing an interest in food, longer periods of time before hunger returns, quickly feeling full, and a general over all good feeling. Plus the herbs added benefit is that there are no side effects.

There have been some people that say that their Hoodia Gordonii supplement works right away. Others have reported that it takes a two week regime of regularly using the herb for the appetite suppression to begin.

Hoodia Gordonii is not a miracle cure for obesity; I would be lying to say that. It will suppress your appetite, but use a little common sense. You should exercise, since it has been proven that diet and exercise go hand in hand. You should drink plenty of water to flush the fat and toxins from your body. Eating healthy will make your weight reduction much easier. Those items along with the weight loss herb Hoodia Gordonii will get you to your goal of a healthier lifestyle.

Here's to success with the weight loss herb Hoodia Gordonii.

For more information on Hoodia Gordonii visit my Gardening Herb website.

Copyright © Mary Hanna, All Rights Reserved.

This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.


About the Author

Mary Hanna is an aspiring herbalist who lives in Central Florida. For more information on Hoodia Gordonii visit her website at http://www.GardeningHerb.com .
Mary has also published articles on Cruising, Gardening and Cooking so visit her other websites at http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com and http://www.ContainerGardeningSecrets.com

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

Monday, August 11, 2008

Herbs For Natural Sleep - Kava

Insomnia has been with us since time began and affects the lives of literally millions of people across the globe. This article discusses the time-honored traditional use of herbal remedies and, specifically, considers the use of kava.

Insomnia has been with us since the dawn of time and affects the lives of countless millions of people across the globe causing mild irritation to some and severely affecting the quality of life for a significant number of us.

Finding a cure for insomnia and getting back to night after night of natural sleep can be difficult but, for many people, the solution lies in taking time-honored traditional herbal remedies such as Kava.

Kava is the name that the Pacific islanders give to both a shrub belonging to the pepper family and also to the beverage made from it. The shrub can be found growing in abundance principally in western Polynesia, particularly in Samoa and Tonga, and most of Melanesia, including Fiji. It can also be found on Pohnpei Island, in Micronesia.

People have traditionally prepared kava as a cold tea (an infusion made from straining a mixture of water and shredded and pounded dried or fresh root). One simple method for the preparation of kava tea involves placing two or more heaped teaspoons of kava root for each person into a clean stocking, tying a knot in it and then squeezing it repeatedly in a bowl of cold water.

The tea often produces a slight numbing of the lips and tongue initially, followed by mildly talkative and euphoric behavior, a sense of well-being and calm, relaxation and clear thinking. Sleep associated with kava is particularly restful and there are no after effects the following day.

Kava can be purchased at health food stores as a standardized extract and is a convenient method of anxiety relief as it is fast acting and highly potent. You can also purchase kava in tablet form.

Some vendors also package high-powered Kava mixtures in convenient mini spray bottles. These are handy to keep in a pocket or purse and are extremely effective for providing a quick burst of relaxation. Just one or two quick sprays under the tongue can do wonders for both tension and the jitters.

If you are planning to purchase the raw root, it is wise to buy whole, top grade lateral root.

The effective daily dose of kava ranges widely from 70 mg to 200 mg of kavalactones which are recognized as the major biochemical anti-anxiety constituents. For a deep natural sleep it is recommended that you should take a dose of from 150 mg to 200 mg about 20 or 30 minutes before retiring.

Some concerns have been raised recently about the safety of Kava after a small number of deaths from liver failure. As a result France and Switzerland have banned Kava, while Germany has made it available by prescription only. In north America the CDC (Center for Disease Control) has expressed reservations over its use.

Controversy abounds, fuelled by the economic interest of the kava exporting nations and disagreements between the medical establishment and proponents of natural medicine. Right now the 'jury is out' and only time will bring out the truth. You should note however that the Tongans have relied heavily on kava for many years and that it is of great importance within Tongan society.

One side-effect linked to the heavy use of kava is that of kava dermopathy - a scaly eruption of the skin. This disappears if use is discontinued and is harmless. In the past, Hawaiians drank large quantities of kava to produce just this effect as a means of cleansing the skin and giving themselves a smoother, clearer complexion.


About the Author

Donald Saunders is the author of a number of health related publications including "Help Me To Sleep - A Guide to Natural Sleep Remedies". To find out more about the use of herbs to promote natural sleep and as a cure for insomnia visit http://helpmetosleep.com/natural-sleep/ today.

Detoxify Your Body With Herbal Teas

Colon cleansing is the first channel in the detoxification process. By cleansing the colon first with herbs and colon hydrotherapy.

Herbal teas are essentially body balancers, and their mild detoxification properties are easy for the body to utilise. Detoxification is not a new concept. Many ancient cultures practiced detoxification in the form of fasting and colon cleansing with herbs. The body's autonomic mechanism is astonishingly effective at eliminating wastes and poisons from the system. Its functioning is enhanced when you cleanse your body with herbal teas that possess cleansing and detoxifying efficacy. The volatile oils and phenolic compounds in herbs are released by hot brewing water. When taken in small doses during the period when you detoxify your body.

They bathe the tissues with concentrated natural support that promote cell regeneration and release of toxic waste. Detoxification must be viewed as a total body process for all of the body's organ systems, which must all be addressed if total body detoxification is to be effective. There are a total of seven channels of elimination. The five primary are: colon (large intestine), kidneys, skin, lungs and liver, while the remaining channels are blood and the lymphatic system.

A footpath is cleared for the remainder of the organs to start to detoxify. There are an amount of approaches that can be used to alleviate cleansing and detoxification. Some of the almost efficient methods are: dietary changes, herbal cleansing programs, colon hydrotherapy, saunas/steam baths/rind brushing, nourishing supplementation and drill. A normal vegetarian diet is the better manner to eradicate toxins from the system effectively. This diet provides fibre needed for stimulating better intestine movements and appropriate amounts of vitamins to sustain the detoxification organs. As most vegetarian diets are eaten uncooked.

A robust diet is really significant as it normally forms the ground for any detoxification plan, be it herbs, cleansing or new detoxification programs. Detoxification diets mostly eradicate trigger foods which may induce digestion and excretion problems. Foods like wheat and dairy (milk, cheese) are frequently the reason of allergies. Sugar is avoided because of its "vacant calories" and its trend to develop insulin opposition. Meats such as beef and technical chicken that are cereal fed are eliminated because they may carry hormones and antibiotics. It is smart to avert caffeine since it has many bedridden effects on the system's digestive structure.


About the Author

Juliet Cohen writes articles for http://www.health-doctor.org/, http:///www.healingremedies.org/ and http://www.women-health-guide.com/ .

Saturday, August 9, 2008

Garlic – How to Use Garlic for Home Treatments

Garlic is an herb that is a part of every Indian kitchen. It is one of the herbs that are widely used as spices worldwide. Since centuries people are using garlic to enhance taste of their food.

spite of making our food delicious it serves a major role in maintaining our health.

Garlic is derived from a Greek word “garleac” that means spear leek. References of garlic are found in ancient texts and mythological stories. Egyptians used to worship garlic by placing them on the tombs of their ancestors. They thought that garlic would save them from evil spirits and vampires.

It would be surprising for you that Americans were unaware of this herb till the beginning of last century. In 1940 they came across the benefits of garlic and then included it in their diet and also used it for therapeutic purposes.

What does garlic do?

Garlic is a wonderful herb that is very effective in treating various disorders and helps in improving the performance of the body.

Following are the conditions in which garlic is very helpful

  • Indigestion
  • Worm infestation
  • Infections
  • Fungal infection
  • Hyperlipidemia
  • High cholesterol levels
  • Cancer
  • Blood disorders
  • Diabetes
  • Impotence
  • Decreased sperm count
  • Decreased body immunity

What does garlic possess?

Garlic is supposed to possess various chemical agents and minerals that provide it with the properties it possess.

  • Allicin
  • Allilin
  • Saponin
  • Beta-carotene
  • Beta – sitosterol
  • Diallyl disulphide
  • Ferulic acid
  • Phytic acid

Minerals found in garlic are

  • Calcium
  • Folate
  • Iron
  • Magnesium
  • Phosphorus
  • Potassium
  • Selenium
  • Zinc

Following vitamins are found in garlic

  • Thiamine
  • Riboflavin
  • Niacin
  • Ascorbic acid

How ginger can maintain my health?

  • Garlic is widely used by ayurvedic doctors in India and is used since centuries. Ginger has the wonder properties to prevent heart related problems. These problems includes arthrosclerosis, higher degrees of cholesterol, high blood pressure and strengthen the bodies immunity.
  • Garlic is very helpful in suppressing the abnormal growth of the cells that leads to the formation of cancer. This property of cancer fighting activity is due to presence of diallyl sulphide. Dially sulphide is believed to possess anti cancerous properties.
  • Recent studies have shown that garlic has the tendency to fight against the common cold. Reason fir this can be given that as garlic is of hot potency, it is very helpful in suppressing the causative agent that causes common cold.
  • Garlic has also been found in reducing the aggregation of the blood platelets. It helps in reducing the risk of getting blood related problems
  • Garlic is also said to be helpful in diabetic conditions. It is said to regulate normal sugar levels of the blood in the body. Prolonged usage of garlic has shown miraculous results in treating diabetes.
  • Garlic is also supposed to promote healing of wounds. It has antiseptic properties and hence it is helpful in preventing any kind of infection that might occur on the wound.
  • Garlic is vermicidal in action. It helps in preventing any kind of protozoal growth in our gastrointestinal tract. It helps in suppressing the wormal infection of pin worm and round worm.
  • Garlic is very effective in treating the fungal infection in the body. It also helpful in preventing the candidasis in vagina. Local application as well as oral medication of garlic is taken in these cases.
Good aphrodisiac action has also been noticed. It is helpful in increasing the enhancing the mail libido and stamina. It improves the condition of impotence, premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction. It is also helpful in increasing the sperm count. It improves the sexual vigor and promotes quality of the sperms. The reference of garlic has also been found in the ayurvedic texts.

About the Author

Read more about the benefits of Garlic and Holy Basil at http://www.ayurvediccure.com - World's Finest Portal on Ayurveda and Herbal Remedies

Using Herbs for Hot Flashes

We've all heard the term "hot flashes", unless we've lived under a rock, or are too young to pay attentino to such health woes. Hot flashes are typically associated with the period in life where a woman goes through what is called perimenopause, and then menopause.

This is the time of life for a woman where her menstrual cycle slows down, and eventually stops. There is also a profound hormonal shift in the body which lowers the levels of the signature female hormone estrogen in the body.

This dip in estrogen and subsequent increase of other hormones in the body causes several shifts that result in body changes which unfortunately involved discomfort and many times emotionally trying times. A big part of this landmark shift is something that has been medically and popularly coined as "hot flashes". Hot flashes are pretty much exactly what they sound like.

They are periods of time, varying in their length, where the body suddenly feels extremely overheated. Have you ever been in a highly stressful situation, or been put on the spot? There is a high likelihood that you felt something like a hot flash, with instantaneous sweating, a possible feeling of nausea and the sense that your body was suddenly "on fire".

The only problem is, menopausal and perimenopausal hot flashes tend to not only last longer and occur more frequently than the dubious uncomfortable situation we've all been in, and they also have some additional side effects that are even scarier if you're not sure what's happening to you. This is exactly the reason why so much attention has been focused on this symptom of menopause.

Women find this uncontrollable and unpredictable aspect of the life changing period to be alarming, and of course they seek ways to reduce them or even eliminate them.

There are some supplements on the market currently that are stocked on the shelves of popular drug stores and grocery stores, but what do they have in them that helps hot flashes, and can also aid in offsetting the other symptoms of menopause and the accompanying hormonal imbalance?Many times the primary ingredient you will see in natural menopausal relief supplements are herbs and botanicals which contain a compound called soy, or soy isoflavones. These natural plant chemicals can gently mimic the effect of estrogen in a woman's body, and can help to replenish the effects of this hormone in the female body.

This is the reason they are used in herbal medicine to help diminish or help eliminate hot flashes, as well as alleviate other unpleasant symptoms of menopause and perimenopause.

Along with soy, there are a variety of other estrogen-mimicking compounds that are found in nature's herbs that are commonly used in modern day hormonal control supplements as well as dating back thousands of years for women who suffered from various side effects of estrogen deficiency.

Evening primrose oil is a very popular herb used to quell hot flashes. Evening primrose oil has long been used, sometimes in conjunction with other herbs, to remedy hot flashes by helping to restore balance in the body.

Evening primrose oil can, in some women who may be sensitive, produce unpleasant side effects , so just carefully read labels when you purchase anything.

Another herb that comes highly recommended for female hormone balance and hot flash symptoms is black cohosh. Black cohosh is another herb that has mild estrogen mimicking qualities, but again, this herb should be treated with caution as well, as it has been known to cause gastrointestinal issues for some sensitive individuals.

Other herbs that have these same mild estrogen qualities, and can also be taken are wild yam, fennel seed, and flax seed, the latter of which I personally like to use in cooking which is probably even better than buying it as a supplement.

It usually is recommended when you first start taking an herb, to start with small doses, to minimize any potential side effects and test the waters for any personal sensitivities to a particular herb before delving in head first.

With a little caution, and armed with some knowledge of herbs that you can seek which can help with hot flashes, many women have found that these herbs, or even combinations of these herbs has resulted in a very successful treatment for their hot flas


About the Author

Danna Schneider is the founder of Menopause Symptom Relief and Herbal Remedies for Menopause where news and suggestions on new natural ways to combat menopause symptoms and hot flashes can be found. .

Monday, August 4, 2008

Herbs for Asthma Treatment

Asthma can be controlled by taking medicine and avoiding the triggers that can cause an attack.

Asthma is an allergic disease that affects the bronchi or air passages. Asthma is a disease that affects your lungs. It causes repeated episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and nighttime or early morning coughing. Asthma and eosinophilic bronchitis can be treated with inhaled corticosteroids, which combat inflammation in the airways to reduce asthma symptoms. Asthma is one of the leading causes of children missing school. Approximately 14 million adults and 6 million children in the U.S. have asthma. In fact, asthma is the most common chronic illness of childhood and a common reason for missed school days. Asthma is more common in boys than in girls. But after puberty asthma is more common in females. Sometimes certain triggers can bring on symptoms. It's sensible to try to avoid these triggers as much as possible, as they will make your asthma worse. During an asthma attack, muscles around the airways tighten up, making the airways narrower so less air flows through. Inflammation increases, and the airways become more swollen and even narrower.

Asthma attacks are not all the same—some are worse than others. Asthma affects the airways, the small tubes that carry air in and out of your lungs. If you have asthma, your airways are sensitive and easily become swollen. A total of 47 patients had high levels of exhaled nitric oxide. Of those patients, 41 started using inhaled corticosteroids, and 36 noted improvement in their cough. In a severe asthma attack, the airways can close so much that not enough oxygen gets to vital organs. Common triggers include house dust mite, animal fur, pollen, tobacco smoke, cold air, viral and bacterial chest infections. Asthma coughs, on the other hand, are most often dry coughs caused by bronchial spasms. Asthma attacks come and go, with wide variation in the symptoms at different times. Many people with asthma have problems only occasionally but others struggle with it every day. Some children grow out of asthma and some people are only affected at different times of the year.

There are several types of medications available for treating asthma. Licorice Root has also been proven as an effective herb for asthma treatment. Licorice Root has been evaluated in the treatment of asthma and scientists have discovered that it assists in defeating the inflammation that constricts the airways in the asthma patient. Some of these herbs for asthma treatment include; seed of lobelia, marshmallow root, garlics and onions and other remedies on the holistic front. Herbal and homeopathic asthma treatment can be extremely effective. Used as part of a wider, holistic lifestyle management, herbal and homeopathic medicines can bring significant relief to sufferers of asthma without the side effects or other complications that often accompany conventional drugs. Biovent asthma remedy is a unique combination of herbal and homeopathic ingredients. It controls and prevents asthma attacks and assists with the management of chronic asthma. Arsen alb is a homeopathic remedy often used to prevent bronchospasm caused by cold air and in the early morning.

Herbs for Asthma Treatment Tips

1. Add Vitamin C, B6 and magnesium to your daily supplements.

2. Avoid products treated with sulphur dioxide and other preservatives.

3. Use ImmunityPlus Immune System Booster regularly to attain optimal immune functioning.

4. Keep an 'asthma diary' to help you to identify triggers.

5. Avoid tobacco smoke and keep your home free from dust, pollen, air fresheners.

6. Wear a scarf over your nose and mouth if you have to go out in cold air.

7. Treat colds and flu in the early stages to reduce the likelihood of an attack.

8. Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily.

9. Keep calm and practice relaxation techniques like meditation and yoga.

10. Regular exercise can help to strengthen lung functioning.


About the Author

Juliet Cohen writes articles for http://www.healthatoz.info/, http://www.health-disease.org/ and http://www.health-care-articles.info/ .