Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Can Omega Three Help With Allergy Symptoms?

If you are wondering what you can take to help prevent allergy symptoms omega three fatty acids are one option. I wouldn’t say that it`s the most effective supplement that you can take for allergies but it is one option.
Why would omega three help to ease or even perhaps the symptoms of allergies? Omega three fatty acids have been found to help decrees inflammation in the body by inhibiting the formation of prostaglandins, which are one of the factors that bring about inflammation in the body.
What omega three supplements are best?
I personally like to take the approach of adding things to your diet instead of taking pills so I always suggest to add cold press canola oil do you diet.
What about the latest reports that fish oils have toxic materials in them?
They did find certain omega three fish oil supplements to have higher then allowed levels of carcinogens you can find fish oil products that have been molecularly filtered and all the toxins removed.
Like this one.

Monday, December 19, 2011

Natural Home Remedies For Runny And Stuffed Nose

My last post was an explanation about why our noses run when we are in cold weather. The inspiration for that post was from my own personal experience that I was just starting to develop a runny nose myself. Now even with my regular treatment, that I will make available to you as I wrote by the first of January, I was still experiencing unpleasant congestion and runny nose.
Last night I went out with my wife (kids stayed home with a babysitter), and we had dinner close to the sea. The salt filled air cleared me up right away, I was amazed! Now I should not of been so surprised, I have used and suggested sea water drops for nasal congestion many times, it`s a well know remedy that is both natural and conventional. But after we got home my problem returned just as fast as it left. Before going to be I was feeling stuffed up and frustrated with it and then I remembered the salty air and figured I am going to try something new. I was to tiered to turn on a computer and start to see if there was any written formulas so I just put a bunch of sea salt in a ¼ cup of water used a disposable plastic straw, put my head back and dropped my home made sea water solution down my nostrils. There was some immediate relief but it took until after I brushed my teeth and got into bed that I felt good and cleared up. This morning before I left for work I used the same solution to rinse both nostrils and even though I still need to grab for a tissue every now and then I feel much clearer.
If you are going to try this make sure to use distilled water or boiled tap water after letting it cool.
Use ¼ of a tea spoon to one cup of water.
Best to use sea salt but regular table salt may work as well.

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Why Does Your Nose Run When It’s Cold Outside?

You can get a runny nose for many reasons. A runny nose isn’t a bad thing it’s actually one way you’re body prevents unwanted germs, dust and the like from getting inside of the lungs. The mucus that your nose creates does this by filtering the air that comes through. The whole inside of the respiratory system is coated with this stuff to help keep the body clean on the inside.
But why then when it`s cold outside does it go into overdrive and start to run live a river? Well the answer to that is actually really interesting. When it’s cold outside our body tries to warm up the air going into the lungs by sending extra blood to the blood vessels in the nose and this extra blood causes the production of extra mucus which then causes an increase in the sale of Kleenex tissues.
What Could You Do About It?
Blow your nose of course! But really, if your nose is only running when you are outside in the cold, than you don’t want to do much else. Drinking a hot cup of chamomile tea is a good first move for when you start getting a runny nose. If the runny nose continues even when you are in a warm environment for some time then you may want to try hot tea made with any of these herbs to help regulate your mucus discharge and fight any bacteria that may be the cause of the problem.
1- Chamomile
2- Elder flower
3- Linden flower
4- Catnip
5- Sage
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Monday, November 21, 2011

List Of Herbal Teas That Are Good For Helping With Symptoms Related Of Depression

Of course there is no herbal remedy that can cure depression but there are herbs that can be used to help relieve its symptoms at least temporarily. Certain herbs such as roots when either cooked or prepared as tinctures may be very strong and greatly assist In the treatment of depression. But the cure for depression can only come from within the person who is suffering from it.

Here I would like to make a simple list of herbs that can be used in a tea form to improve a person's mood.

It is very interesting to note that most of the herbal teas which are used to improve a person's mood are also hers that can are used for problems of the digestive system.

Here I will make two separate lists one under supermarket and one under health food store.

Supermarket

Look for teas containing these herbs

  1. Mint
  2. Melissa
  3. Louisa or Lemon Balm
  4. Orange peel
  5. Grapefruit peel
  6. Rosehips
  7. Ginger (chi tea always makes me happy J)
  8. Cinnamon
  9. Cloves (oh I love the Chi)
  10. Chamomile
  11. Lavender

Because you are going to buy these in the supermarket they are probably already bagged drink them at least twice or three times a day.

Health food store

  1. Damiana
  2. St john's wart
  3. Lavender
  4. Rosemary

For these herbs add one tea spoon of herb to one cup of boiling water, cover and let it steep for five minutes, strain and drink 2 or 3 times a day.

Feel good and always tell yourself at least twice a day that you rock like no other

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Why Does My Knee Hurt – What Can I Do About It

So a few years ago I was starting to feel very slight irritation in my knees. I don’t even think I would call it pain because my knees didn’t hurt but I just felt that they were talking to me. I am very active, I walk and run a lot, I work in our garden, I carry heavy things and I like to build for a hobby. Back then someone had given me a bottle of Glucosamine and Chondroitin. I knew all about it and started to take it to strengthen my knee. If you are having any kind of joint pains you should take some Glucosamine Chondroitin formula. Any way after I took it for some time I stopped feeling my knees. I don’t swear that it worked or anything but what ever it was my knees stopped talking to me.

All was good up until last night. After moving a real heavy piece of machinery my right knee started to hurt. My knee didn’t hurt badly but there was some definite pain when I would walk up stairs. Now it’s about a one kilometer walk for me to work with very steep up and down hill parts. I was able to make the walk no problem but I did limp a bit along the way.
What did I do to help my knee out? I didn’t go out to buy more Glucosamine Chondroitin formula, but maybe I will do that some time in the near future. What I did do is stretch my knee out and let it hang. Now for the stretching I am going to put a video in here for you but you might want to know what I mean by hang my leg. It’s actually real simple we are always putting pressure on our knees but very rarely do we apply apposite pressure to the knee. What I mean is pressure that will gently open up the joint to allow the blood to circulate more freely and stretch out the ligaments that hold the knee in place. What I do is I sit side ways on a high surface like a window ledge or table top and just let one leg at a time hang down for five minutes. It feels real interesting.
I have never heard of the leg hanging technique before, it just seem logical, let me know if it helps you out. Just post a comment.

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Coenzyme Q10 – What Is It Good For and Does It Really Work


Coenzyme Q10 is the third to most purchased food supplement in the United States, coming in only after omega 3 and multivitamin supplements. There are many claims to the health benefits of Co Q10 and I always like to find the scientific proof to these claims. With Coenzyme Q10 that is not so difficult because the recommendation for Co Q10 are based on basic chemical reactions that happen in every cell of our body. Co Q10 is essential for the creation of ATP in the mitochondria of every cell. ATP is the readily available energy that the cell needs to complete any task needed.

Here is a list of how much Co Q10 different foods

"CoQ10 levels in selected foods. Food Co enzyme Q10 concentration [mg/kg], Beefheart113, liver 39–50, muscle 26–40, Pork heart 11.8–128.2, liver22.7–54.0, muscle 13.8–45.0, Chicken heart 116.2–132.2, Fish sardine 5–64, mackerel red flesh 43–67, white flesh 11–16, salmon 4–8, tuna 5, Oils- soybean 54–280, olive 4–160, grape seed 64–73, sunflower 4–15, rice bran/coconut Nutspeanuts27, walnuts 19, sesame seeds 18–23, pistachio nuts 20, hazelnuts 17, almond 5–14, Vegetables- parsley 8–26, broccoli 6–9, cauliflower 2–7, spinach up to 10, grape 6–7, Chinese cabbage 2–5, Fruit- avocado 10, black currant 3, strawberry 1, orange 1–2, grape fruit 1, apple 1" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coenzyme_Q10

Dosage

You should take between 3-6 mg per day

Ok so now the question does it really work and for who?

So what does the research say?

For Athletes

This study showed that Co Q10 was not effective in improving performance.

Does exogenous coenzyme Q10 affect aerobic capacity in endurance athletes?

This study showed that Co Q10 was effective in reducing muscular injury.

Reducing exercise-induced muscular injury in kendo athletes with supplementation of coenzyme Q10

For Heart Disease

This study shows how beneficial Co Q10 can be.

Biochemical rationale and myocardial tissue data on the effective therapy of cardiomyopathy withcoenzyme Q10

All I could say is wow everyone who has had heart problems should take Coenzyme Q10.

Overview of the use of CoQ10 in cardiovascular disease

Migraine Headaches

Efficacy of coenzyme Q10 in migraine prophylaxis: a randomized controlled trial

Cancer

CoQ10: could it have a role in cancer management?

Partial and complete regression of breast cancer in patients in relation to dosage of coenzyme Q10

Wow after reading all this research I am going to recommend Q10 to a lot of my clients.


 

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Natural Medicine for Arthritis – Best Food Supplements to help Treat and Prevent Arthritis


If you are looking for a form of natural Medicine for arthritis to help you relieve painful symptoms or just doing research for any reason. You probably already know what arthritis is and what the underlying causes of the different forms of arthritis are. But just in case you don't know and are just looking for some natural medicine for arthritis. I am going to give a very brief explanation of what arthritis is.

Arthritis is very simply put damage and inflammation of the joints in the body. Now in order to understand how natural medicine for arthritis can be helpful we need to have a bit of basic understanding of the joints in our body. So let's explain this short and simple. The joints usually effected are synovial joints.

There are three main parts of the joint

  1. Bone
  2. Cartilage
  3. Synovial membrane and fluid
The joint is made of two bone ends coated with cartilage with a space which is filled with the synovial fluid that lubricates the joint so the cartilage slide over each other smoothly. The entire joint is also covered in the synovial membrane which renews the synovial fluids.

Now either because of wearing out of the cartilage (osteoarthritis) or inflammation caused by over stimulation of the immune system (rheumatoid arthritis), the synovial fluid in the joint dries up and the cartilage starts to grind against each other. Eventually what can happen is that even the actual bones can start to rub against each other. This damaging of cartilage and bone causes pain and more inflammation.

Supplement Dosage What does it do?
Bromelain Bromelain should be taken three times a day or as suggested on label, preferably between mealsBromelain is an enzyme which helps the body to reduce inflammation
Chondroitin sulfate500-100 mg per dayHelps to strengthen joints ligaments and tendons
Omega 3 fatty acids1000-3000 mg per day taken with mealsHelps to control inflammation as well as pain
Glucosamine sulfate500-100mg per dayHelp to protect and rejuvenate bones, cartilage and synovial fluids and membrane
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)500-1000 mg three times per dayHelps to reduce inflammation, aid joint and tissue repair and reduce pain
S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe)400 mg two times per dayHelps to reduce pain and inflammation

Warning – should not be taken if you suffer from depression
Sea cucumber (beche-de-mer)Should be taken as directed on labelContains lubricating compounds which are also found in joint and synovial fluids
Silica Should be taken as directed on labelHelps rejuvenation of bones
Superoxide dismutase (SOD)Should be taken as directed on labelAntioxidant which protects the joints from free radical damage
Calcium and magnesium + copper, vitamin D3 and zincShould be taken as directed on labelThey all are helpful to protect and rejuvenate bone and protective tissue

 

These are not the only supplements that can be take to help treat arthritis with natural medicine but the top ten.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Bilberry - Monograph


Common Name – Bilberry

Botanical Name – Vaccinium Myrtillus

Parts Used – Entire Plant

Active Constituents – Bioflavonoids (anthocyanosides), beta-carotene, quercitin, quercitrin

So what is Bilberry good for?

Therapeutic Properties – antioxidant, diuretic, blood vessel tonic, anti-inflammatory

Bilberry can help to keep the blood vessels flexible which helps to increase blood flow

Bilberry can be helpful to diabetic by helping to control insulin levels

Bilberry may be useful as a urinary tract antiseptic

Bilberry may be useful to try and treat allergies as an anti-histamine

Dosage

Dry extract – 240-480 mg per day

Tincture – 15-40 drops three times a day

Berries – one teaspoon dried berries per day

Contraindications

None

Research articles with links

Isolation of high quality RNA from bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) fruit

Induction of apoptosis in cancer cells by bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) and the anthocyanins

One of the famous stories of bilberry is that of the British fighter pilots during World War 2. They said that they could see better during their night time raids when they would eat bilberry jam before going out.

Bayberry - Monograph


Common Name – Bayberry

Botanical Name – Myrica Cerifera

Parts Used – Root bark

Active Constituents – Beta-carotene, gallic acid, myrisic acid, phenol

So what is Bayberry good for?

Therapeutic Properties – astringent, decongestant, febrifuges, circulatory tonic

Bayberry can be used to help reduce fever

Bayberry can be used to help improve circulation

Bayberry can be used as a decongestant

Bayberry can be used to stop bleeding

Bayberry is also good for the eyes and the immune system

Dosage

Tincture – 50 drops twice a day

Tea form – two cups a day

How do you make bayberry tea?

Boil one teaspoon of the dry root bark in two cups for ten minutes, strain out the usd herbs and let cool before drinking.

Contraindications

You should not use Bayberry if you have a history of stomach or colon cancer

You should not use Bayberry when pregnant or nursing

You should not take Bayberry if you have kidney problems

You should not take Bayberry if you have high blood pressure

You should not take Bayberry if you have any gastrointestinal disorders

You should not take Bayberry if you have congestive heart failure


 

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Chuchuhuasi - Monograph


Common Name – Chuchuhuasi

Botanical Name – Maytenus Krukovit

Parts Used – Bark

Active Constituents – Anthocyanidins, catechin, maytensine, nocotinyl, sesquiterpenes, triterpenes, tannins

So what is Chuchuhuasi good for?

Therapeutic Properties – anti-inflammatory, immune stimulant

Chuchuhuasi may be useful in regulating menstrual cycles

Chuchuhuasi is useful in treating rheumatism, arthritis, back pain and muscle spasms.

Chuchuhuasi is good for treating fever, skin tumors, bronchitis and diarrhea.

Dosage

Tea form – one cup three times a day in between meals

How do you make Chuchuhuasi tea?

Boil one table spoon of dry herb in one liter of water for ten minutes, strain out the used herb and let cool before drinking.

Contraindications

Chuchuhuasi should not be taken by pregnant or nursing women

Research articles with links

Antimutagenic, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of Maytenus krukovii bark

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Guarana - Monograph


Common Name – Guarana

Botanical Name – Paullinia

Parts Used – Seeds

Active Constituents – Adenine, caffeine, D-catechin, saponin, tannins, theobromine, theophylline

So what is Guarana good for?

Guarana is good as a general tonic.

Guarana can help to cleans out the intestines.

Guarana increases mental alertness, improves stamina and improves endurance.

Guarana may be useful in treating headaches, urinary tract irritation and diarrhea.

Dosage

Dry herb as capsules – 150–500 mg per day

Herbal tea – one to three cups a day

How to make Guarana tea?

Add one or two grams of crushed seeds to one cup of water and boil for ten minutes, strain out used herb and let cool before drinking.

Contraindications

Should not be taken by pregnant or nursing wemon

Should not be taken by people who suffer from high blood pressure or heart conditions

Research articles with links

Pharmacological activity of Guarana (Paullinia cupana Mart.) in laboratory animals

Improved cognitive performance in human volunteers following administration of guarana (Paullinia cupana) extract: comparison and interaction with Panax ginseng

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Gravel Root - Monograph


Common Name – Gravel Root

Botanical Name – Eupatorium Purpureum

Parts Used – Flowers and Root

Active Constituents – Euparin, Eupatorine and Resin

So what is Gravel Root good for?

Therapeutic Properties – Diuretic, anti-lithic, anti-rheumatic, stimulant, tonic, astringent, relaxant

Gravel Root can help with the treatment of kidney stones and gravel.

Gravel Root may be helpful in the treatment of urinary tract infections.

Gravel Root may be useful in the treatment of prostate disorders.

Gravel Root may also be useful for treating rheumatism.

Dosage

Tincture – 20-40 drops three times a day

Tea form – three cups per day

How do you make Gravel Root tea?

Boil one teaspoon of dry Gravel Root in one cup of water for ten minutes, strain out the used herb and let cool before drinking.

Contraindications   

There are no known contraindications

Research articles with links

Antiinflammatory activity of the antirheumatic herbal drug, gravel root (Eupatorium purpureum): further biological activities and constituents

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Warning Cinnamon Causes constipation When Eaten in Excess


Well I think that as much as people say that it grosses them out to talk and think about problems related to defecating, everyone is interested to read about it. This is very natural because it is something that we all have in common.

So this is a bit of a story that has a very important lesson to be learnt from it. This past weekend friends who came to us for the weekend had brought for desert a cinnamon cake. Now this was no normal cinnamon cake, this was the best cinnamon cake I had ever eaten, really rich and tasty with lots of cinnamon. You know how sometimes you eat a cinnamon pastry and it's a bit week on that gooey cinnamon flavor. Well this was nothing like that I`ll tell you that much. So I indulged, ate a lot of this cake. Now the next morning things just were not flowing the way they usually do for me and I usually have a pretty good flow if you know what I mean. I figured it was be because I hadn't eaten enough fiber at dinner so at lunch I made sure to eat lots of salad. But we had another guest over for Saturday lunch that brought these really good cinnamon cookies. Low and behold my slight problem kept on through Sunday as well.

Now I use cinnamon a lot when treating diarrhea so it binding power is nothing new to me. But it wasn't until Sunday afternoon when I looked for something to satisfy my sweet tooth and saw what was left of the cinnamon cake sitting in the fridge that I realized the source of my problem. Well I didn't eat any more of the cinnamon goodies and by Monday it was business as usual.

Cinnamon is a great herbal remedy when used properly but in excess its binding capability can cause constipation.

If you are constipated or suffer from constipation regularly you should avoid all cinnamon products altogether.
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Monday, July 11, 2011

Gotu Kola - Monograph


Common Name – Gotu kola

Botanical Name – Centella Asiatica

Parts Used – Nuts, Roots and Seeds

Active Constituents – beta-carotene, beta-sitosterol, campesterol, camphor, kaempferol, saponins, stigmasterol

So what is Gotu kola good for?

Gotu kola helps to eliminate excess fluids.

Gotu koal help decrees fatigue and depression.

Gotu kola stimulates the nervous system and is considered to be a brain tonic.

Gotu kola helps to promote healing.

Gotu kola is good for varicose veins as well as heart and liver function.

Dosage

Tincture – 30-50 drops three times a day

Tea form – one cup three times a day

Contraindications

May cause dermatitis when used topically

Research articles with links

Centella asiatica accelerates nerve regeneration upon oral administration and contains multiple active fractions increasing neurite elongation invitro

Natural Remedy for Poison Oak


Friends of ours that are out in California for the summer called us up this morning to say hello. My wife spoke to them for a lot longer than I did and when she got off the phone she said that the oil I make work really well for treating poison oak. Now I make a lot of oils for a lot of different things and the last oil I made was for respiratory problem so it took me a second to figure out what she was talking about. Before our friends had left I gave them a natural first aid oil that I had developed with a friend of mine when we had a clinic together. I am going to tell you how to make it because it is very simple and yet very effective in treating all forms of skin irritation.

First I would prepare medicinal calendula oil. I would then take a ten ml dropper bottle and put fifteen drops of lavender essential oil and fifteen drops of tea tree essential oil. I would then fill the rest of the bottle with the medicinal calendula oil. This oil is great for cuts, burns, bites and now I know even for poison oak.

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Bee Propolis – What is it good for and does it work?


Bee Propolis is a material that bees collect from different plants. The bees use the propolis in the building of their hives. Bee Propolis has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and immune stimulating properties. Many people take Bee Propolis to help prevent sore throat and in the treatment of colds, flu, strep throat, mouth ulcers, tonsillitis and acne.

Research articles

Antibacterial properties of propolis (bee glue).

Bee propolis versus placebo in the treatment of infertility associated with minimal or mild endometriosis: a pilot randomized controlled trial. A modern trend

Goldenseal - Monograph


Common Name – Goldenseal

Botanical Name – Hydrastis Canadensis

Parts Used – Roots and Rhizomes

Active Constituents – Berberine, beta-carotene, canadine, chlorogenic acid

So what is Goldenseal good for?

Therapeutic Properties – Laxative, tonic, alterative, detergent, opthalmicum, antiperiodic, aperient, diuretic, antiseptic, deobstruent

Goldenseal can be helpful in treating ulcers of the mouth and stomach.

Goldenseal can help to improve digestion.

Goldenseal can help to regulate menses and to decrees uterine bleeding.

Goldenseal can help to strengthen the immune system, increase the effectiveness of insulin and to cleanse the body.

Goldenseal can help to prevent cold, flu and sore throat from developing if taken on time.

Research show that golden seal may be helpful in lowering LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) levels.

Dosage

Best taken in tincture form

Tincture – 40-60 drops three times a day

Powder – 4-6 grams per day

Contraindications

Don't take for more than three weeks at a time

Take a break of at least two weeks between uses

Should not be used by pregnant or nursing mothers

Research articles with links

Immune modulation of macrophage pro-inflammatory response by goldenseal and Astragalus extracts

The medicinal plant goldenseal is a natural LDL-lowering agent with multiple bioactive components and new action mechanisms

Goldenseal is now considered to be a endangered herb due to over harvesting and destruction of natural habitat. When purchasing goldenseal products, try to purchase only those that have been grown organically or with care for the propagation of this wonderful plant medicine.

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Ginkgo - Monograph


Common Name – Ginkgo

Botanical Name – Ginkgo Biloba

Parts Used – Leaves and Seeds

Active Constituents – amentoflavone, apigenin, beta carotene, bilobalide, ginkgetin, isorhamnetin, kaempferol, luteoli, myristic acid, p-coumaric acid, porcyanidin, quercetin, shikimic acid, stigmasterol, tannin, thymol.

So what is – good for?

Therapeutic Properties – circulatory tonic, brain tonic, blood thinner, antioxidant

Ginkgo helps to improve brain function by increasing blood flow to the brain. This help to bring oxygen and other nutrients to the brain which in turn helps the brain to function better.

Ginkgo can be helpful in the treatment and prevention of Alzheimer`s disease

Ginkgo can be helpful in the treatment of depression, migraines and multiple sclerosis.

Ginkgo can be helpful in the treatment of atherosclerosis, congestive heart failure and diabetes.

Dosage

Tincture – 10 drops three times a day

GBE – 120-160 mg 2-3 times a day

Contraindications

Should not be taken by pregnant or lactating women

People who take prescription blood thinners or regularly take over the counter pain killers should consult a healthcare provider before taking ginkgo

Research articles with links

A placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized trial of an extract of Ginkgo biloba for dementia

Clinical efficacy of Ginkgo biloba special extract EGb 761 in dementia of the Alzheimer type

Clinical improvement of memory and other cognitive functions by Ginkgo biloba: review of relevant literature.

After reading all these research articles I think would like to get so ginkgo biloba for myself. Hey if ginkgo can improve not just memory but also alertness now that sounds great.

By the way GBE stands for Ginkgo Biloba Extract

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

What is Bee Pollen and what is it good for?


Bee pollen is a powder like substance that is produced by the flowers and then collected by the bees. It is rich in protein (10-15%) and contains a wide range of nutritional materials. Bee pollen contains B complex vitamins, vitamin C, amino acids, essential fatty acids, enzymes, carotene, iron, copper, calcium, magnesium, potassium, manganese, plant sterols and simple sugars.

What can bee pollen be good for?

Bee pollen has anti microbial properties to it. It can be helpful in treating fatigue, cancer, depression colon disorders and allergies.

Bee pollen may cause allergic reactions (0.05% of the population) so take a small amount at first to make sure you are not one of the few who are allergic.

Monday, July 4, 2011

Anemia – Top Five Natural Food Supplements to Help Treat Anemia


Anemia is either a reduction of either red blood cells or the amount of hemoglobin in the blood.

Top five natural food supplements for treatment of anemia

SupplementDosageAdditional information
Raw liver extract (best from organic beef source)500 mg twice a dayContains all of the nutrients needed for the production of red blood cells
Blackstrap molasses1 teaspoon taken twice a dayHas iron and B vitamins
Folic acid with biotin800 mcg folic acid and 300 mcg biotin two times a dayNeeded for the builing of red blood cell
Floradix Iron + HerbsTwo teaspoons two times a dayContains iron in a form that is non toxic, easily absorbed and from a natural source
Vitamin B12 injections or sublingual formInjections are as prescribed by a physician, sublingual form 2,000 mcg three times a dayA must for the production of red blood cells

Sunday, July 3, 2011

Noni juice (Morinda citrifolia): hidden potential ... [Am J Kidney Dis. 2000] - PubMed result

Do you remember Noni Juice? It was one of the many fad supplements that have gone through the market of natural health products. this is a link to a case of some one who read all the great stuff about this healing juice and said "Hey I gotta get me some of that Noni juice".
Well the Noni juice, as it turned out was not good for him. He had kidney problems and was keeping to his low potassium diet. But who would of thought that this new wonder juice could be bad for anyone?
Well this goes to show us all that not every new supper herb is good for all of us. And also what happened to the Noni juice? I have not herd about it in a while. Well I am sure that there is some new supper anti-oxidant herb that they found out in the amazon.
I just get really upset when health becomes this big business, where every one is just trying to promote their product and not thinking about creating healthy living for the people of the world.
Wow I really must hope and pray that I don`t become one of those.

Natural Medicine Treatment for Fever Blisters, Oral Herpes and Herpes Simplex 1


All of the above are really the same thing.

The chances are that if you are reading this you know exactly what I am talking about. They usually come out when you get sick, are under a lot of stress or just made out with someone new. It starts with very mild irritation on the lip usually in one spot ant then the blisters form, those ugly little white areas of inflamed skin. Then if you are lucky they scab up after a couple days and after about a week or so the hole story is nothing but history, until the next brake out.

Well it doesn't have to be that way. From my experience taking 500 mg of L-Lysine, which is an amino acid found in any protein rich food, can keep those out brake from happening.

Also if you act fast and as soon as you start to feel the very first signs of an out brake, you can do two thing and be over with the whole story within two days.

Keep L-Lysine and tea-tree oil in your house at all time. As soon as you start to feel any inflammation of your lip, start this treatment. Take 1000 mg of L-Lysine 4 times a day on a empty stomach. And start putting tea-tree oil on the inflamed area. You can put the tea-tree on as much as you want the more the merrier. Just put a drop on your finger and apply it to the irritated area of the lip.

Do this and you will be done with the out brake very quickly.

Take the L-Lysine every day and you may not get another brake out.

Good luck

Sundew - Monograph


Common Name – Sundew

Botanical Name – Drosera Rotundifolia

Parts Used – Aerial Parts

Active Constituents – glycosides, flavonoids, resins, carotins, tannins, organic acids

So what is Sundew good for?

Therapeutic Properties – Anti-spasmodic, demulcent, anti-microbial, aphrodisiac, expectorant

Sundew can helpful in the treatment of tracheitis, bronchitis and asthma.

Sundew can be helpful in the treatment of gastritis and peptic ulcers.

Sundew can be used topically for minor skin irritations.

Dosage

Tincture – 10-20 drops three time a day

Dry herb in tea form – 1-2 grams per cup three cups per day

How do you make sundew tea?

Add one tea spoon of dry Catnip herb to one cup of boiling water, cover and let steep for five minutes, strain out used herb and enjoy.

Contraindications

Should not be used during pregnancy and nursing

Research articles with links

Antimicrobial activity of aerial parts of Drosera peltata Smith on oral bacteria


 

Sundew – A plant that really garbs you (if you are an ant)

Sundew is a beautiful plant with glistening tentacles on its colorful leaves. Now the glistening tentacles of sundew are attractive to more than just our human eye but insect senses as well. The glistening is a sweet and very sticky secretion that attracts and then traps insects. Sundew is a carnivorous plant, that's right sundew is a plant that eats insects. The tentacles on the leaf of all Drosera or sundew plants are so sensitive that they even cause the leaf to bend in toward its middle when they detect an insect in order to get a better bite. After the insect is trapped the plant secrets digestive enzymes which break down the insect so that it can be absorbed into the plant to supplement its diet.


 




 

Catnip - Monograph


Common Name – Catnip

Botanical Name – Nepeta Cararia

Parts Used – Leaves and Flowers

Active Constituents – volatile oils, Thymol, camphor, citieonellal, geranio, caryophyllene, rosemarinic acid and others

So what is Catnip good for?

Therapeutic Properties – Lowers fever, carminative, improves apatite, strengthens sleep, helps with stress, helps to prevent diarrhea.

Catnip can be good to help treat coughs, colds, flu and to help to bring down temperature in the case of a fever.

Catnip is suggested by many herbalists for treatment of chronic bronchitis and diarrhea.

Catnip can be used to treat flatulence's, poor apatite, poor digestion and diarrhea.

Catnip is a great herb to help with stress and difficulty falling asleep.

Dosage

Tincture – 30-60 drops three times a day

Tea – three cups a day

How do you make catnip tea?

Add one heaping tea spoon of dry Catnip herb to one cup of boiling water, cover and let steep for five minutes, strain out used herb and enjoy.

Contraindications

Should not be taken with sedatives or sleeping pills

Research articles with links

Antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of the essential oil and methanol extract of Nepeta cataria

Grandmother Twigleaf meditates over a cup of Catnip tea

As winter starts to spread its frosty fingers through the forest and the earth is already thick with the fall leaves. Life begins to slow down after the summer months which always seem to be so abundant with activity. Grandmother Twigleaf is always happy to see her exited grandchildren. But when they leave she needs to have her cup of catnip tea to help her relax. Normally she only drinks catnip tea when she has trouble falling asleep. But during the summer months full of family and excitement she has her catnip tea every afternoon to help her relax. Now as winter starts to seep in through the smallest openings around the door and windows, grandmother Twigleaf sits down to a hot cup of catnip tea to help her deal with some slight anxiety she is having about the coming cold months of the winter. As she sips on the warm catnip tea she feels more relaxed. She begins to feel calm and at ease. She pictures in her head all of her grandchildren and how nice it is to see them grow. She remembers the same feelings she had when her own children were young and these thoughts warm her heart while the catnip tea warms her stomach. As she finishes her catnip tea she fully reclines her chair and decides to take a short nap.

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Easy Exercises to Help Prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - CTS


CTS is what happens when the median nerve, which runs through the wrist gets compressed or damaged. This seems to be brought upon by repeated hand motions over many years. Today we see that anyone who spends many hours a day working on a computer has an increased chance of developing CTS.

Here are three easy exercises that can help to prevent CTS

  1. Rest one forearm on a table palm down. Now with the other hand lift the fingers of the hand resting on the table to stretch the muscles of the wrist, hand and forearm. Hold the stretch for five minutes and then repeat with the other hand.
  2. Stand at the edge of a table and place you hands palm down on the table. Now lean forward slowly to stretch the hands and forearms.
  3. Place a rube band around you finger to create resistance and the open and close your fingers.

Linden - Monograph


Common Name – Linden or Lime Flower

Botanical Name – Tilia(platyphyllos)

Parts Used – Flowers and leaves

Active Constituents – Saponins, aromatic materials, flavonoids (quercitin, hesperidin, astragalin) and tannins.

So what is Linden good for?

Therapeutic Properties – peripheral vasodilator, helps to restore blood vessel walls, sedative, diaphoretic, diuretic, demulcent.

Linden can be good for kids who have trouble falling asleep.

Linden can be used to help with runny nose, stomachache and to help lower a fever.

Linden can be used to help with colds and flu.

Linden can be used to help with stress and any stress related physical symptoms.

Linden can be helpful in the treatment of high blood pressure, atherosclerosis and varicose veins.

Dosage

Tincture – 30-60 drops three times a day

Dry herb – 1-4 grams three times a day

How do you make Linden tea?

Add one heaping teaspoon of the dry herb to one cup of boiling water, cover and let steep for five minutes and then stain out the used herb.

Contraindications

None

Research articles with links


 

Yarrow - Monograph


Common Name – Yarrow

Botanical Name – Achilea Millefolum

Parts Used – Leaves and flowers

Active Constituents – Coumarins, tannins, flavonoids, volatile oils, bitter materials, resins, alkaloids and aspergin

So what is Yarrow good for?

Therapeutic Properties – Diaphoretic, carminative, anti-spasmodic, hypotensive, astringent, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, anti-microbial, bitter, hepatic, tonic, alterative, vulnerary.

Yarrow can be used with young children to help treat fever, colds, runny nose, diarrhea and bed wetting.

Yarrow can be used to help treat women who suffer from menstrual pains, heavy menstruation, delayed menstruation and bleeding in-between menstruation.

Yarrow can be used to help with stomach aches, gastritis, lack of appetite and diarrhea.

Yarrow can help with hematuria and kidney infections.

Yarrow can be useful in the treatment of high blood pressure and all problems of the veins (hemorrhoids and varicose veins).

Dosage

Tincture – 25-50 drops three times a day

Dry herb – 2-4 grams three time's day

How do you make Yarrow tea?

Add one heaping teaspoon of dry herb to one cup of boiling water, cover, let steep for five minutes and strain out the used herb.

Contraindications

May cause photosensitivity

Some people are allergic to yarrow

Research articles with links

Chemical Composition and in-vitro Antimicrobial Activity of the Essential Oils

of Three Greek Achillea Species

http://znaturforsch.com/ac/v57c/s57c0287.pdf

Isolation of the anti-inflammatory principles from Achillea millefolium

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jps.2600580805/abstract?systemMessage=Wiley+Online+Library+will+be+disrupted+2+July+from+10-12+BST+for+monthly+maintenance


 


 


 


 

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Plantaim - Monograph


Common Name – Plantain

Botanical Name – Plantago major, PLantago ovate, Plantago psyllium

Parts Used – leaves and the shell of the seeds

Active Constituents – Acids, flavonoids, glycosides, tannins, polysaccharides and others

So what is Plantain good for?

Leaves

Therapeutic Properties – expectorant, eases cough, strengthens and balances mucus layer, anti-inflammatory, stops bleeding.

Seeds – sooths skin irritations

Plantain can be used to help with cough both dry and productive, excess mucus, allergies, bronchitis, colds and soar throat.

Plantago psyllium can be used to treat inflammation of the digestive tract, ulcers and also constipation.

Plantian can also help to heal wounds.

Dosage

Dry herb – 2-4 grams 3 times a day

Tincture – 40-80 drops three times a day

Contraindications

Should not be used during pregnancy

There are people who have a allergic reaction to this herb so for use with caution with first time users.

Research articles with links

Randomized clinical trial of Plantago ovata seeds (dietary fiber) as compared with mesalamine in maintaining remission in ulcerative colitis

http://www.nature.com/ajg/journal/v94/n2/pubmed/ajg199982a.html


 

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Licorice - Monograph


Common Name – Licorice

Botanical Name – Glycyzrrhiza glabra

Parts Used – Root

Active Constituents – Triterpenes, flavonoids, coumarins, chalcones, polysaccharides and volatile oil.

So what is Licorice good for?

Therapeutic Properties – anti-inflammatory, anti-hepatotoxic, anti-spasmodic, demulcent, emetic, expectorant, laxative, rejuvenative, anti-allergenic, anti-viral and phytoestrogenic.

Licorice helps to support proper function of the adrenalin gland.

Respiratory tract – bronchitis, asthma and cough (both dry and productive).

Digestive tract – mouth ulcers, heartburn and stomach ulcers.

Licorice can also be taken for all forms of inflammation problems.

Licorice can be used to treat herpes can be used as part of treatment of aids and hepatitis C.

Licorice may be helpful in lowering high sugar levels.

In Chinese medicine licorice is believed to have a balancing effect on a herbal formula.

Licorice can be helpful in sweetening herbal formulas for kids.

Dosage   

Tincture – 20-40 drops two or three times a day.

Dry root – 1-4 grams three times a day.

How do you make licorice tea?

Boil 1-4 grams of the dry root in 1 cup of water for ten minutes and strain out the dry herb.

Contraindications

Licorice should not be taken by pregnant women. Licorice should not be taken in case of edema. Licorice should not be taken by people who suffer from high blood pressure.

Licorice should not be taken with medications for high blood pressure or steroids.

Licorice should not be taken for more than a two month period. Chronic ingestion of licorice root in any form can cause serious health issues.

Research articles with links

A Drug over the Millennia : Pharmacognosy, Chemistry, and Pharmacology of Licorice


 
http://ci.nii.ac.jp/els/110003648869.pdf?id=ART0004170950&type=pdf&lang=en&host=cinii&order_no=&ppv_type=0&lang_sw=&no=1309258438&cp=

Anti-Helicobacter pylori flavonoids from licorice extract

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0024320502018647


 




 

Elecampane - Monograph


Common Name – Elecampane

Botanical Name – Inula Helenium

Parts Used – Root

Active Constituents – Volatile oil, lactones, bitter compounds, sterols and inulin.

So what is Elecampane good for?

Therapeutic Properties – lung tonic, expectorant, anti-tussive, diaphoretic, hepatic, anti-parasitic, anti-microbial.

Elecampane is helpful when treating all problems of the respiratory tract. Elecampane is good for ammonia, bronchitis, tonsillitis, asthma and the flue.

Elecampane can also be used to help improve appetite and absorption of food in the digestive tract.

Dosage

Tincture – take 30-60 drops three times a day.

Tea three cups a day

How can you make Elecampane tea?

Boil one teaspoon of dry root in one cup of water for ten minutes and strain out the used herb.

Contraindications

Should not be used during pregnancy and lactation.

Research articles with links

MRSA faces defeat from wild flower
http://web.archive.org/web/20071117044639/http://www.irishexaminer.com/irishexaminer/pages/story.aspx-qqqg=ireland-qqqm=ireland-qqqa=ireland-qqqid=48105-qqqx=1.asp

Herbal remedies for asthma treatment: Between myth and reality

http://journals.prous.com/journals/servlet/xmlxsl/pk_journals.xml_summary_pr?p_JournalId=4&p_RefId=668337&p_IsPs=N

Natural Home Remedy for Toothaches


This is a good quick formula that is very easy to make as long as you have the right ingredients on hand. I actually just came up with it because my wife has been having some serious tooth pain. Of course she needs to see a dentist, but what about until then.

So what I made for her is a very simple mouth wash that helps to relieve the pain and also fight any inflammation or infection. I took a 300 ml bottle filled it ¾ of the way with water. Then I added about 30 ml of vodka but any grain alcohol of about 40% alcohol will work. Then I added 15 drops of lavender essential oil, 8 drops of mint oil, 10 drops of eucalyptus oil and 13 drops of sage oil. I out the cap on the bottle and shuck it very well. This kind of preparation should be kept closed and preferably in the refrigerator.

DO NOT SWALLOW THE MOUTH WASH. It is not harmful at all if you swallow a bit and even if you swallow a lot it wouldn't be a problem but it could be bad for the stomach.

Mouth washed should be used as many times as needed to keep the pain down. When using mouth wash, concentrate on the area of the mouth where the pain is.

All of the oils that I put into the mouth wash have anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory. The mint and the lavender oil are very helpful in relieving the pain.

The alcohol helps the oils to mix better with the water.

Warning – some people may be allergic to the oils in this formula. So if you have not used these oils before it is a good idea to put some of the solution on the inside of your elbow and wait ten minutes to see if it becomes red. If it does become red don't use this formula.

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Sage - Monograph


Common Name – Sage

Botanical Name – Salvia officinalis

Parts Used – Leaves

Active Constituents – flavonoids, tannins, bitter and aromatic substances.

So what is Sage good for?

Therapeutic Properties – Carminative, anti-spasmodic, anti-microbial, astringent, anti-inflammatory, sudorific, expectorant, tonic, aromatic, nervine, vermifuge, emmenagogue, diuretic, stimulant, diaphoretic, stomachic, antiseptic.

Sage can be useful in the treatment of inflamtion of the upper respiratory tract, colds and inflammation of the throat.

Sage can be helpful for stomach aches, intestinal infection, diarrhea, inflammation of the mouth and gums.

Sage can be helpful to stop lactation, prevent hot flashes (during menopause).

Sage can also be used as a general tonic, to strengthen the immune system and to help with memory and concentration problems.

Dosage

Tincture – 20-40 drops three times a day

Tea – three cups a day

Contraindications

Contains 50% Thujone and should not be used by women with high chances of breast cancer.

Should not be used by people who suffer from epilepsy.

Should not be used by pregnant or nursing women.

Research articles with links

Topical anti-inflammatory activity of Salvia officinalis L. leaves: the relevance of ursolic acid

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378874100003962

Salvia officinalis extract in the treatment of patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease: a double blind, randomized and placebo-controlled trial

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1046/j.1365-2710.2003.00463.x/full


 


 





 


 

Scutellaria - Monograph


Common Name – Scutellaria or Huang Qin

Botanical Name – Scutellaria Biacalensis

Parts Used – Roots

Active Constituents – Wogonoside, wogonin, baicalin, benzoic asid.

So what is Scutellaria good for?

Therapeutic properties - Anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, cholagogue, antihypertensive, antioxidant, calmative.

Scutellaria can be great in helping with allergy related problems of the respiratory system as well as of the skin.

Scutellaria can be helpful with problems caused by inflammation.

Scutellaria may be helpful in treating hyperlipidiemia, yellow phlegm, including phlegm with blood, diarrhea, dysentery, jaundice, urinary tract infections, and skin diseases.

Dosage

Dry herb – 1-2 grams three times a day

Tincture – 20-40 drops three time a day

Contraindications – may have a toxic effect when taken in large amounts. Should not be taken during pregnancy and lactation.

Research articles with links

Anxiolytic effect of wogonin, a benzodiazepine receptor ligand isolated from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi




Free radical scavenging and antioxidant activities of flavonoids extracted from the radix of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S030441659900152X


 

Mode of action of the anti-influenza virus activity of plant flavonoid, 5,7,4′-trihydroxy-8-methoxyflavone, from the roots of Scutellaria baicalensis

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/016635429400062D


Anticancer Activity of Scutellaria baicalensis and Its Potential Mechanism


Antiviral Activity of Plant Flavonoid, 5,7,4'-Trihydroxy-8-methoxyflavone, from the Roots of Scutellaria baicalensis against Influenza A (H3N2) and B Viruses



 


 

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Thursday, June 23, 2011

Thyme – Monograph


Common Name – Thyme

Botanical Name – thymus Vulgaris

Parts Used – Arial Parts

Active Constituents – Volatile oils, bitter substances, tannins, flavonoids and saponins.

So what is thyme good for?

Therapeutic properties – Anti-septic, expectorant, anti- spasmodic and anti-parasitic.

Thyme can be helpful in treating bronchitis, asthma, cough, inflammation of the throat, intestinal parasites, infection of the intestines and Candida.

Dosage

Tincture – 20-30 drops three times a day

Tea – drink three cups a day

How do you make thyme tea?

I like to call it a broth more than a tea. Add one teaspoon dry herb to one cup boiling water and let it brew for 10 minutes. Strain out the used herb and drink.

Contraindications

Thyme should not be used during pregnancy.