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Hibiscus is a beautiful flowering shrub that comes in numerous varieties. These plants grow well and flower profusely in tropical and warm southern climates. They are a common part of the decor and traditions of the Hawaiian islands and are the state flower. Their large flowers commonly appear in shades of red, yellow or white. A member of the mallow family, it's close relations include okra, hollyhock, Turk's cap and other mallows. The plant overall has several uses from food to medicine.
Ginger, a light colored, orange-brown, knotty-looking root, is one of the most useful foods in terms of the health qualities it brings as well as its many uses in the kitchen. The flavor of ginger is pungent and the root contains special oils with powerful healing properties that help to cure many illnesses.
Artemisia absinthium or wormwood is one of the most bitter herbs known to man. A grey-green perennial, it is native to Europe, Central Asia and parts of North America. Wormwood tea primarily is made for medicinal purposes to cure for rheumatism, gout, and intestinal parasites, especially giardia. It is also a traditional remedy for "furred tongue," and stomach and gallbladder illnesses. You can also drink wormwood tea when you are recovering from a cold or the flu, since it is considered a strengthening, tonic drink. Finally, wormwood tea is sometimes consumed as a narcotic or mental stimulant.
Grand wormwood, Artemisia absinthum, has been used since ancient times as a multi-purpose medicinal. It is cultivated primarily in southern France and Switzerland. It is also sometimes called absinthe wormwood because it is an important ingredient in the French liqueur absinthe, giving the drink its characteristic bitter quality. Its main active ingredient, thujone, is related to menthol and shares many of menthol's antiseptic quaIities. The ancient Egyptians and Greeks used wormwood for a myriad of medical uses, such as a tonic, antiseptic and fever reducer and pain reliever.
Skullcap ("Scutellaria") is a genus related to mint. There are over 900 species of skullcap, 90 in North America alone. American and Chinese skullcap are the two species most commonly used in traditional medicine. American skullcap ("Scutellaria lateriflora") is a perennial native to Canada and the eastern United States. It grows in woodlands, moist ditches and thickets. Chinese skullcap ("Scutellaria baicalensis") is native to China and Russia, and is common throughout Asia as a powerful cure-all. Both types of skullcap treat coughs and colds and are an antispasmodic.
Terminalia arjuna is a species of tree native to India. The bark of Terminal arjuna is coveted as both a nutritional supplement and a medicine. The soft bark is stripped off, dried and ground into powder. The use of arjuna may date back thousands of years. The Indian school of healing called ayurveda that first employed arjuna is thought to be at least 5,000 years old.
Medicinal use of Filipendula ulmaria, known as Queen of the Meadow or meadowsweet, dates back to ancient Rome, according to Gaea and Shandor Weiss, authors of "Growing and Using the Healing Herbs." Known to Native Americans and Chinese herbalists, the plant grows wild near rivers and streams, in woods and wetlands from Canada to Florida and as far west as Texas, and is also cultivated by some herbalists.
Senna leaf is an herb that has been used for many years to relieve constipation. This herb irritates the lining of the colon, stimulating the bowels to contract and forcing stool out of the body. The consequences of ingesting this plant should be considered when contemplating taking it as a laxative.
According to "Growing and Using the Healing Herbs," ginger originated in China, traveled to Spain and arrived in the Americas with the conquistadors. Today, Jamaica cultivates ginger as a major commercial export. Ginger is used in a range of different cuisines. It is a popular ingredient in baking, especially during fall and winter holidays, when it is used in traditional dishes such as pumpkin pie, ginger snaps and spice cookies.
Pennyroyal is a highly aromatic member of the mint family. Pennyroyal has a long history of being used for medicinal purposes by Native Americans. Both the plant and flowers are pulverized and distilled into a powerful essential oil for medicinal uses. The primary uses of Pennyroyal today are external, and while small amounts of Pennyroyal may be effective when taken internally, Pennyroyal can have a toxic effect on the liver. Exercise extreme care when using this herb.
Wormwood is a woody herbaceous plant commonly grown in gardens for its silvery foliage. It is indigenous to Europe and also is found in Asia and Africa.The plant is usually a small, 1-foot to 3- foot high shrub with tiny flowers. The leaves are slightly hairy and the plant has a spicy, pleasant odor. Wormwood is also called "Artemesia" and has a number of traditional and modern medicinal uses.
Herbs are plants, like fennel, or other natural substances produced by plants, such as olive leaf extract. All parts of the plant may be harvested, including the flower, leaves, stems and roots. Organic produce and herbs have helped to raise our consciousness about what we eat. Select organic herbs for cooking, teas or medicinal purposes, as they do not contain the toxic pesticides.
Tarahumara are Mexican Indians that live in the mountainous northern area called "Barrancas del Cobre" or Copper Canyon. According to Entheology, there are only 50,000 Tarahumara Indians today, who inhabit caves and small huts and practice subsistence farming. Tarahumara ritual ceremonies involve the use of herbs and plants that can cause hallucinations. According to Science Direct, these plants include the genus Coryphantha, Echinocereus and Scirpus, among others.
There are a variety of herbs that cleanse the colon effectively when combined, including marijuana seeds, psyllium husk, pang da hai and rhubarb root. Choose the best combination of herbs to cleanse the bowel with information from a registered herbalist in this free video on alternative medicine.
Bursting with showy purplish-blue flowers from midsummer through fall, lobelia, or Lobelia inflata, is a perennial herb with a long history of medicinal use, according to the Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine. Also called Indian tobacco or pukeweed, this attractive plant features hairy, sap-filled stems and is native to North America. While lobelia has potential medicinal properties, it may also cause serious side effects if used incorrectly.
The herb bacopa is used extensively in Ayurvedic medicine for a variety of ailments, most of them related to cognitive function. In India, the entire plant is utilized, often ground into a powder form referred to as Brahmi. In the United States, it is typically sold as a tincture mixed with methanol. There are no known side effects of bacopa, and it is deemed safe for children.
There are many herbs that may be used to cleanse the system. There are individual herbs and herbal formulas that are used for intestinal, kidney, liver, lymph node, blood and colon cleanses. Herbal cleansing helps clear out excess waste and toxins from the body. A holistic doctor can prescribe personalized formulas for you, or individual herbs may be purchased at health food or vitamin stores.
Prions are a protein scientists have recently attributed as responsible for a host of chronic illnesses in humans, most notably "mad cow" disease. Prion proteins work to break down the nervous system, forming "worm-like" holes in the connective tissues of the brain, heart and nervous system. However, these proteins can be cleansed from the body using common herbal ingredients and plants. Before embarking on any type of cleanse, consult your doctor.
Belladonna (Atropa belladonna) is also known as Deadly Nightshade. It has unequal-sized dull, darkish green leaves with an unpleasant odor when crushed and a bitter taste.
Parasites in the body used to be thought of as a rare occurrence in our society, however today they are becoming increasingly common. Food handling processes and food itself can contain enough parasites that you may become infected without realizing it. Along with conventional therapy administered by your physician, there are a few herbs that can help the body rid itself of parasites. Chief among them is thyme. An infusion made with thyme can help your symptoms. Check with your doctor before using any herbal therapy.
Whether you are preparing for pregnancy or just want to be healthier, herbs can cleanse your uterus while also removing excess hormones and toxins in the liver. Two herbs with particularly supportive qualities are red raspberry leaves and nettle leaves.
The prostate is a small gland situated between the bladder, the urinary tract and the rectum. Taking care of the prostate can stave off medical problems such as prostate cancer, prostatitis or an inflamed prostate. There are herbs and other substances like lycopene that are beneficial in cleansing and keeping the prostate in good health.
Hair loss or thinning can be very devastating to both men and women who experience it. Hair loss tends to be genetic; thinning hair begins between 30 and 40 years of age. More men experience a complete balding than women.
Dandelions are generally considered safe for medicinal use and have a variety of applications. Widely eaten in salads, dandelion greens and roots can alleviate symptoms of various conditions ranging from itching to high cholesterol. They may also be helpful in preventing osteoporosis. Do not use without consulting your doctor if you have gallbladder disease.
Horsetail is an herbal that has a higher silica content than any other herb in the plant kingdom. Silica helps protein molecules to bind together. That characteristic is what makes horsetail useful as a mechanism for repairing the body, such as in cases of fractures and sprains. Horsetail has the ability to produce collagen and, when taken internally, it works to improve appearance from the inside out. It also acts as a diuretic, making it useful for cases of edema, and it is a clot inducer, making it useful for bleeding problems.
Feverfew is a hardy perennial herb that grows on stiff, fibrous stems. It produces small flowers with white petals and yellow centers. The leaves are broad, abundant and multi-lobed--they're the part of the herb people use most often in herbal medicine. Feverfew is an ancient pain-reliever used for migraines, arthritis and menstrual cramps. Its pain-relieving qualities are believed to come from parthenolide, a compound in the plant that reduces muscle spasms. You can purchase feverfew tablets and extract at health food stores, but the safest way to take it is in a tea, which you can prepare at home.
Blood cleansing is a favorite way among homeopathic practitioners to rid the body of excess waste. Many people believe that a regular blood cleansing is critical to one's health, and that doing so will lead to a healthier life. In fact, homeopathist Samuel Hahnannen noted that many disorders such as tumors and cancers occur due to the presence of impurities in the blood. You can cleanse your bloodstream by using herbs, and there are a handful of common ones that are readily available in most homeopathic shops.
Caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox, shingles results in a painful, itchy rash that becomes more intense if left untreated. Typically, Shingles affects individuals with weakened immune systems. Various herbs can be used in treating this excruciating viral infection.
Herbs have been used for hundreds of years to heal and clear a variety of ailments and conditions. Today, natural therapists employ herbs for a variety of uses, including cleansing the main organs of the body. Natural therapists believe that cleansing the organs will help to give you energy and keep you healthy and free from illness. Cleansing the stomach is believed to support and heal digestive problems.
A detox with colon cleansing herbs is effective in removing built up waste from the intestines and colon for healthier living. Natural herbs are safe to use, and a colon cleanse should be done at least once a year to remove buildup. Keeping the colon clean will improve overall health and energy levels.
An overgrowth of the fungus candida albicans can cause thrush, diaper rash, digestive problems, nail infections and vaginitis. Though naturally present in digestive and rectal tracts, poor nutrition, hormone imbalances and weakened immune systems provide an environment that allow candida to thrive. As an alternative to over-the-counter medications, there are herbs you can take to cleanse your system of candida.
For centuries, herbs have played a role in maintaining thyroid health and correcting thyroid disorders. Herbs can be used as preventive methods of support for the thyroid. Those herbs used for thyroid contain many minerals, vitamins and even elements to that support hormone production.
You don't have to be a smoker anymore to have lungs that are full of toxins. Urban environments, second-hand smoke, and a host of chemicals have led to many of us having toxic chemicals in our lungs. One of the best ways to deal with this problem is through the use of herbal remedies.
Cleansing your lungs has a number of benefits, particularly if you are a smoker or have recently quit smoking. Helping your lungs release the contaminants that build up in your respiratory system can help prevent lung disease as well as improve intake of oxygen, prevent respiratory infections and expel excess mucus build-up. There are a number of herbs that are recommended for lung cleansing.
Herbal remedies have been used for centuries for a variety of reasons. Specific herbs have been proven to cleanse arteries, improve blood circulation, and remove toxins. For best results, herbs or herbal supplements should be incorporated into a daily diet that consists of fresh vegetables, fruit, protein, and calcium. If used properly, herbs will cleanse your arteries and help you to toward the goal of optimal health.
Modern day life causes stress but you can use herbs to relax and calm your mind and your muscles. Since the dawn of time, soothing herbs have comforted the grief and eased nervousness and anxiety. For chronic emotional upset, some herbs are very effective in reducing anxiety. Depending upon your individual stress levels, you may benefit from including herbs in your diet.
Your lungs are the most vital organs of your respiratory system. They function by taking in and disbursing oxygen to all your other organs. Your lungs are capable of cleaning themselves naturally. Microscopic hairs called cilia continually sweep harmful toxins and particles out of your lungs. When you are continuously exposed to toxins such as cigarette smoke, your lungs become weak and the cilia become damaged and can no longer perform their function. By employing natural herbal remedies, you can strengthen and cleanse your lungs of harmful toxins.
Mullein has been touted as a "natural wonder" herb. The stem and leaves of the larger species are covered with a dense woolly growth with the flowers of the plant forming a spike about 1 foot high. Since mullein contains substances like choline, hesperidin, magnesium, PABA, saponin, sulfur, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D, it has a number of uses.
Your colon is part of your large intestine and digestive tract. Everything you eat must pass through your colon. Colon cleansing is done to clear out toxins and accumulated waste before they cause health problems. There are many herbs that can help you with your colon cleanse.
There are many types of herbs that can be taken in tea, powder or liquid form to cleanse the colon or large intestine of waste. This is appropriate for healthy individuals to help improve digestion and to relieve occasional constipation. Commonly-used herbs include senna, cascara sagrada, buckthorn root, barberry, licorice root, comfrey, mullein, marshmallow root and Irish moss, according to Carrie L'Esperance, author of The Ancient Cookfire (1989, Bear & Co., Santa Fe).
Herbs may be used to treat the common symptoms of a toothache. These herbs are used as a temporary measure until a dentist can be seen to properly diagnose the problem. Herbs that are used to treat a toothache may be easily found in the herb section of most grocery stores, and some can even be grown in your own garden.
ADD, Attention Deficit Disorder, also known as ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a condition that affects both children and adults. ADD causes hyperactive, inattentive and impulsive symptoms. It can affect the individual all day and everyday, and causes you to be unable to sit still, unable to focus attention on something for very long, and it causes an inability to follow instructions. It can affect your ability to socialize with others.
Colon cleansing tea herbs can be used to increase bowel elimination and improve the function and tone of the bowels. These powerful herbs should only be used when necessary and should not take the place of a diet that promotes gastrointestinal health.
If you have allergies and want to try a natural approach, herbal remedies can be used in place of over the counter antihistamines. There are many herbs that may be used as antihistamines, depending upon the type of allergy and severity of the reaction.
Wrinkles have been the bane of women and men for centuries, even the ancient Egyptians created their own beauty regimens and concerned themselves with appearance. The fountain of youth can now be found in bottles of creams and lotions on store shelves. However, many are turning back to ancient ways and creating their own herbal concoctions to combat aging.
The respiratory system is a vital part of the human body. Cleansing the lungs of air pollutants and smoking contaminants will detoxify the respiratory system. This lung detox is commonly used as the last step in a total body cleanse or to clear the lungs of toxins after a person quits smoking. Lung cleanse herbs are also beneficial for relieving symptoms of congestion and sore throat.
Skullcap (sometimes spelled "scullcap", Latin name Scutellaria lateriflora) is a medicinal herb that is used for insomnia and muscle spasms. The species is native to North America, although members of the genus Scutellaria are found all over the world.
Dieting is hardly possible without eliminating some of your favorite foods. Weight loss programs generally utilize one of two approaches: thermogenics, which increases your metabolism and burns your fat faster, or appetite suppression, to reduce your caloric intake. While pills and extreme diets can provide temporary results, the use of some herbs can expedite weight loss in a healthier, natural way. Some herbs help clear your body's intestinal tract to facilitate digestion and thus reduce weight gain.
The herb Eyebright is used for eye inflammation and fatigue, and other eye disorders. It is used to relieve congestion of the sinuses, nasal cavity and the eyes. Eyebright also works well for hoarseness and coughs. Its medicinal properties have made Eyebright a popular herbal remedy throughout the cold-inducing climates of its native Bulgaria, Hungary and Yugoslavia, and throughout Europe.
Cleaning the colon with herbs is done by taking cilium husks, available at a local health food store, and drinking lots of water. Use cilium husks to scrape the colon clean of debris with advice from a chiropractor in this free video on alternative medicine.
Colon cleansing has become a popular topic of conversation as of late. Many people are trying to clean up their diets and break themselves of bad habits. The way colon cleansing is often done is by eliminating bad foods, alcohol and tobacco products. Then using a colon cleansing program that includes some key herbs is the next step.
Herbs are a safe and non-pharmaceutical way to help keep your colon healthy and functioning properly. Herbs give a boost to the body's natural ability to purify and flush toxins. Herbs that are good for colon cleansing also act upon the bloodstream and liver. However, you should always consult with a healthcare provider before using herbs. The herbs referenced in this article are recommendations from "Prescription for Natural Healing" and Holistic Online.
Research has found that many herbs from the Bible help people as much as prescription medication. Follow these tips to use herbs of the Bible.
A modern diet of processed foods and sugary sodas can leave you feeling rundown. Alternative medicine practitioners suggest the human body becomes toxic as it retains the harmful chemicals in brain cells, in the bloodstream and even in the lining of the intestines. Herbal teas are part of a natural detoxification regime that will assist in cleansing your body from the inside out.
Flatulence is the production of gas caused by contents in the stomach (usually caused by unconscious air swallowing) or bowel. Excessive flatulence may also be caused by more serious complaints such as dyspepsia, ulcer, gall bladder disease, gastritis constipation or food allergies.
A normal healthy hair growth cycle will last between 2-6 years. On average, a healthy person’s hair will grow at a rate of 1cm each month. As we grow older or suffer serious illness it will grow at a relatively slower rate. The hair on our head does not all grow at the same time. Only around 80 percent of hair follicles are growing in unison. During this growth period, the remaining 20 percent is resting. After a couple of months the resting hair falls out and new hair will grow in its place. We all lose hair every day;…
Diarrhea has a number of causes, including bacterial infection, stress, diet changes, bowel disorders and more. For people who prefer natural remedies over medications, treating diarrhea can be tricky business. However, there are many herbs that can be used safely and effectively for diarrhea, regardless of the cause.
I fell on the ice a few days ago and it hurt. Really, really hurt. When I got back into the house I had a giant bruise on my hip and my shoulder. It hurt so much, I couldn't even grip anything. But now, I feel so much better. Sure, I iced it as soon as it happened. But the real difference started to happen when I brought herbs into the picture.
I know. I've done it too. Overindulging is a part of nearly every holiday celebration. Even though I try to eat healthfully, there are some days where my eating habits are less than perfect, especially during the holidays. But, I've learned that herbs can help bring your body back in balance. When we eat food that is calorie dense and nutrient poor, such as desserts, junk food and high calorie meals, we don't get the nutrients we need and we could put on extra weight. Luckily, I have a routine that can really help minimize the damage from eating this…
While there are no herbs that you can use to treat bulimia directly, there are a few that can provide some relief and help people suffering from bulimia feel healthier. Some homeopathic doctors and herbalists do recommend a few herbs that may have an effect on the causes of bulimia, but this hasn't been confirmed by any scientific study so far.
Endometriosis is a condition that affects up to 10 percent of the women in America and is responsible for many cases of infertility. Since women suffer for years with this condition and often have to take hormone-altering medication that can produce extreme side effects, many endometriosis sufferers are eager to find treatments which are effective without producing the side effects. Herbal remedies are a kinder, gentler way of treating endometriosis.
One of the fastest-growing areas of the health and fitness industry involves the use of herbs. Herbs from around the world can be used to ease cravings, provide vital minerals to aid digestion and support dozens of other actions to help you with overeating. You need to use herbs responsibly with a sound diet plan to decrease food cravings.
A simple way to add new flavors to your daily menus is to use fresh herbs in your salads. Fresh herbs, whether grown in your own garden or purchased at a farm stand or supermarket, are great for cooking too. Fresh herbs will give your taste buds a real treat, and add extra zest and nutrition to everyday salads.
Herbs have been used as medicinal therapy for thousands of years. Since they act on specific areas of the body, herbs can be used to treat the broad spectrum of symptoms experienced by migraine and other headache sufferers. Best of all, herbal therapy is relatively inexpensive and promotes overall health. Learn how herbs and other natural remedies can help you avoid drugs and excessive pain due to migraines.
Herbal remedies have been in use far longer than prescription medications. In fact, the original intent behind pharmaceutical companies was to capture the active ingredients found in herbs. Over time, this gave way to the creation of synthetic ingredients that are the main component of many types of prescription medications today. Since the original prescription medication was a more potent form of herbs, it's possible to use herbal remedies as alternatives to more conventional approaches. In recent decades, herbal remedies have become viable alternatives to prescription drugs in the minds of many Americans. That's why there's been a spike in…
Although acne is common for teenagers, many adults are also afflicted with this skin disorder. It's widely believed that overactive sebaceous glands are a main cause of acne. They make the pores in the body sticky so they trap dirt and bacteria. However, while those sebaceous glands certainly can lead to skin breakouts, they're not the only cause of acne. Alternative medicine practitioners believe that acne is also caused by the skin releasing toxins when it perspires. Many of these practitioners recommend that patients use herbs to eliminate these harmful, acne-causing toxins. Herbs like dandelion, chaparral and yellow dock root…
