January 11th, 2008 by admin
Culinary herbs are safe to use in the kitchen without any need for caution, as the majority have been used in food preparation for countless generations and these include the well known sage, garlic, rosemary, thyme and parsley. But the range of these traditional herbs is ever increasing beyond the locally grown herbs as we import them from all over the world and venture into new taste experiences for our palates. Many of these familiar culinary garden herbs can also be safely used as cottage remedies for common complaints so are included amongst the range of medicinal herbs from which our medicines are produced. Therefore herbs such as chamomile, valerian, lavender and many others are quite safe to use in cottage healing.
Medicinal herbs and plants, however, gathered for the production both of modern drugs and of herbal remedies are not generally found in garden cultivation, but are gathered from the wild in many countries throughout the world, or cultivated in commercial plantings for specific purposes. Their use in the manufacture of medicinal drugs is limited as this method aims to make synthetic replicas of the active ingredients by chemical means. In contrast, great volumes of raw herbs and plants are required for drying for herbal teas, for powder used in tablets or for the liquid plant extracts which provide the bottled medicines we find in health food shops and in herbal dispensaries.
Professional herbalists have the responsibility of undertaking considerable study in order to learn which herbs are best prescribed and in what doses, as well as learning the cautions which are required as to those plants which are best avoided. Their professional recommendation is therefore generally advised.
Each herbal substance possesses specific properties, whether it is the root, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits or seeds or the whole plant itself. There can be some variance in the quantities and qualities of these properties, depending upon the growing conditions and methods used in plant production. Appropriate information is detailed, for the benefit of consumers, upon the label of every product.
Constituents of Medicinal Herbs:
The most well known medicinal herbs have been thoroughly researched as to their active constituents. This information provides us with a reason why these plants have been satisfactorily used in traditional medicine for so many centuries but this is not the only reason. It is because when the plant substances are administered in their entire form with the organic chemicals arranged and proportionate to nature’s recipe, it provides a natural balance and a mysterious ‘x’ factor or life factor, known as ’synergy′ which no amount of analysis or scientific investigation has been able to explain. Isolating the identified ‘active constituents’ is not as effective as methods which keep the plant whole.
Herbalists depend upon their herbal material being of high quality, organically grown where possible. It is either dried for use in teas, powdered for tablets or produced as liquid extracts or medicinal tinctures. These methods guarantee their success in healing as the vital ingredients are supported by other properties which provide a safe chemical balance with no ’side effects’.
As well as the mineral, vitamin and protein content of plants the most important of the active constituents found in medicinal herbs fall into certain categories, each with special function in healing.
Phenols - anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antioxidant and perhaps antiviral. Flavonoids - help circulation, are antioxidant and protect the liver. Volatile Oils - from which come our essential oils each with a wide variety of applications.
Tannins - these astringent plants are used to stop bleeding and check any infection.
Coumarins - have a wide range of actions some keeping the blood the and in others are muscle relaxants.
Saponins - similar to chemicals in body hormones, oestrogen and cortisol - caution is required. Proanthocyanins - compounds which are antioxidant and help the heart and circulation Anthraquinones - these have irritant laxative action used to ease bowel movements.
Glycosides - cyanogenic, in high doses are poisonous - but in small doses to treat cancer and lung problems.
Glycosides - cardiac, affect the heart and also are diuretic.
Polysaccharides - in roots, bark and seeds soothe irritations and some help the immune system. Glucosilinates - found only in the brassicas - radish, cabbages etc.
Bitters - stimulate the salivary glands and digestive organs to improve appetite.
Alkaloids - give mixed reactions - with a strong effect in pain relief but care must be used to avoid negative reactions.
Generally the herbalist relies upon the traditional uses as a basis for prescribing herbal medicine or herbal supplements. Because most herbs have a wide range of therapeutic use, both external and internal, there may sometimes be a confusion or even an apparent contradiction as to choice of a remedy. For example, thyme, is a natural antiseptic, but also relieves headaches and gotu kola can be applied externally to eczema or as a tonic for brain and nervous system. Traditional uses often vary in the different countries of their origin.
However, many herbs remain in the Materia Medica used by orthodox doctors and so can be referenced there as well as in the Herbal Materia Medica now available from Britain. Research into herbs is also very advanced in Australia and some European countries. In addition, the extensive research commenced by the Russians may soon be available to the west. The ancient systems of both Chinese medicine and the Indian Ayurveda are becoming known to us to add further growth and a new dimension to the healing sciences.
For those who wish to avoid modern medicinal drugs and the side effects which are common to all of them, safe herbal medicine is the answer. When used as a supplement to a healthy diet with plenty of naturally produced fresh fruit, salads, vegetables, nuts and grains it provides a natural way of supplying the body with the variety of elements required both in maintaining physical health and relieving any symptoms of illness.
Public confidence in using herbs as a safer and more natural alternative to the artificially produced drugs is growing steadily. Millions are now enjoying the benefits of a healthier and more natural lifestyle as their health is gradually built up and physical discomforts diminish.
There is usually no sudden reaction as experienced with drugs, but if you take medicinal herbs you will find a steady improvement and will be inclined to continue to follow the safe, sure ways which are closer to Nature and as many believe, closer to the divine intention in providing us with access to simple remedies in ‘the herbs of the field’.
Michael Russell
Your Independent Herbal guide.
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January 11th, 2008 by admin
Mother nature provides us a lovely range of herbs for depression, which are a real natural cure for depression.
HERBS for Depression:
St John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a good depression cure. It can help to ease mild depression, nervous fatigue, negativity and sleeping difficulties. Take three times a day, with meals, a 300mg capsule of standardized extract that contains 0.3% hypericin and 5% hyperforin. Allow 6 weeks for the herb to begin working. Caution:Do not take St John’s wort during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or with other medicines without first consulting your doctor. The herb can cause sensitivity to sunlight, try to stay out of the sun as much as possible while you are taking it.
Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea) is a very effective natural remedy for depression. It is good for improving mood and alleviating depression, reducing fatigue and improving both physical and mental performance. Rhodiola has been used for centuries in Scandinavia and Russia fighting fatigue, boosting brain power, easing depression, enhancing immunity and sexual stamina. So it is nearly a superherb!
Mainly used in capsules with 100mg of standardized amount of 3% rosavins and 08-1% salidroside. Take one or two capsules daily in the morning and early afternoon, since it can interfere with sleep. Caution: if you become overly activated or even agitated cut down the dose!
Further Herbs for Depression:
Panax ginseng, Damiana (Turnera diffusa), Gotu Kola (Hydrocotyle asiatica), Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) and Basil (Ocimum basilicum) also have antidepressant, mood brightening and energizing properties. They all have the power of treating depression.
Vitamins, Trace Elements and Supplements for Depression Cure
Take 1 vitamin B-complex supplement each morning with your breakfast. Low levels of B vitamins, especially vitamin B-6, have been linked with depression and fatigue. Caution: the maximum recommended dose for B-6 in long term use is 10mg a day!
Look for a brand with 50mg of different B vitamins, with added biotin and folic acid.
The mineral magnesium is very important for restoring and maintaining healthy nerve function. Magnesium is a key component in the production and function of serotonin. Supplements may help to alleviate anxiety and depression. Take 150mg of magnesium, preferably as magnesium citrate twice a day. If you take magnesium supplements, be sure to take calcium supplements as well.
Take regularly zinc supplements, which include copper. 15mg daily helps you keeping the balance.
Omega3 Fatty Acids in fish oil are essential to normal brain function, and have a beneficial effect on serotonin production. They can improve mental health and brighten your mood if taken regularly in a daily dose of 3000mg to 5000mg. They lower the blood pressure a bit, so it is better to take them in the evening, before going to bed.
Learn more about the Herbs for Depression!
Christina Tasnadi is a medical doctor, a homeopathic doctor and an expert of home remedies. Christina’s Home Remedies
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January 11th, 2008 by admin
Herbs for General Health and Healing
For people who are leery of the alarming side effects of many drugs and medicines on the current market, or just concerned about taking too many pills, there is another option: herbal remedies. The use of herbs for healing has been recorded as early as 2500 B.C. Herbs were widely used as medicines prior to the advent of science with its developments in chemicals, drugs and medicines. Before modern science there were only two basic options for healing - the various plants with known healing properties and the spiritual, including prayer, the laying on of hands, magic and voodoo. For our purposes, we’ll concentrate on the world of healing plants and leave the spiritual up to the individual.
What is an herb? How is it different from a spice? An herb is a seed-producing plant of the type that does not develop persistent woody tissue, such as that of a shrub or a tree, but remains more or less soft or succulent (having thick or fleshy stems or leaves which can hold a large quantity of water). Some examples of common herbs would be catnip, chamomile, hyssop and spearmint. A spice is any of the various vegetable plants that are also fragrant or aromatic and are pungent to the taste. Allspice, cumin, paprika and rosemary are all spices. So an herb may also be a spice, like cinnamon or mace.
Most herbs and spices are sun-dried or cured in their indigenous environment. For example, the ginger root is harvested then cleaned before it is dried and exported. Sometimes ginger root is also peeled and sometimes the ginger root is boiled in sugar and preserved before its exportation. Cloves are the dried unopened flower buds of the Syzygium aromaticum, a tree of the Myrtle family, while peppercorns are the dried berries of the Piper nigrum plant. The nutmeg is the hard, aromatic seed of an evergreen tree called Myristica fragrans. The seed is dried and ground or grated and used as a spice.
Herbs can act as astringents (something that slows or stops the flow of blood or other secretions), alkalinizers (something that raises the pH above 7.0), acidifiers (something that lowers the pH below 7.0), tonics (something that refreshes, invigorates or strengthens), diuretics (something that promotes the flow of urine), diaphoretics (something that promotes perspiration), laxatives (something that promotes bowel movements) and also as nervines (something which excites or relaxes the nerves). Many herbs act as more than one of these, such as Acacia, which has a soothing or softening effect on mucous membranes, an astringent effect, limiting secretions of glands and nutritive qualities as well as nourishing the tissues to which it is applied.
The herbs with mostly astringent (causing blood or other secretions to slow or stop) effects are Acacia, Acorn, Agaric, Agrimony, English Alder, Amaranth, Trailing Arbutus, Balm, European Birch, Bistort, Blackberry, Black Willow Bark, Cinnamon, Black Cohosh, Eyebright, Fireweed, Fluellin, Houseleek, Jambul, Pilewort, Red Root, Red Sage, Peruvian Rhatany, Rhubarb, Rosemary and Scullcap.
Herbs with a mostly alkalizing (raising the pH) effect are Dandelion and Kelp.
The general tonic (nourishing, invigorating, strengthening or refreshing) herbs are Agrimony, English Alder, Alstonia Bark, Angustura, Asafetida, Balmony, Balm of Gilead, Bamboo Brier, Barberry, Berberis, Beth Root, Blackberry, Boneset, Box Leaves, Bugle, Catnip, Celery, Chamomile, Culver’s Root, Dandelion, Eyebright, Gentian, Golden Seal, Juniper Berry, Lemon, Mistletoe, Nux Vomica, Peruvian Rhatany, Rosemary, Snake Root and Tansy.
Herbal Tonics for specific areas are the Heart Tonics made from Butterbur and Mescal Buttons, Intestinal Tonics made from Cascara Sagrada, Nerve Tonics made from Damiana and Oats, Stomach Tonics made from Burdock and Sassafras, Strengthening Tonics made from Lucerne and Simaruba and Weight-adding Tonics made from Lucerne.
Herbs having a mostly diuretic (causing urination) effect are Agrimony, Arenaria Rubra, Asafetida, Asparagus, Belladonna, Bilberries, American Bittersweet, Black Currant, Black Haw, Blue Flag, Boldo, Boneset, Bryony, Buchu, Burdock, Butterbur, Caroba, Celery, Coffee, Black Cohosh, Couchgrass, Damiana, Dandelion, Figwort, Garlic, Goat’s Rue, Jambul, Jewel Weed, Juniper Berry, Kelp, Lily-of-the-Valley, Night-Blooming Cereus, Onion, Paraguay Tea, Pitcher Plant, Queen’s Delight, Soap Tree and White Bryony.
The herb with a mostly diaphoretic (causing perspiration) effect is American Bittersweet. Many other herbs have this effect in addition to their main use.
Herbs having a laxative (causing bowel movements) effect are Agar, American Black Alder, Asafetida, Ash, Asparagus, American Bearsfoot, Benne, Blue Flag, Boneset, Burdock, Cleavers, Culver’s Root, Damiana, Dandelion, Fig, Hartstongue, Honeysuckle, Horehound, Olive, Pitcher Plant, Queen’s Delight and Rhubarb which has the mildest laxative effect.
Herbs that affect the nerves are Black Willow Bark, which eases inflammation of the nerves, Passion Flower, which eases nerve pain, Asafetida, which is a nerve stimulant, Gentian, which is another Nerve Tonic and Black Currant, which restores the nervous system. For nervous disorders, use Arrach, Belladonna, Caroba, Chamomile, Gelsemium, Gentian, Golden Seal, Kelp, Lobelia, Mistletoe, Muira-Puama, Oats, Passion Flower, Rosemary or Scullcap.
Various parts of the herb are used - the flowers, leaves, buds, stems and also the root. Preparations vary as well. Sometimes the part or part used will be steeped and used as a tea, sometimes as a wash, sometimes as a tincture, where alcohol is the activating agent and other ways as well.
Consult an herbal professional or documentation before using herbs. While most herbs are completely safe to use, some herbs are OK just in small doses, but sometimes harmful in larger doses. Learn as much as you can about the herb and follow dosing instructions carefully, especially if using them for children.
Luckily, we have much information available on the Internet, on herbs and other topics. There are libraries in most towns and cities where one can find specific information on herbs and herbal remedies. Health stores that carry herbs and herbal preparations are more plentiful than they used to be and there are more and more healing practitioners versed in using herbs, so gathering beneficial and comprehensive information should not be a problem.
Michael Russell Your Independent Herbal guide.
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