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


 

 

 

 

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


 

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.

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

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006295202013473

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

http://www.liebertonline.com/doi/abs/10.1089/107555302320825075

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

http://ci.nii.ac.jp/naid/110003640827/

 

 
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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.

Eyebright – Monograph

Common – Eyebright

Botanical Name – Euphrasia Officinalis

Parts Used – Foliage and/or the Whole Plant

Active Constituents - Iridoid glycosides, flavonoids, and tannins.

So what is Eyebright good for?

Therapeutic Properties – Anti-inflammatory, astringent, anti-catarrhal.

Eyebright has been used for hundreds of years for varicose ailments. Eyebright has mainly been used to treat inflammation of the eye. But due to possible toxic effects of the herb is has been recommended to be taken only in homeopathic form.

Echinacea – Monograph

Common Name – Coneflower

Botanical Name – Echinacea

Parts Used – Roots and Leaves

Active constituents – Alkylamides (Echinacein), polysaccharides, glycosides, volatile oil.

So what is Echinacea good for?

Therapeutic Properties – Immune stimulator, anti-biotic, anti-inflammatory, alterative (helps to cleans the body of waist) and heals wounds.

Echinacea can be taken in all cases of sickness where there is a pathogen, in order to help strengthen the immune system.

Echinacea can be used topically to help treat wounds and inflammation.

Dosage

Tincture – 30 drops three times a day.

Note – Echinacea should be taken for treatment only and not for prevention.

Contraindications – one should be carful when treating autoimmune problems because of Echinacea`s ability to strengthen the immune system.

Research studies on the effectiveness of Echinacea.

Echinacea for preventing and treating the common cold.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16437427/


 

Echinacea root extracts for the prevention of upper respiratory tract infections: a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9821828


 
In vitro effects of echinacea and ginseng on natural killer and antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity in healthy subjects and chronic fatigue syndrome or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients.

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0162310996001257


 

 

Macrophage activation and induction of macrophage cytotoxicity by purified polysaccharide fractions from the plant Echinacea purpurea.

http://iai.asm.org/cgi/content/abstract/46/3/845


 

 

 

Mugwort - Monograph

Common Name – Mugwort

Botanical Name – Artemisia vulgaris

Parts Used – Leaves and Root

Active Constituents – Volatile oil, vulgarin, flavonoids, triterpenes.

So what is Mugwort good for?

Therapeutic properties – Bitter tonic, stimulant, nervine tonic, emmenagogue, laxative and diaphoretic.

Mugwort can be used to assist digestion and help people who suffer from constipation. It can be used to help calm the nerves and help to regulate menstruation

Dosage

Tincture – take 20 – 80 drops three times a day

Tea – drink three cups a day

How do you make a Mugwort tea? Add one heaping teaspoon to a cup of boiling water and let it brew for ten minutes. Strain out the used herb and drink.

Contraindication

Mugwort should not be used during pregnancy.    

Some people are allergic to Mugwort 

Dong Quei - Monograph

Common Name – Dong Quai or Angelica

Botanical Name – Angelica sinensis

Parts Used – Root

Active constituents - Coumarins, bergapten, linalool and borneol.

So what is Dong Quai good for?

Dong Quai has been known as the female ginseng because of it powers of helping the female body acquire and retain balance. It is known to be a uterine tonic and hormonal regulator for women. Dong Quai can be helpful in the treatment of anemia, PMS, menopausal symptoms, weak glands and in regulating monthly periods.

Dosage

3-4 grams should be taken per day either in a powdered root form taken as capsules or made into a tea.

How do you make dong quai tea?

Boil 4 grams of the root in three cups of water for ten minutes and let cool. Strain out the used herb and drink one cup three times a day.

Contraindications

Should not be used during pregnancy and lactation.

May cause increased sensitivity to sunlight

How to Treat a Sore Throat Naturally With What You Have In the House

If you start getting a sore throat and you can't get out and get some good old Recolas, here are some things you can do with what you have in the house.

First off is lemon juice, always best if fresh squeezed but also if from the bottle it will help. The lemon juice will help to kill any bacteria that may be causing the sore throat and also help get rid of some of the irritation.

Next eat some fresh garlic or onions. You can have them in a salad or with some bread but they must be fresh and not cooked or heated. They both contain sulfur compounds that will help to kill bacteria and also help to heal any damage to the soft tissue of the throat.

Gargling with vinegar and drinking thyme tea while not being very tasty can be very helpful as well.

If you are all out of the ingredients I mentioned above then maybe you have some Tabasco source in the cupboard. I don't usually suggest this to other people but what I have done in the past when I was all out of other choices is drip Tabasco sauce right down to the back of my throat. It hurts real badly but then the throat does not hurt as much. Maybe just forget about the Tabasco.

Feel better soon

Peppermint - Monograph

Common Name – Peppermint

Botanical Name - Mentha piperita

Parts Used – Areal Parts and Essential Oil

Active Constituents

Volatile Oil which contains menthol, menthone and menthyl acetate. Flavonoids, rosmarinic acid,azulenes, choline and carotenes.

So what is peppermint good for?

Therapeutic properties - Carminative, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, aromatic, diaphoretic, anti-emetic, nervine, anti-microbial, analgesic, stimulant, stomachic, rubefacient.

Peppermint is a great herb for all digestive issues. From indigestion after a big meal to a advanced case of stomach ulcers.

It is helpful in cases of flatulence and nausea. Peppermint also has a pain relieving effect which helps to alleviate stomach discomfort.

Peppermint can be used to lower fever and to help to alleviate stress.

It can also be used topically to help relieve pain, itching and inflammation.

How to prepare peppermint tea? Pour one cup of boiling water over one heaping teaspoon of dried herb and let it steep for ten minutes. Strain out the used herb and drink and often as you would like.

Contraindications

Should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation.


 

 

Ashwagandha – Indian Ginseng - Monograph

Common Name – Ashwagandha also known as Indian Ginseng

Botanical Name - Withania Somnifera

Parts Used – Root

Active Constituents – Alkaloids, steroidal Lactones and acyl steryl glucosides

The main alkaloid is called withanine and the main steroidal lactones are known as withanoloids.

Withanoloids are very similar in appearance and action to Ginsenosides which are the active chemical in ginseng. This is what makes the use of Ashwagandha so similar to that of ginseng that it has been referred to as Indian ginseng.

So what is Ashwagandha good for?

Ashwagandha is known to be a tonic herb as well as a adagtogen which can help the body deal with stress as well as help to promote wellness.

Ashwagandha has been noted as helpful for a long list of ailments.

Chronis fatigue, bone weakness, muscle weakness and tension, loose teeth, thirst, impotency, emaciation, constipation, senility, rheumatism, nervous exhaustion, memory loss, neurodegenerative disorders and spermatorrhoea.

"Studies indicate ashwagandha possesses anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antistress, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, hemopoetic, and rejuvenating properties. It also appears to exert a positive influence on the endocrine, cardiopulmonary, and central nervous systems. The mechanisms of action for these properties are not fully understood. Toxicity studies reveal that Ashwagandha appears to be a safe compound"
http://www.altmedrev.com/publications/5/4/334.pdf

"Withania somnifera Dunal (Ashwagandha): potential plant source of a promising drug for cancer chemotherapy and radiosensitization."
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9055640

"Studies on immunomodulatory activity of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) extracts in experimental immune inflammation"
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378874199000653

Dosage

Ashwagandha can be taken in capsule of tincture for as directed on the package.

Tea form – one cup three times a day

How do you make Ashwagandha tea? Boil one tablespoon of dry root in three cups of water for fifteen minutes and let cool. Strain out the used herb and drink one cup three times a day.

Contraindications

Safety of the herb during pregnancy and lactation are unknown. It has been safely used by children in India.

No drug interactions are known for sure but if you take prescription medication you should ask your doctor or herbalist.

Canker Sores (Aphthous Ulcers) – What are they and how can we treat them with Natural Medicine

Canker Sores are small areas of inflammation that developed on the inside of the mouth. They can appear on the inside of the cheeks and lips as well as on the tong and gums. The inflamed area then turns into an ulcer, which lasts anywhere from four to twenty days. They can range in size from that of a grain of sand to the size of a grape.

The exact cause of these canker sores is no known for certain. They may be brought on by irritation to the tissue of the mouth, viral infection, stress, weakness of the immune system, trauma and fatigue. They may also be linked to deficiencies of iron, lysine, vitamin B12 and folic acid.

Nutritional supplements that can be helpful if you suffer from canker sores.

1. Acidophilus
   
2. L-Lysine
   
3. B-complex Vitamins
   
4. Vitamin C with bioflavonoids
   

You could also apply lavender oil directly to the affected area 2-3 times a day. This helps with the pain immediately and also speeds up the healing process.

To avoid getting canker sores in the first place it is important that you maintain a balance of minerals, acidity and alkalinity in the body.

If you are repeatedly getting canker sores you should get a blood test to check for nutritional deficiencies.

How to Treat Nausea using Herbs

I learnt how to treat my motion sickness because I always try to make the best use of all my time. And at a point in my life when I was traveling a lot by bus I wanted to be able to read and study on the bus. But the problem was I would get crazy nausea when I would read. So here is what I figured out works.

Number one best thing that I found was dry ginger candy. It has a very strong taste but it would do the job. The reason that for me the ginger candy was best was because I was traveling and I could just keep it in my bag.

But if you are at home you could make yourself a cup of ginger tea and that would work well also.

Mint is another great herb for treating nausea. You can make a tea or use one drop of mint essential oil in a cup of water or on a sugar cube to sort your stomach out.

So don't puke just yet. First try some ginger and mint and if they don't help, then you can go ahead and hurl.

Astragalus - Monograph

Common Name – Astragalus

Botanical Name – Astragalus Membranceus

Chinese Name – Huang Qi

Parts Used – Roots

Active Compounds - flavonoids, polysaccharides, triterpene glycosides, amino acids, and trace minerals.

So what is Astragalus good for?

Astragalus is known to help strengthen the immune system, protect the body during chemotherapy, help with the prevention and treatment of colds and flu and help the body recover from blood loss or blood deficiency.

Dosage

Tincture -30-100 drops three times a day.

Capsule form – as directed on the label.

Decoction – 15 grams of dried root per day.

How do you make a decoction of Astragalus?

Boil fifteen grams of Astragalus root in three cups of water for five minutes. Strain out the used herb and drink throughout the day.

Contraindications

Should not be used in cases of excess yang and yin deficiency.

Clinical Studies

Astragalus-Based Chinese Herbs and Platinum-Based Chemotherapy for Advanced Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials


 

 

Panax Ginseng – Monograph

Common Name – American Ginseng

Botanical name – Panax Ginseng or Panax Quinquefolius

Active Constituents – Ginsenosides

So what is American Ginseng good for?

Ginseng both American and Asian are considered to be adaptogens. Adaptogenes are herbs that help the body to adapt to changes. Ginseng is known to help the body cope with stress both mental and physical. Ginseng has been found to help lower sugar levels in diabetics and also help alleviate fatigue in cancer patients. Ginseng has also been found to have cancer preventing qualities.

If you are working hard and feeling stressed out ginseng may just be the right thing to help give you some more energy.

How should you take ginseng?

Ginseng is usually given as part of an herbal formula. It can be taken in pill form on its own to help with fatigue and stress, follow the directions on the label.

Tincture – 30-60 drops twice a day not at night.

You can make a ginseng decoction or ginseng tea by boiling a piece of ginger about the size of the top section of your thumb in one and a help cups of water for a half hour. You should drink two cups a day preferably between meals.

Contraindications

People with insomnia or high blood pressure as well as people taking anti-depressants should not take ginseng.

Clinical studies on health benefits

 The cancer-preventive potential of Panax ginseng: a review of human and experimental evidence.

  Effects of tissue-cultured mountain ginseng (Panax ginseng CA Meyer) extract on male patients with erectile dysfunction

 

Korean red ginseng (Panax ginseng) improves glucose and insulin regulation in well-controlled, type 2 diabetes: Results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of efficacy and safety

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Aluminum Toxicity – what is it? And what can be done about it.

Aluminum is the most abundant metallic element in the earth's crust. Aluminum toxicity can lead to a large range of symptoms such as rickets, gastrointestinal problems, poor calcium metabolism, anemia, extreme nervousness, decreased liver and kidney function, headaches and even Alzheimer's like symptoms. Aluminum on its own is not able to pass through the Blood brain barrier but when it attaches itself to potassium it can then pass through. The scary thing is that aluminum is in almost every food that we eat. Many municipal water suppliers are treating their water with alum (aluminum sulfate). This is one reason why it's a good idea to do a detoxifying program every so often, so that our body can have a chance to rid itself of excess toxic material such as aluminum.

Here are some supplements that can help to protect the body from aluminum toxicity.

1. Apple pectin
   
2. Calcium magnesium supplements
   
3. Coenzyme A
   
4. Kelp
   
5. Lecithin (granules or capsules)
   
6. L-Glutatione

Classic Chamomile Tea treatment for Stomach Ulcers

This treatment method can be very effective. All you need is some chamomile tea and 20 minutes longer to lie in bed in the morning.

Prepare a strong cup of chamomile tea before you go to bed and put it next to your bed.

When you wake up in the morning before you get out of bed, drink the cup of chamomile tea. Now right after you drink the tea lay on each of your four sides for five minutes. That's five minutes lying on your back, five on your stomach, five on your right side and five on your left.

The healing powers of the chamomile will help to ease the pain and repair the damaged tissue caused by the ulcer.

This is not a silver bullet, if you do this just once it may help for that day but not long term. Also this will work best when done along with lifestyle changes to help heal the ulcer.

Vitex Agnus-Castus – Chasteberry - Monograph

Common Name – Chasteberry

Botanical Name – Vitex agnus-castus

Parts used – Fruit

Active Constituents -Iridoid glycosides (aucbin and agnoside) and flavonoids (casticin, isovitexin and orientin).

So what is Vitex good for?

Vitex is a herb that can help to bring balance to the female reproductive system. It can be used to help treat irregularities of menstruation and PMS.

Vitex can be beneficial during menopause.

Vitex can help to balance the body after the use of oral contraceptives.

Vitex may help control acne in female and male teenagers.

Dosage

Tincture – 20 drops three times a day

Tea – three cups a day

How to make chasteberry tea?

Add one teaspoon of the dried ripened fruit to one cup of boiling water and cover the cup. Let it steep for 15 minutes and strain out the used herb.

Contraindications

Vitex should not be taken by pregnant women. Weak and anemic women should use caution when taking this herb.


 

Chamomile - Monograph

Common Name- Chamomile

Botanical Name - Matricaria Recutita, Matricaria Chamomilla

Parts Used – Flowers

Active constituents – Volatile oils and bioflavonoids (apigenin, luteolin, and quercetin)

So what is chamomile good for?

Therapeutic properties of Chamomile – anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, calming, emmenagogue, bitter, stomachic.

Chamomile is one of those herbs that are good for almost everything.

Chamomile is a calming herb and could be used to help falling asleep. A strong cup of chamomile tea is great for helping to relax if one is feeling stressed.

Chamomile is good for almost all problems of the digestive system, stomach ache, indigestion, and lack of apatite, ulcers and many others. Because of its ability to help heal wounds it could be very helpful in the treatment of mouth ulcers.

Chamomile can be used to help ease pain. It has been even said to help with teething babies.

Chamomile can help with menstrual pain and bloating.

Chamomile tea can help to clear up eye infections.

Chamomile can be used topically to help heal wounds and sooth irritated skin.

Dosage

Tincture – 30-100 drops 1-3 times a day

How do you make a strong cup of chamomile tea?

Add one heaping tablespoon of dried chamomile flowers to a cup of boiling hot water and cover the cup. Let it brew for 5-10 minutes and the strain out the used herb.

Contraindications

Some people are allergic to chamomile.

Beside the allergic aspect chamomile is safe even during pregnancy and nursing.

Bell’s palsy – What is it and what can be done Using Natural Medicine to Help?

Bell`s Palsy is an acute idiopathic unilateral facial nerve paralysis. Which in simple English means, that a nerve which controls one side of the face muscles, temporarily stops working for no knows reason. For the most part the condition last from one to six months.

The theory is that this is brought on by an inflammation of the nerve as it passes through the narrow bone canal under the ear. The inflammation then causes a cut off of the circulation to the nerve resulting in temporary nerve damage.

Treatment of Bell's palsy using natural medicine is in one way similar to that of conventional medicine in that one should start by taking anti inflammatory herbs and supplements. Omega 3 fatty acids and garlic are two thing that I would suggest to lower inflammation and also thin the blood a bit so that it can flow better to the nerve with the hope that this will quicken the rejuvenation of the nerve.

50mg of B-complex vitamins should be taken three times a day along with an additional B12 sublingual tablet which should be take once a day. This is to supply the body with what it needs to repair the damaged nerve.

Capsicum capsules have been noted to be very helpful due to the herbs blood moving properties. This helps with speedy delivery of all nutrients to the damaged nerve, which aid in a quicker recovery.

Nerve tonic herbs which help with improving blood flow would also be beneficial. Hers such as ginkgo biloba and guta cola can be very helpful.

Acupuncture can be extremely helpful also.

In most cases the problem will take care of itself even without any treatment, but the hope is that by helping the body to heal it will result in a more speedy complete recovery.

Elder Flower and Elder Berries – Monograph

Common Name – Elder

Botanical Name – Sambucus Nigra

Parts Used – Fruits and Flowers

Active Constituents – Flavonoids, such as Quercetin and others

So what can elder be used for?

Elder flowers seem to have more therapeutic aspects then the Elder Berries.

Elder Flowers - stimulate and balance the immune system (meaning they can be used to help with infection and allergies), act as an anti-inflammatory, have anti bacterial properties and is considered to be a lung tonic.

Elder Berries – are good for all problems of the upper respiratory tract and contain anti-oxidants.

Sambucol is a elderberry extract that was discovered by an Israeli scientist. It has been found to be greatly effective against all kinds of flue and cold.
Note –fresh elderberries and elderberry juice is slightly toxic, but when cooked they are harmless.

Contraindications

Both flowers and berries are considered to be safe even for pregnant and lactating women


 

Natural Remedies for Hair Loss

For a lot of people hair loss is a very bothersome thing. The fact is that it has a lot to do with genetics but there must be something that you can do to either slow or stop the process.

My suggestion to people that are trying to stop the thinning and loss of their hair is two basic things.

1. Start taking a good multivitamin and mineral with a high concentration of B complex vitamins
   
2. Start using a herbal shampoo that contains rosemary oil
   

These two things are to help the whole of the body to be healthier and to increase blood flow to the scalp and hair follicles.

Another technique that could be helpful is to run the hottest water you can handle over your head and then the coldest water possible. Repeat this 4 or 5 times. This process is known as aqua therapy and is meant to increase blood flow to the hair follicles.

Other herbal remedies for hair loss:

Bhringaraj oil – this Ayurvedic medical herb is famed to help prevent hair loss, graying and dandruff.

Saw Palmetto (Men Only) – Because of its ability to balance testosterone levels it is believed to help prevent hair loss in men.

Nettle Root Extract – Contains vitamins and minerals which are important to healthy hair.

Jojoba oil – has been used to prevent hair loss and dandruff.

Aloe Vera – Is popular in the Caribbean and amongst Native Americans to promote healthy hair and prevent hair loss.

Good luck and let me know if you try something if it works or not.

 

 

Hawthorn - Monograph

Common Name – Hawthorn

Botanical Name – Crataegus

Parts Used – fruits, flowers and leaves

Active Constituents – tannins, flavonoids, oligomeric proathocyanidins (OPCs), flavone-C, triterpene acids and phenolic acids.

So what is Hawthorn good for?

Therapeutic properties of Hawthorn - antispasmodic, cardiac, sedative, vasodilator.

Hawthorn is a good herb for all problems related to the heart. It could be used for both high and low blood pressure. Hawthorn may be helpful to people who have high cholesterol. Hawthorn is also good for nervousness and sleeplessness.

Dosage

Standardized herbal extract of hawthorn should be taken in amounts of 80-300 mg two or three times a day.

Hawthorn tinctures should be administered at a dosage of 100 drops two times a day.

How do you make tea from hawthorn fruits?

Boil two tea spoons of dry fruit in one and a half cups of water for five minute. The tea should be drunk twice a day.

Contraindications

No interactions with drugs are known. Hawthorn is considered to be safe even for pregnant and lactating women.

Clinical trial shows Hawthorn to be beneficial in the treatment of chronic heart failure.


 

 

 

Valerian Root - Monograph

Common Name – Valerian Root

Botanical Name – Valeriana Officianalis

Parts Used – Root and Rhizome

Active Constituents – alkaloids, isovaleramide, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), isovaleric aid, sesquiterpenes, flavanones.

So what can Valerian Root be used for?

Valerian root in my opinion is one of the best herbal sedatives. It can be useful in the treatment of anxiety sleep disorders, stress, IBS and also may be helpful for epilepsy sufferers.

Valerian root may also help people to get off of benzodiazepine drugs, but this should only be tried under the supervision of you`r doctor.

How to make valerian root tea - for a strong effective tea I boil one tablespoon of valerian root in one and a half cups of water for five minutes.

I have been told that this is not the proper way to make the tea. But the proper preparation method is to add the herbs to warm water in the morning and let them sit for the day and drunk in the evening.

Valerian Root can also be taken in tincture and pill form (follow the directions on the label)

Contraindications – valerian root has been found to be very safe. It should not be taken before driving or operating heavy machinery. Valerian root should also not be taken consistently for a period longer than six months.

Chamomile Tea for Eye Infections

As I have mentioned before I am not at all against using western medicines such as antibiotics and the like when they are necessary. And eye infections are one of those cases where I don't hesitate very long to use a antibiotic topical ointment to get rid of the problem quickly. But this last time that my one year old had a eye infection by the time we went to the doctor and picked up the prescription the eye was already 90% cleared up and the only thing we used was Chamomile tea.

So what happened? On Friday my son woke up with a bit more eye gunk then usual and by Friday night it was already bad. Very clear that he had an eye infection. So on Saturday I started to treat the eye with a strong chamomile tea. Now chamomile tea is very gentle, as one can tell even just by the taste of it. So it doesn't irritate the eye.


Very important note some people are allergic to chamomile!! If you don't know if you, your child or a friend is allergic you can check. Make a strong tea with two tea bags or two teaspoons of loose chamomile, add it to a cup of boiling water and let it steep for five minutes. With a cotton ball put a good amount of the tea on the inside of your elbow, where the skin is sensitive (but it's better than in the eye). If no redness or irritation accurse within an hour you should be fine.

Now beside for being gentle it is also a very effective anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial herb.

So how do you treat an eye infection with chamomile?

You prepare a strong tea as explained above and apply it to the eye with a cotton swab or cotton ball. The thing is that you need to do this about twenty times a day for it to be effective. But it is effective by the time we took our soon to the doctor and got his prescription on Sunday afternoon the swelling had gone down and the fluids had stopped draining. But only because my wife was the number one nurse that put the chamomile in his eye every half hour.

Don't let this replace proper medical care, it is always best to see your family doctor.

Saw Palmetto - Monograph

Common Name – Saw Palmetto

Botanical Name – Serenoa

Parts Used – Fruits

Active Constituents – Fatty acids; caproic, lauric, palmitic, Polysaccharides; galactose, arabinose, uronic acid and Sterols.

So what is saw palmetto good for?

Therapeudic properties of Saw Palmetto - Diuretic, urinary antiseptic, endocrine agent.

BPH is believed to be caused by testosterone accumulation in the prostate. The testosterone is then turned into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which then causes the cells to multiply leading to the enlargement of the prostate. Saw palmetto prevents testosterone from converting to DHT. It also increases DHT's breakdown and excretion.

Dosage:

320 mg per day of saw palmetto herbal extract in capsules or tablets is recommended for early stages of BPH - which are rich in fatty acids, sterols, and esters. It may take about 6 weeks to see results with BPH.

The dry fruit can also be crushed and taken as a tea. This is weaker than the herbal extract so 5-6 grams should be taken per day.

Liquid extracts of the whole herb at 30 drops three times per day may also be effective.

Tea: put one teaspoonful of the crushed berries in a cup of water, bring to the boil simmer gently for 5 minutes and strain out the used herbs. This should be drunk three times a day.

Contraindications – Saw Palmetto is considered to be safe and has no contraindications.

Yerba Mate – Monogragh

Common Name – Yerba Mate

Botanical Name – Llex Paraguariensis

Parts Used – Leave and twigs

Active Constituents – Xanthines: caffeine, theobromine and theophylline. Minerals: potassium, magnesium and manganese.

So what is Yerba Mate good for?

1. Helps to lower cholesterol
   
2. Can assist in weight loss
   
3. Boosts energy and mental focus
   
4. Antioxidant
   
5. Anti-inflammatory
   

Yerba mate can be just as good as coffee to give you that caffeine boost but it has been found to be easier on the body then coffee.

Antioxidants found in yerba mate are anti-carcinogenic which means they can help to prevent cancer.

Yerba mate can be beneficial to anyone suffering from lipid unbalance and inflammation problems.

Yerba mate tea has been shown to lessen tendency to obesity due to a high starch diet.

How to prepare Yerba mate tea – add one heaping tablespoon of the dry herb to a cup of hot water and let it steep for five minutes. Strain out the used herb and enjoy.

Contraindications – people with high blood pressure should not drink yerba mate. People taking MAO inhibitors should not drink yerba mate. Yerba matte should not be consumed excessively

Black Cohosh – Monograph

Common Name – Black Cohosh

Botanical Name - Cimicifuga racemosa

Parts Used – Root

Active Constituents - Triterpene glycosides (e.g., acetin and cimicifugoside) and isoflavones (e.g., formononetin). Other constituents include aromatic acids, tannins, resins, fatty acids, starches, and sugars.

So what is Black Cohosh good for?

Black Cohosh can be helpful for women suffering from Menopause, painful menstruation and uterine spasms.

Formononetin is the active phytochemical in the herb that binds to estrogen receptor sites, creating an estrogen-like activity in the body. As a woman approaches menopause, the signals between the ovaries and pituitary gland diminish, slowing down estrogen production and increasing luteinizing hormone (LH) secretions. Hot flashes are the result of these hormonal changes. Clinical studies from have demonstrated that an alcohol extract of black Cohosh decreases LH secretions in menopausal women.

The use of the herb for painful menstruation has not been proven.

Dosage

Tincture – 30-40 drops three times a day

Powder Extract – 250mg three times a day

Standardized extract – as directed on label

Contraindications – Black Cohosh should not be taken by pregnant or lactating women as well as women going through any estrogen related therapies.

Milk Thistle – Monograph

Common Name – Milk Thistle

Botanical Name – Silybum Marianum

Parts Used – Seeds and Leaves

Active Constituents – A bioflavonoid called Silymarin is what gives the plant is therapeutic abilities. Silymarin is made up of silibinin, silidianin, and silicristin. Silibinin is the most active and is largely responsible for the benefits attributed to silymarin.

So what is Milk Thistle good for?

Milk thistle is believed to keep the liver cells healthy by blocking the entrance of harmful toxins and also helping to remove these toxins from the liver cells. Silymarin is a powerful antioxidant as well. Milk thistle also helps to regenerates injured liver cells.

The leaves of milk thistle are used for common stomach problems like lack of appetite and dyspepsia. The seeds of the plant are used for liver, gallbladder, and spleen problems as well as for jaundice and gallstone colic.

A recent study has found that milk thistle may offer some protection against the toxic side effects of the common painkiller acetaminophen.

Milk Thistle may also help nursing mothers to produce more milk.

People who suffer from liver disease and impaired liver function should take 420 mg of silimarin per day from an herbal extract of milk thistle standardized to 70-80% silymarin content. Improvement should be noted in about 8 to 12 weeks. When that occurs, reduce to intake to 280 mg of silymarin per day. The lower amount also may be used for preventive measures. Milk thistle seeds can be ground and eaten or made into a tea but for the treatment of liver problems a standardized extract is best.

Contraindication – Milk Thistle has been found to be very safe and can be taken even by pregnant and lactating women.

Shepherds Purse – Capsella Bursa-pastoris – Monograph

Common Name – Shepherds Purse

Botanical Name – Capsella Bursa-pastoris

Parts Used – Aerial parts

Active Constituents - Flavonoids; luteolin-7-rutinoside and quercitin-3-rutinoside, Polypeptides, Plant acids; fumaric and bursic acids, Bases; choline, acetylcholine, histamine, tyramine.

Properties - Astringent, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, detergent, vulnerary, styptic.

What can it be used for?

Can be taken internally for – water retention, nosebleeds, internal hemorrhages, stimulation of the menstrual process and excess menstrual flow.

Can be used topically for minor wounds.

Dosage

Tea – three cups a day

Tincture – thirty drops three times a day

Treating Heartburn with Herbs

For some people heartburn is an everyday bother. Some people may suffer from heartburn after every meal or even all day long. From my experience you can see clearly why these people have heart burn.

Heartburn is actually not in the heart it is really in the stomach. It is caused by excess stomach acids that enter the esophagus which is the food pipe.

What causes the secretion of excess stomach acids?

1. Fatty foods
   
2. Cigarette smocking
   
3. Alcohol consumption
   
4. Stress
   
5. Spicy foods
   
6. Bacteria Helicobacter florae
   
7. Coffee and tea
   

If you can think of someone you know that suffers regularly from heartburn chance are that you will see that two or more from the list above are part of his daily life.

What can we do using natural medicine to treat heartburn?

Here is a list of foods that lower the acidity of the stomach.

1. Cucumbers
   
2. Lettuce
   
3. Almonds
   
4. Oats
   
5. Carrot juice
   
6. Fresh lemon juice(try it and see)
   

Here is a list of herbs that help to lower the acidity of the stomach.

1. Meadowsweet
   
2. Chamomile
   
3. Licorice root
   
4. Marshmallow
   
5. Slippery elm
   

Important supplements that help to keep stomach acids regulated.

1. Probiotics
   
2. Papaya enzymes
   

Heartburn tea:

1 teaspoon each – chamomile, meadowsweet, licorice root and lemon balm

Pour two cups of boiling water over the herbs and let steep for five minutes, strain out the used herbs and enjoy.

So if you or someone you know suffers from heartburn, get some herbs take care and feel better.


 

 

How to Treat Acne Using Natural Medicine

In my experience I have successfully treated quit a few cases of acne using natural medicine. Like all things it requires a large effort from the client. The difference is that with acne most of the clients are teenagers and have more of a hard time following through. But none the less the majority of them really want to have clear skin so they are that leverage on themselves to follow through.

Ok so let's get right into it, how can we use natural medicine to treat acne? Well first off if you have a clean body on the inside then you will also have a clean body on the inside and that works the other way around as well. Think about it if you eat fried eggs and onions for breakfast, hamburger and fries for lunch and pizza for dinner. The chances that you are going to break out with some serious acne are pretty high.

In compression if you eat a bowl of granola with cut up fruit for breakfast, a vegetable salad with a grilled piece of chicken breast for lunch and sweet potato soup with brown rice for dinner. You body will much cleaner inside and out.

But what else can be done to treat acne?

First we need to give an explanation of what acne is and what causes acne. Take a look at this informative video.

 
Now we know what we are up against. Acne is caused by an over production of sebum due to hormonal unbalance during puberty. The pore that the sebum travels through to the surface of the skin then becomes clogged, infected due to build up of bacteria and then inflamed.

So treating acne we need to focus on 5 things:

1. Healthy cleansing diet
   
2. Keeping the skin surface as clean as possible to prevent clogging og the pores
   
3. Keeping the hormones as balanced as possible
   
4. Keeping the bacteria in check to prevent build up
   
5. Keeping the inflammation at a minimum
   

Now there is one more point that needs attention when treating acne and that is to help promote the healing of the skin from pimples that have popped.

Eating a healthy diet we already touched upon.

Keeping the skin surface clean. The skin should be washed at least two times a day.

Keeping the hormones as balanced as possible. When you eat a healthier diet it will on its own help to keep the hormones more in balance. Also increasing you intake of omega 3 fatty acids can help to also balance the hormone levels and also keep the skin healthier.

Keeping the bacteria in check to prevent build up and keeping inflammation down can both be achieved through a herbal face wash. A face wash containing herbs that have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties should be applied to the skin twice a day after washing.

So in short lets sum it all up:

1. Eat healthy
   
2. Take omega 3
   
3. Wash your face twice a day
   
4. Make a tea out of sage leaf, lavender flowers, and chamomile and rinse your face with it after every washing
   
5. Also taking a beta carotene supplement could be very helpful. Do not take beta carotene if you smoke cigarettes!
   

Be Well