Dong Quai, also known as Chinese Angelica, is widely cultivated for medicinal purposes in China. Dong Quai also grows wild in Asia.

The most widely available therapeutic form is derived from the root of A. sinensis, a plant with hollow stems that have clusters of white flowers.

In the late 1800’s, Dong Quai became well loved in Europe as a herbal treatment for gynecological problems. Dong Quai has also been used for centuries in Korean and Japanese herbal medicine.

Generally, Dong Quai is used to keep the uterus healthy and to regulate the menstrual cycle.

This herbal Medicine is also believed to widen blood vessels, thereby increasing blood flow to various organs.

Migraine headaches associated with the menstrual cycle is also alleviated by the use of Dong Quai.

Using Dong Quai will help with correcting abnormal menstrual bleeding, easing menstrual cramps and alleviating symptoms of PMS. Dong Quai has also been used to reduce menopausal hot flushes and other symptoms associated with menopause.

This herb is also rich in Vitamin B12, helping to build red blood cells.

Dong Quai contains coumarins, which is a group of natural chemicals that dilates blood vessels, increases blood flow to the uterus and also stimulates the central nervous system.

Some herbalists believe that Dong Quai contain plant oestrogens, which are weaker than the oestrogens produced by the human body. These plant oestrogens bind with oestrogen receptors in human cells, minimizing the negative effects of a woman’s own oestrogen, which include an increased risk of breast cancer.

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

Due to its anticoagulant and anti-platelet effects, Dong Quai should not be used by patients with bleeding disorders or patients that are using blood-thinning medication such as Warfarin.

Increased sun sensitivity may occur and prolonged exposure to sunlight or ultra-violet light should be avoided when using Dong Quai.

Dong Quai may have laxative properties and could also cause bloating.

Dong Quai should not be used during pregnancy and if a woman is breastfeeding due to the hormones that this herb contains.

Studies have shown that Dong Quai can interact with birth control pills rendering it ineffective or by reducing the effectiveness.

For PMS, menstrual irregularities, menstrual cramps or hot flushes a dosage of 600mg daily is recommended.

Use of Dong Quai with other menstrual-regulating herbs such as Chasteberry and Siberian ginseng is also recommended.

For PMS, use Dong Quai on the days that you are not menstruating. For hot flushes use it daily. The use of Dong Quai should be continued for a period of two months before deciding if it has any effect.

Powdered or dried roots as well as tinctures are readily available.

Tags: breast cancer, gynecological problems, central nervous system, Eleutherococcus senticosus, natural chemicals

Rosemary is considered a “symbolic herb” and has been used at weddings and funerals to decorate churches and halls, in religious ceremonies it is used as incense and it is often found as a main ingredient in magical spells.   Ancient uses for rosemary included treating muscle pain, headaches, cuts and scrapes, bruises and baldness.  This aromatic evergreen mint grows to a height of about one meter and bears narrow, thick, needle-like leaves with light blue to violet flowers.  Culinary experts use rosemary to give extra flavour and aroma to all kinds of dishes.  Herbalists use rosemary soaked compresses to relieve the pain and swelling associated with sprains and bruises.

Most fascinating but is the recent research conducted into the cancer fighting properties of rosemary.  One of these studies was done at the Department of Food Science at Rutgers University in New Jersey.  Oil from this herbal medicine was applied to the skin of laboratory animals and it was found that it reduced their risk of cancer by 50 percent.  In another study conducted by the same research team, it was found that animals whose diets contained rosemary had half the incidence of colon cancer compared with animals whose diets did not include rosemary.  At the University of Illinois studies showed that the incidence of breast cancer was reduced by half in animals at risk of developing this disease.  

Rosemary is not just useful as a muscle relaxant for sprains and bruises, but also relaxes the smooth muscles of the digestive tract and the uterus, soothing digestive upsets and relieving painful menstrual cramps.  Tea brewed from this herb is prescribed as a tonic to cool nerves and the cooled down brew can be used as an antiseptic wash.  Use one teaspoon of crushed dried leave in a cup of boiling water and let it steep for 10 minutes.  Rosemary is prescribed by herbalists as a hair rinse to combat alopecia (hair loss) as well as dandruff and other cosmetic uses include cellulite and wrinkle treatments.  Adding rosemary oil to a hot bath can help to increase blood circulation and help to remove toxins from your body.  Ointments and creams containing rosemary oil are used to treat eczema and help to heal burn wounds.  

When combined with other aromatherapy oils, rosemary can increase concentration and memory, and also relieve stress and reduce anxiety.

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

Rosemary has very few side effects when taken as prescribed.  Large doses can but cause allergic skin rashes, lower the dosage or discontinue use should this occur.  Pregnant and lactating women should not take rosemary.

People who are on blood thinning medication such as Warfarin should only take rosemary under the care and recommendation of a medical practitioner.  Rosemary acts as a diuretic and people who are on prescription diuretics should take care when using this herbal remedy.

Rosemary is available in many forms:  
Dried and powdered extract available in capsules, preparations made from fresh or dried leaves that are used in tincture and teas, and volatile oil.

Do not take rosemary oil internally.  The total daily intake should not exceed 5 grams of the dried herb.

To make rosemary tea:  use one teaspoon of the dried herb per cup of boiled water.  Let it steep and then strain.  Do not exceed 3 cups per day.
Rosemary tincture:  solution of 1:5 – 2-4 ml three times per day.
Rosemary fluid extract:  solution of 1:1 in 45% alcohol – 1-2 ml three times per day.
Rosemary oil:  add 2 drops of oil to your bathwater.  Avoid contact with eyes and do not use on open wounds.

Tags: illinois studies, violet flowers, laboratory animals, Alternative medicine, rutgers university

It started as a fiber for weaving and remains as the basis of natural linen fabrics.

Flaxseed is the seed of the flax plant, which is believed to have originated in Egypt. It grows throughout Canada and the northwestern United States.

Flaxseed oil comes from flaxseeds and the seeds themselves are used for therapeutic purposes.

It is a slender annual and bears blue flowers from February to September.

Flaxseed is also known as linseed.

Flaxseeds are a potent source of essential fatty acids (EFA”s) which are fats and oils critical for health. The human body cannot make these fats on its own.

One specific EFA, alpha-linolenic acid, is more widely known as omega-3 fatty acid. This essential stout is found in fish and flaxseeds and has been acclaimed in recent years for its ability to fight heart disease.

Flaxseeds also contain omega-6 fatty acids, which are the healthy fats found in vegetable oils.

Flaxseeds provide substances called lignans, which studies have shown to have beneficial effects on various hormones and may also help to fight bacteria, fungi, viruses and even some types of cancer.

Flaxseed can be used as an herbal remedy to treat constipation due to the high amounts of soluble fiber that it contains.

In addition, Flaxseed oil has shown to be beneficial in treating irritable bowel syndrome and inflammation of the colon the herbal way. Flaxseed supplements have proven to be a natural herbal remedy for treating and preventing gallstones.

Essential fatty acids found in Flaxseed help throughout the body to protect cell membranes – the outer coverings for all cells that allow healthy nutrients to be absorbed and keep damaging substances out.

Flaxseed can be used as an alternative herbal medicine if you have high cholesterol. Flaxseed also protects against heart disease, angina and high blood pressure. Studies in the USA have shown that Flaxseed can even prevent a second heart attack.

Anti-inflammatory properties in Flaxseed make this herbal medicine a excellent supplement to treat lupus and gout and even painful arthritic conditions.

Flaxseed oil is prescribed by herbal practitioners to treat acne and associated skin conditions. Flaxseed supplements are beneficial to sufferers of psoriases and eczema.

Flaxseed oil is an brilliant herbal medicine that boosts the health of your hair and nails by making it less brittle and prone to breakage.

Flaxseed oil can even be used to treat sunburn.

Research is being conducted into Flaxseed’s ability to facilitate the transmission of nerve impulses which can make this herbal remedy useful to treat numbness and tingling in limbs.

Studies in Canada have shown positive results in using Flaxseed to reduce the risk of colon cancer, breast cancer and prostrate cancer.

Flaxseed improves uterine function, making this herbal remedy a potential treatment for fertility problems.

Flaxseed has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to ease menstrual cramps and even the pain and discomfort of fibrocystic breasts.

A main component of Flaxseed is phyto-estrogens, which is a plant based estrogen. This herbal medicine can therefore be used to balance the ratio of estrogen to progesterone.

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

Few side-effects with Flaxseeds or Flaxseed oil have been reported.

Like any fiber supplement that you take, you need to make sure that you drink plenty of water, otherwise it could worsen constipation.

Do not take Flaxseed supplements at the same time as other prescription medicines as Flaxseed can cause problems with the absorption of other drugs.

Flaxseed supplements work best when taken with food.

In very rare cases, chest pains, breathing problems, skin hives and itchy, swollen skin have been reported. Discontinue use of Flaxseed supplements immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.

Liquid Flaxseed oil is the simplest way to get a therapeutic dose of this herbal medicine. From one teaspoon to one tablespoon daily is recommended, depending on your needs.

To supplement your fiber intake, mix one or two tablespoons of grounds Flaxseeds with a glass of water and drink this herbal remedy up to three times daily. The fiber treatment may take up to two days to act.

Flaxseed oil spoils very quickly so make sure that you check the expiry date before purchasing this herbal medicine.

Flaxseed supplements come in capsule form as well but are very expensive as it takes more than a dozen capsules to equal the benefits of one tablespoon of pure Flaxseed oil.

Tags: natural linen, linen fabrics, essential fatty acids, omega 6 fatty acids, breast cancer

Menopause occurs when a woman’s ovaries stop releasing eggs in her early 50′s and her menstrual cycle stops.  When a woman has not had a period in six months, it is considered that she has completed menopause.  Even though menopause should not be considered as a disease, it can have unpleasant symptoms.  Before a woman has her last period, she can experience menstrual irregularities, hot flushes and irritability.  After menopause, vaginal dryness, loss of bone mass and an increased risk of heart disease can occur.  This happens because the ovaries stop manufacturing estrogen and progesterone.

To try and counter these problems, women in general opt for hormone replacement therapy (HRT).  Recent studies have but increased concern that long-term HRT can cause breast cancer, and many women are searching for a natural alternative.

One of the natural herbal alternatives is Black Cohosh which is widely used to help stabilize hormone levels.

The healing abilities of Black Cohosh were recognized centuries ago when Native American women started using the root of this plant to treat a variety of ailments, specifically problems related to the menstrual cycle and menopause.

Black Cohosh was the main ingredient in one of the most well loved folk remedies in the early 1900′s.  Lydia Pinkham’s Vegetable Compound was sold as a women’s tonic and is still available today.

The Black Cohosh plant is a member of the buttercup family and is recognized by its tall stalks of fluffy white flowers.  This perennial plant is native to North America and has quite a few other common names such as black snakeroot, bugbane, bugwort, rattleroot, rattletop and rattleweed.

Traditional uses of Black Cohosh included treating menstrual problems and reducing the symptoms of menopause.  Today, Black Cohosh is used for similar purposes, but also as an anti-inflammatory that can relieve muscle aches and pain.

In Europe and increasingly in the United States, Black Cohosh is recommended by homeopaths to treat hot flushes, vaginal dryness and other menopausal symptoms.  A hormone called LH (luteinizing hormone) is produced by the brain’s pituary gland and when the levels of LH rise, it can cause hot flushes.  Scientific studies have revealed that Black Cohosh can reduce the levels of LH in the body.

In addition, Black Cohosh contains phyto-estrogens which are plant compounds that have a similar effect to that of estrogen produced by your body.  When these phyto-estrogens bind to hormone receptors in the uterus and breast it can ease menopausal symptoms without increasing your risk of breast cancer, which is a possible side effect of conventional hormone replacement therapy.  Some experts even believe that Black Cohosh can prevent breast cancer by keeping the body’s own estrogen from locking onto breast cells.

Black Cohosh is very effective to alleviate menstrual cramps due to its antispasmodic properties.  This herbal remedy increases the blood flow to the uterus and reduces the intensity of uterine contractions, which also makes it useful during labour and after childbirth.

Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, Black Cohosh might be valuable in treating muscle aches and pain, joint inflammation and nerve-related pain.  More scientific studies are being done to prove the herb’s value as a pain killer.

Black Cohosh is often recommended by homeopaths to help in clearing mucus from the body.  This makes it an effective herbal medicine to treat sinus infections, coughs and bronchitis.  

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

Black Cohosh has basically no toxic effect, although a few people have reported stomach upsets.  If you are taking medicine for high blood pressure, make sure that you consult your health care practitioner before taking Black Cohosh as this herb can lower your blood pressure.  

Do not increase dosages of Black Cohosh as this can have serious side effects such as nausea, vomiting, headaches, heavy perspiration and a reduced pulse rate.

Make sure that you buy capsules or tablets that are standardized to contain 25 percent of triterpenes which are the active components in Black Cohosh.

For menopausal symptoms, take 40 mg of Black Cohosh twice a day.  To ease menstrual cramps and PMS, start taking 40 mg of this herbal remedy a week to 10 days before your period.  

Black Cohosh can be taken at any time of the day but to minimize the chance of a stomach upset it is best to take it with a meal.  Allow four to six weeks to see the benefits of this herbal remedy.  Some experts have recommended that Black Cohosh not be used longer than six months continually, but more recent studies have shown that longer use seems safe and that there are no significant side effects to long term use.

Compresses soaked in Black Cohosh tea can be applied to sore muscles and joints to ease pain.  Boil dried root in water for 20 to 30 minutes and let it cool off until it is warm enough for you to tolerate holding a compress against your skin.  Apply the warm compress for 20 minutes, repeating this every 4 hours if the pain does not improve.

Tags: menstrual cramps, muscle aches, Health Medical Pharma, native american women, The Black Cohosh plant

Herbal deodorants is an effective, hypoallergenic alternative to the chemical deodorants available today, some of which are alleged to be responsible for breast cancer. Also most of the commercial antiperspirants contain aluminum and other questionable metallic compounds.

Whether you sweat or perspire, herbal deodorant is gentle for the sensitive skin under the armpits, giving a fresh herbal scent and keeps you smelling fantastic.

Use the tea of each herb mentioned below to splash underneath the arm. For a better method, place the tea into a spray bottle and spray it on the armpit.

The following herbs are excellent for the deodorants:

Lovage: Among the many uses, including as a deodorant, Lovage tea made from the root can be applied to wounds as an antiseptic, or drunk to stimulate digestion. It is also useful as a sedative, in fluid retention and to ease stomach pain.

Sage: This herb is an brilliant and safe natural disinfectant and can be used as an astringent. It works well against bacterial or fungus infections.

Lavender flowers: Lavender is an aromatic herb known for its purple flowers. Lavender flowers are also suitable for  cooking. They have a strong fragrance and have been used medicinally. The flowers can be easily harvested and dried to scent pillows and bed linens when harvested at the right time.

Lemongrass: This is a well loved herb in Asian cuisine and it is very simple to grow. You can use it fresh or dry it to make a tea which can be used for many uses including as a deodorant.

Chrysanthemum: Chrysanthemum tea is one of china’s most well loved herbal teas. It is very refreshing and has a slightly sweet taste and fragrance. Extracts of Chrysanthemum stem and flower have been shown to have a wide variety of potential medicinal properties, including anti-HIV-1, antibacterial and antimycotic.

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Tags: aromatic herb, lavender flowers, asian cuisine, breast cancer, herbal teas

Natural breast enlargement pills are advertised on the Internet, television, and in women’s magazines. Some of the ads focus on women’s insecurities about their breasts, especially after childbirth, weight loss, and the removal of breast implants.

Women in search of an alternative to breast enlargement surgery are trying these herbal pills, without realizing that there is small-to-no evidence about the safety of breast enhancement pills. Most websites selling natural breast enhancement pills do not list any potential risks.

Natural breast enlargement pills could theoretically increase breast size because some of them contain herbs that have known estrogen-like effects on the body.

Birth control pills are thought to temporarily increase breast size in the same way–estrogen causes fluid retention in the breasts and may have an effect on breast tissue.

But if natural breast enlargement pills do work, there is no evidence that they’re safe. Adriane Fugh-Berman, M.D., professor of complementary and alternative medicine at the Georgetown University School of Medicine, said in an article published in Obstetrics and Gynecology, “The use of bust-enhancing products should be discouraged because of lack of evidence for efficacy and long-term safety concerns.”

If breast enlargement pills do have estrogen-like effects in the body, there are some safety concerns. Estrogen given on its own stimulates the growth of tissue in the uterus and is believed to promote uterine cancer, which is why birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy normally contain progesterone to counter estrogen’s effects on the uterus. We don’t know if natural breast enhancement pills stimulate the growth of uterine tissue.

There is also no evidence about whether natural breast enlargement pills interfere with fertility, menstruation, or the effectiveness of birth control pills.

Ethnobotanist James A. Duke, PhD, discusses breast enlargement herbs in his book, The Green Pharmacy (Rodale, 1997). Many of the herbs Duke talks about, such as fenugreek and fennel, have centuries-ancient folk reputations as breast enlargers. But, there is small discussion of safety, and Duke does not address the safety concerns of taking large quantities of these herbs in pill form.

Here is a rundown of some of the most common ingredients in natural breast enhancement pills:

Blessed Thistle – The herb blessed thistle is approved by Germany’s Commission E for the treatment of loss of appetite and indigestion. It was used historically by nursing women to increase the flow of milk.

There have been no published clinical trials on blessed thistle for natural breast enlargement, so we don’t know whether it is effective or safe for regular use in large doses.

Blessed thistle is believed to stimulate the production of stomach acid, so it can cause mild irritation of the digestive tract lining. It should not be used by people with gastrointestinal reflux disease, ulcers, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome.

Blessed thistle should not be used by pregnant women, as it can increase the risk of birth defects and spontaneous abortion.

People who are allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, or daisies may be allergic to blessed thistle, because they belong to the same plant family.

Dong Quai – Dong quai is a Chinese herb used primarily to relieve menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, reduce menstrual cramps, and regulate menstrual cycles.

The only published study on dong quai and breast enlargement was a case report of a man who took a combination herbal pill and had temporary breast enlargement. The pill was thought to have been contaminated with synthetic estrogen. There are no other published clinical trials on dong quai for breast enhancement.

One potential risk is that dong quai has been found to stimulate the growth of breast cancer cells (estrogen receptor-positive and negative) in test tube studies.

Dong quai can increase the sensitivity of skin to the sun’s rays. Sunscreen should always be used before any exposure to the sun. Dong quai should not be used by pregnant women.

Dong quai contains chemicals called coumarins, which slow blood clotting, so it should not be taken by people using the “blood-thinning” drugs such as Coumadin (warfarin), Plavix (clopidogrel), Ticlid (ticlopidine), Trental (pentoxifylline), or aspirin. For the same reason, dong quai should not be taken two weeks before or after surgery.

Fennel Seed – Fennel has been used for centuries as both food and medicine. It was used traditionally to increase the flow of breast milk in nursing women, enhance libido, and increase menstrual flow. There are no published studies examining the use of fennel seed for breast enhancement in humans. In the 1930s, there was some interest in fennel in the development of synthetic estrogens, due to compounds called dianethole and photoanethole.

One study found that after consuming fennel seed for 10 days, the weight of breast tissue in female rats increased. Higher doses increased the weight of the uterus, which suggests that fennel in high doses may stimulate the growth of uterine tissue. Fennel may decrease the effectiveness of the antibiotic Cipro (ciprofloxacin) and possibly other drugs in the ciprofloxacin family and should not be combined.

Fenugreek – Although there is an unsubstantiated claim that women in harems were fed fenugreek seeds to increase their breast size, no studies confirm fenugreek can result in breast enlargement.

Fenugreek contains a compound called diosgenin. In laboratories, diosgenin can be converted to estrogen and progesterone but that same conversion doesn’t occur naturally in the body.

People who are allergic to peanuts or soybeans may also be allergic to fenugreek. Side effects from oral fenugreek supplements may include diarrhea and gas. Fenugreek, in large quantitites, may cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). It should not be combined with diabetes medication unless under a doctor’s supervision.

More breast enlargement herbs on the next page…

Tags: Endocrine system, breast enlargement pills, natural breast enlargement pills, effectiveness of birth control, Medicinal plants

Also known as: pharyngitis

Sore throats are one of the most common reasons why people see a doctor. In the United States, sore throats account for more than 18 million visits to the doctor each year.

These are herbs that are used as natural remedies for sore throat.

Slippery elm was once a well loved drugstore remedy for sore throats in North America. The herb was listed in the United States Pharmacopeia, a compendium of drug standards, until 1960. A member of the elm family, the slippery elm tree (Ulmus Rubra Muhl) grows primarily in the eastern region of North America.

For sore throats, herbalists use the inner bark of the tree. The inner bark contains mucilage, a gel-like substance that swells when it is mixed with water. The mucilage is thought to coat the throat, reduce irritation, and soothe sore throat.

Slippery elm is often the primary ingredient in herbal sore throat lozenges found in health food stores or in the natural food section of some grocery stores and drug stores. A well loved brand of slippery elm lozenges is Thayer’s.

The safety of slippery elm in pregnant or nursing women has not been established.

The herb licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a common ingredient in herbal teas for sore throat, such as the herbal tea products Throat Coat (Traditional Medicinals) and Throat Comfort (Yogi Teas).

Although licorice has not been associated with adverse effects when used for ten days or less, excessive longer-term use may result in side effects such as high blood pressure, swelling, and headaches. There is some evidence that licorice may lower testosterone in men.

When used in high doses, licorice may even cause heart failure and a muscle disorder called rhabdomyolysis.

People with high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, breast cancer, liver disease, or kidney disease, or those who are taking certain drugs such as digoxin, thiazide or loop diuretics, or corticosteroids should not use licorice. Licorice should not be taken by pregnant or nursing women and children.

Marshmallow, a herb that grows in North America and Europe, has been used for centuries as a sore throat remedy. Like slippery elm, marshmallow contains mucilage, which is thought to coat and soothe sore throats.

Herbalists recommend marshmallow root tea for sore throats. It is usually made by adding one tablespoon of the dried root to a cup (8 ounces) of boiling water, steeping it covered for at least 10 minutes, and then straining. Herbalists usually suggest drinking up to three cups a day.

Consult a doctor before taking marshmallow if you have diabetes, as it may make your blood sugar too low especially when combined with diabetes medication. Marshmallow may also slow the absorption of other drugs taken at the same time. Marshmallow should not be taken by pregnant or nursing women.

An herb that taste as sweet as it smells (and sounds), honeysuckle flower is one of the most commonly used sore throat remedies in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

Honeysuckle flowers aren’t as simple to find as slippery elm and marshmallow. Health food stores occasionally carry it, but it is primarily sold in Chinese herbal stores.

Practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine often recommend making honeysuckle tea by bringing one quart of water to a boil using this method: add one cup of honeysuckle flowers (not the leaves), steep for at least 10 minutes, covered, and then strain. Up to four cups a day are typically recommended.

An ancient home remedy for sore throats is a tea made with lemon, apple cider vinegar, cayenne, and honey.

It is made by adding one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar, a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper, the juice of 1/4 lemon, and one teaspoon of honey to a cup of hot water. Stir.

Typically, up to four cups a day is suggested.

There is some evidence that a throat spray made from the herb sage can help to reduce sore throat.

A randomized controlled trial compared the effectiveness of a 15% sage (Salvia officinalis) throat spray to a placebo in patients with sore throat.

The spray was significantly more effective than the placebo in reducing throat pain. Symptomatic relief occurred within the first two hours after the first administration.

Minor side effects such as throat dryness or burning of mild intensity were reported.

Only sage sprays designed specifically for sore throats should be used.

Although most sore throats are a symptom that a cold or flu is coming and resolve on their own within a week, it’s not always the case.

A doctor’s visit is necessary to rule out a more serious condition, especially if any of the following are present: Sore throat or hoarseness lasts for more than several days.
Sore throat causes severe pain or difficulty swallowing or breathing.
Blood in saliva, sputum, or phlegm.
Rash
Enlarged or tender lymph nodes in the neck.
White or yellow patches or pus at the back of the throat.
Fever of 103°F (39.4) in infants under 12 months or 101°F (36.3 C) or higher in babies under 6 months.
Excessive drooling in children.
Contact with someone who has been diagnosed with strep throat or mononucleosis or if there is a reported outbreak in your community.
Sore throat but no fever.

Sources:

Hubbert M, Sievers H, Lehnfeld R, Kehrl W. Efficacy and tolerability of a spray with Salvia officinalis in the treatment of acute pharyngitis – a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study with adaptive design and interim analysis. Eur J Med Res. 11.1 (2006): 20-26.

Tags: natural remedies, slippery elm, disease diabetes, muscle disorder, natural remedies for sore throat

Hemorrhoids, also called piles, are normally present veins in the anus and rectum that become swollen and inflamed. Over three-quarters of people in the United States have hemorrhoids at some time in their lives. The peak age is between 45 to 65 years.

Internal hemorrhoids (ones that are inside the anal cavity) usually cause painless bleeding at the end of a bowel movement. Blood can be a sign of a serious problem so it’s vital to be evaluated by a health professional.

Other symptoms are a sensation of fullness, usually described as feeling the urge to have a bowel movement even when there is no stool. Straining worsens the discomfort.

There may be acute pain, itching, and irritation around the anus. This often occurs when the hemorrhoid has prolapsed and can be seen outside the anus or it can be caused when a blood clot develops or the hemorrhoid becomes twisted. There may be a painful lump or swelling around the anus. These may be serious and requires evaluation.

External hemorrhoids (outside the anus) can often be felt as a bulge in the anus. Although they can be itchy and painful, they sometimes don’t cause typical symptoms.

When people see spots of blood on the toilet paper and have pain with bowel movements, they often immediately reckon it’s hemorrhoids when the problem may really be a small but painful tear called an anal fissure.

Anal fissures are often caused by constipation. If stools are dry and hard, the anal sphincter is forced open wider than normal, resulting in a tear, or anal fissure. There are often some spots of bright red blood on the toilet paper.

Anal fissures also cause a sharp, stinging, often severe pain with the passage of each bowel movement (whereas hemorrhoids often cause bleeding but no pain).

Here are five natural remedies that are used for hemorrhoids.

Fiber shows a consistent beneficial effect in relieving hemorrhoid symptoms and bleeding. It can soften stool and increase its bulk, which helps to reduce straining. Seven randomized trials with a total of 378 participants have found fiber improved symptoms including itching, discomfort, and pain.

There are plenty of ways to get more fiber. Start by eating foods high in fiber, such as whole grains and vegetables. Psyllium, a powdered fiber supplement, is another option, one that’s inexpensive and readily available. A typical amount of psyllium is one teaspoon of the husks in water followed by another glass of water.

Another option is ground flaxseeds. Whatever the source of fiber, it’s vital to drink sufficient water or constipation may worsen.

Bioflavonoids are a type of plant compound that are thought to work by stabilizing and strengthening blood vessel walls and by decreasing inflammation. They have been found to reduce anal discomfort, pain, and anal discharge during an acute hemorrhoid attack.

Side effects of bioflavonoids appear to be mild and rare, making them a promising treatment for hemorrhoids in pregnancy (the flavonoid tangeretin but, shouldn’t be used by people taking tamoxifen for breast cancer).

The major flavonoids found in citrus fruits, diosmin, herperidin, and oxerutins, appear to be beneficial. Daflon, a product made with citrus bioflavonoids was found to improve symptoms in pregnant women by day four of taking it and to reduce symptoms of pain, heaviness, bleeding, itching and discharge.

This drug store staple is made from the leaves and bark of a plant called Hamamelis virginiana. It is not be taken internally but is instead applied topically to the anal area in the form of witch hazel distilled liquid, ointment, or medicated pads.

Witch hazel is thought to decrease the bleeding of hemorrhoids by acting as an astringent. It may also relieve pain, itching and swelling associated with hemorrhoids.

The plant butcher’s broom (Ruscus aculeatus), which is also known as knee holly, box holly, and sweet broom, gets its name because it was once used by butchers in Europe to clean their chopping blocks. Butcher’s broom has a long history of traditional use for hemorrhoids and varicose veins. It is often used when there is underlying poor circulation in the veins.

How does butcher’s broom work? Although scientists haven’t confirmed the effectiveness of butcher’s broom for hemorroids, butcher’s broom extract contains anti-inflammatory and vein-contricting properties that are believed to improve the tone and integrity of veins and shrink the swollen tissue. The active compound is called ruscogen.

Butcher’s broom is usually recommended in capsule or tea form. The tea has a slightly bitter taste, so a bit of stevia or honey can be used to sweeten it. The tea can be made by steeping one teaspoon of the herb in a cup of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes. Butchers broom has also been shown to be effective when applied topically as an ointment or compress.

Butcher’s broom should not be used by people with high blood pressure, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), by pregnant or nursing women, or by people taking alpha blocker or MAO inhibitor drugs unless otherwise recommended by their doctor.

The herb horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum), like Butchers broom, is often recommended when there is poor circulation in the veins, or chronic venous insufficiency. In folk medicine, it is used to relieve symptoms such as swelling and inflammation and strengthen blood vessel walls. The active compound is believed to be aescin.

Horse chestnut can be taken as a tea or in capsule form. It can also be applied externally as a compress. People with an allergy to the horse chestnut family, bleeding disorders, or people taking blood thinners should not take horse chestnut. Only products made from the seeds or bark of the young branches should be used. Other parts of the plant are poisonous. Although uncommon, side effects have included kidney hurt, severe bleeding, bruising, and liver hurt.

Tags: breast cancer, high blood pressure, toilet paper, chronic venous insufficiency, Health Medical Pharma