Common Herbal Remedies

People have been collecting herbs to use as medicine for centuries. Many doctors claim however that taking herbs in place of your prescribed medication is not recommended.
There has been a vast amount of information and testing with regard to herbal remedies. Herbs like vitamins are good for your body and overall health. Although the exact cause of why herbs have a positive effect on the body is not always known. Usually, herbs need to be taken over a long period to receive the benefits to you health.
Listed below is information about some common herbal remedies.
Alfalfa has been known to be effective in healing ailments such as gas pains, pain and stiffness from arthritis and ulcers. Alfalfa herb tea possesses no adverse components and is safe for all people including children.
For relief from upset stomachs, colds, bronchitis, bladder troubles, and jaundice, Chamomile is recommended. This herb is also helpful in the regulating menstrual cycle's rheumatic pains, and headaches. Chamomile has also been effective for babies with colic. In addition, it can act as an insect repellent when used properly.
Dandelion increases activity in the pancreas, liver, and spleen and contains insulin substitutes. Dandelion has a high vitamin and mineral content that is used for treating kidney and liver disorders, along with skin disease and loss of appetite.
Eucalyptus is a major ingredient in many commercial medicines such as cough and sore throat medications. These plants also contain oils that are extremely potent antiseptics. The oil may be applied locally on wounds, sores, and burns. Eucalyptus can also be used as an insect repellent.
Ginseng has been used for more than 5000 years in the Chinese culture. This herb strengthens the heart and nervous system. In addition, it builds up a general mental and physical vitality and may be effective for treating colds, coughs, gout, diabetes, headache, and backache.
Hawthorn is known to cause the dilation of the coronary vessels. An improvement has been shown in patients and is helpful in insomnia. It has been used to treat high blood pressure when taken over a period of time.
A strengthening tonic for the entire system is Strawberry. It is helpful with diarrhea, night sweats, liver complaints, gout, and jaundice. Strawberry is used internally for weak intestines and is also used for enema.
The above herbal remedies listed above are general guidelines. If an herb does not agree with you or if you feel adverse effects, discontinue using the herb. The information contained in this article is not intended to replace the services of a physician.

By David Chandler

Sarcoidosis Remedies - The Top 7 Natural Remedies For Sarcoid

Natural sarcoidosis remedies are showing great promise in relieving uncomfortable sarcoid symptoms. They come without the dangerous side effects of conventional drugs. These remedies may also play a role in stopping the disease becoming a chronic, progressive illness that robs one of their health and enjoyment of life.
Lets take a look at the top 7 natural sarcoidosis remedies:

1. Natural enzymes - Certain plant and animal-derived enzymes have the ability to break down the "granulomas" or clumps of abnormal immune cells seen in sarcoid.
2. Cleansing foods - A clean internal cell environment, free of toxins, acids and microbes is essential for a complete recovery from sarcoid. The use of cleansing vegetables and fruits can change your cell's internal environment to one of vibrant health. Juicing your vegetables and fruits can accelerate the healing process.
3. Healing herbs - Scientific studies are showing that herbs may play a role in balancing immunity, quelling inflammation and repairing damaged cells. Taken at the right dosages, herbs like ginger, rosemary, milk thistle and Chinese herbs are powerful sarcoidosis remedies.
4. Nutrients - Added nutrients can help you re-build cells and tissues, and protect your body from further damage. Essential nutrients that act as sarcoidosis remedies include vitamin C, the B complex, zinc and selenium.
5. Diet - A fresh, healthy diet based around an abundance of vegetables, fruits, quality protein and essential fats will go a long way in repairing your body from the ravages of sarcoid. Toxic foods that need to be eliminated include alcohol, coffee, trans fatty acids, sugar and highly processed foods.
6. Relaxation remedies - Relaxation and stress management is a crucial part of treating sarcoid. Sarcoidosis remedies that can help your body relax include the B vitamins, magnesium, herbs like valerian, passionflower and hops, and lavender oil which can be used topically or added to your bath.
7. Heat and massage - The pain of sarcoid can be relieved by the application of heat or massage. The addition of essential oils like rosemary, pine and eucalyptus can make this approach even more effective. Depending on the areas of the body affected by sarcoid, heat and massage can usually be done at home by the patient or family member.

If you are suffering from the pain, distress and frustration of sarcoid, then natural sarcoidosis remedies may be the answer to re-gaining your health and life.
By Elizabeth Noble 

Kiwi Fruit Facts and Healing Properties

Kiwi Fruit History
The Kiwi Fruit originates in China and was taken to New Zealand by Chinese missionaries to start growing trials. It was originally known as the Chinese gooseberry and the New Zealanders then named it the Kiwi Fruit. It is also known as the Hayward Kiwi. In the 1970's, commercial cultivation began and the growing trials made it possible for growing kiwi fruit in other countries.
Growing Kiwi Fruit
It's a vigorous climber with separate male and female plants needed to produce the luscious fruit. Kiwi fruit require full sun for growing and thrive in richly composted, deeply dug and well watered soils. Ideally, male and female plants are planted together about 1meter apart on sturdy frames or arches or wire rows. Kiwi plants require light pruning and protection from frost. In very cold areas, kiwi plants will not survive.
Kiwi Fruit Nutrition
The Kiwi Fruit is rich in vitamins C, E and A. It contains dietary fibre, potassium, phosphorous, magnesium and copper. It has a remarkable ability to remove excess sodium from the body which is good for the average person who eats too much salt. The Chinese believe that it's the tiny black seeds that perform this amazing feat. The Kiwi fruit is also rich in antioxidants ad digestive enzymes. Kiwi fruit should be eaten as soon as possible after being cut as these enzymes make the fruit go soggy.
Health Benefits
Kiwi fruit is said to promote respiratory health and ease wheezing and night coughing. A fruit salad of sliced kiwi fruit with a little cinnamon powder sprinkled over and a dribble of honey before bedtime is comforting and helpful. An ancient Chinese cure for shortness of breath and coughing spasms is syrup made of fresh kiwi fruit with honey and finely crushed aniseed.
For a Kiwi Health Booster Breakfast, try the following recipe:
Peel 4 ripe kiwi fruits. Slice them and sprinkle with sesame seeds then dribble over a little raw honey. Sprinkle with a ½ teaspoon of cinnamon powder, 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger and 2 teaspoons of finely chopped mint. Top with plain yogurt.
Katherine Oosthuis

7 Native American Herbal Healing Secrets

Are you aware of the fact that Native Americans lived in this country for thousands of years and never had one case of many of the common illnesses we face daily? I believe the reason they were healthier is because they lived off the land and used herbs and other plants as their food and medicine. These herbs are still available to us and can be found in your local pharmacy, health-food store or at many websites online.


Let's take a look at seven of the herbs used by these healthy people:

1. Arnica

- This herb was used by Native Americans for joint pain and muscle aches. Modern research has determined that this herb stops inflammation and contains a natural pain reliever (caffeoylquinic acid). A study performed in Great Britain found that it also reduces pain and stiffness associated with carpel tunnel syndrome. In addition, this wondrous substance boosts circulation to injured tissue. For this purpose buy it in a topical gel or cream form and rub it into skin where you have scrapes or bruises.

2. Black cohosh - This herb mimics estrogen and helps balance hormones. Studies have found that it relieves PMS symptoms, including irritability and menstrual cramps. No doubt, this is the reason the Algonquins named it "cramp bark." It also helps ease menopausal symptoms in older women such as hot flashes and night sweats. This herb is thought to be as effective as prescription hormone therapy, minus the adverse side-effects. On top of these benefits, a new study suggests that this herb may cut the risk of developing breast cancer by as much as 60%.

3. Sagebrush - Native Americans often burned this herb to purify the air at ceremonies. Come to find out, this plant contains several ingredients which have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. When it is burned, the space around it is sanitized as these ingredients are released into the air. When these ingredients are breathed into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, they can kill harmful germs. By the way, the plant we're talking about here grows wild in the western US and is not related to the spice used in cooking.

4. Saw Palmetto - By now probably everyone knows that saw palmetto can cut the risk of prostate cancer, but recently it has been discovered that when used by women, it gets rid of facial hair. It is responsible for these two seemingly unrelated benefits because it balances the body's hormones. It is also being used to help some patients who have polycystic ovary syndrome.

5. Stinging nettle - New research indicates that this herb has many benefits and that it is 50% more effective at overcoming nasal allergies than the most popular over-the-counter meds. It seems that this herb impedes the production of histamine, which is a chemical produced by the immune system that causes congestion, sneezing and other related allergy symptoms. It is a natural pain reliever and anti-inflammatory, as well, and helps shrink swollen nasal passages.

6. White Willow - Native Americans made tea from this herb and drank it to ease aches and pains. The bark of this plant contains salicin, which is the same chemical in aspirin that is responsible for the relief of pain. There is a difference in how the same substance from two different sources is absorbed by the body: aspirin works faster, while white willow relieves pain longer. An added benefit of white willow is that it doesn't irritate the stomach. You can either drink this as a tea or take it in capsule form.

7. Yarrow - The Navaho called this tiny flower "life medicine," and it contains ingredients that can numb pain on contact. It also contains natural coagulants that help stop bleeding from wounds. It is also an antiseptic and kills surface bacteria. The Cherokee bathed in the leaves of this plant after battles to help speed healing time. It can also be used for skin rashes and conditions like eczema. Look for it in your health food store in cream or ointment form.

Native Americans were very attuned to the land and discovered the medicinal properties of these wondrous herbs which helped keep them healthy. The real beauty of using these herbs is that they don't produce the adverse side-effects of prescription and over-the-counter medications. I don't know about you, but that's enough for me to give these a try if the need arises.
Gene Cook