5 Things About Chinese Herbal Medicine That Will Impress You

Are you intrigued by Chinese medicine’s profound philosophy, but don’t have much of a grasp on what it’s all about? Here’s a quick guide to what lies behind one major aspects of Chinese medicine: Chinese herbal medicine.

What is Chinese herbal medicine? Just herbs?

 

As the name suggests, herbs are the main ingredient in Chinese herbal medicine. Indeed, Chinese herbology recognizes more than 3,200 different types of herbs. Some prominent examples are ginseng and astragalus (root is used).

But that’s not all. Chinese herbal medicine also utilizes a slightly less mind-numbing 300 different minerals, insects, sea-creatures, and animal extracts. Cinnabar (ore of mercury), silkworm, seahorse, and rhinoceros horn, are some examples.

The different herb and non-herb ingredients are often combined as formulas, of which there are more than 400 widely known permutations.

So it’s the chemical properties of the herbs that are important, right?

Like Western medication and vitamins, Chinese herbs are chemical agents with illness-treating properties.

But the chemical component of Chinese herbs is not the sole consideration for an effective treatment. Rather, the level of energy output of each formula that goes toward restoring the body’s yin-yang balance is the key determinant.

With so many herbs and ingredients, how do they know which to combine?

In most cases, four types of herbs are included in the formula, categorized as: “emperor,” “minister,” “assistant,” and “ambassador.” There can be more than one of herb of each type.

These herbs are not casually termed. The “emperor” targets an illness’ main symptoms and underlying causes, while the “minister” treats the accompanying symptoms and their underlying causes. The “assistant” harmonizes the formula and eliminates possible toxins and side effects. Finally, the “ambassador” is there to get the formula to the afflicted meridians and organs.

Before being administered to a patient, these four herb types are made into a decoction (medicinal liquid) or capsule and pill variant. After that, like a proper, functioning bureaucracy, these herbs perform their own roles, and combine for efficient “governance” of illnesses.

 

 

Categories: chinese, chinese herbal, Chinese Herbs, Chinese medicine, formula, herbal, herbal medicine, herbs, medicine

What Everyone Ought to Know About Chinese Medicine

Are you intrigued by complementary wellness? Do you feel that your wellbeing is not being optimised by western medicine, and that there might be something better out there? Here’s what everyone should know about one of the biggest aspects of Chinese medicine – Chinese herbal medicine.

 

Chinese herbal medicine is not just about herbs. Although herbs are the main ingredients in Chinese herbal medicine (in fact Chinese herbology boasts more than 3,200 different herb types – some prominent examples being ginseng and the root of astragalus), there is more to herbal medicine than just herbs.

 

Chinese herbal medicine also uses a huge variety of different minerals (over 300 different ones), various insects, animal extracts and sea creatures in its make up. Cinnabar (ore of mercury), seahorse, silkworm and rhinoceros horn are all examples of the various compounds that go into Chinese herbal medicine.

 

All these various compounds – both herbal and non herbal – are combined together to make more than 400 widely-known supplements.

 

Much like western medications and vitamins, Chinese herbs are full of chemicals which have illness-treating properties and agents. However, the chemical component in Chinese herbs is not the only consideration when planning an effective treatment. Instead, the level of energy output that each formula has is considered, in terms of how this can restore the body’s yin/yang balance.

 

In most cases, there are four types of herbs included in each formula. These are categorised as the emperor, minister, assistant and the ambassador. There can be more than one herb in each category. The reason that these names are used is because the emperor herb targets the main symptoms of an illness and any underlying cause, whilst the minister treats any accompanying symptoms of the illness and their underlying cause. An assistant herb harmonises the formula and gets rid of any toxins or any possible side effects. The ambassador herb’s job is to get the formula to the right medians and organs in the body.

Categories: chinese, chinese herbal, Chinese Herbs, Chinese medicine, herbal, herbal medicine, medicine, medicine nbsp, nbsp chinese

Can Herbal Medicine Really Have an Impact on Your Health?

You may have heard of herbal medicine, but can a few plants really have an impact on your wellness? We spoke to complementary wellness expert O.C. Madu to find out just what herbal medicine is, and which herbs really have a medical effect.

 

1. Where Does Herbal Medicine Come From? According to Madu, ‘Plants have been used for medicinal purposes long before recorded history, for example ancient Chinese and Egyptian papyrus writings describe medicinal plant uses. Indigenous cultures in Africa and America used herbs in their healing rituals, while others, developed traditional medical systems such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine in which herbal therapies were used systematically. Scientists found that people in different parts of the globe tended to use the same or similar plants for the same purpose. In the early 19th century, when methods of chemical analysis first became available, scientists began extracting and modifying the active ingredients from plants. Many modern pharmaceuticals have been modelled on or derived from chemicals found in plants. An example is the heart medication digoxin derived from foxglove.’

 

2. Where Is Herbal Medicine Still Going Strong Today? ‘Recently, the World Health Organisation estimated that 80% of people worldwide rely on herbal medicines for some aspect of their primary health care,’ Madu details. ‘No wonder [Nigeria’s] current Minister of Health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu, proposed that traditional medicines should be incorporated into the current medical curriculum. The article further stated that medical practitioners ought to equip themselves with expert knowledge of traditional medicines.’

 

3. What Issues Can Herbal Medicines Help to Treat? Madu points out, ‘Recipes for the treatment of common ailments which are reported almost on daily basis include hypertension, dysentery, low sperm count and weak erections, coated tongue, piles, menstrual disorders, leucorrhoea and fevers.’

 

4. Why Are More People Becoming Interested in Herbal Medicine? Madu asserts, ‘Interest in medicinal plant as a re emerging health aid has been fuelled by the rising costs of prescription drugs in the maintenance of personal health and wellbeing and the bio-prospecting of new plant derived drugs. Based on current research and financial investments, medicinal plants will, seemingly, continue to play an important role as a health aid. Modern medicine complements traditional practices as is obtainable in industrialised societies e.g. China and India. In these societies, herbal remedies have become more popular in the treatment of minor ailments and also, account of the increasing costs of personal health maintenance. Indeed, the market and public demand have been so great, that there is a great risk that many medicinal plants today face either extinction or loss of genetic diversity.’

 

5. Which Specific Herbs Can Help with Health Concerns? ‘These natural herbs are very effective in boosting the resistance to infections, healing the allergies, raising and renewing the body vitality,’ Madu comments.

• Garlic: Also known as allium sativum, poor man’s Treacle, Bawang Bauarrg and monocot pernial, garlic is readily available and inexpensive. Moreover, Madu adds, ‘Garlic may be the first line of defence in treating high blood pressure and dealing with common skin and fungal infections.’


• Ginger: This spice also goes by many names, including zingber officinale luyang Dilaw and perennial monocot reed. Madu explains, ‘Ginger combines well with many herbs improving taste and potency. Ginger speeds up the delivery of healthy plant chemicals into the bloodstream while adding a spicy, hot zest to your favourite dishes.’


• Basil: Madu notes, ‘Indian Basil has been used for thousands of years in the traditional medicine of India, Ayurveda, known to Hindus as Tulsi.’


• Myrrh: The wise men must have given myrrh to the baby Jesus for a reason – to look after his health and wellbeing! ‘Myrrh was used in religious rituals in ancient Egypt,’ says Madu. ‘Myrrh’s antifungal, antiseptic and astringent [properties] helps the treatment of infections.’

Categories: ginger, health aid, herbal, herbal medicine, herbal medicines, history, madu, medicinal plant, medicinal plants, personal health, traditional medicines

Improve Your Wellness With These Simple, Herbal Remedies

Many people dismiss complementary therapies as mere quackery, ignoring the well-established benefits that many of them have for one’s wellness and wellbeing. The use of botanicals is actually very well rooted in medical practice. Going back to ancient times, doctors would collect information about herbs and collate detailed books about how to treat various ailments. Flash forward to modern times, and over a quarter of all drugs used in medicine contain active ingredients which have been derived from the same ancient plant.

 

It is thought that around 80 percent of the world’s population uses herbs in some area of their health care. In the United States alone, over 1,500 different types of botanicals are sold in the form of dietary supplements. The top-selling of these are herbs and supplements, including garlic, Echinacea, goldenseal, ginkgo, ginseng, aloe, saw palmetto, ephedra, cranberry and Siberian ginseng.

 

Before using any herb or supplement, however, you should consult a healthcare provider, to make sure that this is the most appropriate one for you to take, and that there are no interactions with other medications that you may be taking.

 

Chamomile is one of the most popular herbal remedies, frequently used to treat anxiety, muscle pain and cramping. It is usually ingested in the form of tea but is also used in combination with other herbs, too.

 

Echinacea is also commonly used, as it is believed to have properties that can help to fight off colds. People take Echinacea in the winter time, to help them boost their immune systems.

 

Ginkgo, also known as ginkgo biloba, is also commonly taken, as it is believed to improve the circulation and boost brain activity.

 

Those looking for a natural energy boost often turn to Ginseng. This herb has gained popularity in recent years.

 

Finally, the levels of use for St. John’s Wort remain high, as people use it to help treat their anxiety and depression.

Categories: Echinacea, ginkgo, herbal, herbal remedies, herbs, nbsp, remedies, treat

Can Herbal Medicines Cause Kidney Failure?

Medicine is a very interesting subject that many people are interesting. While most people tend to rely on the opinion of their doctor or even just the basic truths of rational science, there is a growing section of society that are underwhelmed or unhappy with what they hear and prefer to make up their own minds on what medicines work and the best way for them to feel better. On a basic level this seems to be a fine, as long as people aren’t endangering themselves by taking harmful substances. That’s why so many people have now been moving onto herbal medicines.

 

Indeed, recently there has been a strong uptake in herbal medicines. This is likely down to people want to believe in the cures and treatments that a number of herbal medicines claim to make. While this is a highly controversial subject, as doctors and experts often assert that herbal medicines can do nothing to help your if you have an illness, more and more people still seem to be taking up these medicines as they feel desperate for relief from their conditions or hope to find a cure for whatever disease that they might have.

 

Herbal medicines and other natural remedies are especially popular in India, and this is a part of the world that is highly interested in the concept of alternative treatments. But now it seems that these therapies that are so popular now might actually be causing more harm than good. This is a very worrying development and could mean some troubling times for anyone who uses herbal therapies. So what exactly is the problem?

 

Well it seems that there may be an issue surround a compound called aristolochic acid which is found in a number of common herbal medicines. It appears that it can lead to a condition known as aristolochic acid nephropathy (AAN) which is a form of kidney failure that occurs when the body takes in too much of the aristolochic acid. It has also been linked to other kidney based problems such as kidney diseases and urothelial cancer. Given that these are obviously extremely serious conditions it can be no surprise that many people are now claiming that aristolochic acid should be avoided at all costs by anyone who wants to use alternative therapies that make use of herbal medicines.

 

The substance has now been officially banned from a number of national agencies that oversee the regulation of compounds such as aristolochic acid. In fact the FDA went as far as to say that any herbal medicine bottle contains the ingredients such as ‘Aristolochia,’ ‘Bragantia’ or ‘Asarum’ listed as ingredients on the label needs to be discontinued immediately and that if you have any of these medicines that you should dispose of them as soon as possible.

 

If you’re worried about the possibility of having them, this acid is commonly found in many Chinese medicines as a way to combat diarrhoea, coughing and joint pain, and also as an aid to weight loss, to improve the immune system and to relieve the pain of childbirth. If you have bought any Chinese medicines for these conditions it could be well worth looking at the labels to check if they use this acid as one of the ingredients. If so you should stop using this and talk to your doctor about potentially having kidney problems. It’s also a great idea to speak to your doctor generally if you’re thinking about unusual non-standard medicines as many can have other hazards for your health that you may not even know about.

Categories: acid, Aristolochic acid, chinese medicines, doctor, herbal, herbal medicines, kidney, kidney failure, medicines, medicines nbsp, people

Water or Herbal Tea: Which is Better For You?

Herbal tea can be an important part of complementary wellness, but which is better for your wellbeing – herbal tea or just pure water?

 

Most experts recommend that you should consume around two litres of fluid every day. Not all of that has to be in the form of water, however, contrary to popular belief. You can take some of your fluids in the form of soups, fruits, vegetables, regular tea and, of course, herbals teas. These all contain water, but add a bit of variety to your daily fluid intake. In addition to this, herbal tea can have some great health benefits.

 

Chamomile tea is a popular one. It has a slightly sedative effect on the nervous system which means it can help to calm you down and can also contribute towards helping you get a good night’s sleep. It appeared in the Beatrix Potter Peter Rabbit book, where the little bunny’s mum used it to help soothe his sore tummy – and this is really the case, as the tea can reduce tummy aches, indigestion and spasms. Those with Irritable Bowel Syndrome often swear by this tea for reducing the severity of attacks.

 

Ginger tea is another good one – it has been used for centuries and can help to relieve nausea and vomiting in pregnant women in a safe way. It also has a strong anti-inflammatory effect and can be used to help reduce the pain of arthritis and to ease painful period pains. Ginger tea is also often used for treating colds and flu, as it helps to reduce mucous congestion.

 

Lemon balm tea has been shown to help reduce agitation in patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. It can also be good for those who are prone to anxiety and can help to calm and soothe. It is often used to settle night time digestion and help with sleep, too.

Categories: effect, ginger tea, herbal, herbal tea, nbsp, reduce, tea, Water

Herbal Teas That Could Benefit Your Skin

 

Herbal tea has long been associated with a healthy diet, thanks to the lack of sugar and the belief that herbal remedies are good for us. With winter fast approaching, we’re suddenly looking for ways to overcome the drying indoor heating and lack of exercise (and the associated lack of water intake) that makes us dehydrated. It’s worth the effort to stay hydrated though, as your body needs water far more than you realise. Not only does drinking enough keep your skin plump and healthy, it also helps your body to fight illnesses and viruses which are prevalent in the winter months. This is because dry mucus membranes make it far easier for germs to get into the body, lowering your defence mechanisms. However, while it’s very easy to say you’ll drink water more during the winter, when it’s cold you don’t want to swig down a glass of ice cold water. Herbal teas are a great way to overcome this problem, as they offer flavour, warmth and plenty of hydration. It’s also been suggested that many herbs can help to improve the condition of your skin.

 

Teas with burdock and yellow dock root could help to alleviate dry skin and psoriasis, as well as dandelion root being great for cleansing your liver. Those with rose petal and hibiscus are a natural source of vitamin C which is known to boost the health of your skin, and you can add orange peel to boost both the vitamin C levels and the flavour of the tea. Rooibus tea has increased in popularity in recent years and is a known antioxidant from the African bush. If you can drink a cup of this a day, you’ll start to notice an improvement in your skin’s condition. Skin-focused teas often include a wealth of ingredients to help improve your skin’s texture and brightness. Those providing detoxifying effects that’s vital in order to give your skin time to recover and heal itself. If you can find a tea that promises to detoxify your skin, you may well notice that it also reduces the signs of ageing and plumps up your skin relatively quickly.

 

There are many teas on the market which contain milk thistle, burdock, red clover or oat straw – these are worth checking out as they work with the liver to purify it and cleanse. This is where a number of skin problems originate, so they are well worth trying if you are finding your skin isn’t looking its best. You can also add tea to witch hazel and apply it directly to the skin complaint if you need to – this will add a calming effect to combine with the internal healing process. Herbal teas are often overlooked in favour of the more common black tea and coffee, but they can offer some significant skin benefits when consumed regularly. If you cut back on the caffeine by choosing a decaffeinated variety, you’ll also save your body the dehydration that can cause. Naturally, a cup of tea can’t make up for a poor lifestyle, so these should be combined with plenty of exercise and a healthy diet. And if you smoke, give up as soon as possible to save your skin and avoid premature ageing, among a host of health concerns. But you may find that your skin begins to look plumper and healthier after just a week or two – the benefits make this well worth trying.

Categories: anti ageing, body, healthy diet, herbal, herbal teas, skin, skin nbsp, skincare, tea, teas, worth

What Are the Best Herbs to Help You Get Some Sleep?

A lot of people have trouble sleeping, and ongoing sleep shortage can be really damaging to your wellness and wellbeing. What many people don’t know, however, is that lack of sleep can be directly improved by correct diet and nutrition.

 

There are a lot of reasons for lack of sleep, including changes in routine, having anxiety or depression and travel, but whatever the reason, getting enough sleep is really important for your health – both physically and emotionally. When you sleep, your body relaxes and heals. Your immune system is also boosted when you get a good night’s sleep, and so you can find that you fall ill more often if you are not getting enough sleep.

 

If your lack of sleep is a once off, you can try an over-the-counter medicine, but it is important not to use conventional medicines for sleep on a long-term basis. Instead, you can opt for herbal remedies that you add to your diet to help improve your sleep.

 

Kava is one such herbal remedy, and it’s great for those whose sleepless nights are being caused by anxiety. Kava should be used with caution, however, as there are some links to adverse effects on the liver. If you have any kind of liver problems, steer well clear of this remedy. Take only the amount that is recommended, and never use it alongside alcohol. It helps you to sleep deeply and release anxiety, and it is also rumoured to enhance and help you to remember your dreams.

 

Valerian is another popular herbal remedy for sleep. It promotes deep relaxation and has been widely researched. It has been proved to be safe and effective so you can take it safe in the knowledge that it will help you sleep and that it does not cause any negative side effects.

Categories: anxiety, herbal, herbal remedy, herbs, nbsp, remedies, remedy, sleep, sleep nbsp

Concerns v/s Benefits: Could Ephedra Help Treat Swine Flu?

Although complementary wellness is often seen as second best to big bad Western medicine, a traditional Chinese herbal treatment has been found to be just as bad-ass as prescription medication for reducing fever from swine flu. This is according to a new study, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, which has found that that herbal recipe — known as maxingshigan-yinqiaosan (M-Y) – reduced fever from H1N1 influenza just as well as the prescription medication Tamiflu.

 

Study co-authors Dr. Chen Wang and Dr. Bin Cao, of Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, in China, explained, ‘For thousands of years, Chinese herbs have been used to treat influenza. The pandemic influenza 2009 gave us the opportunity to evaluate a standard Chinese herb formula’ designed to target the flu. As specialists in infectious diseases and clinical microbiology, the study authors commented that M-Y is easily accessible throughout China and much less expensive than Tamiflu (oseltamivir), but as it contains the stimulant ephedra the herbal medicine is far more difficult to find elsewhere. This is because Western medical authorities have reservations about the compound, as using ephedra as a weight loss supplement may possibly put your wellbeing at risk to complications, such as heart attack, stroke and even death.

 

According to the Wang and Cao, when swine flu hit in 2009, the H1N1 pandemic sparked cases of influenza around the globe, resulting in nearly 18,000 deaths. Where available, Tamiflu was the treatment of choice in most instances – as recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO). However, in less developed parts of the world (including rural China) where such prescription drugs are often out of reach, the likely default treatments are traditional herbal medicines. This certainly includes the M-Y flu preparation, as it is composed of no less than 12 herbs: ephedrae, zhimu, qinghao, shigao, yinhua, huangqin, chaoxingren, lianqiao, bohe, zhebeimu, niubangzi and gancao.

 

For the study, the researchers looked at 410 previously healthy patients with an average age of 19, who were diagnosed with a “very mild” form of the illness. During the height of the pandemic – between July and November 2009 – the patients were treated in 11 different medical facilities across four Chinese provinces. This was to prevent spreading the flu, rather than because their symptoms were severe. Every patient was assigned to one of four five-day treatment groups within 72 hours of the onset of symptoms. The first group was given 75 milligrams of Tamiflu twice a day in capsule form, while the second group received 200 milliliters of M-Y four times a day in liquid form. The third group had the same dosages of each medicine, taken together, and the fourth group received no treatment.

 

The results of the study showed that both M-Y and Tamiflu were effective at eliminating fever, regardless of whether they were administered on their own or in combination. The authors noted that although the fever disappeared fastest in the group given both treatments, those in the first two groups were still cleared of fever far sooner than those who had received no treatment. In all cases, the side effects were minimal so neither drug posed a severe wellness risk despite Western fears over ephedra’s use as a weight-control agent.

 

Duffy MacKay, vice president of scientific and regulatory affairs at the Council for Responsible Nutrition, which represents the dietary supplement industry, commented that Western fears overlook ‘its more traditional and much safer’ role as a medicine against lung inflammation. He added, ‘these two treatments actually work very differently. Tamiflu works to stop viral replication. But the herbal formula is working on symptoms to help people become more comfortable. And those are two very different goals. So our advice is that because H1N1 can be very serious, it’s very important to see your doctor. And once you’re under the care of your licensed physician there’s certainly a lot of things in the world of botanicals that might help.’

Categories: group received, herbal, M-Y, medicine, nbsp, prescription medication, Research, swine flu, tamiflu, treatment, western fears

How to Choose the Best and Safest Herbal Medicine for You

Herbal medicine can be a great wellness tool, whether you crack out the echinacea when you feel a cold coming on, or deal with the musty taste of valerian to help induce sleep. However, the mistake many people make with herbal medicine is that they accentuate the “herbal” over the “medicine” – that is to say, they forget that that it can have a serious affect on your health if taken improperly. Therefore, you need to follow five sensible principles when considering herbal medicines.

 

1. Educate yourself: It’s important to do your homework with regards to complementary wellness, as it’s much easier to get it wrong. Not only do you need to know what herb will be the most beneficial to your wellbeing, but you also need to understand the level of effectiveness in each part of the herb, as the root, say, may be more potent than the flower or leaf. Stinging nettles, for example, are used in the treatment of benign prostate problems, and both the roots and flowers contain an anti-inflammatory compound known as scopoletin. However, only the roots have the steroid-like compounds that herbalists recommend if prostate problems affect your wellness, and so this part of the plant is best. Pass on supplements that don’t list the specific or right part of the herb.

 

2. Read the label: This is vital in all areas of health, not just in alternative therapies. If you put anything into your body, you should definitely know what it is! When it comes to herbal supplements, you’re looking for the scientific name of the herb, the part of the plant it uses (as you now know which part you’re after) and an expiration date. It’s also a good idea to find out the plant’s place of origin and whether it has been grown organically or wild-crafted (picked in the wild), but the labels don’t always specify this information, as it isn’t essential. The first three points, however, are, so don’t touch a supplement that doesn’t list the scientific name, part and expiration date.

 

3. Go for quality…: More often than not, bargain brands are sold in cheap, discount shops and it’s far better to stick with brands from reputable health-food stores. Due to a lack of regulation, herbal medicines don’t go through the same rigorous checks as pharmaceuticals, as manufacturers can use the “supplement” loophole – it’s only an add-on, not a replacement to a healthy diet, exercise or Western medical practises. This loophole means that herbal medicines can get away with all sorts of claims on the label or in the advertisements that aren’t necessarily true. Therefore, you need to be able to trust the provider as much as possible.

 

4. Don’t go for quantity: Sticking with single herbs is a good rule to follow when you’re starting out, unless you are recommended a specific formula by a trustworthy herbal practitioner. It’s like experimenting with cooking herbs; the best way is to use one at a time until you know how it tastes, and then you start blending them as you gain the knowledge and experience you need to make it work. With medicinal herbs you can apply the same principle; start off slowly, learn how each herb affects you, and then you can begin to blend them or use pre-made herbal formulas. Again, reading the label is key here as you need to know how much of each herb the formula contains.

 

5. Don’t do it alone: While these are all handy tips to get you started, you should never start using herbal medicine without the advice of a complementary wellness expert. Look online to find a healer who is qualified to practice herbal medicine, and consult him or her – and your GP – before taking anything new.

Categories: complementary wellness, expiration date, herb, herbal, herbal medicine, herbal medicines, medicine, nbsp, one at a time, prostate problems, quality, Read the label

How to Choose the Best and Safest Herbal Medicine for You

Herbal medicine can be a great wellness tool, whether you crack out the echinacea when you feel a cold coming on, or deal with the musty taste of valerian to help induce sleep. However, the mistake many people make with herbal medicine is that they accentuate the “herbal” over the “medicine” – that is to say, they forget that that it can have a serious affect on your health if taken improperly. Therefore, you need to follow five sensible principles when considering herbal medicines.

 

1. Educate yourself: It’s important to do your homework with regards to complementary wellness, as it’s much easier to get it wrong. Not only do you need to know what herb will be the most beneficial to your wellbeing, but you also need to understand the level of effectiveness in each part of the herb, as the root, say, may be more potent than the flower or leaf. Stinging nettles, for example, are used in the treatment of benign prostate problems, and both the roots and flowers contain an anti-inflammatory compound known as scopoletin. However, only the roots have the steroid-like compounds that herbalists recommend if prostate problems affect your wellness, and so this part of the plant is best. Pass on supplements that don’t list the specific or right part of the herb.

 

2. Read the label: This is vital in all areas of health, not just in alternative therapies. If you put anything into your body, you should definitely know what it is! When it comes to herbal supplements, you’re looking for the scientific name of the herb, the part of the plant it uses (as you now know which part you’re after) and an expiration date. It’s also a good idea to find out the plant’s place of origin and whether it has been grown organically or wild-crafted (picked in the wild), but the labels don’t always specify this information, as it isn’t essential. The first three points, however, are, so don’t touch a supplement that doesn’t list the scientific name, part and expiration date.

 

3. Go for quality…: More often than not, bargain brands are sold in cheap, discount shops and it’s far better to stick with brands from reputable health-food stores. Due to a lack of regulation, herbal medicines don’t go through the same rigorous checks as pharmaceuticals, as manufacturers can use the “supplement” loophole – it’s only an add-on, not a replacement to a healthy diet, exercise or Western medical practises. This loophole means that herbal medicines can get away with all sorts of claims on the label or in the advertisements that aren’t necessarily true. Therefore, you need to be able to trust the provider as much as possible.

 

4. Don’t go for quantity: Sticking with single herbs is a good rule to follow when you’re starting out, unless you are recommended a specific formula by a trustworthy herbal practitioner. It’s like experimenting with cooking herbs; the best way is to use one at a time until you know how it tastes, and then you start blending them as you gain the knowledge and experience you need to make it work. With medicinal herbs you can apply the same principle; start off slowly, learn how each herb affects you, and then you can begin to blend them or use pre-made herbal formulas. Again, reading the label is key here as you need to know how much of each herb the formula contains.

 

5. Don’t do it alone: While these are all handy tips to get you started, you should never start using herbal medicine without the advice of a complementary wellness expert. Look online to find a healer who is qualified to practice herbal medicine, and consult him or her – and your GP – before taking anything new.

Categories: complementary wellness, expiration date, herb, herbal, herbal medicine, herbal medicines, medicine, nbsp, one at a time, prostate problems, quality, Read the label

Things You Should Know About Herbal Supplements

It seems that herbal supplements are becoming more and more common as household names. We already think of Echinacea when we want to deal with colds. We think of ginkgo if we want to improve memory function. We think of flax-seed when we want to reduce our levels of cholesterol, and there are so many more now that it becomes difficult to list all the names. Yes, herbal supplements have taken off as big business whether people are looking to lose weight, gain muscle or avoid illnesses. But how much do you really know about them? Could it be true that we generally take herbal supplements without actually being sure they’ll help us out. Here are a few things that you should know about herbal supplements before you buy them.

 

Herbal supplements are not anything new – they have been around for a long time. Sometimes referred to as botanicals, they are medicines and pills that have been used for their medicinal purposes for thousands of years. All sounds good so far right? Well, the trouble is that many herbal supplements are largely untested by the scientific community, or have not stood up well to the kind of scrutiny that other medicines go through to gain recognition. It’s also well known that as these are natural herbal products, they do not need to be verified as useful by the drugs authorities, and therefore the people who make them are relatively a law unto themselves. Suddenly it’s beginning to sound a bit worrying.

 

It is a certainty that some herbal supplements have drug-like effects that, if seen it drugs, might be considered to be dangerous enough to avoid the authorities allow them to be put into the market. But as there is no controlling body, there is no way to stop the flow of these supplements into the community. This has the potential to be very dangerous – so it’s vital that you do the research for yourself and only take the herbal supplements that you know to be safe. Don’t fall for the marketing gimmicks of the companies, instead find real reviews and be sure within yourself that you aren’t putting yourself in harm’s way be taking them.

 

The best advice here is that you should talk to your doctor if you are worried about the potential effects of a particular herbal supplement. They will have a good idea of what may or may not be dangerous for you to ingest and you’ll be making an informed decision based on their suggestions. This is a much better idea that just going in blind without knowing whether or not these pills could damage your health.

 

Remember that herbal supplements are still regulated, but not in the same way that drugs are. They have to be manufactured under the careful and safe precautions, so you at least know that the creation of the products should not put you in any danger. Still it may be best to be safe rather than sorry as often there are practical alternatives to taking these supplements that cannot be deemed a potential risk to your safety.

 

It doesn’t make any sense to mess around with things that can be as dangerous as this, so consult your doctor first. Always try herbal supplements in moderation even if you know they are safe, it’s best to try things slowly and not rush your body or attempt to force whatever change you want. Remember there are usually healthier natural ways to achieve your goals and its probably taking a look into them.

Categories: Drug, herbal, herbal supplements, nbsp, potential, Safe, Supplements

Why Herbal Supplements Aren"t Right for Everyone?

Botany has played a great role in medical purposes. Botanicals, also known as herbal supplements are available easily today. Ginkgo will improve your memory. Flaxseed can help lower your cholesterol and Echinacea can prevent cold. But are these supplements really good for your health?

 

Firstly, herbal supplements aren’t subjected to the scientific scrutiny or strictly regulated like the other medications. There is no approval required from Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for producing and supplying botanicals in the market. Secondly, many herbal supplements that are termed natural may have drug-like side effects that can harm your body system. Hence it is advisable that do a thorough check before consuming any supplements. Have a word with your doctor before you buy botanicals. Be extra careful if you are a heart patient, pregnant or breast-feeding.

 

Is it safe?

Herbal supplements are regulated by FDA. However, as mentioned above, the rules and regulations are not as same as for foods and drugs. It falls under dietary supplements category. Here are the rules for dietary supplements.

 

The manufacturer of herbal supplements doesn’t need an approval from FDA before putting the products in the market. Besides, companies can claim that their products support health, address nutrient deficiency, linked to body functions – only if they include a disclaimer that the FDA hasn’t evaluated the claim.

 

It is the manufacturer’s responsibility to practice a quality oriented production and that the supplements should be processed timely. In order to maintain the quality of the supplements, the regulations are intended to keep the unwanted ingredients away, avoid contamination such as lead and pesticides out of them. This also makes sure that the right ingredients are used in proper required amounts.

 

It is the FDA’s responsibility to monitor the safety of dietary supplements, once they enter the market. If the FDA finds a particular product to be unsafe, it can take action against the manufacturer and the distributor. FDA will issue a warning and can also take the product off the market.

 

Such regulations ensure the good quality of herbal supplements and give you the assurance of picking up a product from the market without any worry. However, these rules don’t guarantee that the herbal supplements available in the market are beneficial or safe for everyone. Various ingredients are used while composing these products. These active ingredients can have a strong impact on your body and can be a threat to life. For instance, if you are on medication and you start consuming herbal supplements, the reaction can even be fatal.  Hence, it is advisable that you consult your doctor before you start taking any herbal supplements.

 

What are the ingredients?

For this, the FDA demands that the manufacturer should include the following information on the label of the products:

 

Name of the herbal supplement

Name and address of the manufacturer or distributor

Full list of ingredients – either listed beneath or in the Supplement Facts Panel

Active ingredients, serving size and the amount

 

In case you are unable to understand the ingredients or anything else on the package of the herbal supplement, speak to your doctor or a pharmacist.

 

The simplest way to understand such things is to compare the ingredients listed on the product package by using the Dietary Supplements Labels Database, available on the National Library of Medicine’s website. You can check the products name, uses, active ingredients and the manufacturer’s name. However, it is important that you understand your body and its functioning before you in take any herbal supplements available in the market today.

Categories: active ingredients, dietary supplements, herbal, herbal supplement, herbal supplements, ingredients, Safe, Supplements, supplements aren, supplements nbsp

Garden Favourite Pelargonium is Top Herbal Remedy

You might not have heard of pelargonium but you have probably admired them in a garden where, as a pot plant relative of the geranium, it is a pretty and colourful addition. However, this popular plant also has another use with its extract used in herbal medicine to get rid of respiratory illnesses and deal with the symptoms of the common cold.

Pelargonium sidoides is a native of South Africa – its Zulu name is “umckaluabo”, which means bad cough – and is prized for its natural antibiotic properties. Its use over centuries in Africa as a herbal medicine to treat chest infections led to it being introduced to the UK in the 19^th century when respiratory conditions such as tuberculosis were at epidemic levels.

Today pelargonium is used all over the world as a natural aid to recovery from colds and flu, and for its fast action on ear, nose and throat infections, and chest and lung infections.

Clinical trials using pelargonium have shown that the plant extract is effect in treating acute bronchitis and is, in fact, as effective as using prescribed antibiotics for this condition. Children with tonsillitis and laryngitis can also be treated using pelargonium effectively and the remedy is particularly effective in helping those who don’t respond to antibiotics to recover more quickly.

Some studies have also shown that pelargonium may have the ability to boost our immune system, helping to fight against viruses and bugs.

Take pelargonium to relieve the symptoms of the common cold, such as runny nose, earache, sore throat and a cough. It is also known to help alleviate the symptoms of sinusitis, a condition where the nasal sinuses become painfully inflamed and cause pressure and pain, headaches and a blocked nose.

Taking pelargonium can also relieve the symptoms of asthma, the most common respiratory condition affecting both adults and children. Typical symptoms of the condition are coughing, wheezing, a feeling of breathlessness and excess mucus, all of which were shown to be reduced by taking pelargonium.

Pelargonium is considered to be one of the safest and most effective herbal remedies around.

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Garden Favourite Pelargonium is Top Herbal Remedy

Categories: garden, herbal, remedy

Birth control is a vital issue for most women. In the Western medical climate, birth control is abundantly available, and usually at no cost. However, we rarely hear about complementary alternatives. Synthetic forms of birth control can play havoc with a woman’s hormones and severely affect her emotional wellbeing. In addition to this, we hear increasing evidence of the health risks associated with synthetic forms of birth control, including breast cancer, cervical cancer, heart conditions and low bone density. Several herbal forms of birth control have now been substantiated by medical science for their anti-fertility effects. The first of these is Lithospermic acid (LA), which is found in the flowers and seeds of Western Stoneseed (Lithospermum ruderale). It suppresses the production of sex hormones by the pituitary glands, thus encouraging sterility. Other supplements can be taken after unprotected sex as a herbal ‘morning after’ pill. Wild carrot seed, rutin and smartweed help to prevent the implantation of the egg into the wall of the uterus. A further way to ensure you are not pregnant is to use an emmenagogue. An emmenagogue is a herb that increases your menstrual flow. To make use of this method, drink ginger root, tansy or pennyroyal leaves a week before your period. High doses of Vitamin C are also said to achieve this effect. The latest herb to be lauded as a ‘miracle contraceptive’ is Neem. It is a herb widely available in India, where it has been used extensively as a form of birth control. Vaginal creams and suppositories based on neem oil have had an extremely high success rate in killing sperm, and are also said to prevent sexually transmitted diseases. Research in India has shown that men can benefit from temporary sterility when they take neem oil capsules every day. The studies into herbal birth control are fascinating and give us high hopes that a risk-proof natural alternative will be developed. In the meantime, these herbal solutions provide a valuable support to birth control. If you are suffering from the hormonal fluctuations of the pill, or fear the health risks of taking synthetic birth control, it might be a good idea to pair a herbal solution with a barrier method. Protection should not be compromised, but it is important to prioritise your wellness in finding a solution. Can herbal birth control provide an alternative?

Birth control is a vital issue for most women. In the Western medical climate, birth control is abundantly available, and usually at no cost. However, we rarely hear about complementary alternatives. Synthetic forms of birth control can play havoc with a woman’s hormones and severely affect her emotional wellbeing. In addition to this, we hear increasing evidence of the health risks associated with synthetic forms of birth control, including breast cancer, cervical cancer, heart conditions and low bone density.

 

Several herbal forms of birth control have now been substantiated by medical science for their anti-fertility effects. The first of these is Lithospermic acid (LA), which is found in the flowers and seeds of Western Stoneseed (Lithospermum ruderale). It suppresses the production of sex hormones by the pituitary glands, thus encouraging sterility. Other supplements can be taken after unprotected sex as a herbal ‘morning after’ pill. Wild carrot seed, rutin and smartweed help to prevent the implantation of the egg into the wall of the uterus. A further way to ensure you are not pregnant is to use an emmenagogue. An emmenagogue is a herb that increases your menstrual flow. To make use of this method, drink ginger root, tansy or pennyroyal leaves a week before your period. High doses of Vitamin C are also said to achieve this effect.

 

The latest herb to be lauded as a ‘miracle contraceptive’ is Neem. It is a herb widely available in India, where it has been used extensively as a form of birth control. Vaginal creams and suppositories based on neem oil have had an extremely high success rate in killing sperm, and are also said to prevent sexually transmitted diseases. Research in India has shown that men can benefit from temporary sterility when they take neem oil capsules every day.

 

The studies into herbal birth control are fascinating and give us high hopes that a risk-proof natural alternative will be developed. In the meantime, these herbal solutions provide a valuable support to birth control. If you are suffering from the hormonal fluctuations of the pill, or fear the health risks of taking synthetic birth control, it might be a good idea to pair a herbal solution with a barrier method. Protection should not be compromised, but it is important to prioritise your wellness in finding a solution.

Can herbal birth control provide an alternative?

Categories: Birth Control, herbal, Women