The Herbal Cure For Breast Cancer

Although there exists an overwhelming array of modern-day treatment options for breast cancer, such as: chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormonal therapy, targeted therapies, surgery, and clinical trial therapies, etc., there are also a certain amount of alternative and traditional herbal medicine options too.

Herbal medicine has been used to treat people's illnesses for many thousands of years, and as the understanding of modern-day medicine has progressed during the last 100 years or so, so too has that of many of the herbal remedies that are used in traditional medicine (over more or less the same period of time).

This has led to a growing number of people to look to traditional herbal medicine (as an alternative to modern-day medicine) which focuses on two things: the detoxification of the body by ridding it of unwanted elements, and the strengthening of the body's immunity to prevent a relapse after treatment.

Turmeric, the popular Indian curry spice that is used in Ayurvedic medicine (a form of traditional/alternative medicine inherent to the Indian subcontinent) and Chinese medicine, has been used to cure illnesses for the past 4,000 years or so, and which of recent, came into the spotlight as a possible cure for breast cancer.

It is derived from the Curcuma longa (plant) which is a member of the ginger family, and due to its excellent anti-inflammatory properties, has been used to treat both digestive and liver problems, skin diseases, and certain types of wounds for many years. However, recent studies have shown that turmeric may also have other abilities too.

Found growing in the tropical regions of South Asia, and in particular India, turmeric's active ingredient curcumin, is believed to contain excellent anti-cancer and anti-oxidant properties which may help to neutralize the body's free radicals (particles that damage cells) by helping to prevent the damage they cause.

Curcumin, due to its strong anti-oxidant properties may actually help prevent, or treat, certain types of cancer, such as: breast cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, and skin cancer. Along with helping lower the level of two of the body's enzymes that cause inflammation, and inhibiting the grouping of platelets.

(enzymes are large biological molecules responsible for thousands of metabolic processes that help sustain life, and platelets are cells that do not have a nucleus which when grouped together form blood clots).

Turmeric (curcumin) can be administered as a fluid extract, powder filled capsule, or a tincture, which is an alcohol-based derivative of the fresh herb. And although turmeric is now being used in clinical trials for breast cancer and other cancers alike, it is so, only as an add-on to traditional medicine treatments.

It can be concluded that turmeric does have many cancer fighting properties that are certainly a benefit to most cancer sufferers who use it; however, due to a certain lack of information still as to how much those benefits may actually be, remains unclear. Turmeric, therefore may still be some years away from being the stand-alone cure for breast cancer.By Philip Albert Edmonds-Hunt

Herbal Tea - The Info You Want To Know

Today, tea is increasingly becoming a drink of the health conscious. Although, consumed for centuries in China, it was introduced to the world only in the late eighteenth century and its consumption spread rapidly as people were intoxicated by its exotic aromas and subtle, mellow flavors. Today, a new breed of tea drinkers are growing, who are consuming it for its medicinal properties. Though its medicinal benefits were documented in Chinese history for centuries, only recently have studies confirmed some of them. Green tea, white tea and herbal tea are being promoted as the best health drinks. Yet, the herbal tea is not really a tea at all!

That's right! Herbal tea, also known as tisane, is an herbal infusion made from anything but the leaves of the Camellia sinensis (or the tea bush)! Herbal tea is made from flowers (fresh or dried), roots, seeds or leaves by pouring boiling water over them and letting it steep for sometime. Alternatively, they can also be boiled together over a flame in a pot. The herbal tea is then strained and served. It maybe sweetened if required.

Various varieties of herbal tea are found in the market, some for its medicinal benefits and some for its intoxicating smells. Some firms even market herbal tea in tea bags. The term herbal tea is used mainly in the Americas to refer to linden, or lime leaf tea. Yet, there are many hundreds of varieties of herbal tea which have been quite popular in the regions where they are found. It would do us no harm to get to know about a few of them.

There are many herbal tea which are specific to a region and some which are found all over the world. Herbal tea has been quite popular in Asia over the centuries, especially in China and Japan. Some of the popular Asian herbal tea are the Yuen Kut Lam Kam Wo Tea (made in Hong Kong and composed of thirty Chinese herbs), the Mugicha (which is drunk cold in summer and quite similar in flavor to coffee), Cannabis (used in the preparation of Bhang in India), the Sugnyung (or toasted rice from Korea), the Tan Ngan Lo Medicated Tea (prepared in the twentieth century by a Chinese), and the Ho Yan Hor Herbal Tea (made from twenty four natural herbs in Korea).

Herbal tea is, and was, quite popular in the Americas as well, especially amongst the native tribes. Some popular ones are the Mate (shrubs grown in Brazil and Argentina), Lapacho (which is the inner lining of the bark of the Lapacho tree found in Amazonian forests and has numerous health benefits), Essiac (a native American herbal tea), Cerasse (a bitter herb found in Jamaica), and the Uncaria tomentosa (a woody vine found in the Amazonian forests and used to treat various ailments).

Besides these, the Rooibos (a reddish plant native to South Africa), the Honeybush (closely related to the Rooibos, but sweeter), the Bissap (consumed in the Saharas), the Hibiscus (from the Middle East), the Greek Mountain Tea (found in the Mediterranean and used to cure colds), the Chamomile (grown in Germany and used as a sedative), and the Horehound (known for its efficacy in lung troubles and grown in Britain) are quite popular varieties of herbal tea.

The above list of herbal tea though lengthy, is not exhaustive. In fact, if one started of with even all the popular herbal tea, it would run into pages. Though, the varieties of herbal tea mentioned above clearly show one thing, that herbal tea is anything but tea. Yet, the popular Earl Grey tea, which is blended with bergamot, is marketed by some as an herbal tea, though in every way it is black tea! So much so for clearing the confusion! -By Henry Wershar

ADHD Herbal Remedies - Skullcap

Did you know that our body can naturally heal itself and overcome most diseases? As long as we maintain a healthy lifestyle, eat nutritious food, and get lots of exercise, we can recover from any condition without using medication. Sometimes it's just a matter of finding out which combination of natural remedies will work for us. In the case of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, a healthy lifestyle and diet combined with herbal remedies can manage the disorder more effectively than medication. Skullcap is one ADHD herbal remedy that can help reduce hyperactivity, inattention, and the other symptoms of the condition.

There are two known varieties of skullcap: American skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) and Chinese Skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis). Although both varieties are called "skullcap," they are in fact very different herbs used to treat different diseases. Chinese skullcap can be found in Central Asia and Russia, and is used by Chinese medicine to treat headaches, allergic reactions, and inflammation. American skullcap grows in North America and cold climates, and is the variety used to treat ADHD and a number of neurological conditions. Skullcap was first discovered by the first Europeans in America, who discovered that it can prevent rabies from animal bites. Several hundred years later, scientists observed that skullcap's ability to treat rabies naturally is due to its calming effects on the central nervous system. Research on the herb also shows that it can increase the brain's blood supply and inhibit muscle spasms.

While no clinical trial has been designed to evaluate the effects of skullcap on ADHD, many alternative health practitioners and homeopaths recommend using the herb because of its tranquilizing effects. There are many ways to use skullcap as a natural remedy for ADHD. One way is to buy commercially prepared capsules of skullcap extract. The herb can also be used as a tea; simply put two teaspoons of dry skullcap leaves into a tea pot and drink three times a day. Skullcap can be served as a tincture (a highly concentrated herbal extract), as well. Herbalists recommend purchasing a skullcap tincture and combining 5 ml of skullcap with 10 drops of lemon balm. This formula should be taken orally in drops. Finally, some herbal preparations for ADHD like LTO3 have skullcap among the ingredients.

Although skullcap and other ADHD natural remedies are generally safe, it is always wise to consult a homeopath or holistic health care practitioner before taking any herbs or giving them to your child. Allergic reactions and unwanted side effects are rare, but they have been known to occur.

By Dr. Yannick Pauli

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