This herbal remedy derives its name from the fruit which has thorns at the end of fleshy stalks, making it look like a claw.  Native to southern Africa, this plant has been used in herbal medicines for thousands of years.  It was first introduced to Europe in the early 1900′s and the dried roots were used for relieving pain and inflammation and to help with digestive disorders.  Today, devil’s claw is used as a digestive tonic and as a long-term herbal remedy for the treatment of joint pain and arthritic conditions.

The parts of devil’s claw that are used to make herbal medicines are called tubers, which are the fleshy, underground stems.  The components responsible for this plant’s medicinal properties are called harpagoside, harpagide and procumbide and are part of the iridoid glycoside family which all act as pain-killers and anti-inflammatories.

Studies conducted with devil’s claw show that this herbal remedy has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties useful in the treatment of fibrositis and fibromyalgia, gout, lumbago, rheumatic disease and other arthritic conditions.  It was noted that devil’s claw was most efficient in treating chronic pain, making it ideal to use over the long-term.  The tubers of the devil’s claw plant also contain flavonoids, which are powerful anti-oxidants with healing properties.  

A study to test the effectiveness of devil’s claw was conducted on 122 people suffering with hip and knee osteo-arthritis.  The devil’s claw herbal medicine not only reduced pain and inflammation, but markedly improved functional ability.  The same effect was reported as that of a leading prescription medicine for osteo-arthritis.  Fewer side effects were also reported amongst people using devil’s claw.

In another study conducted, people who suffered from lower back and neck pain were treated with a standardized devil’s claw herbal medicine for 4 weeks.  These subjects all reported a significant decrease in chronic pain and needed fewer commercial pain killers.  

An brilliant bitters, with a bitters value equaling that of gentian root, devil’s claw is widely used in Europe as a digestive tonic.  This herbal remedy is used to treat gastrointestinal complaints such as dyspeptic symptoms, flatulence and gallbladder disorders.  An infusion made of the roots of devil’s claw can also ease mild digestive disorders such as nausea, stomach upsets and gastric ulcers.

Traditionally, devil’s claw was used to make an ointment used topically to treat minor wounds and skin abrasions, ulcers and boils, but more research into the effectiveness of this herbal remedy as an ointment is needed.

Please consult your medical practitioner prior to using any herbal medications should you be under their care.

Side effects are rarely reported, but a few cases of headaches and slight digestive discomfort was reported in some patients.  Devil’s claw is nontoxic and at the recommended dosages, is one of the most effective long-term herbal pain relievers.

Devil’s claw should not be used by pregnant or lactating women.

People using blood thinning medication such as Warfarin should not use devil’s claw.  If you are using medication for high blood pressure or any heart disease, do not take devil’s claw.

When purchasing devil’s claw herbal supplements, make sure that it is from a reputable manufacturer, as unpure and unsafe forms have been found in some stores.

The active ingredients in devil’s claw work synergistically, so look for supplements that contain both the raw root powder and the extract of the root.  

For the treatment of pain and inflammation, take 400 mg of the herbal extract three times a day.  

To make an infusion of devil’s claw, use a cup of boiling water with 1.5 g of powdered dried root.  Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, then strain and drink.  

Improvement is usually seen within three to four weeks and you should not use devil’s claw for a period longer than five months.  Discontinue use for a few weeks and then continue taking the herbal medicine at the recommended dosages.

Tags: underground stems, Southern Africa, herbal medicines, Health Medical Pharma, Chronic pain

There are two common types of Ginseng, American Ginseng whose technical name is Panax quinquefolius and Asian Ginseng that is also called Panax ginseng.

Both Asian Ginseng and American Ginseng have similar medicinal properties as the primary active ingridient is the same.

There is one other Ginseng and this is called Siberean Ginseng. Siberean Ginseng has different properties and this will be discussed in another article.

Medicinal Ginseng has been used as a general Cure-All remedy in many cultures for centuries.

Ginseng is a herbal medicine that helps to strengthen the body.

Due to the strengthening effect of Ginseng, this herbal remedy is extremely useful in helping your body recover from illness, stress or even surgery.

The Primary active ingredient in both Asian and American Ginseng is ginsenosides.

Another property of Ginseng is to boost your energy levels and even help to improve mental performance.

Some studies seem to indicate that the ginsenosides found in ginseng may help to slow Alzheimer’s disease and also have positive effects on memory and behavior.

Ginseng has been found to lower glucose levels (blood sugar).

If you are on any medication, please talk to your doctor before using Ginseng.

There are several side effects that have been reported from using Ginseng.

Several of the major side effects of Ginseng is directly related to the Energizing and stimulating properties of Ginseng.

The most severe side effect is an increase in blood pressure and heart beat.

Insomnia and sleeping problems are also common side effects of Ginseng.

In Women, Ginseng has been linked to breast pain and vaginal bleeding.

Anxiety, Nervousness and restlessness have also been reported.

Diarrhea and vomiting are occasionally linked to use of Ginseng.

Headaches are also a side effect of Ginseng.

You can take this herbal medicine is several different ways.

The most common form of Ginseng sold in herbal shops is as a pill or a tablet. Ginseng can even be taken as a fresh root or a dried root.

Tinctures and Fluid extracts are also available.

Tags: anxiety nervousness, side effects of ginseng, asian ginseng, Chinese herbology, heart beat

This immune boosting herb has long been used to not only treat but also prevent diseases.  Astragalus only gained popularity in the 1980′s in the United States, but in China it has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries.  Astragalus is a frail looking plant, but is really very hardy.  It has a sweet-smelling, pale yellow blossom and the roots are mainly used for herbal remedies.

Over 2000 species of Astragalus exist, but only 2 are used in herbal remedies:  Astragalus membranaceus and Astragalus mongholicus.  In North America there are several species that are highly poisonous to livestock and are called “locoweed,” but these species of Astragalus are very different from the disease fighting species.

One of the main benefits of Astragalus is that it is safe to use with conventional medicine and will not interfere with any standard treatment.  

The root of the Astragalus plant contains numerous health-promoting substances, one of which is polysaccharides, which is a class of carbohydrates which are responsible for this herbal remedy‘s immune enhancing effects.  The other substances are saponins, astragalosides, flavonoids and triterpenes.

Health practitioners prescribe Astragalus as a general health tonic as it enhances your overall health by improving resistance to disease, increasing your stamina and vitality and promotes general wellbeing. This herbal supplement is also an adaptogen, which means that it will greatly increase your body’s resistance to stress, trauma, anxiety and fatigue.

Astragalus has antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.  In addition, it also has antioxidant properties, which means that it can protect your body from cell hurt caused by free radicals.  

This herbal treatment is especially effective in treating and preventing the common cold, flu, sinus infections and bronchitis as it prevents viruses from gaining a foothold in the respiratory system.  Just like Echinacea, Astragalus can stop a disease from the onset of the first symptoms.  If a disease does develop, Astragalus can shorten the duration of the disease and lessen the severity of symptoms.

People undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer will benefit greatly from using Astragalus on a regular basis as this herb rebuilds their immune systems and helps to repair hurt caused by cancer treatments.  Using Astragalus will also protect bone marrow from the immune-suppressing effects of chemotherapy and radiation.  This herb is also used to help the body”s production of T cells, macrophages, natural killer cells, interferon and other immune cells as these cells are often ruined by chemotherapy and radiation.  

Recent research indicates that Astragalus may offer antioxidant benefits in people who suffer from heart disease, relieving symptoms and improving heart function.  The first study revealed that if a patient takes Astragalus within 36 hours of a heart attack, it could enhance the functioning of the heart”s left ventricle, which is the chamber responsible for pumping oxygen-rich blood through the body.  The second study was conducted to prove that Astragalus could prevent chest pain, or angina.  Astragalus produced better results than a well-known prescription medication commonly used for this condition.

Astragalus root may also help reduce high cholesterol levels and regulate blood pressure by widening blood vessels and improving blood circulation.  The Astragalus root also acts as a mild diuretic.

In addition, this herb can aid digestion by inhibiting gastric secretions and reducing gastric acid, which makes Astragalus helpful in curing stomach ulcers. 

Ongoing research is being conducted into the use of Astragalus to treat HIV and other autoimmune diseases such as lupus.

Please consult your medical practitioner prior to using any herbal medications should you be under their care. After centuries of use, few side effects have been reported by people using Astragalus, but, because of its immune-enhancing benefits, people who receive organ transplants should not use this herb.

To boost your immune system, take 200 mg of Astragalus once or twice a day for a period of three weeks.  Then alternate, in three week periods, with cat”s claw, echinacea and pau d”arco.  Choose a product that contains a standardized extract of this herb with 0,5% glucosides and 70% polysaccharides.

Creams and ointments containing Astragalus are readily available at health stores and will help with wound healing and stop wounds and ulcers from becoming septic.

You can add dried Astragalus root to soup, stews or rice dishes.  Let it simmer for 30 minutes, then remove the herb as it is tough to chew.  This not only adds flavour to these dishes but also makes it simple to add immune-enhancing properties to your food.

Tags: treatment for cancer, herbal remedies, Medicinal plants, herbal remedy, sinus infections

Originally used in the 3rd century BC to remove venom from snake bites, nettle is a valuable herbal medicine used today to treat hay fever and prostrate problems.

Also known as stinging nettle, this plant has fine hairs on the leaves and stems that contain chemicals that sting and burn when it comes in contact with the skin.  An ancient folk remedy suggests that stinging yourself with nettle will relieve pain associated with arthritis.  

Nettle is also a nutritious food that tastes very much like spinach.  It is particularly high in iron and other minerals, vitamin C and is rich in carotenoids.

Common uses for nettle as an herbal medicine include helping the body to remove excess fluid, relieving allergy symptoms, reducing inflammation and pain, easing prostrate symptoms and treating urinary tract infections.

Nettle acts as diuretic, helping your body to rid itself of excess fluid and toxins.  People suffering from urinary tract infections report that it increases urination, which in turn helps to flush infection-causing bacteria out of your body.  Women who suffer from bloating just before their period starts, experience relief after taking nettle herbal supplements.  

One of the most beneficial uses of nettle is treating hay fever.  Histamine is produced by your body in response to allergens and nasal congestion, sneezing and irritated watery eyes are a result of the release of this inflammatory compound.  Nettle is a source of quercetin which is a flavonoid that inhibits the release of histamine.  In a study conducted, more than half of allergy sufferers rated nettle to be an effective herbal remedy for hay fever and associated allergic symptoms.

Another vital benefit of nettle is that it is suitable for men with an enlarged prostate that is not caused by cancer.  This condition is called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and occurs when the prostate enlarges and narrows the urethra, which is the tube that transports out of the bladder.  Herbal medicines containing nettle works by slowing down prostate growth.  Studies have shown that nettle is as effective as finasteride, a medication commonly prescribed for BPH.  Combining nettle with other herbal supplements such as saw palmetto is effective at relieving symptoms such as reduced urinary flow, incomplete emptying of the bladder, post urination dripping, and the constant urge to urinate. Nettle is also believed to block the hormonal changes that can contribute to BPH.

More research is needed, but in a preliminary study, nettle helped people who suffer from arthritis by reducing the amount of pain medication needed.  Patients were given 200 mg of diclofenac only (a prescription anti-inflammatory) and compared to a group of patients who were given 55 g of nettle leaves daily along with the prescribed diclofenac.  The group that added the nettle leaves showed a significant decrease in pain and inflammation.

Please consult your medical practitioner prior to using any herbal medications should you be under their care.

Nettle is considered very safe when used at the recommended doses.   Stomach upsets have been reported and should this occur, lower the dosage or discontinue use for a few days.

Nettle can alter the menstrual cycle and there have been reports of miscarriage, so pregnant women should not use nettle at all.

Please consult your medical practitioner should you experience any prostate problems.  Your doctor can eliminate the possibility of cancer and should then be able to advise you on a safe, herbal treatment such as nettle.

Nettle thins blood, so people using blood thinning medications such as Warfarin should take care when taking nettle supplements.

Nettle lowers blood pressure, so care should be taken when using medications to treat high blood pressure.

When buying herbal supplements containing nettle, make sure that it contains the freeze-dried herb, or an extract standardized to contain 1 percent plant silica which is an active ingredient in nettle.

To treat allergies and hay fever, take 250 mg of standardized extract three times a day as needed.

To help with BPH, use 250 mg of standardized extract twice a day in combination with 160 mg of saw palmetto.

To relieve the pain and inflammation associated with gout and arthritis, take 250 mg of standardized extract three times a day.  You can make a compress of nettle tea and apply this to painful joints.

Take nettle with food to minimize the risk of stomach upsets.  If you are plotting to use nettle as a food, make sure that you cook older leaves to deactivate the stingers.  The young shoots can be eaten raw or added to salads.

Tags: folk remedy, excess fluid, hay fever, nasal congestion, herbal medicine

The use of grapes, grape leaves and grape seeds as herbal supplements are as ancient as time.

Ancient Greeks and Egyptians realized the value of grapes many thousands of years ago.  Traditional European folk healers used the sap from grapevines to make an ointment to treat skin diseases.  Grape leaves were used to stop bleeding and relieve inflammation.

Researchers today are finding more ways that grapes and grape seeds improve our general health and wellbeing.  

Grape seeds are rich in flavonoids, which are plant substances with powerful anti-oxidant properties that protect cells from free radical hurt.  Free radical hurt occurs when the natural free radicals in your body are increased due to pollution, radiation, smoking and ultraviolet hurt.  This can lead to cell hurt, premature aging and blood vessel disorders.  Grape seed extract contains PCO’s (procyanidolic oligomers), which are believed to have the ability to prevent heart disease and cancer.

Grape seed extract is oil- and water-soluble, meaning that it can penetrate all kinds of cell membranes, making sure that its anti-oxidant properties are released throughout your entire body.  This herbal extract is able to cross the blood-brain barrier protecting brain cells from free radical hurt.  Enhancing the overall health of blood vessels, grape seed extract reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

This anti-oxidant strenghens weakened capillaries and increases blood flow to the extremities, making it useful in treating blood circulation disorders such as Raynaud’s disease.  People who suffer from any kind of vascular insufficiency will benefit from using grape seed extract as it successfully treats varicose veins, numbness and tingling in the arms and legs and even leg cramps.

As it is able to affect even the tiniest of blood vessels, it also benefits the circulation in the eye.  Health care practitioners recommend grape seed extract to prevent and treat macular degeneration, cataracts and night blindness.  If you are a regular computer user, eyestrain caused by the computer monitor will greatly improve.

Tumors form when there is hurt to the genetic material of cells.  Using grape seed extract will help to right the hurt to these cells and will decrease the chances of cancerous tumors forming.  People undergoing chemotherapy can use grape seed extract to minimize the hurt caused by this cancer treatment.

Grape seed extract is also recommended to treat connective tissue disorders as it helps to rebuild and preserve collagen in your skin.  It is for this reason that many skin care products today contain extracts of grape seed.  

If you suffer from allergies, grape seed will lessen the severity of the symptoms.  This herbal extract works by inhibiting the release of histamine, which is a compound responsible for allergic reactions such as hay fever or hives.

Women who suffer from endometriosis find relief from pain and inflammation caused by chemicals known as prostaglandins. Grape seed extract blocks the release of prostaglandins, thereby reducing pain and inflammation.

Grape seed oil should not be confused with grape seed extract, but the oil may offer health benefits as well.  A study conducted in New York at the University Health Science Center found that adding two tablespoons of grape seed oil to the subjects’ daily diet increased the excellent cholesterol (HDL) and reduced triglycerides.

Hurt to the cardiovascular system in people who smoke is reduced with the use of grape seed extract.  High blood pressure can also be treated with the use of this herbal remedy as it helps to repair hurt to blood vessels.

If you have diabetes, grape seed extract can help to regulate your blood sugar levels and also increase vascular function, which is often affected by this disease.

In a recent study it was found that grape seed extract is highly efficient at treating chronic pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), as it reduced the severity and frequency of abdominal pain.

Please consult your medical practitioner prior to using any herbal medications should you be under their care.

No side effects or toxic reactions from the use of grape seed extract have ever been reported.  No known interactions exist between grape seed extract and conventional medicines.  

Only about 28 percent of grape seed extract’s active compounds remain in the body after 24 hours.  It is therefore vital to take the herbal supplement at the same time everyday, especially if you are using it to treat a disease.

You can take grape seed supplements with or without food.

For anti-oxidant protection, take 100 mg daily.  To treat disease, take 200 mg daily.  Ensure that you buy grape seed supplements standardized to contain 92-95 percent procyanidolic oligomers (PCO’s).

Tags: skin-care products, hay fever, leg cramps, abdominal pain, chronic pancreatitis

Garlic has been used as food and medicine for centuries by many cultures and Egyptians worshiped this potent herb for its medicinal and culinary powers.

18th Century French drank Garlic tea to try and prevent getting sick from the plague.

Doctors in both world wars used Garlic to treat battle wounds.

Garlic is related to the onion and spring onion plants. The bulb contains the healing powers and flavor.

Today, Garlic is used to prevent heart disease.

Studies suggest that Garlic can prevent heart disease in many ways. One study showed that Garlic extract prevents the stiffening of the aorta which occurs naturally with age.

Garlic makes platelets less likely to clump and stick to artery walls, thereby reducing the risk of heart attacks.

This herbal medicine helps to dissolve clot-forming proteins, which affects plaque development. Plaque build-up can cause arteries to narrow and cause heart attacks.

Garlic widens blood vessels and lowers blood pressure, helping blood circulate better.

Recent studies have proven that Garlic interferes with the metabolism of cholesterol in the liver and so less cholesterol is released into the blood, making Garlic an alternative to long-term cholesterol treatments.

People who take Garlic supplements are less likely to suffer from the common cold and when suffering from a cold, the symptoms lasted a much shorter period. People who suffer from asthma can benefit from regular use of Garlic supplements.

Because of its immune-enhancing properties, Garlic is now being studied as an herbal medicine in the fight against cancer.

Large quantities of fresh, raw Garlic may have anti-parasitic properties against roundworm, which is a common type of intestinal parasite.

Garlic contains allicin, which is antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal.

Garlic consumption can help to fight the bacteria that cause stomach ulcers.

Herbal practitioners have prescribed Garlic to treat adult cholic for many years.

Warts can be treated by placing a crushed raw Garlic clove directly on the wart.

Please consult your medical practitioner prior to using any herbal medications should you be under their care.

Consult your health care professional if you are taking anti-coagulants such as Warfarin and medications to lower blood pressure.

Garlic can be taken indefinitely, but if you are taking Garlic to lower your cholesterol levels, make sure that you test the levels regularly to ensure that it has a positive effect.

Some people have reported heartburn, flatulence and diarrhea when taking high doses of Garlic. Lowering the dose and taking enteric-coated supplement will reduce these side-effects.

Most experts recommend that you buy Garlic powder supplements as they are more effective.

Cooked Garlic loses most of its nutritional and herbal nutrients, so fresh Garlic is a better option.

Enteric-coated Garlic supplements prevents most of the side-effects from occurring and is also passed through the stomach undigested, ensuring that you are getting all the necessary nutrients.

Studies have shown that deodorized Garlic supplement have the same benefits as regular supplements.

When buying Garlic supplements, make sure that it contains at least 4 000 mcg of allicin per pill, as this is what you would find in one clove of fresh Garlic.

To boost general health and to help to lower cholesterol, take 400 to 600 mg of a Garlic supplement a day.

To fight common colds and flu, take 400 to 600 mg Garlic supplements four times a day.

To treat skin conditions such as warts or fungal infections such as athlete’s foot, apply a crushed Garlic clove or Garlic oil directly to the affected areas.

Tags: raw garlic, Common cold, onion plants, stomach ulcers, fungal infections

Gotu kola is a favourite food of elephants and because elephants are notoriously long-lived animals, it might have led people to believe that it can prolong life.  Although research has not proven that it can indeed prolong your life, studies have found that this herbal medicine have vital health benefits.

This herbal medicine had its origins in India and today still forms an vital part of an ancient healing tradition called Ayurveda.  Ayurveda is defined as providing an integrated approach to preventing and treating illness through lifestyle interventions and natural therapies.   In France, gotu kola has been prescribed since the 1880′s to treat burns and other skin wounds.

This herb with its bright red flowers thrives in hot, swampy areas and grows naturally in India, Madagascar, middle and southern Africa, Australia, China and the southern United States.  The leaves appearance depends on whether it is growing in water (large, fan-shaped leaves) or on dry land (small and thin leaves).  The leaves are the most vital and most commonly used herbal medicine.

Gotu kola is also known as Centella asiatica, talepetrako, Indian pennywort, Indian water navelwort or hydrocotyle.  Although the names are similar, there is no relationship between gotu kola and the kola (or cola) nut, which is used in cola drinks.  Gotu kola is caffeine free and does not act as a stimulant.

Whether you take gotu kola internally or use it externally, there are many benefits to this herbal medicine.  Some of the common uses include treating burns and wounds, building connective tissue, strengthening veins and improving memory.  This herb’s vital compounds are called triterpenes, which appear to enhance the formation of collagen in cartilage, bones and connective tissue.  In addition, these compounds promote healthy blood vessels and help to produce neurotransmitters, which are the chemical messengers of the brain.

Gotu kola promotes the healthy development of connective tissue and prevents the formation of hardened areas.  This is what makes this herbal medicine so vital for treating many skin conditions.  It is used as a therapeutic treatment for burns, keloids (overgrown scar tissue) and helps surgical incisions and skin ulcers to heal quicker. Applying gotu kola topically to psoriasis lesions will aid healing.

This herbal remedy is valuable in treating varicose veins by improving blood flow and strengthening cells in the walls of blood vessels.  Studies conducted show that 80 percent of patients with varicose veins had a substantial improvement.  

Patients with heart disease and high blood pressure show improvement when using gotu kola herbal remedies when compared to patients who took a placebo.

Gotu kola has been used for thousands of years to improve mental alertness.   Ongoing research has shown fantastic benefit in using this herb to boost memory, improve learning capability and most importantly, reversing some of the memory loss associated with Alzheimer’s disease.  In one study, mentally disabled children were found to have better concentration and attention levels after taking this herbal supplement for a period of 12 weeks.  Children and adults who have ADD (attention deficit disorder) will also greatly benefit by using gotu kola herbal remedies.  

As a general herbal therapeutic and herbal tonic, gotu kola will improve circulation and boost your concentration levels, making it simpler for you to retain information.  Students and school children benefit by taking this herbal medicine as they are able to concentrate for longer periods and retain more of the material studied.

Please consult your medical practitioner prior to using any herbal medications should you be under their care.

Internally or externally, gotu kola has small side effects.  Skin rashes, light sensitivity and headaches are rare side effects, should this occur, reduce the dosage.

Pregnant and lactating women should not use gotu kola.

Taking gotu kola for an extended period of time is not recommended.  After taking the herb for a period of 6-8 weeks, stop taking the supplement for a period of 2 weeks and then continue regular use, following this pattern.

Gotu kola has a mild sedative effect and should therefore not be used in conjunction with prescription sedatives.

When purchasing gotu kola supplements, ensure that it is standardized to contain 10 percent asiaticoside, which is an active ingredient in this herb.  If you are unable to find the standardized extract, substitute 400 to 500 mg of the raw herb for each 200 mg dose.

To treat varicose veins, take 200 mg of the standardized extract three times a day.

For burns and other skin wounds, use 200 mg twice a day until the wounds are healed.

To improve memory, concentration and slow the progress of Alzheimer’s disease, take 200 mg standardized extract three times a day.  

Gotu kola can be taken internally or externally with or without meals.  Gotu kola tea can also be applied externally to treat burns and wounds and psoriasis lesions.  You can use both the oral and the topical herbal treatments at the same time.  Make a paste of gotu kola by breaking open a capsule and mixing the dried herb powder in a small amount of water.  This can be applied externally to the skin.

Steep one or two teaspoons of dried gotu kola leaf in a cup of boiled water for 10 to 15 minutes.  Drink one or two cups a day.

Tags: Traditional medicine, gotu kola, attention deficit disorder, swampy areas, Alzheimer's disease

Tea Tree oil is obtained by steam distillation of the leaves of the plant Melaleuca alternifolia.

This species of plant only grows in Australia and is different from the Camellia species used to make green teas.

The leaves from the tea plant is first steamed and then rolled and dried. Steaming the leaves kill enzymes which would promote fermenting. The lack of fermenting gives Green Tea its unique flavour and preserves the naturally present anti-oxidants.

With the increased use of antibiotics after World War II, Tea Tree oil was used less, but recently interest in it has been revived.

The antiseptic properties of Tea Tree oil are especially effective in treating cuts, scrapes and insect bites and stings.

Tea Tree oil also promotes healing of wounds, helps prevent infections and can even minimize scarring.

The anti-fungal benefits of Tea Tree oil include fighting the fungus that causes athlete’s foot and some nail infections. Studies have shown that Tea Tree oil offers protection against Pityrosporum ovale, a dandruff-causing fungus.

Tea Tree oil has been proven to be an effective acne treatment as it reduces inflammation and causes less irritation than over-the-counter skin preparations.

Tea Tree oil may also be effective against Candida albicans and Trichomonas vaginalis, two of the organisms that cause vaginal infections.

Please consult your medical practitioner prior to using any herbal medications should you be under their care.

Minor skin irritations may occur in some people, and if used undiluted it can cause redness and itching.

Never take Tea Tree oil internally as it can cause severe diarrhea and vomiting.

Safety of use in pregnant and lactating women has not been established.

As Tea Tree oil is generally used topically, there are no known interactions with other medications. Do not mix Tea Tree oil with any other topical preparations prescribed by your health care practitioner.

To treat athlete’s foot, skin wounds or nail infections, apply a drop or two of pure, undiluted Tea Tree oil to the affected areas two to three times a day. Tea Tree oil creams and lotions can also be used.

Mix one or two drops of Tea Tree oil with aqueous cream to treat acne and apply once daily to the affected areas, taking care to avoid any contact with eyes or mucous membranes.

When using soaps, shampoos and skin-care products, make sure that it contains a sufficient amount of Tea Tree oil as some products contain so small of the oil that they are not effective.

Tags: Hospitality Recreation, use of antibiotics, benefits of tea, Tea Tree, Alternative medicine

Ginger is native to parts of China and India, as well as other tropical areas such as Jamaica. Ginger is the dried or fresh root of a tropical member of the Ginger family.

Ginger has been used as a herbal medicine for thousands of years to relieve a variety of digestive problems and stomach ailments.

Ginger works primarily in the digestive tract by boosting digestive fluids and neutralizing acids. Ginger can also increase bile secretion.

Ginger supplements can be used as a herbal remedy for flatulence.

Ginger is a safe alternative to anti-nausea medicine without the effects on the central nervous system that some over-the-counter medicines have such as sleepiness.

Several studies have shown that when taking Ginger before a surgical procedure, postoperative nausea and vomiting can be reduced.

In several studies conducted in Europe, Ginger was found to be effective in reducing and even eliminating the symptoms of seasickness.

Pregnant women can use Ginger as a safe herbal medicine for morning sickness, but this should only be done during the first two months of pregnancy.

In addition, Ginger also has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. People with arthritis and severe joint pain have experienced significant relieve when using Ginger.

Please consult your medical practitioner prior to using any herbal medications should you be under their care.

Studies done in Germany found that patients with gall bladder disease should avoid Ginger.

Patients undergoing chemotherapy should not take Ginger on an empty stomach as it will irritate the stomach lining.

Ginger has anti-coagulant properties and therefore should not be taken with other blood thinning medicines such as Warfarin or aspirin

Ginger is available in capsule, liquid, tincture and fresh or dried root form.

To prevent motion sickness, nausea and to relieve chronic pain, take 100 to 200mg of Ginger extract in pill form. Ginger tea can also be used several times a day.

For sore muscles and joints, Ginger oil mixed with another neutral oil can be massaged into the inflamed areas as needed to reduce inflammation.

Tags: herbal remedy, ginger extract, stomach lining, nausea and vomiting, postoperative nausea

Feverfew is a member of the flower family that includes daisies and sunflowers.

Feverfew plants give off a strong, aromatic odor and in the Middle Ages this herbal plant was used as an insect repellant and an air purifier.

For centuries, Feverfew was used to relieve headaches, stomach ailments and menstrual irregularities. Feverfew’s popularity increased in Fantastic Britain in the 1980’s as an alternative to prescribed medicine for migraines.

Feverfew can decrease the intensity, duration and frequency of migraines. This herbal medicine can also prevent a headache becoming a migraine if taken at the onset of the headache.

Feverfew is also used to relieve the pain and inflammation of arthritis. Feverfew contains certain chemicals that are thought to prevent blood components called platelets from releasing inflammatory substances.

This herbal medicine also inhibits the production of prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that can cause pain and inflammation. Excess prostaglandins cause menstrual cramps, therefore Feverfew is a well loved herb for women suffering from the discomfort of menstrual cramps.

Please consult your medical practitioner prior to using any herbal medications should you be under their care.

There have been reports of mouth sores, but this occurs only when chewing the fresh leaves of the Feverfew plant.

If a rash occurs after skin contact with the Feverfew plant, it is recommended that you do not use Feverfew internally, as it might cause a severe allergic reaction.

People using blood thinning medication such as Warfarin should not use Feverfew as this herb prevents the dilation of blood vessels, which will counteract the blood thinning medication.

If you have been taking Feverfew for more than a week, do not suddenly discontinue use as it might cause rebound headaches.

For migraine prevention, a dose of 250mg a day is required. Feverfew needs to be taken daily for an extended period of time to be effective and to prevent the return of migraines

Tags: Medication overuse headache, medical practitioner, blood components, herbal medications, Health Medical Pharma