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Showing posts with label Herbs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Herbs. Show all posts

Remedies For Ovarian Cysts - Consider Trying Natural Herbs

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Do you have a problem with recurring cysts but are confused as to what avenue you should take to address the problem? Rest assured that you're not alone. There are many different remedies for ovarian cysts for you to consider, and one option that more and more women are choosing is a natural approach to dealing with this painful condition.

Before you decide on which treatment plan you're going to use, your first step absolutely needs to be a trip to your doctor to determine what type of cysts you have. The good news is that most cysts, while painful and very annoying, are not serious and there are many natural alternatives to prescriptions medication or painful surgery. One of those remedies for ovarian cysts often used is natural herbs.

Before I share with you the natural herbs that are most commonly used as remedies for ovarian cysts, you should understand that this will not be an instant cure. You may be looking at weeks, possibly a couple of months, before you'll actually notice relief from your condition. But there are other things you can do in conjunction with the herbal treatment to help you through the process.

Herbs often come to mind when looking at remedies for ovarian cysts due to effect they have on a woman's hormonal levels. It's common belief that cysts may be caused due to a hormonal imbalance, and natural herbs have been used effectively by many women to stabilize their hormonal levels.

The most popular herbs used as remedies for ovarian cysts are:

* Black Cohosh
* - Regulates the menstrual cycle and stabilizes hormonal levels. Red Clover
* - Its estrogen-like effect on the body assists in bringing stability to hormonal levels. Milk Thistle
* - Its detoxification properties makes it effective in treating cysts. Dandelion Root
* - Beneficial to the liver, and some studies show there is a direct correlation between hormone levels and stress on the liver. Chasteberry - Used to regulate the menstrual cycle and treat infertility, both which come into play when considering remedies for ovarian cysts.

Other less common herbal remedies for ovarian cysts include:

* Licorice
* - Used commonly to balance hormonal levels and reduce a woman's testosterone level. Peony
* - A popular Chinese medicine that has been used for many, many years to address menstrual disorders. Saw Palmetto
- Possibly helpful to women who suffer from PCOS.

Natural herbal treatments is only one of many avenues to consider when choosing effective remedies for ovarian cysts, and the key is finding a system that works for you as an individual. If you do choose herbal remedies, it's very important that you advise your doctor of any herbs you may be taking as they may interact with other prescription medications.

In addition to herbs, there are other natural remedies for ovarian cysts that have worked wonderfully for many women to alleviate their cysts. The real key is to choose a treatment plan that has been proven to work for others, and then dedicate yourself to following that program as it is laid out for you. Done properly, natural remedies for ovarian cysts can help a woman to avoid the harsh side effects of prescription medications and possibly even prevent painful surgeries.

What if you could finally be relieved of the pain and frustration of cysts once and for all? Visit http://ovarian-cysts-treatments.com and read every word on the page that follows to learn more about natural remedies for ovarian cysts and discover a step-by-step guide that will literally take you by the hand and guide you through the process.

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What Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine is All About

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China is considered as the foundation of herbal medicines in the known world. In fact, modern societies today are incorporating the use of curative plant and animal parts into their treatment methods in addressing health-related problems.

Despite the fact that modern medical treatment methods are available in many hospitals during this age and time, many individuals today are making use of this alternative cure in ridding themselves of health problems that may worsen if not properly cared for.

The Concept Of Chinese Herbal Medicine

According to Chinese medical experts, the human body is like a universe of its own, where each component is connected with another to achieve a sense of harmony in both function and result. In such cases, the body is divided into divisions that will affect the treatment prescribed by these professionals; such as the Yin and Yang, the five elements, energy pathways, and so on. It is a common Chinese belief that illnesses and diseases are the directly result of the improper function of these divisions, and may further deteriorate that state of your health if not addressed immediately.

Traditional Chinese medical experts believe that the curative properties found in plants and animals have a direct effect on these divisions, promoting proper function, thus, restoring the body to its natural, healthy state.

How Experts Prescribe Proper Treatment

It is very important that you consult with an expert before you make use of traditional Chinese herbal medicines to maximize treatment. You might expect that these professional will ask you for drug tests, medical exams, X-rays, and so on; in truth, these practitioners will carefully observe your body through a series of physical tests, as well as direct questions that will help them figure out the current state of your body's health.

The most common tests performed by Chinese medical experts includes pulse readings, hearing, smelling, and touching your meridian points to determine if there is a blockage in your body's energy pathways. A modern individual might find these methods disconcerting considering that modern medical experts find them unreliable; but you should realize that this has been in practice since ancient times.

Herbal Medicines Prescribed To Patients

There are different herbal medicines prescribed to patients by these traditional Chinese medical experts. Normally, these experts will prescribe packets of herbal mixtures that will be administered orally depending on their instructions. Some are combination herbs pickled in a big jar where the patient is required to take a few sips at a time according to the prescribed dosage.

It is very important that you stick with the instruction given by your medical experts to avoid any health risks, especially in the case of self-medication. Even if you know someone who is using herbal medicine for illnesses that is similar with yours, we can never fully predict how it will affect you, since your body is quite different with theirs.

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Herbal Teas Offer Many Health Benefits

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Herbal Teas are more popular today than ever before.

There is nothing better than a soothing cup of tea at the end of the day. The tea most of us recognize uses leaves of the tea bush, Camellia sinensis and comes in little bags to steep in hot water for our pleasure. This tea, however, contains a lot of caffeine. Caffeine keeps you awake at night and may not be the best choice for an evening relaxer.

There are so many more types of tea now available that you don't have to limit your selection. What is old is now new again. The new teas are herbal. Herbal teas originated in early times, frequently as soon as man learned that if you boiled water and poured it on leaves, the water took on a new flavor. Many of the teas were though of as folk remedies for various health concerns. While I make no claims to teas remedy potential, I read that sometimes it was a true remedy, as in the case of white willow bark tea, which was later turned into the aspirin pain reliever we all know today.

A few of my favorite herbal teas are easy to access and make delightful additions to your beverage list whether served hot or cold. The teas have unique and delicious flavors that make them popular today and create variety and alternatives to the plain black teas.

Chamomile tea creates a soothing warm feeling when you drink it right before bedtime. It often is touted as a tea that could help you relax. This sweet apple scented tea contains no caffeine to rev up your system. Early Egyptians felt it was the most healing of all herbs. Greek physicians used it for fevers and female disorders. Early Germans inhaled the aroma of the tea to relieve stuffiness.

Lemon balm tea is delightful both hot and cold. The ancients believed its flavorful infusion might help with headaches, bronchitis, and colds. I know that when I have a cold or flu I usually have some hot lemon tea with honey. If nothing else it sure does soothe a sore throat. In the summer, for a flavor reminiscent of lemonade, I like to mix a little honey with the tea and serve it cold.

Monarda, also known as bergamot or bee balm was the most popular colonial tea substitute after the Boston tea party. It received the name bergamot from Dr Nicholas Monardes because the scent of the leaves resembled the fragrance of the Italian bergamot orange. Native Americans used the tea as a tonic for the cold and it received the name Oswego tea after the tribe. Other conditions Early Americans used bee balm for were menstrual pain, gas, nausea and insomnia.

Catnip tea, another early American favorite, actually got its start in Rome. Early Romans cultivated catnip for its soothing properties. They believed it might help reduce fevers and colds, headaches, upset stomachs, and was a very mild sedative. Catnip is a good source of vitamin C.

Fennel tea is reminiscent of anise or licorice. This herb is one of the oldest plants cultivated by man. The Romans gave it to their gladiators to maintain good health. Ladies of ancient Rome took it to lose weight. Still today many Indian restaurants offer a fennel seed as an after dinner aid to digestion. Some attribute relief of menstrual cramps, gas, heartburn and diarrhea to the tea, made from an infusion of crushed seeds and water.

Feverfew, another daisy-like flower, created a tea that some believed reduced fevers, menstrual problems, headaches, stomachaches and aided childbirth. Recent studies indicate that feverfew infusions aid in the relief of migraine headaches. The possibility exists that feverfew could cause uterine contractions, so pregnant women should not drink it. In fact pregnant or nursing women should avoid all herbs unless their doctors give them the okay.


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Herbal Remedies For Sleeplessness

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If you are having trouble falling asleep at night then you might want to look into herbal remedies for sleeplessness. There are also many prescription drugs you can take. However, some of them can be addictive and may not be a long-term solution. Since herbal products are natural, your body may react to them in a positive way, and help you get to sleep at night.

Like with any drug you're considering taking, make sure you read the labels to the products carefully to take the right dosage. If you don't take the right dosage, the product may not work as you intended. Here are a few remedies for sleeplessness that you can look into.

The first herbal product you want to look into is called valerian root. The Ancient Greeks and Romans have depended on Valerian root as a medicinal product. Later on it started being described for people that were suffering from insomnia. You can take this product orally and it does not many adverse effects however it's been reported that you take too much you may get a stomach ache.

The next herbal remedy for sleeplessness I'd like to discuss is called Kava. It comes from the Western Pacific is it is known as an intoxicating herb. Basically it is known to tranquilize you without clouding your mind. People not only use Kava to help you sleep, but it is also for anxiety and stress. It usually comes in a powder form or you may able to buy the actual root. In powder form, you can mix with the liquid and you could feel the effects within 20 to 30 minutes it can last for well over two hours. So if you take at night, kava could you a head start to get to sleep at night.

While Kava is known to be safe it is known to have side effects when you take too much of it. Reportedly it's known to cause minor skin rashes when taken a lot and repeatedly. So it just like with any other drug you want to take a minimal dosage first and see a tolerance for it. A very small amount of people are allergic to Kava. If you feel that you are allergic to something, you may want to see a doctor first and discuss Kava with the doctor.

So there you have it. The two herbal remedies for sleeplessness described above may be worth a try to help you get some sleep a night. Valerian root and Kava are well-known to help people sleep so may be worth it to try these as you may experience the benefits of these remedies before moving on to prescription methods. However, if you are unsure about the effects of these products is always best to discuss the doctor before taking them.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. You should consult a physician for medical advisement.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Purfield

Herbal Treatment For Arthritis

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Herbal treatments can safely be used for treating Arthritis. It no only relieves the affected part but cure the whole body off the disease. The advantage of using herbs is that they are safe even when it is taken in higher dosage than prescribed. Herbs can be used by the affected person and the unaffected person in the same way. While it will uproot and prevent the illness form reoccurring in the affected person, its use will enhance the immune system of the unaffected person. Since it is free from adverse effects, it can be used safely till the patient gets completely cured.

Burdock Root purifies the blood and reduces the swelling in the joints.

Comfrey helps to soothe and heal swollen tissues in a remarkable way,

The root of black cohosh which consists of antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory substances helps in bringing down arthritis pain.

The extract from the Shallaki has given promising results and has brought about significant reduction in the stiffness, pain and swelling among arthritis patients.

The herbal treatment for arthritis has proven to strengthen the body and treat the disease effectively.

The cod liver oil reduces the stiffness and pain from the joint that normally occurs during frigid winter seasons. Cod liver oil is supposed to have several health benefits one of which includes pain reduction in arthritis patients.

Potato juice is prepared by putting the peeled slices of potato in a glass of water and keeping it overnight. This juice should be consumed first in the morning on empty stomach. This simple herbal treatment of arthritis is preferred by many.

The alkaline properties from the leafy vegetables combined with carrot and beetroot juice produces excellent results. It helps in dissolving the deposits that accumulates in the joints and tissues.

The juice of pineapple subsides the swelling and inflammation that occurs due to arthritis.
The intake of sesame seeds that has be soaked overnight in water is supposed to have
Wonderful effects on people suffering from arthritis

The anti inflammatory properties of garlic treat arthritis effectively. This is one of the most effective herbal remedies in the treatment of arthritis.

The presence of B6, in bananas also helps in the treatment of arthritis.

The citric acid present in lime juice wards off arthritis. Massaging the affected area with mustard and coconut oil along with a few pieces of camphor intensifies blood supply producing soothing results. The herbs used in the treatment of arthritis are time tested and generally known to produce results.

Robert Grazian is an accomplished niche website developer and author.


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Green Tea Vs Wu-Yi Tea - Which Has The Better Benefits?

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Wu-yi (Oolong) and Green Teas contain a large amount of polyphenols. It appears that the health benefit of either tea is the effect of polyphenols.

Green tea is from the same plant as (Camellia sinensis.) as Wu-Yi tea. After the tea leaves are plucked and sorted, they are either steamed or pan fired. Green tea does not go through the fermentation process. Green tea does have less caffeine than Wu-Yi tea.

For green tea, the leaves are processed and dried in such a way as to avoid fermentation. Oolong tea is partially fermented.

Oolong Tea tea has a caffeine content between that of green teas and black teas. The flavor is typically not as robust as black tea or as subtle as green tea, but has its own fragrant subtleties. It can be compared to the taste and aroma of fresh flowers or fruit.

Since both teas contain large amounts of polyphenols, they may have antioxidant, anticancer, and antiviral properties, as well as regulating appetite and weight loss.

Which is better? I drink both Green tea and Wu-yi Tea. Oolong may have a little more caffeine than Green Tea so that may be a determining factor if you are to stay away from caffeine. They both may have polyphenols so both teas may have a profound effect on the way you feel and the benefits to your health and heart.

Always consult with your doctor first before starting a weight loss program or using any products that may affect your health or any disease you may have.

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Herbal Home Remedies

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In every paper, magazine, and even on television the benefits of some 'new' remedy is talked about as though it is some break through is medical research. These natural remedies are no new. These so called modern miracle remedies are really a step back in time. These have been healing people for thousands of years. An example is garlic, nature's gift, has been used medicinally for over 5,000 years. Gingseng, another relative new remedy, has been used for over 2,000 years when it brightened eyes and enlightened the mind.

There is a plethora of home remedies to choose from including herbal remedies to folk lore remedies. Here is a list of some of the less known herbs that can be used to treat some of the more common diseases and conditions.

IMMUNE SYSTEM/COLD

Astragalus has been used for more than 2,000 in TCM as an immune system booster. Every day one capsule will boost your immune system and fight off any of those spring time colds that linger on and on.

BLADDER INFECTIONS

Bearberry first used in Asia is nature's cure for bladder infections. This is definitely a capsule to have in the cabinet of every woman.

PMS

Chasteberry is the answer for PMS and even for irregularities. This herb influences the pituitary gland to secrete the hormone prolactin which allows for a more normal menstrual cycle.

MOTION SICKNESS

Ginger surpasses nearly every modern day cure for motion sickness on the market. It settles the stomach and acts as a suppressant for queasiness of motion. Some studies say it works better than even "Dramamine".

ANTIOXIDANT / LIVER / CIRROHOSIS / HEPATITIS

Milk Thistle is one of the best herbs that there are for liver health. In scientific studies it has been shown that the silymarin (active ingredient in Milk Thistle) will improve cirrhosis and hepatitis. As an antioxidant it is ten times stronger than Vitamin E.

ALLERGIES


Nettle is your answer to seasonal allergies and hay fever. Take one capsule a day to start ensuring that your symptoms get better rather than worse.

ARTHRITIS / RHEUMATISM / FATIGUE / INSOMNIA / HEADACHE

Oatstraw is one of the best overall herbs for the entire body. Whether to soak in for arthritis or rheumatism or internally for the calcium. It also helps internally with exhaustion and physical fatigue to tension headaches and insomnia. Remember though Oatstraw is a grain and contains gluten.

ANXIETY / STRESS



Skullcap is full of minerals that can help you deal with all sorts of stress, anxiety and exhaustion. It contains calcium, iron, potassium and magnesium.

ACNE / ECZEMA / PSORIASIS



Yellow Dock is the perfect herb for those with chronic acne, eczema, or psoriasis. It has thiamine, iron and vitamin C and has been used in Europe for centuries as a chronic skin problem remedy.

There are literally thousands of herbs and herbal supplements on the market today. Be sure that you go to a reputable health food store to buy your supplements and dried herbs to ensure the quality of the product you are getting. As always, discuss with your medical health care provider's whatever natural supplements that you are using.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ashira_Goddard

Five Herbs May Fight Cancer

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Herbs for cancer generally refer to herbal supplements that may support in preventing the onset of cancerous growths and promoting general well-being by boosting the body's immune system.

Here are Five Herbs that may help to fight cancer

Echinacea: It is one of the best blood purifiers and an effective antibiotic. It helps to activate the human immune system increasing the chances of fighting off any disease. This popular herb has been used to help ward off the common cold and to relieve the symptoms of hay fever.

Dandelion: It is used traditionally as a remarkable healing and preventive herb. Dandelion is good for the liver and digestion and it is considered an excellent diuretic. It purifies and nourishes the blood, stimulates bile flow, increases stomach juices and relieves constipation.

Valerian: It has been used as a mild tranquilizer and sleep aid for over 1,000 years. It promotes better sleeping and to eliminate some of the anxiety of a cancer patient.

Astragalus: It is a traditional Chinese herb that has been in use for two thousand years, it is another cancer-fighting herb that has been shown to slow down metastasis (spread of cancer cells) and to stimulate the immune system’s T-cells. Astragalus also protects against the toxic effects of chemotherapy.

Burdock: It has been traditionally used as a "blood purifier" to clear the bloodstream of toxins, as a diuretic. It also contains proven anti-cancer compounds that have shown to be active against leukemia, lymphoma and various types of tumours. It has many medicinal qualities and has been used in many herbal remedies.

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Is Red Clover a Good Gout Herbal Medicine?

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Red clover has been used traditionally as gout herbal medicine for centuries due to its ability to remove toxins from the body. However, using red clover isn't without its side effects. Scientists are now seeing that red clover thins the blood, so it should not be taken without the guidance of a doctor or other health professional. If you are already on anticoagulant medicine, red clover should not be used.

The properties within red clover that make it an effective gout herbal medicine are isoflavones. The isoflavones levels in red clover are 100 times higher than those of soy. This helps to heal inflammatory conditions, including gout, but also arthritis and eczema.

As a herbal medicine, red clover is also known as:

- Meadow clover
- Cow clover
- Purple clover
- Trifolium pratense (Latin name)
- Trefoil
- Wild clover

Red cover belongs to the pea family. It helps with the elimination of uric acid, which is important to the treatment of gout, since symptoms are a result of a buildup of uric acid causing crystal formation on the joints. Therefore, as red clover helps to eliminate levels of uric acid in the blood, the body has a reduced chance of experiencing a build up of uric acid therefore, reducing the likelihood of a gout attack.

Before taking red clover, be sure to speak to your health specialist, as you should before taking any new herb or supplement. As a gout herbal medicine, red clover is available in many different forms. These include:

- Teas
- Tinctures
- Capsules
- Tablets
- Liquid extracts
- Isoflaven standardized extracts
- Topical ointments

When taken as tea, simply use one to two teaspoons of dried red clover flowers in a mug (8 ounces) of hot water; two to three cups should be taken daily. Or, red clover extract can be mixed into a regular cup of tea.

Red clover in capsule form is usually taken in doses of 50mg to 150mg daily. If the capsules are red clover isoflavone extracts, then 28mg to 85mg is the normal daily dose. This means that two to three capsules will likely be required. For individual dosage instruction speak to a doctor.

For a direct topical treatment, red clover ointment or cream can be applied directly to the affected area. However, take care not to apply to any area where there is broken skin.

Red clover tincture should be thirty percent alcohol (1:5), and is taken in hot water as a tea with usually between sixty to one hundred drops (3 to 5 mL), three times every day.

Red clover herbal products are available at many natural and herbal stores. It is quite a common item so should be available in several forms at your local health shop.

Be aware of the possible side effects of gout herbal medicine made with red clover. General side effects can include nausea, headache, and rash. Infertility has also been witnessed in animals that graze on red clover patches. For more information please speak to a health professional.


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Taiwan Herbal Medicine

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Herbal medicine products are dietary supplements that people take to improve their health. Herbal medicine is the oldest form of healthcare known to mankind. For nearly 3000 years oriental cultures have harnessed the natural power of the earth to live healthier, happier, more youthful lives. By 200 BC, traditional Chinese herbal medicine was firmly established, and by the first century AD, a comprehensive listing of medicinal herbs and herbal formulations had been developed.

Herbal medicine, also called botanical medicine or phytomedicine, refers to the use of any plant's seeds, berries, roots, leaves, bark, or flowers for medicinal purposes. Herbal medicine is a major component in all indigenous peoples' traditional medicine and is a common element in Ayurvedic, homeopathic, naturopathic, traditional oriental, and Native American Indian medicine.

Taiwan herbal medicine is a major aspect of traditional Chinese herbal medicine, which focuses on restoring a balance of energy, body, and spirit to maintain health rather than treating a particular disease or medical condition. Taiwan herbal medicine uses a variety of herbs, in different combinations, to restore balance to the body (see Astragalus, Ginkgo, Ginseng, Green Tea, and Siberian Ginseng). In the United States, Taiwan herbs and herbal formulas may be purchased in health food stores, some pharmacies, and from herbal medicine practitioners.

Taiwan herbal remedies for each particular ailment are made up of one or two herbs that are said to have the greatest effect on major aspects of the problem being treated.

What can Taiwan Herbal Medicine Treat?

Taiwan herbal medicine has been used for a very long list of conditions. Among the more commonly treated conditions are:
Psychological problems such as depression and anxiety.
Respiratory conditions, such as coughs, allergic and perennial rhinitis and sinusitis, asthma, and bronchitis.
Urinary tract conditions such as chronic cystitis.
Hepatitis and HIV: good results have been seen for treatment of Hepatitis C, and supportive treatment may be beneficial in the case of HIV.
Gynecological conditions, including pre-menstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhoea, endometriosis,and infertility.
Skin diseases, including eczema, acne, rosacea, urticaria, and psoriasis, Gastro-intestinal disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome, chronic constipation, and ulcerative colitis.
Rheumatological conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Diabetes treatment and prevention.

As you can see Taiwan herbal medicine is definitely an option when considering which herbal remedies to use for enhancing your health and well being.

Mary Freeman is an accomplished Author who writes articles on Natural and Home Remedies. To access her remedy website, please visit http://www.eRemedySpot.com

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Herbalife International

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Day by day, progressively people are preparatory to get serious about improving their health. But with an abundance of choices in the vitamin market, it isn’t for all time easy to know which products are best. Take a look at herbal life Herbalife vitamins, and the way in which these supplements can benefit you and your family’s personal health.

In China, the nutritional benefits of herbs have long been well known. Herbalife vitamins were created with this understanding, and are used in conjunction with a healthy diet to provide consumers fitness in both mind and body. And while most supplements try to deliver these same benefits, herbalife vitamins differ by utilizing only all-natural ingredients. The resulting product is one that is high in quality and low in additives.

As a consumer, your family’s health and well-being are always a main concern. With so many vitamins on the market, it is only natural to want to provide them with the safest products possible. Herbalife vitamins are manufactured with these alarms in mind. A team of scientific experts develops herbalife vitamins by researching and testing each product individually, so that consumers can be confident they are receiving not only a beneficial supplement, but also safe.

To get more information on Herbalife products and benefit, visit Herbalife International with The Herbal Nutrition Network at http://herbal-nutrition.net/. There you can get Herbalife Distributor Herbal Nutrition contact info.

Green Tea vs Soda

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Wild Cherry Pepsi is my one dietary vice. I used to drink 1-3 cans per day.
I didn't have to feel too guilty about this vice. I'm thin and my teeth are resistant to tooth decay; I've never had a cavity. But ever since reading Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan I've wanted to eliminate high fructose corn syrup from my diet. Also, there is simply nothing healthy about soda.

I've never been able to drink much water unless it is a hot day and I'm very, very thirsty. I don't drink coffee and I've always been underwhelmed by tea. So I figured I was stuck with Wild Cherry Pepsi.

Then one day I was reading an off-topic discussion in a forum that I frequent. The thread was about health tips and a few people mentioned the wonders of green tea. They went on about how it gives them energy, is loaded with anti-oxidants and they drink it every day.
That night my teenage daughter said she was going to prepare herself a cup of green tea. Green tea? What a coincidence. I didn't even know we had any around the house. She insisted that this particular type of green tea - Stash chai green tea, to be precise - has a wonderful taste because of the spices and doesn't require sugar or honey or anything added to it. I asked her to make me a cup.

Wow! It was good! I've been drinking it 1-2 times per day ever since then. Not all green teas are created equal; I've since tried other types of green tea that were bleah. This is a green tea that is able to satisfy even me, a Wild Cherry Pepsi enthusiast.

Now, before you run off and buy some green tea let me warn you: do not add sugar or milk to the tea! This will minimize the effectiveness of the anti-oxidants. Experiment and find a green tea blend that you like without adding anything to it.

If you aren't motivated to run off and buy some green tea let me give you a list of a few of the health benefits of green tea:

* Helps prevent skin cancer caused by UV rays. So kick back in the sun with some iced green tea.
* Energy expenditure increases.
* It's a natural appetite suppressant. Trust me, you'll be less hungry when you drink green tea every day.
* Has a calming effect, even though there is caffeine in it. Does not increase your blood pressure.
* Has only half the caffeine of a can of Coke. You get all the benefits of caffeine but none of the downsides.
* It's loaded with polyphenols, which are antioxidants and they help fight the free radicals that attack your cells.

I could go on but I think you get the idea.

Another point to consider: green tea is cheaper than soda too. You can even reuse the tea bags, if you are especially thrifty. Or buy loose tea. It's also easy to carry the tea bags in your purse or wallet or pockets.

If you're a soda addict I hope you will now be motivated to at least give green tea a chance. You won't regret it. And, yes, I still indulge in the occasional Wild Cherry Pepsi but I feel less guilty now.

For more fun info about green tea visit my website at http://www.green-tea-caffeine.com You can even order green tea here, too, if you'd like.
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Complementary Alternative Medicine

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Complementary alternative medicine is a topic of regular discussion these days. It is utilized with traditional medicine that completely replaces conventional medicine. An example of this is the use of ginseng to keep normal blood pressure and sugar level in human body.
An important aspect of alternative complementary medicine is that it focuses on the person as a whole. The medicine is therefore based not only on the patient's physical symptoms but also on the individual's lifestyle, environment, diet, mental and emotional health; sometimes even the spiritual health.

Some forms of alternative medicine have already been proven effective and safe. This kind of medicine treat most ache conditions like headaches, sore throats, flu and cold, indigestion, ear infections, dermatitis, urinary tract infections, sprains and strains. Also some chronic conditions such as migraines, autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, cancer, muscle-skeletal pain, depression, stress, and even pregnancy and childbirth may be treated with complementary medicine as well.

Plants and herbs are commonly used in alternative medicine to treat sickness, as well as remedies produced from animals and minerals. Complementary medicine also improves mental, emotional, and physical health. It encourages psychic and spiritual growth, and an overall sense of wellness.

If you are looking for alternative medicine guidelines and interested in finding herbs, plants and food as alternative medicine, feel free to visit http://alternativemedicineviews.blogspot.com/.

Anise

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It is a herbal, aromatic plant, which is cultivated. It grows as high as 40-70 cm in the light, in rich soils and it needs moderate humidity.

Parts used: the bulb, the leaves, the seeds and the roots.
The therapeutic virtues of the anise have been known since the ancient times. Pythagoras claimed that the anise enhanced man's strength, cured insomnia, stimulated appetite, made men more fertile and facilitated digestion.

Main constituents known:
The vitamins, the B complex (B1, B2), C, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sulphur, iron, aromatic essences.

Pharmacologic action:
carminative, antispasmodic, expectorant, a pancreatic stimulant.
As food, the anise is used for cooking sweet and spicy dishes. It has been used as an aphrodisiac since the Greeks' time. The medical tests have confirmed that anise seeds intensified lust.
The anise fruit have got a nice taste and are used in the phytotherapy. As a ripe fruit or as juice, it is recommended for curing asthenia and for stimulating suckling mothers' lactation. Synthetically speaking, one may say about the anise that it is a medicine plant recommended for curing nervous asthenia, migraines, vertigos, rheumatism, cough, bronchial asthma, gastric pains, and slow digestion.

Natural treatments and application procedures:

1. The anise fruit infusion:
The infusion is made from half a tea-spoon of mashed anise fruit scalded in 250 ml of boiling water. The tea should be left for 10-15 minutes in order to become an infusion. It should be drunk in fractions: half a mug before a main meal. Caution: the tea must only be kept for a short time before its consuming. As for sucklings, an infusion from 5-6 anise fruit scalded in 250 ml of boiling water is to be made. It treats flatulence and children's colics.

2. The tea for eliminating helminths:
The infusion is made from 10 grams of mashed fruit scalded in 100 ml of boiling water. The tea should be drunk in the morning on an empty stomach.

3. The tea from anise seeds:
The infusion is made from one tea-spoon of anise seeds boiled in 250 ml of water for 30 seconds. One mug of tea is to be drunk after the main meals. This tea treats bronchial asthma, cough, a slow digestion.

4. The decoction from anise roots:
The decoction is made from 30 gr. of broken up roots boiled in one litre of water for 20-30 minutes. One mug of tea is to be drunk after the main meals. This tea treats painful menses.

5. The anise ether oil:
It is used for curing stomach and intestine disorders, flatulence and colds.


Anise (Pimpinella anisum) - find out more about Medicinal herbs from http://www.liveandfeel.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cristi_Ion

Health Benefits of Basil

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Basil (Ocimum Basilicum) - Health Benefits of Basil



The basil is a herbaceous annual culture plant, ramified from the ground, 20-60 cm tall with hairy stems, round-oval leaves and white or reddish flowers.

The basil has been known since ancient times and is a holy plant in India, very much appreciated by Egyptians, too; bouquets of basil were found in the Egyptian pyramids.

An aromatic plant, the basil is used in the culinary art as a seasoning for diverse meat and sauce dishes. Traditional medicine uses basil as a remedy for chronic gastritis and stomach aches.

Pharmacological actions: sedative, diuretic, antiseptic.

Starting from the essential oil content of the basil, as related to the other active elements, basil is recommended in the treatment of gastro-intestinal and renal affections, bronchitis and fever.

The use of basil leaf tea is recommended in nervous system fatigue, insomnia and painful menstruation. To avoid the unpleasant effects of insect stings rub the wounded spot with fresh basil leaves or with the juice from fresh basil plants.

Health Benefits of Basil and applying techniques:

Basil tea

The infusion is prepared of 1-2 spoonfuls of basil leaves, shredded, boiled in 250 ml of water. The tea is left to infuse 2 minutes. Drink 2-3 cups a day. It is recommended to drink a cup after every meal. This tea treats distention and intestinal colics, gastric ulcer, anorexia, urinary infections, diarrhea.

In case o diabetes, the tea should be consumed unsweetened, but in all the other cases can be sweetened with bee honey. The tea for throat wash will be prepared like a decoction with 2 spoonfuls of shredded leaves at 100 ml of water. It will be used to treat mouth lesion, inflammation and erosion.

Tonic basil wine

Is prepared of 2 handfuls of basil leaves, well washed and dried, minced and deposited in a bottle. Over the leaves will be poured 1 liter of red wine and a spoonful of honey. It is left to macerate 5-7 days. To extract most efficiently the active elements from the leaves shake the bottle 4-5 times a day. After filtration the obtained tonic wine will be put in a well sealed bottle. It is an excellent natural medicine for stimulating the appetite. Drink it 15-30 minutes before every meal. Children should be administered a spoonful of wine 2-3 times a day and adults should drink 100 ml, 3 times a day.

Basil tincture

20 g of minced basil plants are left to macerate in 100 ml of 70 degrees alcohol. The macerating process lasts 15 days. After macerating, it is filtered and put in a well sealed bottle. For internal use is administered to children 3-5 drops in 100 ml of water 3 times a day. Adults take a spoonful of tincture in 100 ml of water, 3 times a day. For external use the tincture will be diluted in water in a ratio of 1/5 and can go to 1/10 for more sensible patients. In case of insect stings, wounds, eczema, tampon with tincture or apply compresses.

Health benefits of basil - find out more about herbs on www.liveandfeel.com

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New and Unusual Basil Herbs for 2007

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New and Unusual Basil Herbs for 2007
By Barbara Adams



Basil's long, intriguing history is steeped in legend and folklore. Experts disagree on its origin, but many feel it evolved in Asia and Africa. It’s thought that Alexander the Great brought it to ancient Greece around 356-323 B.C.E. From there, it may have made its way to England from India in the mid 1500s and came to the New World in the early 1600s. Grown in medieval gardens, many classic herbals have mentioned it over the years.

Basil can make a wonderful specialty herb garden or home business cash crop for teas, local gourmet restaurants, making and selling a homemade pasta sauce, or sold fresh to other "foodie" customers.

Basil is a member of the large mint family. Its botanically name is Ocimum basilicum. It was used as an embalming and preserving herb, and was found in ancient Egyptian mummies. Its embalming usage may be why it was also a symbol of mourning in Greece. There, it was called basilikon phuton, which means royal or kingly herb.

There are more than 150 known varieties. These include:

Lime-flavored basil from Thailand

Red Temple Holy Basil from India

Greek Columnar Basil that grows as a true perennial in many locations

Magic Mountain Basil with extra lovely purple flowers

Green Pepper Basil discovered in Mexico with a pronounced green pepper aroma

Basil Ararat, rarely seen heirloom

Clove Basil with an obvious clove aroma

Sacred Basil, also with a clove scent

Mrs. Burns Lemon Basil, a delicious heirloom from New Mexico

Greek Basil, grows in gardens or containers to form an almost perfect compact ball

Lettuce Leaved Green Basil with larger leaves and very good basil flavor

Napoletano Bolloso Basil, has very, very large leaves with just a hint of anise flavor

Sweet Dani Lemon Basil with very strong lemon fragrance

Mexican Cinnamon Spice Basil with a special, spicy aroma

Genovese Basil, large leaves and with a flavor many prefer over any other

Barbara Adams
Author: Micro Eco-Farming: Prospering from Backyard to Small Acreage in Partnership with the Earth (New World Publishing):

Center for the Micro Eco-Farming Movement: http://www.MicroEcoFarming.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Barbara_Adams

Grape Seed Antioxidant May Help The Cellular Area Of The Body

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Grape Seed Antioxidant May Help The Cellular Area Of The Body
By Peter Salazar


Grape seed is extracted from the grape. It has great nutritional value. The native area of grapes is Asia, but it was taken to North America in 16th century. It is found in green, red, or purple colors. Seedless varieties are also grown, but research has led us to believe that many healthful properties are present in the grape seeds.

Grape Seed Available Forms

Grape seed supplement is available in the form of fluid extracts, tablets, and capsules. The supplement you are looking for should have a standard content of 95% OPC.

Grape Seed Ingredients

Grape seeds are rich in many important ingredients such as Vitamin E, linoleic acid, flavonoids, and procyanidins (OPC). The skin and the juice of the fruit also have small quantities of these substances.

Grape Seed Extract Benefits

Grape seeds are believed to provide antioxidant properties. If its supplement is taken then the antioxidant count in the human body increase. Antioxidants are the substances in human body that eradicate the free radicals that attack human cells, DNA, and cell membranes. These free radicals are present inside the human body, but any external toxin such as radiation, smoke, etc. can increase their count. These radicals are also believed to cause cancers and heart diseases in older individuals. Antioxidants can neutralize these free radicals, which is why grape seed supplementation is healthy.

Herbal physicians and scientists are researching to use the grape seed supplement to help reduce ailments due to following diseases as well.

High cholesterol

Flavonoids are present in the grape seeds. They can oxidize the bad cholesterol, but this oxidation may also harden the arteries. In research grape seed taken with chromium has been more effective to reduce the bad cholesterol than grape seed alone or placebo.

Pancreatitis

Grape seed extract may help reduce the pain in abdomen due to pancreatitis disease. These findings are under study.

Cancer

Grape seed extract may also help in preventing further growth of stomach, breast, and lung cancers. These findings are limited to the laboratory. People with such cancers may take it, but a benefit of reducing cancer damage due to grape seed is yet to be found.

Cellulite

Grape seed added with ginkgo, evening primrose oil, sweet clover, lecithin, and seaweed may also help in Cellulite disease, but its effectiveness has not been found to be more than a placebo.

Other

Grape seed extract may be recommended for varicose veins or other blood circulation problems. They may also help reduce damage due to muscle degeneration in aging people and eye diseases such as night vision problems.

Grape Seed Interactions

To date, grape seeds have not shown any interaction with any prescribed medications, when taken together.

Precautions

Grape seed supplementation is a fruit extract and it may contain a substance that could react with or trigger a side effect. It is recommended that pregnant or nursing women avoid grape seed supplementation.

Peter Salazar's source for quality supplements is http://www.utopiasilver.com

To go directly to this product go here: http://utopiasilver.com/products/supplements/grape_seed_antioxidant.htm

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Salazar

Ginger Health: Goodness of Ginger Herb

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Revered in the Orient for its powerful healing qualities and its culinary uses, Ginger has been in use since ages. A perennial herb, ginger is a greenish yellow rhizome. The botanical name of the spice is Zingiber Officinale. Ginger is been used extensively in the Orient; its benefits covering a spectrum so wide, that it includes the medicinal, culinary as well as aromatherapy fields. A pungent and flavorful spice, ginger is one of the most widely used spices in the East.



Ginger is known to be beneficial to the body in a number of ways. Ginger can be used in its raw as well as dried form. Raw ginger is thermogenic, anti-flatulent, appetiser, digestive and a powerful laxative.



Dried ginger is thermogenic, appetizer, laxative, expectorant, stimulant and effective to cure stomach disorders. Dried and ground ginger is used to cure cold, cough, cholera, nausea ad vomiting, inflammations, diarrhea, colic, flatulence, anorexia, asthma and headaches.



Ginger has extensive uses in aromatherapy as well. Ginger yields an essential oil that is steam distilled from the unpeeled, dried and ground root. Ginger oil is used in combination with sandalwood, cedar wood and patchouli, which renders a woody-spicy scent to the mixture.
The uses of ginger as a digestive aid can be largely attributed to the presence of gingerols and shogaols, which help neutralise stomach acids, enhance the secretion of digestive juices and tone the muscles of the digestive tract.



The active ingredient in ginger is terpenes and an oleoresin, which is called ginger oil. These active agents are responsible for its antiseptic qualities, lymph-cleansing, circulation-stimulating and mild constipation relief. Research has shown that ginger lowers blood cholesterol by reducing cholesterol absorption in the blood and liver.


Other Ginger health benefits:





• Ginger has been known to reduce inflammation of the joints and muscle tissue for people suffering from arthritis or rheumatism.



• Ginger improves blood circulation, hence thought to improve the complexion too. It is also known to have reduced nervousness, ease tendonitis and relieve sore throats.



• Ginger is an effective herbal remedy for all kinds of motion sickness and even morning sickness during pregnancy. A great way to get rid of the uneasy, queasy feeling in the stomach.


• Scientists have found that ginger can block the effects of prostaglandin - a substance that causes inflammation of the blood vessels in the brain, which leads to migraine.


• Many women believe that consuming ginger tea during periods helps minimize menstrual cramps.


• Known for its warming action, ginger is an effective treatment in colds and flu.


• An effective remedy for cramps caused by flatulence, ginger stimulates digestion.


• Ginger is a mood enhancer, the Cineole present in ginger helps provide stress relief.


• It is a great mouth freshener and ginger tea is known for its refreshing properties.






Kevin Pederson has been managing a number of natural home remedies websites which have information on home based natural cures and remedies for some of the most common illnesses and health problems .



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kevin_Pederson

Nutritional Supplements: What Do You Know About Garlic?

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Garlic is not just for flavoring; it plays a document role in disease prevention. Nutritional supplements containing garlic can have substantial health benefits. One substance in garlic, allicin, has antibacterial properties. These can be destroyed by cooking, so nutritional supplements are a good alternative to eating raw garlic.

Nutritional research into supplements suggests that eating a clove of garlic a day has health benefits. If you take nutritional supplements containing Vitamin C, nutritional supplements containing Vitamin E, and nutritional supplements containing selenium, you may be surprised to learn that garlic naturally has all these antioxidants.


There are various reasons for using nutritional supplements as a source of garlic in your diet. Unlike nutritional supplements, garlic powder may not have active ingredients. Garlic salt has lots of sodium, which nutritional supplements avoid. To get the maximum health benefits from raw garlic, you need to chop it and let it interact with oxygen for 10 minutes; nutritional supplements can be taken at any time.


When you eat garlic, you can chew on fresh parsley mint, lemon peel or orange peel to counteract garlic breath. Most nutritional supplements won't give you garlic breath. High doses of garlic from any source, including nutritional supplements, can however cause you to excrete a garlic odor from your pores.

Cooking with garlic is an excellent way to painlessly safeguard your health. Roasting garlic gives it a milder flavor. Baked garlic is wonderful to spread on bread. Whether from food or nutritional supplements, garlic deserves its reputation as a "wonder food."

Jeanette Pollock is a freelance author and website owner of vitamin-supplement-hq.com. Visit Jeanette's site to learn more about nutritional supplements and garlic.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeanette_Pollock

Evening Primrose

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Evening Primrose possesses a high content of the rare gamma linolenic acid (GLA) that appears to produce a host of beneficial effects. GLA is an unsaturated fatty acid that assists in the production of prostaglandins, the hormones necessary for many important bodily functions. GLA helps the body produce energy and forms part of the structural fats that comprise the brain, muscle, bone marrow and cell membranes.

For the promotion of cardiovascular health, the prostaglandins formed by GLA in Evening Primrose are said to have anticoagulating properties that dilate the blood vessels and reduce the blocking of blood vessels by a blood clot, thereby helping to prevent heart attacks and strokes. In addition, GLA is said to lower levels of cholesterol and blood pressure, further reducing the possibility of heart disease and stroke. The increased blood circulation properties in Evening Primrose are also thought to be beneficial in cases Raynaud's syndrome.

GLA plays a crucial role in the health of the brain and nervous system, and Evening Primrose has

been recommended as a supportive treatment for multiple sclerosis and other degenerative

diseases. Gamma linolenic acid deficiency is said to be associated with many health problems.

Those with premenstrual syndrome and cyclical breast pain associated with the menstrual cycle, , diabetes, scleroderma, Sjogren’s syndrome, eczema and other skin conditions may have a metabolic block that interferes with the body’s ability to make GLA. In preliminary research, supplementation with Evening Primrose has helped people with these conditions.

Certain disorders or diseases may block the body's ability to make gamma linolenic acid (GLA), and

Evening Primrose oil can supplement that deficiency, which in turn should help to ease the conditions that block the conversions in the first place. Some of these ailments include blood sugar problems, chronic inflammatory disorders, nutrient deficiencies and the metabolizing of hydrogenated oils and fats, as well as many other problems that may be helped by better balance of fatty acids in the body; therefore, people with deficiencies would presumably benefit from supplemental GLA intake from Evening Primrose.

Evening Primrose has been used as a traditional supplement for its stimulating effects on the liver, spleen and digestive apparatus and is said to help gastric irritation, irritable bladder, chronic diarrhea and fatty acid problems.

In modern herbal medicine the mucilage in Evening Primrose is used in cough remedies to help inhibit coughing, whooping cough and to help relieve cold symptoms.

Evening Primrose is considered an antispasmodic that helps to alleviate spasmodic asthma and menstrual cramps. In treating female problems, Evening Primrose acts as a natural estrogen promoter and therefore can help to relieve heavy bleeding, headache, breast tenderness and bloating. This is also said to have favorable effects when used for menopausal discomforts, such as hot flashes.

In some studies, Evening Primrose was thought to help treat schizophrenia, depression and premenstrual syndrome, especially when related to mood swings. Research continues into treatments for anorexia nervosa, hyperactivity, alcoholism and chronic anxiety. There is evidence that alcoholics may be deficient in GLA, and a double-blind study suggested that alcohol withdrawal may be facilitated with Evening Primrose supplementation.