Psyllium seeds are so rich in fiber that it has been prescribed for constipation and other digestive complaints for nearly 500 years.  During the Middle Ages in Europe, Arab physicians sold a constipation remedy called diagridium and psyllium was one of the main ingredients.

The small, reddish seeds are nearly odourless and tasteless and come from the Plantago psyllium plant.  Another name for the psyllium plant is plantain, but is should not be confused with the edible banana-like fruit of the same name or the herb plantain.

Plantago is grown commercially in Spain, France, India and other countries.  Various species of this plant is used in herbal medicine, but the most commonly used are the seeds of the Plantago psyllium plant and P. ovata.  The seeds are generally dried, ground and sold in a powder form and are sometimes added to breakfast cereals.

The fibrous husk of psyllium seeds form a gel like mass when mixed with water that then absorbs excess water from the intestines and makes, larger, softer stools.  Psyllium also helps to lower cholesterol by binding to cholesterol-rich bile, drawing cholesterol from your bloodstream.  This kind of water-soluble fiber is suitable for people who do not eat a diet high in fiber.

In 1998, the US Food and Drug Administration allowed breakfast cereals to claim that it can reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol.  To be able to state this claim, breakfast cereals had to contain at least 1,7 g of soluble fiber from psyllium per serving.  

Psyllium can help with a wide variety of disorders such as constipation, diarrea, irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulosis and haemorrhoids.  This herbal medicine works by absorbing water makes larger stools.  If you suffer from constipation, the added water will soften stools, making it simpler to pass.  This is helpful to reduce the irritation experienced by people who have haemorrhoids.  

By speeding up the passing of stools through the intestine, psyllium is beneficial to people who suffer from diverticular disease.  This disease causes faecal particles to become trapped in small pockets in the intestine’s lining, causing infection and pain.  

Psyllium’s ability to absorb excess water from loose stools makes it an ideal treatment for diarrea.

Only in the 1980′s did scientists learn another benefit of this herbal medicine:  it lowers blood cholesterol levels, especially the terrible cholesterol (LDL) that can lead to heart disease.  By simply adding psyllium to a low-stout diet, you can significantly reduce cholesterol levels, eliminating the need for prescription medications.

Weight-loss programmes recommend the addition of psyllium to a low-stout diet.  By absorbing water, it fills your stomach and provides a sense of fullness, causing you to eat less. This herbal supplement also delays the emptying of food from your stomach, making you feel full for longer.  In a small British study, women who took a psyllium supplement with water three hours before a meal, absorbed less stout and less kilojoules from food.  Psyllium also stabilizes blood sugar levels, thereby controlling food cravings.

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

Psyllium supplements can temporarily cause bloating and flatulence because it supplies fiber.  You can avoid these unpleasant side effects by slowly increasing your psyllium intake over a period of several days.  

Do not take doses higher than recommend as this can cause certain minerals not to be absorbed by your body.

Should you experience difficulty breathing or swallowing after taking psyllium herbal supplements, seek medical attention immediately as you may be allergic to psyllium.

The recommended dosage is one to three tablespoons of psyllium powder two to three times a day.  Do not exceed 30 g a day.

It usually takes 12 to 24 hours to get relief from constipation and sometimes can take as long as three days.  Ensure that you take psyllium supplements with plenty of water. Dissolve psyllium powder in a glass of water and then drink another glass of water immediately after.  

Do not take any other medications with psyllium herbal supplements as this can delay the medications from being absorbed.  

If you are pregnant and suffering from constipation, consult your medical practitioner before taking psyllium supplements.

Tags: herbal medicine, excess water, Dietary supplements, breakfast cereals, irritable bowel syndrome

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: anti oxidants, Health Medical Pharma, herbal medicine, Southern Africa, herbal remedy

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, sleeping problems, herbal remedy, side effects of ginseng, diarrhea and vomiting

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: inflammatory compound, allergy sufferers, herbal supplements, hay fever, benign prostatic hyperplasia

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: heart attacks, battle wounds, raw garlic, lowers blood pressure, garlic supplements

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: favourite food, vital health, lifestyle interventions, Health Medical Pharma, light sensitivity

Valerian has been used by mankind for many thousands of years as a treatment for sleeping disorders, insomnia and various other ailments.

This herbal Medicine is found in parts of Asia, Europe and in North America.

Valerian has many names as do most herbal medicines. These include garden valerian, garden heliotrope and all-heal.

Usually the underground stem and the roots of Valerian are used to manufacture herbal supplements.

Valerian has been used to treat sleeping disorders such as mild insomnia, poor sleep and difficulty in falling asleep.

Anxiety can also be treated using Valerian. Other common uses are for treating headaches, depression and irregular heartbeat.

Valerian has the ability to help in relaxing the central nervous system, this in turns promotes better sleep, lower anxiety and feeling of calmness.

One of the common benefits of Valerian, is that the morning after using it, there is no morning drowsiness or grogginess.

The effects of Valerian for sleep disorders seems to improve if taken for one to two weeks consistently.

This herbal Medicine does not interfere in sleep patterns or deep sleep.

There are reports of Valerian lessening menstrual cramps and stomach cramps.

Generally, side effects from Valerian are relatively rare, but these might include a mild headache, upset stomach and an abnormal heartbeat.

If you are already under a medical practitioners’’ care, please consult them prior to taking any herbal medicine.

On occasion, more severe allergic reactions have been reported.

There are several common forms available for Valerian. Many of the supplements are mixed with other herbal extracts to increase or heighten the desired effect.

Some of the common forms are capsules, tablets, teas and even tinctures.

Tags: sleep patterns, treatment for sleeping disorders, herbal medicines, North America, central nervous system

Bilberry is a relative of the American blueberry and is a small, shrubby perennial growing in northern Europe.

The first recorded medical use of Bilberry was in the 16th century, when this herbal medicine was used to treat scurvy amongst sailors.

During World War II, British RAF pilots noted that their night vision improved after eating Bilberry preserves. This sparked scientific research into this herb and today Bilberry is used to treat a wide variety of eye disorders.

Bilberry extracts is the leading herbal treatment for managing eye disorders and maintaining healthy vision.

Bilberry assists the retina (the light-sensitive part of the eye) to adapt properly to light and dark. This has made Bilberry a well loved herbal treatment for night blindness.

Bilberry contains chemicals known as anthocyanosides, which increase retinal pigments that allow the eye to tolerate light.

Bilberry plays a significant role in preventing and treating degenerative diseases of the retina by strengthening the capillaries, which are blood vessels in the eye, and by facilitating the delivery of oxygen rich blood to the eyes.

Studies have proved that Bilberry is useful for preventing macular degeneration as well as cataracts. Macular degeneration is a disorder that affects the central part of the retina and cataracts cause loss of transparency of the eye’s lens.

Bilberry has been shown to decrease retinal hurt caused by diabetes or high blood pressure.

Bilberry strengthens collagen, which is a protein that forms the backbone of connective tissue. Therefore Bilberry is a valuable herbal medicine for preventing and treating glaucoma, which is a disease caused by excessive pressure within the eye.

Recent studies have been conducted to prove Aloe’s effectives in treating the skin disorder psoriases. An 83 percent improvement was noted in patients who topically applied Aloe gel 3-4 times daily.

Taking Bilberry can prevent and treat weakened blood vessels and this herbal treatment has been known to relieve chronic venous insufficiency. This disease occurs when valves in the veins responsible for carrying blood back to the heart are weak or hurt and can cause varicose veins, spider veins and can even result in blood clots in the legs.

Bilberry strengthens the walls of blood vessels and not only treats varicose veins but is an effective herbal treatment for hemorrhoids.

The anthocyanosides found in Bilberry is also an herbal treatment for people suffering from poor blood circulation in their extremities.

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

Bilberry may lower blood sugar levels; therefore caution is advised when using medications to lower blood sugar.

Bilberry should not be taken with any blood thinning medication such as Warfarin.

Care should be taken when using Bilberry with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such ibuprofen.

Research has shown that Bilberry may further lower blood pressure if taken with medicine for high blood pressure.

Bilberry has been used an herbal medicine for hemorrhoids, especially during pregnancy, but please consult your health care practitioner before using any herbal supplement during pregnancy and breast-feeding.

A normal dosage of Bilberry ranges from 40 to 160mg of extract two or three times a day. The lower dose is recommended for long term use, including prevention of macular degeneration. Bilberry can be taken with or without food.

When shopping for Bilberry, choose extracts standardized to contain 25 percent anthocyanosides, which are the active ingredients in this herb.

Higher doses of Bilberry (up to 300mg a day) can be taken by people with diabetes.

Bilberry extracts contain between 100 and 250 times the amount of active ingredients (anthocyanosides) found in fresh Bilberry fruit.

When used with the herb Gotu kola, Bilberrys effects on varicose veins are significantly increased.

Tags: skin disorder psoriases, high blood pressure, raf pilots, treatment for managing eye disorders, aloe gel

Learn how herbal medicine can treat painful and debilitating migraines.

An estimated 25 million people in the United States suffer from migraines – three out four of these people are women.

A migraine is a severe, throbbing headache that may or may not be accompanied by visual disturbances, nausea and an aversion to light.

The pain normally occurs only on one side of the head. Migraines are associated with disorders of the liver, sight and digestion. Migraines can suddenly occur due to stress and mental tension and overworked muscles in the neck and head. As soon as the person relaxes, the tight muscles expand and stretch the blood vessel walls. The blood pumped with each heartbeat then pushes the blood vessels further causing severe pain.

Migraine attacks can last for hours or even several days and are often preceded by warning signs.

Migraines often show up in childhood as colic, vomiting and abdominal pain, dizziness and severe motion sickness.

Migraines occur most often in people between the ages of twenty and thirty-five, and attacks tend to decline with age. Women who suffer from migraines report a decrease in migraines after menopause.

There are usually five phases in a migraine:

1. Before the onset of a headache, there usually are detectable changes in a person’s mood, there are problems with memory, speech problems and some people have reported an alteration in one or all five senses.

2. Just before the headache starts, people report seeing flashes of light or patterns of light. Numbness in the hands or the mouth is experienced. This is what is called the aura. A migraine preceded by an aura is called a classic migraine. A migraine without an aura is a common migraine.

3. The headache starts with severe, throbbing pain. As mentioned it occurs on one side of the head, but can occur on both sides. Migraines can often migrate from side to side. Tenderness of the neck and scalp occur. Nausea and vomiting set in. The eyes become sensitive to light and the person suffering from the migraine can be immobilized by the pain.

4. The headache starts to dissipate but nausea might remain.

5. The person may feel tired and lethargic and often will sleep for an extended period.

There are a wide variety of triggers associated with migraines.

These can include stress, lack of sleep, changes in the weather, certain foods, bright lights, fluctuations in blood sugar levels, hormonal changes associated with the menstrual cycle or the use of an oral contraceptive, as well as certain liver conditions.

Low blood sugar is frequently associated with migraines. Studies have shown that the lower the blood sugar level, the more severe the pain of the migraine can be.

Early research has described migraines as vascular headaches due to excessive contraction or dilation of the brain’s blood vessels.

Recent research has brought more information to light. The inflammation of a migraine is more noticeable in the meninges – the three membranes surrounding the brain and the spinal cord. Stimulation of the nerve that runs from the brain to the head and face appears to trigger the release of substances that induce inflammation and trigger pain receptors in the meninges.

Some doctors have compared migraines to meningitis as the symptoms are very similar; but meningitis is caused by viral or bacterial infection.

There are certain underlying causes of migraines that make an individual more susceptible to triggers of a migraine attack. These include genetic factors, poor nutrition, chemical imbalances in the brain and the overuse of painkillers.

The overuse of painkillers cause “rebound headaches.” A rebound headache occurs when a headache or migraine sufferer takes high doses of over-the-counter painkillers over extended periods of time. As soon as the effects of these painkillers wear off, the pain returns, often more severe than before. This often leads to liver hurt.

A fluctuation in the level of the hormone estrogen is a leading cause of migraine attacks in women. The lower the level of estrogen, the higher the chance of a migraine.

The supplements listed below are useful in preventing migraines and may be used in place of prescription medicine. Do not stop taking your prescription medicine, but, without prior approval from your medical practitioner.

Supplements can help in preventing migraines, but prescription medicine might still be needed to combat a migraine attack which has already begun.

Migraine sufferers should take magnesium and calcium over the long term. These two minerals help to maintain healthy blood vessels.

Feverfew is beneficial in preventing migraines and headaches. This herbal remedy can reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines when taken over extended periods of time. Feverfew blocks the substances that cause blood vessels to constrict and dilate, causing inflammation. It is vital to note that Feverfew will not be of use once a migraine attack has begun.

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) can also help to reduce the number of times that migraines occur. Riboflavin increases the energy reserves in brain cells.

To help your liver to clear toxins from your body, take a Lipotropic combination. Lipotropic combinations are herbal remedies that contain Milk Thistle, Choline, Inositol, Dandelion and other liver cleansing herbs.

Gingko biloba enhances blood circulation to the brain assisting with the prevention of migraines.

250 mg every morning, standardized to contain minimum 0,4 parthenolide

400 mg magnesium and 100 mg calcium twice a day

A diet low in simple carbohydrates and high in protein is beneficial to migraine sufferers. This kind of diet regulates your blood sugar levels, preventing migraines due to low blood sugar.

Eat a diet rich in raw vegetables and fresh fruit.

Avoid foods containing the amino acid tyramine. This includes avocados, bananas, aged meats, canned fish, hard cheeses, red plums and tomatoes. Also try to avoid alcohol.

Avoid foods containing the preservatives monosodium glutamate (MSG) and nitrites. These are found in many processed meats.

Please consult your medical practitioner prior to using any herbal medications should you be under their care. Suggestions offered are not intended to replace appropriate medical investigation and treatment.

Tags: five senses, severe pain, blood vessel walls, abdominal pain, warning signs

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: Alternative medicine, flower family, inflammatory substances, Health Medical Pharma, stomach ailments