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Guide to Herbal Health Care
Herbal remedies have long been used in traditional medicines to relieve illness and maintain wellness. Nearly every major civilization throughout history has made use of herbalism; from the Sumerians to the Chinese to the Hebrews, there are numerous written records detailing therapeutic uses for certain plants. Since the emergence of modern medicine and the pre-eminance of the physician, there has been a decline in the importance of herbal care, but interest has again been growing in recent years, particularly in the United States. If you are interested in such remedies, it is recommended that you consult a doctor or herbalist and do you research: some herbs are not effective, some can interact with drugs you are taking and some can actually cause health problems. Read on for a basic introduction to herbal health care.
Herbal Basics
Centuries ago, the Arabs used nutrient-rich alfalfa as feed for their horses, because they claimed that it made the animals swift and strong. They eventually became so convinced of its benefits to their own health that they named the grass Al-Fal-Fa, which means Father of Foods. Alfalfa Powder is a whole food supplement highly valued for its nutrition.
Quercetin is a naturally occurring bioflavonoid that supports healthy histamine levels, thereby helping to sustain a balanced immune response. Bromelain, an enzyme derived from pineapple stems, also supports healthy defense mechanism of body function. The combination of Quercetin and Bromelain therefore provides powerful immunomodulating benefits important for the management of occasional seasonal discomfort.
After long, tiresome days spent exploring and gathering, Ojibwe Indians turned to esiak to ease tension and replenish their tired bodies for the next rising sun. Escape and unwind with a blend of rejuvenating herbs and extracts that have been cherished for many moons to lighten mind, body and spirit.
Chickweed is a common wayside herb that is considered a nuisance by gardeners but revered by herbalists for its soothing internal and external applications. Capsules may be opened and added to hot water and consumed as a tea or applied to the skin as a salve in any ointment base, such as olive oil.
Echinacea and Goldenseal features a proprietary blend of two species of Echinacea, angustifolia root & purpurea herb and Goldenseal root herb which are well known for their beneficial effects on mucous membranes. Used for strengthening immune functions.
Uva Ursi has been used by cultures around the world for such things as medicine, leather tanning and as an ingredient in smoking tobacco.
Goldenseal Root is a very popular herb which was used extensively by Native Americans as an herbal remedy and clothing dye. It is sometimes referred to as Yellow Root in the southern U.S. Scientific research has identified several berberis alkaloids which are primarily responsible for its famed historical uses.
Here's a great way to take care of yourself! These oils contain only 100% pure and natural ingredients—including skin-nourshing vitamin E. Use them to create massage oils, to regularly moisturize and replenish the skin, and as bath oils.
Dandelion is a sun-loving meadow herb that many of us remember from childhood romps through country fields. It is a free-growing perennial that blooms wherever it can find a sunny bit of earth, and is found in fields and lawns throughout the world. As a tea, Dandelion is warm and soothing, and may bring back a bit of the kid in you!
Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) is among the oldest of all plants, having dominated the plant world for 100 million years. In ancient times, it was a giant fern like tree. The twenty species surviving today are miniature versions of their ancestors. Horsetail is known for its abrasive texture; in fact, Horsetail can be used to sand wood or scour and shine metal. This remarkable quality is due to its high silica content. Silica, a vital element of health, is found in all tissues and organs of the body, including the skin, hair, nails, teeth, bones, tendons, and ligaments. Horsetail yields a deep green color when used for dying fabric. The cut stems also make an interesting addition to herbal and flower arrangements.
A perennial with separate male and female plants, Nettle (Urtica dioica) grows up to 4 feet tall and has toothed, pointed leaves that sting when touched. This sting causes a burning sensation. This because each hair consists of a sharp, hollow spine that breaks off easily, allowing the liquid inside, formic acid, to be released into the object causing the injury. In spite of its stinging, Nettles are of considerable use in many ways, including culinary; they contain vitamins A and C, iron, and a variety of other minerals. The young shoots can also be boiled as a vegetable. Nettle fibers can be spun into rope and made into cloth. Cosmetically, Nettle is a good cleanser, especially for oily skin. As a tea, Nettle may be taken hot or cold and many prefer it sweetened and flavored with lemon.
It is believed that Oats (avena sativa) and Oatstraw originated in three widely separate geographic regions: Abyssinia, the Mediterranean and China. Today, the grain is grown primarily in the U.S., Canada, Russia, and Germany. Considered mostly a food, the whole plant has health-giving as well as nutritional value. Oatstraw can be taken as a delightful tea, sweetened with honey, and is valuable for its health benefits.
Fennel seeds have a licorice-like taste and are offered at the end of a meal in Asia and South America to sweeten breath and aid digestion. Fennel is a perennial Chinese herb of the carrot family. Its aromatic seeds are cultivated for both culinary and herbal uses.
Flax Seed Oil is a non-genetically engineered natural supplement that contains flax particulate matter which is high in lignans. Lignans are phytochemicals that are gaining interest in the medical community for their reported health benefits. Flax Seed Oil is a good source of the essential Omega-3 fatty acid, Alpha-Linolenic Acid.
Acidophilus is a specially cultured strain of viable, freeze-dried Lactobacillus acidophilus. The body relies on "friendly flora" residing in the intestines for the internal protection against putrifactive yeasts and bacteria, which can secrete toxins and hoard vital nutrients. Acidophilus supports colon health by altering the microflora ecology and favoring "friendly" flora. It also manufactures some B-vitamins, especially folic acid.
Amino Acids are the chemical units or "building blocks" of the body that make up proteins. Protein substances make up the muscles, tendons, organs, glands, nails, and hair. Growth, repair and maintenance of all cells are dependent upon them.
Gymnema is a woody, climbing plant common in central and southern India. The Hindi name, Gurmar- “destroyer of sugar” applies to the leaves (the medicinal parts of the plant), which when chewed interfere with the ability to taste sweetness.
Jiaogulan is a powerful antioxidant and adaptogenic herb containing up to 82 distinct gypenosides. This herb is called Xiancao, or the "Immortality Herb." Jiaogulan originates in Southern China where much of traditional Chinese herbalism evolved. It has been traditionally used as a strengthening tonic to increase physical and mental stamina. Jiaogulan contains 82 saponins called gypenosides, some of which are directly correlated with the ginsenosides found in ginseng root.
Valerian root has been the primary herb of choice for supporting a restful sleep since the 9th century. Modern research has confirmed this traditional use, and has identified valerenic acid, a component of the essential oil, as primarily responsible for its relaxing effects.
Spirulina is basically a whole food rather than an herb or nutrient. These are various species of primitive blue green algae—most commonly Spirulina maxima and S. platensis. As a health supplement, Spirulina algae is an extremely high protein source with a protein content of 60-70 percent higher than any other natural food.
Grape Seed Extract contains proanthocyanidins that may improve joint flexibility and aid in the rebuilding of connective tissue by decreasing damaging prostaglandins, inhibiting histamine release and decreasing possible tissue damage.
Grapefruit seed extract (GSE) is being used to kill Strep, Staph, Salmonella, E. Coli, Influenza, parasites, herpes, candida, fungi and traveler's diarrhea.
As an antioxidant, Vitamin E supports healthy heart function as well as healthy nerves, muscles, skin and hair. It has twice the biological activity of synthetic vitamin E.
Elderberry leaves flowers and berries have all been used medicinally for colds and flu. The elder bush grows in open areas of mountains, and in the spring creamy white elder flowers appear with the appearance of the dark, purple berries occurring in the late summer.
Related Guides
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External Links
- Wikipedia - An article on herbalism.
- MedlinePlus - A guide to herbal medicine.