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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Natural Herbs for Detox Can Change Your Life

There are a lot of chemicals, pesticides and other harmful factors in the environment that would jeopardize one's health. The foods that we eat is also adding to toxin build up, which lowers our immunity. There is a tendency for tissues and cells to have a toxic load as a result of high intake of processed foods. There is a need on cleansing from these toxins. This is called detoxification.

There is a need to find other ways to clear the body from these toxins as our kidney and liver, though being considered as natural detoxifiers, will be unable to do so if too much toxins are available. Long fasting or dialysis are some methods of detoxifying the body. The defense mechanism of the body is the immune system. Thus, one must take action to prevent infections and diseases to avoid the whole body to become affected. The frequency of illness of one person will be dependent on the strength of the immune system.

There are products that will help to strengthen the immune system such as detox herbs. These herbs will minimize the development of illness and instead give support to the immune system to maintain a good well-being. Make sure that after choosing the right detox plan for yourself, you then choose the right detox herb products to use. The following herbs are some commonly used herbs.

Psyllium seeds. This will improve bowel movement and maintain it in good condition. especially when there is a problem with diarrhea. This herb also remove toxins in the body and absorb it like a sponge.
Cascara Sagrada. This helps to flush out toxins from the system and is a natural laxative. Your colon will be strengthened as well and can be used together with psyllium seeds.

Milk thistle. This is used to stimulate protein synthesis in the liver.

Nettles. This helps the urinary system as well as other parts of the body.


Burdock roots. This provides stronger cleansing since it aids to minimize metal build up that causes harm to the immune system.

Dandelion roots. This will target cleansing to your liver and is beneficial in removing wastes in the gall bladder. If used with other compatible herbs, it will have an effective way to cleanse the kidneys as well.
If there have been constant exposure to polluted air and processed foods, one must do detoxification. These herbs have a been known in history to help people in the process of detoxification. Which is why, these are mostly used to treat patients when it comes to detoxification.

Read more on how to Use Natural Herbs for Detox at http://www.detox-naturally.info/howto-do-a-detox

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Treating Anxiety With Natural Herbs and Over the Counter Supplements

This article will discuss the symptoms associated with anxiety and some of the best all-natural remedies with anti-anxiety properties.

Every living person feels anxiety at one time or another. We all know what it's like to feel worry, nervousness, fear and that heart-pounding feeling in your gut like something awful might happen. Maybe you get caught in a little white lie, or a big project you were working on gets delayed and you know it is your fault. Or maybe you're walking down the street and an unleashed pit bull starts eyeing you. Anxiety in these situations is common and quickly fades when the problem is solved.

But for nearly 40 million Americans, anxiety is an everyday reality. People who suffer from regular anxiety and/or panic attacks experience symptoms so often that it interferes with their ability to enjoy everyday life. People in this situation have anxiety "triggered" by what, for many people, would seem minor stressors, or normal life occurrences. These could be things as simple as starting a conversation or thinking about the future.

While a person often realizes the excessive worry or fear is not completely rational, there is little he or she can do to relax. Symptoms often include:

• Racing or pounding heart
• Trembling
• Sweaty palms
• Feelings of terror
• Chest pains or heaviness in the chest
• Dizziness and light-headedness
• Fear of dying
• Fear of going crazy
• Fear of losing control
• Feeling unable to catch one's breath
• Tingling in the hands, feet, legs, or arms

There are a number of treatment options for anxiety that include therapy, prescription drugs, exercise therapy and dietary supplements. With anxiety, treatment options are not a one-size-fits-all consideration.
For people with clinical disorders experiencing extremely severe symptoms that make everyday life a challenge, prescription medication coupled with therapy may be the best option. But most people who suffer from anxiety are not in that boat.

For most who suffer from anxiety, a combination of regular exercise and the right natural supplements can be effective enough to overcome most anxiety symptoms. Most commonly people feel anxiety when there is one or a few chemical imbalances in their body that lead them to have a strong stress response to normal, everyday occurrences. This imbalances can often be corrected with supplementation.

Two of the most important brain chemicals in preventing anxiety are Serotonin and GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). Together, these neurotransmitters, or "chemical messengers" work to regulate mood, sleep cycle, muscle tension, concentration and relaxation. These are also two of the most commonly imbalanced brain chemicals that can lead to anxiety.

When these are out of balance, the body's ability to confidently handle life's stressors is greatly reduced. Luckily you can support these crucial brain chemicals with natural, over-the-counter supplements. No doctor's appointment necessary.

So then, what types natural anti-anxiety herbal extracts, vitamins, amino acids and nutrients can you buy over the counter? The following list contains some of the strongest and safest. Several of these also support Serotonin and GABA production.

L-Theanine

L-theanine, an amino acid found in green tea, produces a pronounced feeling of tranquility in as little as fifteen (15) minutes. L-theanine increases the activity of GABA, a neurotransmitter (i.e. natural messenger in the brain) that promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety. L-theanine also stimulates the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for confidence and a sense of well-being.

GABA

Gama Aminobutyric-acid (GABA) is an amino acid and the main inhibitory (calming) neurotransmitter in the brain. GABA is a natural calming agent that prevents excessive muscle tension and helps our bodies make endorphins, chemicals that make us feel happy. Deficiencies of GABA in the brain have been linked to insomnia, and feeling anxious, stressed, tense and depressed.

Ashwaghanda Root

Ashwagandha has been used in the Indian tradition of Ayurveda in health tonics and calming serums. Recent studies demonstrate that Ashwagandha is an antioxidant that can treat anxiety, depression, panic attacks and phobia.

Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri)

Often used by Ayurvedic healers to accompany Ashwagandha, Brahmi (a.k.a. Bacopa Monnieri) is a mild sedative which supports the body during periods of emotional stress. Traditionally, Brahmi is prescribed to promote healthy cognitive functions, including focus, concentration, mental endurance and memory. Modern studies have found that Brahmi's anti-anxiety properties were as potent as those of Lorazepam, with none of the side effects.

Tryptophan

Tryptophan is the number 1 supplement purchased to fight stress and anxiety. It is an essential amino acid that the body converts into 5-HTP (5-hydroxy-tryptophan), and then to serotonin. Serotonin is involved in mood, appetite, sleep and impulse control. Once the serotonin neurotransmitter is made, the brain is able to convert it at night into melatonin, the sleep-inducing hormone.

Passion Flower

For centuries, herbal medicine practitioners have used Passion Flower as a natural remedy for anxiety, stress and insomnia. Modern clinical studies shows that Passion Flower extract significantly lowers anxiety levels and promotes a more tranquil frame of mind. Studies also indicate that Passion Flower can reduce anxiety-related discomfort caused by withdrawal from opiates and other drugs.

Magnesium

Magnesium deficiency is one of the leading causes of anxiety and insomnia and the western diet tends to be lacking in this critical element. Research now shows that as magnesium levels drop, symptoms of anxiety and depression can increase.

Niacin

Niacin works with the body to convert Tryptophan into 5-HTP, which can then be converted into Serotonin. Without Niacin, Tryptophan-5HTP conversion cannot take place. Common symptoms of niacin deficiency include irritability, poor concentration, anxiety, fatigue, restlessness, apathy, and depression.

Vitamin B Complex

Getting enough of the many forms of Vitamin B is essential to maintaining proper brain function. Vitamin B is involved in the metabolism, as well as the production of Serotonin. Low levels of vitamin B have been linked to, anxiety, restlessness, fatigue, irritability, and emotional instability.

Al of these can be purchased at your average health food store. Currently there is only one supplement that contains all of these ingredients: Tranquilene. You can learn more about Tranquilene here: http://www.tranquilene.com/index2.php

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Health Benefits Of Natural Herbs

Natural Herbs Can Be A Healthy Part Of Your Lifestyle

While the use of natural herbs to improve one's health has recently enjoyed a surge in popularity, the health benefits of natural herbs has been known throughout the world since prehistoric times. Many people throughout history have used herbs as medicines. Ancient histories describe medicinal uses for many different herbs, and many of those same herbs are used today to treat the same ailments. Modern chemical drugs and medicine are based quite a bit on early herbal medicine practices, and many of our drugs have extracts or essences of plants as some of their key ingredients. While chemical drugs have overshadowed herbal medicines in the modern era, many people are beginning to see the health benefits of natural herbs, especially when applied to a holistic wellness approach.

Understanding what herbs are and their known benefits may encourage you to begin to use these natural elements to increase your own wellness. The particular herbs used to tread medical conditions in ancient times often depended on the local vegetation, but with our global economy, it is much easier to access herbs from all over the world. Herbs come from leafy plants and many are used to flavor foods. However, some of these same herbs can have wonderful effects on the body. For instance, garlic can cause a modest reduction in high blood pressure, and green tea and Oolong tea can have been shown to cut the risks of getting high blood pressure up to 65%.

The health benefits of natural herbs for diabetes have also been researched, and Gymnema has been shown to stimulate the pancreas so that more insulin is produced. In addition, Fenugreek, which was used by ancient Romans and Greeks to treat diabetes, has been shown to lower the blood glucose levels and the insulin levels as well as overall cholesterol levels. Bitter melon, bilberry, and grapeseed extract have been shown to benefit and strengthen the capillaries, which aids the damage to small blood vessels which is one complication that is linked to diabetes. There are many other conditions that respond favorably to natural herbs.

As you learn more about natural herbs, you will see that the majority of herbs are very safe and if your body doesn't need what they provide, they will simply pass through your body without causing any harm. You can also substitute healthy herbs in many of your recipes in the place of less healthy ingredients to make the meals you eat much healthier. For instance, using garlic and other herbs in the place of salt or butter can be a very healthy substitution. Learning to cook with herbs can really enhance the flavor of your foods. Over time, you may find that you really prefer the flavors of the herbs you are using over the fatty or unhealthy condiments you used to use to get more flavor out of your foods.

As you can see, there are many health benefits of natural herbs that have been known for centuries. By augmenting your current healthy lifestyle with herbs that can prevent or help control illness, you can improve not only your overall health but also your quality of life.

For additional information on creating and maintaining a home herb garden, please visit: http://thehomeherbgarden.com

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