Alternative Medicine and Natural Health Practices

People choose alternative medicine and natural health over conventional health practices for a number of reasons. Perhaps you are at a point in your life where you are experiencing minor health problems and are seeking alternative methods to conventional health practices that often don't work. Or, perhaps you feel healthy and want to maintain this health by supplementing your current diet and lifestyle with natural health practices.

Types of Alternative Medicine

Since there are varying types of alternative medicine each offering their own philosophy and discipline, you will have to decide what form of alternative medicine is best able to help you heal any particular health problems that you have. Following are types of alternative medicine:

• Herbal medicine. Herbal medicine uses certain properties of herbs and other plants in the form of dietary supplements as a means to promote health and to heal specific health problems. Plant parts used can include the leaves, flowers, stems, or a combination of all. Examples of some commonly used herbal medicines include green tea which may have an anti-cancer effect, valerian root used to treat insomnia, peppermint tea for digestive issues, and Echinacea extracts to limit the length of colds.
• Chinese herbal medicine. Also known as "herbology," Chinese herbal medicine involves combining medicinal herbs to heal the body. The focus is on preventing disease before it has a chance to manifest itself, as well as treating existing health problems. A key to the success of Chinese herbal medicine is the treatment of each patient as an individual with herbs mixed specifically for each patient.
• Acupuncture. Acupuncture is a technique of inserting and manipulating needles into acupuncture points on the body to stimulate nerve impulses and restore health and well-being. It is believed that your life energy, or "qi," travels along your body on what are known as "meridians". When this flow of energy is broken and damaged, your body is weak and results in health issues.
• Acupressure. Acupressure involves placing physical pressure by hand or elbow on acupuncture points on the surface of the body. Shiatsu is a form of acupressure that promotes the prevention and recovery of illnesses by stimulating the immune system and natural healing power the people already possess.
• Massage. The goal of massage is to apply pressure, tension and motion to the soft tissues of the body to assist with healing injury, relieving psychological stress, manage pain and improve circulation.
• Reflexology. Also known as "zone therapy," reflexology is the practice of stimulating nerves on the feet, hands and ears to encourage a beneficial effect on other parts of the body, or to improve your general well-being. It stimulates the blood flow to particular parts of your body while relieving the tension in your body and mind.
• Homeopathy. Homeopathy is the principle of "treating like with like." Homeopathic remedies are substances derived from plants and minerals that are diluted in a precise way as to cause toxic behavior and cure the symptoms.
• Yoga. Yoga uses specific body "postures" to reduce stress, slow breathing and heart rate, lower blood pressure, and promote relaxation that is necessary for a healthy mind and body.
• Aromatherapy. Aromatherapy uses the extracts of plants, known as essential oils, and other scented compounds to relax and balance the body. An example of aromatherapy is eucalyptus oil and mint which is used to provide relief for the airways during a cold or the flu.
• Ayurveda. Ayurveda operates on the precept that various materials of vegetable, animal, and mineral origin have some medicinal value for curing illness and/or for maintaining good health. Ayurveda originated in India and is based on the philosophy that disease occurs when you are not living harmoniously within your environment.
• Meditation. Meditation is a relaxation technique used to reduce and alleviate symptoms of ill health including headaches, back pain and high blood pressure.

These are examples of alternative medicine. Since there are many variations, it is important to research alternative medicine as it relates to your health issues and your lifestyle.

Natural Medicine - Hoax Or Hope?

For hundreds, if not thousands, of years people have used plants to treat various ailments. In fact there is evidence that those who lived about 60,000 years ago used plants for medicinal purposes.

One of the most important attributes of plants is that they have almost a limitless ability to synthesize aromatic substances, most of which have phenols or their oxygen-substituted derivatives such as tannins. Most of these are secondary metabolites, of which at least 12,000 have been isolated. In many cases these substances serve as plant defense mechanisms against predation by microorganisms, insects and herbivores. For that matter, many of the herbs and spices that we use to season food actually have include medicinal compounds.

Natural cures and traditional medicine

In recent years, there has been an increased search for drugs and dietary supplements derived from plants. Pharmacologists, microbiologists, botanists, and natural-product chemists are combing the area for phytochemicals that could be developed for the treatment of various diseases. In fact, about 25% of today's drugs used in the U.S. are derived from plants.

Many of the pharmaceuticals we use today, including drugs such as opium, aspirin, digitalis, and quinine are basically herbal remedies. For that matter, the World Health Organization estimates that 80% of the world's population presently uses herbal medicines for some aspect of primary health care. Herbal medicine is a major component in all traditional medicine systems and a common element in homeopathic, naturopathic, traditional Chinese medicine, and Native American Indian medicine.

According to the online encyclopedia, Wikipedia, "a survey released in May 2004 by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine focused on who used complementary and alternative medicines (CAM), what was used, and why it was used. The survey was limited to adults age 18 years and over during 2002 living in the United States. According to this survey, herbal therapy, or use of natural products other than vitamins and minerals, was the most commonly used CAM therapy (18.9%), when all use of prayer was discounted."

Plant Spirit Shamanism, Folk Medicine, and Homeopathy

Listening to the Plants - Nature is Talking to us.

The shamans say that plants connect us with nature because they take their nourishment directly from the earth, as well as the sun's rays, the air, and water. They allow us to know and recognize ourselves. A shaman must know this and must love his people to heal them. Here are just a few of the plant healers.

Jergon Sacha (Dracontium peruviuanum)

My first exposure to this plant came about quite accidentally, when one day walking through the rainforest studying the properties of the plants, the maestro Javier queried why I always walked around with a machete. I jokingly replied "it's against anacondas!". He paused in thought for a moment and beckoned for me to follow him, a few minutes later we came across this tall stemmed plant. He proceeded to cut it down and then whip me around the body paying attention to my legs and the soles of my feet.. He then said "no more problems, you are protected against snakes". I asked him why this plant was used in this way, and he indicated the pattern on the stem which looks identical to the snakes in the forest. Later as I started to investigate this plant even more, I discovered some interesting correspondences; this is a plant which is widely used as an antidote against snake bite venom in the Amazon.

This is accordance with the 'doctrine of signatures' concept. This doctrine is at the heart of homeopathy, folk medicine, and plant shamanism. The doctrine was revealed by the great alchemist and physician Paracelus who lived in the 16th Century. The underlying principle was that the healing properties of the plant are not only in the outer 'physical' form, but also in their inner or spiritual nature. The Doctrine of Signatures holds that this inner nature can be revealed by it's outer physical form or signatures. This plant is a clear demonstration of the outer form indicating the inner qualities. It's use is directly related to it's physical appearance, the patterns on the tall stem closely resembles the skin patterns of the highly venomous pit viper known as 'Bushmaster' or Jararaca which is indigenous to the Amazon.

The large tuber of the plant is an well known and highly effective antidote for the bite of venomous snakes. The tuber is chopped up, and immersed in cold water and then drunk. Also the chopped tuber is placed in a banana leaf and used as a poultice which is wrapped around the bite area. These procedures are repeated every few hours. Of course the deal here is that it works, and as it not possible to store anti-venom vaccines in the rainforest without refrigeration, this plant has exceptional life-saving importance.

Mocura / Mucura Petivera Alliacea. This plant can be taken orally or used in floral baths to raise energy, or take you out of a saladera (a run of bad luck, inertia, sense of not living to the full). Gives mental strength and you can feel its effects as also with Ajo Sacha, both are varieties of 'false' garlic and have a penetrating aroma.

One of it's qualities is that on a personal psychological level it can boost one's strength. For example it is considered good in countering shyness, and can strengthen one's own sense of personal value and authority. One of it's properties is to help people overcome 'irrational' fears & fearful memories

Medicinal properties include asthma, bronchitis, reduction of fat and cholesterol. This plant grows widely in the lower Amazon, and it is used widely in purification (floral baths) .

Piñon Colorado Jatropha gossypifoilio

Has short lived effect after drinking but helps lucid dreaming later on when you go to bed. Can be used as a planta maestra and it is a plant that maestros can take when being during their initiation. Can also take with tobacco.

The plant's properties on the physical level relate to problems such as, burns, swellings, intestinal parasites , Insect bites and stings, vaginal infections, and bronchitis. It is possible to take the resin which is much stronger but toxic if too much ingested. The resin can be applied directly to the skin.

Piri-piri, (Cyperaceae). Native people throughout the Amazon cultivate numerous varieties of medicinal sedges to treat a wide range of health problems, the native peoples for example, use sedge roots to treat headaches, fevers, cramps, dysentery and wounds as well as to ease childbirth. Special sedge varieties are cultivated by Shipiba women to improve their skill weaving and to protect their babies from illness.

Teresa a Shipiba craftswoman who joins us on our Amazon Retreats, told me that it is customary when the girls are very young for their mothers to squeeze a few drops of the 'piri piri' seed sap into their eyes in order to give their daughters the ability to have visions of the designs that she will make throughout her life.

The men cultivate special sedges to improve their hunting. Since the plant is used for such a wide range of conditions, it was once dismissed as being mere superstition. Pharmacological research has revealed the presence of ergot alkaloids, which are known to have diverse effects on the body from stimulation of the nervous system to constriction of blood vessels. These alkaloids are responsible for the wide range of medicinal uses. Apparently the ergot alkaloids come not from the plant itself but from a fungus that infects the plant.

Chanca piedra "Stone Breaker" (Phyllanthus Niruri)

This is a hybrid name "chanca" meaning "to break" in Quechua and "piedra" meaning "stone" in Spanish. This herb from the Amazon has been used by the indigenous peoples of the Rainforest for generations as an effective remedy to eliminate gall, and kidney stones. The plant has demonstrated its effectiveness against many illnesses including, kidney problems , urinary problems, colic, dysentery, jaundice and numerous other conditions. This herb has become widely used in South America as the herbal remedy for gall and kidney stones, and can typically be bought in capsule or leaf form from many stores. This plant is used only for its pharmaceutical properties, and is not a planta maestra. As a note, this plant is also starting to become known in Western Medical circles, as when I brought some back for my mother to help her with her kidney stones, her doctor was apparently familiar with this herb, but he still didn't want her to use it due to possible contra-indications with the prescribed pharmaceutical medicine.

Reflections.

On reflection plant medicine is totally different than pharmaceutical medication which only affects one whilst it is being taken; these kinds of plant medicines seem to have a permanent effect in some way metaphorical or otherwise altering one's consciousness or "DNA". Paracelus, is still a source of inspiration to all those who work with the healing properties of herbs, and the plants.

One of the great revelations that we can experience in working with the plant spirit or consciousness is that we are not separate from the natural world. In our culture we perceive ourselves to be separate beings with our minds firmly embedded within our physical being (typically our head). The plants can show you that this way of being is an illusion and that we are all connected, all of us and everything else is a discrete element in the great universal field of consciousness or spirit.

Herbal Medicine Chest in Your Backyard

What could be easier than growing an herb garden with no effort? Of course, you'll have to harvest your weeds, but you would do that anyhow: it's called weeding.

Spring is an especially fertile time for harvesting your weeds - roots and all - and turning them into medicines. Here then are some tips on how to find, harvest, prepare, and use a baker's dozen (13) of common weeds that probably already grow around you.

To make your medicines you'll need glass jars of various sizes with tight-fitting lids. And at least a pint each of apple cider vinegar (pasteurized), vodka (100 proof is best, but 80 proof will do), and pure olive oil (not extra virgin) or good quality animal fat such as lanolin, lard, or belly fat from a lamb or kid. You will also want a knife, a cutting board, and some rags to mop up spills.

In general, you will fill a jar (of any size) with coarsely-chopped fresh, but dry, plant material. (Do not wash any part of the plant except roots, if you are using them, and be sure to dry those well with a towel before putting them in your jar.) Then you will fill the jar with your menstruum, that is the vinegar, the oil, or the alcohol. Label well and allow to stand at room temperature, out of the sunlight for at least six weeks before decanting and using. (See my book Healing Wise for more specific information on making preparations.)

A field guide is helpful for positively identifying your weeds. The one I like best is: A Guide to the Identification of New Zealand Common Weeds in Colour, complied by E. A. Upritchard. (Available from the New Zealand Weed And Pest Control Society, P.O. Box 1654, Palmerston North) This book even shows you how the weeds look when they are emerging.

Ready? OK! Let's go outside with a plant id guide or experienced herbalist and see what we can find.

Shepherd's purse (Capsella bursa pastoris) is an annual in the mustard family. Cut the top half of the plant when it has formed its little heart-shaped "purses" (seed pods) and make a tincture (with alcohol), which you can use to stop bleeding. Midwives and women who bleed heavily during their period praise its prompt effectiveness. Gypsies claim it works on the stomach and lungs as well. A dose is 1 dropperful (1ml); which may be repeated up to four times a day.

Cleavers (Gallium aparine) is a persistent, sticky plant which grows profusely in abandoned lots and the edges of cultivated land. The entire plant is used to strengthen lymphatic activity. I cut the top two-thirds of each plant while it is in flower (or setting seeds) and use alcohol to make a tincture which relieves tender, swollen breasts, PMS symptoms, and allergic reactions. A dose is 15-25 drops (.5 - 1 ml); repeated as needed.

Chickweed (Stellaria media) has many uses, including delicious salad greens. I cut the entire top of the plant and eat it or use alcohol to make a tincture, which dissolves cysts, tonifies the thyroid, and aids in weight loss. A dose is a dropperful (1 ml), up to three times a day.

Daisy (Bellis perennis) is a common perennial weed of lawns and open areas. Quite different from the native daisy (Lagenifera petiolata), the little English daisy is related to feverfew and has similar abilities. I use the leaves and flowers to make a tincture (with alcohol) or a medicinal vinegar which relieves headaches, muscle pain, and allergy symptoms. A dose is a dropperful of the tincture (1 ml), up to twice a day; or a tablespoon of the vinegar in the morning.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinalis) is a persistent perennial of lawns and gardens and one of the best known medicinal herbs in the world. (The native dandelion of New Zealand - Taraxacum magellanicum - is medicinal too.) Those who love a pure green lawn curse the sunny yellow flowers of common dandelion. But those who are willing to see beauty anywhere (such as children and herbalists) treasure this weed. You can use any part of the dandelion - the root, the leaves, the flowers, even the flower stalk - to make a tincture or medicinal vinegar which strengthens the liver. A dose of 10-20 drops of the tincture (.5-1 ml) relieves gas, heartburn, and indigestion, as well as promoting healthy bowel movements. A tablespoon of the vinegar works well, too. More importantly, taken before meals, dandelion increases the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, thus increasing bio-availability of many nutrients, especially calcium. The fresh or cooked green leaves are loaded with carotenes, those anti-cancer, anti-heart disease helpers. And the oil of the flowers is an important massage balm for maintaining healthy breasts. (There's lots more information on dandelions in Healing Wise.)

Dock, also called yellow dock, curly dock, and broad dock is a perennial plant, which my Native American grandmothers use for "all women's problems." The Maori call it paewhenua or runa. It is another plant that disagrees with sheep, especially when the land is overgrazed. I dig the yellow roots of Rumex crispus or R. obtusifolius and tincture them in alcohol to use as an ally when the immune system or the liver needs help. A dose is 15-25 drops (.5-1 ml). I also harvest the leaves and/or seeds throughout the growing season and make a medicinal vinegar, taken a tablespoon at a time, which is used to increase blood-levels of iron, reduce menstrual flooding and cramping, and balance hormone levels. If the chopped roots are soaked in oil for six weeks, the resulting ointment is beneficial for keeping the breasts healthy.

Groundsel (Senecio vulgaris) and Ragwort (Senecio jacobea) are hardy perennials that have a reputation for poisoning livestock, like their cousin tansy. Although not good for sheep, these two Senecios are some of the world's most ancient healing plants, having been found in a grave 60,000 years old. You can use the flowering tops and leaves with your alcohol to make a tincture which acts slowly to tonify the reproductive organs, ease PMS, and stop severe menstrual pain. A dose is 5-10 drops (.2-.5 ml) per day, used only once a day, but for at least 3 months. (A larger dose is used to speed up labor.)

Mallows (Malva neglecta, M. parviflora, M. sylvestres) grow well in neglected gardens and are surprisingly deep-rooted. The flowers, leaves, stalks, seeds, and roots are rich in sticky mucilage which is best extracted by soaking the fresh plant in cold water overnight or longer or by making a medicinal vinegar. The starch is extraordinarily soothing internally (easing sore throats, upset tummies, heart burn, irritable bowel, colic, constipation, and food poisoning) and externally (relieving bug bites, burns, sprains, and sore eyes). The leaves, flowers, and bark (especially) of the native Hohere (Hoheria populnea) are used in exactly the same way by Maori herbalists.

Plantain, also called ribwort, pig's ear, and the bandaid plant is a common weed of lawns, driveways, parks, and playgrounds. Identify it by the five parallel veins running the length of each leaf. You may find broad leaf plantain (Plantago major) with wide leaves, or narrow leaf plantain (Plantago lanceolata) with lance-thin leaves. Either can be used to make a healing poultice or a soothing oil widely regarded as one of the best wound healers around. Not only does plantain increase the speed of healing, it also relieves pain, stops bleeding, draws out foreign matter, stops itching, prevents and stops allergic reactions from bee stings, kills bacteria, and reduces swelling.

Try a poultice or a generous application of plantain oil or ointment (made by thickening the oil with beeswax) on sprains, cuts, insect bites, rashes, chafed skin, boils, bruises, chapped and cracked lips, rough or sore hands, baby's diaper area, and burns.

To make a fresh plantain poultice: Pick a leaf, chew it well and put it on the boo-boo. "Like magic" the pain, itching, and swelling disappear, fast! (Yes, you can dry plantain leaves and carry them in your first aid kit. Chew like you would fresh leaves.)

To make plantain ointment: Pick large fresh plantain leaves. Chop coarsely. Fill a clean, dry, glass jar with the chopped leaves. Pour pure olive oil into the leaves, poking about with a chopstick until the jar is completely full of oil and all air bubbles are released. Cap well. Place jar in a small bowl to collect any overflow. Wait six weeks. Then strain oil out of the plant material, squeezing well. Measure the oil. Heat it gently, adding one tablespoon of grated beeswax for every liquid ounce of oil. Pour into jars and allow to cool.

St. Joan's/John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) This beautiful perennial wildflower may be hated by sheep farmers but herbalists adore it. The flowering tops are harvested after they begin to bloom (traditionally on Solstice, June 21) and prepared with alcohol, and with oil, to make two of the most useful remedies in my first aid kit. Tincture of St. Joan's wort not only lends one a sunny disposition, it reliably relieves muscle aches, is a powerful anti-viral, and is my first-choice treatment for those with shingles, sciatica, backpain, neuralgia, and headaches including migraines. The usual dose is 1 dropperful (1 ml) as frequently as needed. In extreme pain from a muscle spasm in my thigh, I used a dropperful every twenty minutes for two hours, or until the pain totally subsided. St. Joan's wort oil stops cold sores in their tracks and can even relieve genital herpes symptoms. I use it as a sunscreen. Contrary to popular belief, St. Joan's wort does not cause sun sensitivity; it prevents it. It even prevents burns from radiation therapy. Eases sore muscles, too.

Self heal (Prunella vulgaris) This scentless perennial mint is one of the great unsung healers of the world. The leaves and flowers contain more antioxidants - which prevent cancer and heart disease, among other healthy traits - than any other plant tested. And as part of the mint family, self heal is imbued with lots of minerals, especially calcium, making it an especially important ally for pregnant, nursing, menopausal, and post-menopausal women. I put self heal leaves in salads in the spring and fall, make a medicinal vinegar with the flowers during the summer, and cook the flowering tops (fresh or dried) in winter soups.

Usnea (Usnea barbata) is that many-stranded grey lichen hanging out of the branches of your apple trees or the Monterey pines planted in the plantation over there or in almost any native tree in areas of the South Island Alps, where it is known as angiangi to the Maori. If in doubt of your identification: Pull a strand gently apart with your hands, looking for a white fiber inside the fuzzy grey-green outer coat. To prepare usnea, harvest at any time of the year, being careful not to take too much. Usnea grows slowly. Put your harvest in a cooking pan and just cover it with cold water. Boil for about 15-25 minutes, or until the water is orange and reduced by at least half. Pour usnea and water into a jar, filling it to the top with plant material. (Water should be no more than half of the jar.) Add the highest proof alcohol you can buy. After 6 weeks this tincture is ready to work for you as a superb antibacterial, countering infection anywhere in the body. A dose is a dropperful (1 ml) as frequently as every two hours in acute situations.

Yarrow (Achellia millefolium) This lovely perennial weed is grown in many herb gardens for it has a multitude of uses. Cut the flowering tops (use only white-flowering yarrow) and use your alcohol to make a strongly-scented tincture that you can take internally to prevent colds and the flu. (A dose is 10-20 drops, or up to 1 ml). I carry a little spray bottle of yarrow tincture with me when I'm outside and wet my skin every hour or so. A United States Army study showed yarrow tincture to be more effective than DEET at repelling ticks, mosquitoes, and sand flies. You can also make a healing ointment with yarrow flower tops and your oil or fat. Yarrow oil is antibacterial, pain-relieving, and incredibly helpful in healing all types of wounds.

Growing and Using Medicinal Herbs

Healing or (as they are sometimes called) medicinal herbs may provide a safe, healthy alternative to alleviate various aliments and physical problems, or to improve the quality of life. However, keep in mind that herbal medicinal plants, like pharmaceuticals, should be treated with respect. Although herbal practitioners claim herbs have an important role when used correctly, remember that they still share a lot of the ingredients of over the counter medications, so use them with knowledge and caution.

For thousands of years, herbs and the minerals they contain have been used successfully to enhance wellness and prevent illness. Being rich in minerals, vitamins and antioxidants, medicinal herbs help rejuvenate and heal the body. Disease occurs by imbalances in the body, mind or spirit as well as influences such as diet, environment, pollution, and smoking. Herbal remedies are natural and effective ways to detoxify and cleanse the body, strengthen the immune system and contribute to vibrant wellness.

Health food stores carry a large number of herbal preparations, as do many pharmacies. Chinese medicine practitioners and naturopathic physicians as well as herbalists often prescribe carefully prepared herbal ointments, tinctures and infusions.

Some ailments that herbal medicine plants can alleviate are the common cold, sleep disorders, fatigue, and pregnancy symptoms such as nausea. Medicinal herbs can help improve your quality of life by relieving aching muscles and joints, insect bites, congestion, bruises and upset stomachs. They can also be used to promote healthier weight, or help your system to digest food and eliminate waste.

Healing herbs such as thyme, arnica, calendula and chamomile, are easily grown at home, easy to care for, and can be used to prepare home remedies. Some medicinal herbs, for example, sage and rosemary, can be used for home herbal remedies as well as for cooking. Knowing which herbs are both medicinal herbs and culinary herbs will transform your garden into a multipurpose plot, so you to get the most use from the plants you grow.

You can prepare medicinal herbs for use in several ways. Familiarize yourself with each type of preparation, and its safe use.

• infusions or decoctions are prepared like teas
• syrups are concentrated and sweetened infusions
• compresses are made by soaking a towel in a warm infusion.
• plasters use a paste of fresh or dried herbs and oatmeal, applied to the skin
• oils and tinctures use herbs steeped in oil or alcohol
• ointments are herbs mixed with beeswax and oil

By growing your own herbs to prepare as medications, you can control the purity, quality and freshness. As you grow your herbal healing plants, and harvest them for use, keep these guidelines in mind:

• Always label each plant, or make a map your herb garden, so avoiding others using the wrong herb.
• Clearly labeled any plants with poisonous components, and keep these safely away from children and pets.
• Keep detailed notes on how to process and use your medicinal herbs.
• Never mix herbal preparations with medical prescriptions.
• Stop using any herbal medicine if you notice side effects such as headaches, dizziness or nausea.
• If you have any concerns over the use of herbal medicine plants, consult your pharmacist or a local herbalist.

Herb Garden Plants - What Kind Should You Grow?

There are several types of herbs you can grow for your garden. Of course, as with most things, when you choose what herb garden plants you can grow, you have to consider their characteristics to make sure you are raising the best plants according to your capacity and your needs, as well as other factors. Many assume that all herb garden plants are the same. Although they are often described as plants that are used both for medicinal and culinary reasons, not all herbs are equal in terms of purpose.

The more popular type of herb is the culinary herb, the ones people use for cooking. Culinary herbs have been used in kitchen for the longest time. In fact, several centuries ago, herbs were practically as valuable as gold-if not more so-thanks to their culinary uses. Some herbs can be used to preserve food, while others are used as condiments and additional ingredients to add flavor to practically every meal. Thyme, for instance, is a very popular culinary herb. British, Italian, and French cuisine use thyme heavily because it is flavorful but does not overpower other flavors when used.

Generally, culinary are herbs with strong flavors. Chives, sage, and basil are examples of culinary herbs that are commonly used today. Some herbs can also be used to create certain tea flavors, some of them with medicinal benefits. Mint and chamomile, popular tea flavors, are examples of such herb garden plants.

Herb garden plants are also well known for their medicinal capacity. Herbalism, or the medicinal practice that relies on the use of plants and their extracts, has been around for centuries. This practice is not as far-fetched or as hackneyed as some may think, since many of the medicines and medicinal items we take now use herbs. The mouthwash Listerine, for one, uses the herb thyme. Other herb garden plants promote good health by improving bodily functions and tending to certain organ. For instance, the herb Rosemary is known to protect the brain from damaging chemicals; in effect, it is said to prevent certain diseases such as Alzheimer's.

Some herb garden plants can also be ornamental. Obviously, these are the ones used for decoration, grown solely for their appearance or their aesthetic appeal. Lavender, for instance, is grown for its colorful foliage. However, not all ornamental herb garden plants are impractical. Mint is a very popular example of an ornamental herb, but it is also used as a culinary ingredients. Also, mint is effective for pest control. Lavender, on the other hand, is used for potpourri.

There are also sub-categories used to classify herb garden plants. For instance, many people are into exotic herbs-rare herbs that can only be seen in select places in the world. They are expensive and quite uncommon-making them great herb garden plants for people grow these plants for the prestige. The California Poppy is an example of an exotic herb. Some herbs are also sacred, mainly because they are used in religious practices. Myrrh and Frankincense are examples of these religious herb garden plants since they are iconic items that figure in the history of Christianity. The Tulsi, on the other hand, is a herb used as a means to worship a Hindu goddess.

Aloevera Plant

Aloe vera plants such as Aloe vera barbadensis are known for their medicinal use, various kinds of ailments and ointments are available for burns, rashes and cuts. They are use in various beauty preparations to give your skin a beautiful look. Aloe Vera plants are now found in various countries and have been commonly accepted as folk medicines. This plant can also be grown as an indoor plant but may need re-potting as it grows very large. Aloe Vera Plant is also known as medicinal aloe, medicine plant or burn plant. The name comes from the Arabic "Alloeh", meaning bitter because of the bitter yellow liquid that is found between the gel and the leaf skin.

Aloe Vera plant looks like cactus, but is actually a member of the lily family. It grows in warm places like Asia, Africa and some parts of America and Europe that are warm. Aloe vera plants are prized for the gel substance inside their leaves which is used for many types of medicinal purposes (medicinal aloe vera). Growing aloe vera plants can be something anyone can do and it lets a person keep an aloe plant on hand for whenever they need a little aloe vera gel. Aloe Vera plants are very easy to care for. They withstand quite a bit in my opinions.

They do need a lot of sunlight, so it is best to keep them in a window that gets lots of sun, unless you are in an especially cold climate. They do need to be kept warm and get plenty of light, because they can die from exposure to cold.

The plant is beneficial for uterus, liver, ulcers, colon and hemorrhoids disorders. Aloe vera not only provides healing effect to the person but it also returns the bowls to the normal position. They are easy to grow indoors and outdoors. However, growing aloe vera plant in warm weather will allow it to flourish better.

Ancient Hebrew tribes used to uproot their aloe plants when they migrated, replant them upon arriving at their destination, and the plants would flourish again. With such a prestigious history, I wondered why I had not heard about Aloe Vera before. Ancient Chinese people used aloe vera gel for treating eczematous skin circumstances. It consists with a high water of nearly 96%, the aloe vera plant has been hailed as a medicinal plant with many a beneficial possessions. Ancient Chinese people used gel for treating eczematous skin circumstances. It consists of a high water content of 96% and hailed for its medicinal possessions.

Studies have shown that the regular use can speed the healing process in minor wounds and serious burns. The thick leaves of the plant snap easily and can be broken off to reveal the gel inside. Studies have been conducted to observe the healing rate with various factors, such as the type of wound inflicted, it's severity and how it was bandage after applying aloe vera to it. Several of these studies have shown that the aloe vera plant does indeed speed-up the healing process overall.

To get the most of aloe Vera, it's best to consume it internally to get not just external results but also internal results. When consumed as a supplement using aloeride, it helps boost your immune system and maintain your digestive tracts. This is possible because aloeride is a 100% aloe Vera in a pill with natural ingredients that your body needs to aid it to maximum total health.

Aloe Vera Product
Products in their full spectrum are widely used today and gels are probably the second most frequently used product, right after Aloe vera juice. History of using it goes back probably thousands of years and it's probably one of the best known uses of nature's own force. Aloe Vera Products are known to even the skin tone and texture, diminish the appearance of pores and fine lines, and hence, make one look fresh all day. Aloe Vera provides a deep cleaning treatment that instantly improves the problem skin by unclogging pores and removing dirt, oil and blackheads. Most aloe vera product contains pure aloe vera gel in addition to d-alpha tocopherol, triethanolamine, and methylparaben.

Like Aloeride supplements when taken internally, it generally makes people feel better. This may be due to its ability to help detoxify the body. Taken daily, either alone or mixed with pure fruit juice, it is one of the best nutritional supplements available! Taken internally, Aloe Vera has been shown to have various beneficial effects on the body.

It is pretty much commonplace these days. You can find in creams, shampoos, body wash, and in some cases even in toothpaste. Aloe vera gel has anti-inflammatory properties. Aloe vera contains salicylic acid that has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.

It has been used for thousands of years. It is a component of many cosmetics and burn creams. Aloe Vera is not meant to be a substitute for Western medicine but instead to act as a complement to treatment. Although I suppose even the test could turn out to be quite painful if we are.

Aloe Vera, however is not just useful for its well known healing properties when applied externally, but if taken internally its benefits have been discovered to be nothing short of miraculous. The problems is that Aloe juice prepared at home from these plants is not only pretty disgusting to drink, but also cannot fully unleash the vitamins, enzymes, lignins, minerals, saponins, amino acids and anthraquinones which give the plant its potency.

The gel is useful for treating athlete's foot, any forms of burns, muscular pains, herpes, eczema, pimples, bruises, diaper rash, wounds and cuts, hair loss, allergies, varicose veins, insect bites, furuncles, psoriasis, scleroderma and acne. Aloe can be used to keep the skin supple, and has also been used effectively in controlling acne and eczema. The itching which accompanies allergies and insect bites can be alleviated by using aloe.

Products are suitable for people of any age even kids. Aloe vera products are very illustrious amongst the consumers because of the moisturizing qualities which are good for the skin diseases or skin.

Most products has laxative effects .Consult your physician before using laxatives if you are using any other drug that reduces potassium levels, such as a diuretic. Avoid taking aloe vera while pregnant or menstruating, as it may cause uterine contractions. Consult a doctor if you notice a sudden change in bowel habits that persist over 2 weeks. Rectal bleeding or failure move bowels after use may indicate a serious condition.

One major product in the market today is aloeride. Its been hailed as outstanding, as it has no laxative effect. In fact it has no side effects whatsoever. In my opinion its one of the safest aloe vera product out there in the market. Aloeride supplements can give you Clearer skin, easier digestion, and cure for IBS irritable bowel syndrome. People with acid reflux,crohn's disease and colitis report great results from consuming aloe Vera internally using aloeride.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amaechi_Ekufu

Antioxidants From Plants

Some of the most potent free radical scavengers are found in our food. Grape Seed Extract:

Grape seeds contain compounds called procyanidolic oligomers, known as PCOs or pycnogenol, long thought to be some of the most powerful phyto-antioxidants. As antioxidants, they are around 50 times stronger than vitamin E. PCOs are among the few antioxidants that cross the blood brain barrier, and they are very easily absorbed. Not only do PCOs neutralise free radicals, they also synergistically with vitamins C and E.

Broccoli Sprout Extract:

Research at John Hopkins School of Medicine, in the USA, discovered that sulphoraphanes, substances found in high concentrations in broccoli, help maintain the body free from cancer. As the broccoli plant grows older sulphoraphane levels drop. Researchers found that 3 day old broccoli sprouts contain 20 to 50 times more than the mature cooked vegetable. Sulphoraphanes act as indirect antioxidants. They boost what are called Phase 2 detoxification enzymes, which trigger broad-spectrum antioxidant activity. The effect of indirect antioxidants is longer lasting than direct antioxidants.

Green Tea Extract

The active phyto-nutrient in green tea are polyphenols called catechins. These are a form of bioflavonoid that has potent free radical-fighting properties and protects lipids against oxidation (going rancid). Catechins have been shown to have20 times the antioxidant potential of Vitamin E. A particular type of catechin, found in green tea, epigallocatechin gallate, may also help the body makes its own antioxidant enzymes.

Oregano Extract

A very powerful antioxidant phenol in many herbs is called rosmarinic acid. Researchers at the US department of Agriculture found that the herb with the highest antioxidant activity, 3-20 times more than other herbs, is oregano. Oregano has 42 times more antioxidant activity than apples, 12 times more than oranges and 4 times more than blueberries!

Curcuminoids

Curcuminoids, which are among the most well researched phyto-nutrients, are found in the bright yellow spice, turmeric. Research to date indicates that curcuminoids have a powerful antioxidant action, but also offer the body support in its anti-inflammatory function, as well as lending circulatory and immune support. The anti-oxidant activity of curcuminoids is approximately 3 times more powerful than PCOs.

Bilberry Extract

The dark blue/purple pigments of the bilberry contain flavonoids that have been shown to improve micro-circulation and act as very effective antioxidants. Bilberry is most well know for its benefits on eye health.

Lutein Lutein is the primary carotenoid for the eyes. It is a light filter as well as an antioxidant and may help maintain the skin free of skin cancer when exposed to UV light. Lutein is thought to protect the optic nerve and the macula of the eye. It is derived from the yellow, green and orange pigments in fruits, vegetables and egg yolks.

Lycopene

This is the carotenoid that makes tomatoes red. Many studies, including one at Harvard, have focussed on its antioxidant activity. Lycopene also supports the immune system in helping to maintain the body free from various types of cancer, especially of the bowel and prostate.

Alpha Lipoic Acid

Alpha lipoic acid is a highly effective, vitamin-like antioxidant that contains the mineral sulphur. Being both fat and water soluble, it can be used all through the body. Alpha lipoic acid helps protect DNA from damaging free radicals and recycles other antioxidants, especially vitamins A and C, making them more useful at countering harmful free radicals.

Astaxanthin

This highly versatile red-pink pigment from the tiny marine algae Haematococcus pluvialis has up to 550 times more antioxidant capacity than Vitamin E. It helps the body make better use of other antioxidant carotenoids, crosses the barrier between the brain and retina in the eye to protect eyes from damaging UV light, protects skin against UV light, prevents the 'bad' LDL cholesterol from oxidation and maintains muscle function during exercise.

Olive Leaf Extract

Olive leaves contain 'oleuropein', a phytonutrient flavonoid with potent antioxidant activity. For example, oleuropein has been shown to help protect LDL cholesterol from oxidation by scavenging free radicals, thereby helping support a healthy heart.

Beetroot

Beetroot contains anthocyanidins, pigments that give the sweet, earthy-tasting vegetable its deep indigo colour. Anthocyanidins have potent antioxidant properties and are known to inhibit oxidation of lipids in the body. Beetroot also provides antioxidant Vitamins A and C.

Watercress

Watercress contains a family of phyto-nutrients called 'isothiocyanates' which are known to fight off harmful free radicals. Watercress is packed with minerals and antioxidant Vitamins A and C, as well as chlorophyll, the pigment that gives Watercress its dark green colour.

Garlic

Garlic contains a phytonutrient antioxidant called 'alliciin', which is known to scavenge free radicals in the body, and to help protect fats from oxidation, such as LDL cholesterol. In this way, Garlic is a highly prized food herb and important for health.

Carrot

Carrots get their bright carrot colour from carotenoids, pigment antioxidants that are powerful quenchers of damaging free radicals. The most well known carotenoid in carrots is the antioxidant beta-carotene, which converts in the body to Vitamin A. Carrots also contain the antioxidant Vitamin E.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robin_Logan

Medicinal Herb Plants

Since the ancient times, medicinal herb plants have been used to cure different illnesses like common colds, indigestion, depression, and many others. The good thing about these herbs is that it is possible to grow them indoors and outdoors. So if you have adequate garden space that gets a lot of sunshine, it can be an ideal spot for planting herbs. If you live in an apartment, the medicinal herb plants should be planted in containers and special pots.

What are some of the most common medicinal herbs? Chamomile, St. John's Wort, and peppermint are quite popular but you can also plant other herbs like lavender, ginger, lemon balm, and garlic. Lavender is usually used because of its nice smell that can relax the body. If your stomach is upset, just smell the scent of lavender and you will feel well. Medicinal herb plants like ginger are great for ocean sickness and motion sickness. This is a great reliever for nausea and you can use it dried or fresh.

Lemon balm is a great reliever for stomach spasms and indigestion. This is great for aromatherapy as well because it can calm the senses. Garlic can be used in powder and oil form. It is great for lowering the cholesterol level and this medicinal herb plants can also be used as anti-atherosclerosis. There are still many plants out there that gardeners can plant but your choice should be able to meet your needs.

What are the common ailments that you usually suffer from? With enough knowledge as to the properties of various herbs, it will be easier to make a choice. Try to find out how small or large the medicinal herb plants can develop so that if you prefer container gardening, it will be easier to decide whether you will use a small or large container. Make sure that the container has enough holes underneath for proper drainage.

You also need to use the right type of soil. Well drained soil is ideal and you can easily obtain them at a garden center. However, you can test if the soil in the garden is great for medicinal herb plants. Get handful of soil in your yard and open your palm - what happens to the soil? If it clumps together, it is not suitable for herbs. You can make adjustments to the soil but this might take time so it would be best to invest on commercial soil instead.

The commercial soil is reasonably priced and it is already equipped with the needed medicinal herb plants foods. During winter, protect the herbs planted in the outdoors and if it is possible to transplant them in containers, the better. Potted plants should also be transferred indoors to prevent from freezing. This can take up some of your time but it is worth the effort because you can have a steady supply of herbs.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tim_Adam

Drugs Are Often Dangerous

The results of this synthetic drug explosion have been unfortunate. Today, drugs prescribed in hospitals constitute the number six cause of death among American adults. This exceeds deaths due to crack, handguns, and traffic accidents combined. Add to that figure the number of adult and child deaths attributable to over the counter and prescription drugs given outside of hospitals, and the figures are even worse.

Patent Laws Drive Medicinal Development

The replacement of herbs with synthetic drugs is a relatively new phenomenon, less than a century old, born largely out of economic opportunities afforded by patent laws. Drug companies can't typically patent commonly used plants, but they can develop patented, proprietary synthetic drugs, often reaping billions in sales. Since the 1940's, chemists employed by pharmaceutical companies have developed novel synthetic molecules which have replaced plant medicines, and are sold both over the counter and by prescription.

Herbal Use 60,000 Years Ago

Neanderthals lived from about 200,000 years ago until roughly 30,000 years ago in Europe and western Asia. They coexisted with modern humans for most of the period but then mysteriously vanished. Physical evidence of use of herbal remedies goes back some 60,000 years to a burial site at Shanidar Cave, Iraq, in which a Neanderthal man was uncovered in 1960. He had been buried with eight species of plants, seven of which are still used for medicinal purposes today.

On September 19, 1991, one of the most extraordinary discoveries of our Century took place in Austria’s Otzal Alps, when two hikers discovered an ice mummy preserved by freezing. The analysis of samples of organic tissues has determined that the Iceman lived between 3350 and 3100 B.C.

The Ice Man died approximately 5200 years ago. At death he was between 40 and 50 years old and suffered from a number of medical conditions. He turned into a mummy accidentally almost immediately by the freezing weather conditions that turned him into the Ice Man. The Ice Man's possessions have given scientists a better look at what life was during the Neolithic Age in Europe. Perhaps the most valuable possession, according to many scientists, was his “medicine kit,” two walnut-sized lumps of a birch fungus used as a laxative and as a natural antibiotic.

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