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: joint pain, pain killers, herbal medicines, gastric ulcers, underground stems

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: herbal remedy, benign prostatic hyperplasia bph, herbal medicine, allergy sufferers, herbal medicines

Irritable bowel syndrome occurs when the normally rhythmic muscular contractions of the digestive tract become irregular and uncoordinated.  This process is called peristalsis.  The normal movement of waste material and food through the digestive tract is disrupted and a build-up of toxins and mucus occurs in the intestine.  The accumulated material causes an obstruction of the digestive tract, trapping stools and gas, which then causes distention, constipation, bloating and abdominal pain.  People suffering from IBS often report that constipation alternates with diarrhea. The main symptoms of IBS are bloating, abdominal pain, discomfort constipation and/or diarrhea.  Symptoms vary greatly from person to person, but below is a list of general symptoms reported by patients suffering from irritable bowel syndrome: Pain and discomfort occurring in different parts of the abdomen that is relieved with bowel movement.  Bouts of pain vary in length and intensity.Bloating and swelling of the abdomen occurs and the patient suffers from flatulence.Some people suffer from bouts of constipation and diarrhea whilst other people have diarrhea that alternates with constipation.Nausea and in some cases, vomiting.Mucus in stools.Intolerance to certain foods.Poor appetite.Heartburn.Many people only have occasional flare-ups of IBS symptoms, whilst others have symptoms over long periods of time.  Because of the pain associated with irritable bowel syndrome, many people do not eat properly and malnutrition occurs.  Diarrhea is also a main cause of malnutrition because of the loss of valuable nutrients.

NB!  If you notice blood in your stools, advise your health care practitioner immediately as this is not a symptom of irritable bowel syndrome.

Researchers and doctors have yet to establish a specific cause of IBS, but they have linked the flare-up of symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome to stress, food allergies and even a weakened immune system.

A proper diagnosis of IBS can only be made when other disorders causing similar symptoms are ruled out.  These disorders include Crohn”s disease, endometriosis, lactose intolerance, diverticulitis or ulcerative colitis.

There are many other diseases that have been linked to irritable bowel syndrome, including colon cancer, diabetes mellitus, gallbladder disease, candidiasis and ulcers.  As mentioned before, IBS does but not cause these diseases.

Your health care practitioner can perform a series of tests to rule out any other serious diseases of the bowel.  These tests include colonoscopies, rectal biopsies, barium enemas and stool examinations.

Clinical trials have shown that people greatly benefit by using herbal medicines for symptomatic treatment of irritable bowel syndrome.  

If you suffer from IBS, it is recommended to treat your liver as well as your digestive tract to ensure that you remove toxins from your liver.  Milk thistle is the best option for detoxifying your liver.

All the herbal medicines listed here can be combined with one another and even with conventional medicines.  

1 or 2 capsules 3 times a day between meals1-3 tbsp powder dissolved in water or juice once a day1 pill a day on an empty stomach200 mg standardized extract once a dayFlaxseed or Evening primrose oilHalf a cup of juice three times a day

Peppermint oil relaxes the muscles of the digestive tract and relieves cramps.  The menthol in peppermint aids in digestion and also reduces nausea.

Psyllium is a source of soluble fiber that can help to normalize bowel function and therefore assists with both constipation and diarrhea.

Acidophilus assists in restoring the natural balance of intestinal flora in the gastrointestinal tract.  

Ginger works in the digestive tract by boosting digestive juices and neutralizing acids.  Ginger is also especially useful in reducing pain and discomfort associated with irritable bowel syndrome.

Flaxseed oil or Evening primrose oil helps to protect the intestinal lining.

Aloe vera is known to heal the digestive tract and to keep the colon wall clean of excess mucus.

Make sure that you eat a diet high in fiber that will normalize bowel function.

Avoid animal fats, butter, coffee, caffeine-containing substances, carbonated beverages, dairy products, spicy foods, orange and grapefruit juice, as well as all junk and processed foods.  Also try to avoid wheat bran and wheat products. These foods all cause an excess of mucus by the membranes in the intestinal tract that can prevent the uptake of nutrients.

Try to keep a food diary.  This is helpful to establish if your IBS symptoms are caused by an allergy to certain foods.

Take a multivitamin and mineral supplement as diarrhea associated with irritable bowel syndrome can deplete essential nutrients.  

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: waste material, wheat products, Diabetes mellitus, food diary, digestive tract

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: Health Medical Pharma, herbal medicines, Sleep disorders, Psychoactive drugs, underground stem

The normal working of the sinuses is so subtle that you do not even know about it. The sinuses are four pairs of openings in the bones at the front of the skull which are located above the eyes, on either side of the nose, behind the bridge of the nose and behind the cheekbones.

These openings are lined with a thin membrane that excretes mucus which passes through small openings into the nose. When this membrane becomes irritated or infected it produces thicker mucus and the tiny sinus openings get blocked. The sinuses cannot drain properly and causes headaches, a feeling of fullness in the face and excessive postnasal drip. Other symptoms include:

• Fever- usually low grade
• Headache
• Earache
• Coughing
• Toothache
• Facial pain
• Cranial pressure
• Difficulty breathing through the nose
• Loss of sense of smell
• Tenderness over the forehead and cheekbones

The postnasal drip caused by a sinusitis infection can cause nausea, a sore throat and terrible breath. Sinusitis can also interrupt sleep which will result in fatigue.

Snoring is also a common sign that a person is suffering from sinusitis.

A doctor will often tap the forehead just over the eyes, the cheekbones and the area around the bridge of the nose to determine if the sinuses are infected. If the patient experiences any pain during this examination, there is an infection and immediate treatment is needed.

Chronic sinusitis – caused by small growths in the nose, injury of the nasal bones, air pollution, dental complications, emotional stress, smoking and exposure to irritant fumes and smellsAcute sinusitis – caused by bacterial or viral infections of the nose, throat and upper respiratory tract

Allergic sinusitis – caused by hay fever or food allergies, especially milk and dairy product allergiesFungal sinusitis – people with compromised immune systems often suffer from this type of sinusitis and it is a potentially perilous condition that needs aggressive treatment by a specialist

In some cases antibiotic treatment is required, especially if it is a fungal sinusitis or a severe bacterial infection.

People who suffer from chronic sinusitis benefit from taking herbal supplements as it can help clear up the infection and prevent future infections.

Herbal supplements and herbal remedies do not have the same undesirable side-effects that conventional treatments and decongestants have.

Start by choosing an herbal remedy that boosts your immune system. Echinacea, astralagus, cat’s claw and reishi or maitake mushrooms are your best options.

For acute sinusitis attacks try just one of these herbal remedies until the infection has cleared up. For chronic sinusitis, alternate each one of the herbal remedies in a two-week rotation to build and maintain your immunity.

Vitamin C and flavonoids are also immune boosters and offer additional benefit to people whose allergy attacks develop into full-blown sinusitis.

Nettle relieves allergy symptoms

200 mg twice a day between meals500 mg reishi and / or 200 mg maitake 3 times a day1000 mg vitamin c and 500 mg flavonoids daily

Eat a diet consisting of 75 percent raw foods.

Drink plenty of water and fresh vegetable and fruit juices. Also consume plenty of hot liquids such as herbal teas. These will help mucus to flow, relieving congestion and sinus pressure.

Try to eliminate dairy products that can increase mucus formation.

Boil a pot of water and add a few drops of eucalyptus oil. Remove the pot from the heat and lean your face over it to inhale the steam. This clears the sinus passages and eases breathing. NB – be careful of scalding your face with the steam.

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: sore throat, Environmental Issue, air pollution, severe bacterial infection, nose injury

The Aztecs and the Maya first used wild yam for its pain relieving properties.  Centuries later, European settlers used wild yam to treat joint pain and muscle cramps.

It is only the roots of this herbal plant that contain any medicinal value and once dried, it is used to make an herbal tea.

The roots of the wild yam contain a substance called diosgenin, a phyto-estrogen, and in the 1950′s scientists learned that this substance can be chemically converted into the hormone progesterone.  The first birth control pills were manufactured in the 1960′s and contained diosgenin.

Most of the claims that wild yam can relieve PMS and menopausal symptoms are yet to be scientifically proven.  Although this herbal medicine contains diosgenin, this substance cannot be converted into progesterone by your body, it can only be done in a laboratory.  Some holistic health care practitioners claim that their patients found relief when using a cream that contain wild yam herbal extracts.  These creams have to be applied to the belly and thighs, but how the cream works, is not clear.

Be very careful when purchasing creams and lotions that claim to contain a natural progesterone such as wild yam.  The molecules and particles in wild yam are too huge to be absorbed through your skin, and as mentioned, your body cannot convert diosgenin into progesterone on its own.

Wild yam does but have other herbal benefits.  In tea, tincture or capsule form, wild yam acts as a muscle relaxant and an anti-inflammatory.  Some health care practitioners prescribe wild yam in capsule form to relieve joint and muscle pain.  If you are looking to use wild yam as an herbal medicine to relieve menstrual cramps, combining it with herbs such as chasteberry is your best option.

Substances called alkaloids are also found in wild yam.  Alkaloids are muscle relaxants that specifically work on the muscles in your abdomen and pelvis.  People who suffer from Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome and other painful digestive disorders report that they find relief after drinking wild yam herbal tea.

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

Do not exceed the recommended dosage as it can cause diarrhoea and nausea.

Pregnant and lactating women should not use wild yam herbal supplements.

Do not use wild yam if you are on a birth control pill or using hormone replacement therapy, as wild yam can negatively interact with the hormones found in these prescription medicines.

Wild yam herbal medicines are available in capsule, tea or tincture form.  Take half a teaspoon of tincture three times a day, or 500 mg of wild yam in a capsule form.  You can drink a cup of wild yam herbal tea three times a day to relieve cramps and muscle aches.

To make the tea, use a cup of boiling water with two teaspoons of dried wild yam root and let it steep for 10-15 minutes.  Combining wild yam with other herbal teas such as peppermint tea will increase the benefits when using it for digestive disorders.

Wild yam herbal supplements should be taken with food to minimize the risk of nausea and stomach upsets.  

Tags: Health Medical Pharma, birth control pills, wild yam, menstrual cramps, irritable bowel syndrome

For centuries, peppermint has been used to provide relief for indigestion, headaches and colds.  Today, this powerful medicinal herb is used to soothe digestive complaints and ease indigestion and nausea.

Peppermint is cultivated world wide for use as a natural flavouring agent and also as an herbal medicine.  This hybrid of spearmint has oval, pointed leaves that are either dark green or purple and lilac-coloured flowers.  The leaves and stems are harvested for medicinal purposes just before the flowers bloom.  What gives this herb its healing qualities is its volatile oil, which are made up of several compounds namely menthol, menthone and menthyl acetate.  Peppermint oil is made into an herbal medicine by steam-distilling the parts of the plant that grow above the ground.

Some of the common uses of peppermint include relieving heartburn, nausea and indigestion, easing the symptoms of diverticular disorder and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), dissolving gallstones, soothing muscle aches, sweetening the breath and easing coughs.  Peppermint oil appears in more commercial products than any other herb.  It is included in antacids, mouthwashes and toothpastes.

The oil obtained from this herbal remedy relaxes the muscles of the digestive tract which helps to relieve intestinal cramping and also flatulence.  Peppermint has antispasmodic properties that are beneficial to people suffering from IBS, which is a disorder characterized by abdominal cramps, diarrhea alternating with constipation and indigestion.  In a study conducted at the Taichung Veterans General Hospital in Taiwan, patients who used peppermint oil capsules reported significant relief from the symptoms of IBS. Abdominal pain disappeared completely or was greatly reduced and patients reported less bloating and flatulence.  

The menthol contained in peppermint herbal medicines stimulates the flow of digestive juices and bile, thereby aiding digestion.  This has made peppermint a well loved ingredient in over-the-counter antacids.  Several studies have also indicated that menthol aids in dissolving gallstones.  It is vital though to find out how serious your condition is before using peppermint as an herbal alternative to gallstone surgery.

Drinking peppermint tea will relieve nausea and motion sickness.  Peppermint tea is a safe, natural herbal remedy for pregnant women suffering from morning sickness. Flatulence and bloating is also eased when drinking this herbal tea.

Rubbing peppermint oil on the skin relieves pain by stimulating the nerves that perceive cold and dulling the nerves that sense pain.  This makes it a valuable herbal medicine for aching muscles.  

Commission E, which is a German health board that is an authority on the research of herbs, found that peppermint was an effective decongestant that also reduced inflammation of the nasal passages.  Inhaling peppermint oil when you have a cold will ease your breathing and drinking peppermint tea is effective to relieve bronchial spasms.

Research conducted at the University of Kiel in Germany showed that when applying a mixture of peppermint oil and eucalyptus oil to the forehead and temples, the pain of headaches and migraines were significantly reduced.

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

Used in the recommended doses, peppermint generally has no side effects, even if used for prolonged periods.  One of the rare side effects is a skin rash when applying peppermint oil directly to the skin, simply discontinue use if this occurs.
Take enteric-coated capsules between meals.  Enteric-coated capsules are capsules that are coated with a material that permits transit through the stomach to the small intestine without the medicine contained being absorbed by the stomach.

Drink peppermint tea after or between meals.  To take a peppermint tincture, place 10 to 20 drops in a glass of water.

To treat IBS, nausea and gallstones, try enteric-coated capsules containing at least 0,2 ml peppermint oil per capsule.  These capsules will release the oil where it is needed most – in the small and large intestine instead of in the stomach.  Take 1 or 2 capsules three times a day between meals.

To freshen your breath, place a few drops of peppermint oil on your tongue.

To soothe indigestion and relieve flatulence, make peppermint tea by using one or two teaspoons of dried peppermint leaves in a cup of boiled water.  Allow to steep for 5-10 minutes.  Take care to cover the cup to make sure that volatile oils that make peppermint a beneficial herbal medicine do not evaporate.  

To ease congestion and coughs, drink up to four cups of peppermint tea brewed as above.

To relieve muscles aches and pain, add a few drops of peppermint oil to 15 ml of a neutral oil and apply to the affected areas up to four times daily.  You can also add a few drops of oil to aqueous cream.

Tags: Taichung Veterans General Hospital in Taiwan, veterans general hospital, University of Kiel, University of Kiel in Germany, eucalyptus oil

Ever since the ancient time, the Greeks and Romans have used St. John‘s wort for the treatment of mental and nerve disorders

This herbal plant is found in several locations, including Europe, West Africa, North Africa, the Americas and Australia.

There are several species of St. John’s wort, but not all of these species can be used as herbal medicines.St. John’s wort angustifolia  is the most commonly used species for herbal remedies.

St. John’s wort is a shrub that has small clusters of yellow flowers.

In our modern times, St. John’s wort is most often used to treat mental disorders such as depression, anxiety and even sleeping disorders.

In several clinical studies, St. John’s wort has been as effective in the treatment of mild to moderate depression as tricyclic anti-depressants.

There appears to be fewer side effects when you have used this herbal remedy in place of tricyclic anti-depressants such as imipramine, amitriptyline, doxepin, desipramine, and nortriptyline.

St. John’s wort might also be an effective substitute for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

St. John’s wort appears to have a positive effect in assisting with a very wide range ailments, some of these are listed below

Certain bacterial infections can be treated using St. John’s wort as this herb has antibacterial properties.

St. John’s wort may help you if u suffer from premenstrual syndrome as St. John’s wort can help in relieving both the physical and mental problems that can accompany PMS. These include cramps, irritability, food craving and tender breasts.

If St. John’s wort is used as a topical treatment, it can help reduce pain and inflammation and will help treat minor wounds and burns and even help in the treatment of hemorrhoids.

Some Herbal experts recommended a tincture combining Ginkgo and St. John’s wort to treat brain inflammation such as caused by Viral Encephalitis.

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

One of the most common side effects reported from using this herbal remedy is sensitivity to sun light.

Other common side effects can include anxiety, feelings of tiredness, dizziness, headaches, sexual dysfunction and gastro intestinal distress.

The most vital thing to remember when using St. John’s wort, is that this herbal medicine has a wide list of interactions with other drugs. Below is a few of the more commonly reported interactions.

Combining St. John’s wort with other anti depressants is not recommended and can result in a wide range of side effects and is really not recommended.

Many birth control pills have shown interactions with John’s wort and can be rendered ineffective or have their effectiveness decreased drastically.

Care also needs to be taken when using any of the following drugs as various interaction have been reported.

Certain HIV medications such as Indinavir, Anticoagulants such as Warfarin, organ rejection medication such as Cyclosporine and the heart medication Digoxin.

St. John’s wort is found in several different forms. You can use this herbal medicine as a pill or a tablet.

St. John’s wort is also available as a tincture and can also be brewed as a tea.

For the treatment of wounds or infection, you can use St. John’s wort as a ointment or cream.

Tags: St John's wort, herbal medicines, west africa north, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, herbal remedy

Type 1 diabetes – insulin dependent diabetes
Type 2 diabetes – non-insulin dependent diabetes

Diabetes is also known as hyperglycemia.  When a person’s blood sugar levels are too low, they are hypoglycemic.

When you have diabetes, it means that your body is not producing enough insulin and that it is unable to use insulin effectively.  This causes high blood sugar levels.  Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas and is responsible for controlling the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood and also the rate at which glucose is absorbed into cells. Glucose is needed by your cells to produce energy and is also needed by your brain to maintain healthy, normal brain function.

Type 1 diabetes

People with type 1 diabetes will have to take insulin for life.  This type of diabetes occurs when your pancreas stops producing insulin.  It affects 5 – 10 percent of people with diabetes and normally starts at an early age.  Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease and experts believe that it is caused by your body’s immune system attacking and destroying the insulin-producing cells in your pancreas.  Often type 1 diabetes starts after a viral infection.  This disease is more common amongst men than women.

Type 2 diabetes

This form of diabetes is the most common and affects 90 – 95 percent of people with diabetes.  Type 2 diabetes develops when your pancreas produces insulin, but not enough to fuel your cells.  Type 2 diabetes often only starts in later years, but recent research has revealed that younger people are now also more commonly affected.  Obesity is one of the main causes of type 2 diabetes.  Genetic factors play an vital role, and often type 2 diabetes will run in your family.  Other risk factors include a diet high in stout, alcohol abuse and smoking.

Symptoms of diabetes

Unexplained weight loss – even though people with diabetes eat normally, their bodies cannot process the calories in the food that they eat, causing them to lose weight rapidly.Fatigue – because the body is unable to utilize glucose for energy, it starts to use up stout for energy.  This makes the body use more energy and causes fatigue.Excessive urination – the body tries to get rid of excess glucose by excreting it in urine.Excessive thirst – the body encourages more water consumption to dilute the high blood sugar back to normal levels and to compensate for the water lost by excessive urination.Excessive eating – increased hunger and eating is caused by higher levels of insulin.Disturbed vision – high blood sugar levels can cause blurry vision.Slow wound healing and infections – when your blood sugar levels are too high, white blood cells cannot function properly and wounds can take longer to heal.  Other infections such as urinary tract infections and frequent yeast infections can also occur. The supplements below can all be used with prescription medication used to treat both types of diabetes.  By taking some of these supplements, you might have to consult your health care practitioner in order to adjust dosages for insulin or the hypoglycemic medicines used to treat type 2 diabetes.  Please only alter dosages or medicines used to treat diabetes under the care of your physician. Vitamin B complex – B vitamins produce enzymes that convert glucose to energy and these vitamins also help to prevent nerve hurt due to diabetes.  Take 1 pill each morning with food, ensuring that the supplement contains 100 mcg B12 and biotin, 100 mg of other B vitamins and 400 mcg folic acid.Chromium – lowers blood glucose and cholesterol levels.  Take 200 mcg 3 times a day with meals.  Consult your health care practitioner as chromium might alter insulin requirements.Gymnema sylvestre – this herbal medicine improves blood sugar control.  Take 200 mg twice a day.  Consult your health care practitioner as gymnema sylvestre might alter insulin requirements.Essential fatty acids – these supplements play an vital role in protecting you against nerve hurt caused by diabetes.  Take 1000 mg evening primrose oil 3 times a day and 1000 mg fish oils daily.Antioxidants can help to prevent hurt to your eyes, heart and nerves.  Take 1000 mg vitamin C, 400 IU vitamin E and 150 mg alpha-lipoic acid daily.Zinc – zinc plays and vital role in wound healing and also helps your body to use insulin.  Take 30 mg zinc a day.  If you are taking zinc longer than 1 month, add 2 mg copper per day.Bilberry – this herbal medicine can prevent eye hurt caused by diabetes.  Take 160 mg twice a day.Ginko Biloba – this herbal medicine is very beneficial because it can improve nerve hurt due to diabetes and will also improve blood circulation.  Take 40 mg three times a day.Adding soya foods to your diet may be beneficial as these products could improve glucose control.Eat a low-stout, high-fiber diet that includes raw fruits and vegetables.  Fiber assists to reduce sudden blood sugar spikes.Avoid smoking and alcohol.  Smoking constricts blood vessels and can worsen nerve hurt due to diabetes.Avoid high-glycemic foods such white flour products, white rice, pasta, starches and processed foods as these foods convert into blood sugar and can cause insulin levels to surge.  Instead, eat low-glycemic foods such as asparagus, cabbage, broccoli, green beans and low-starch vegetables and fruits.  These foods convert into blood sugar slowly and only gradually raise insulin levels.Start an exercise program.  Please ensure that you consult your health care practitioner before starting any exercise.Please consult your medical practitioner prior to using any herbal medications should you be under their care.

Tags: viral infection, Ginko Biloba, folic acid, Vitamin B complex, alcohol abuse

Welcome to the first edition of the Herbal Meds Online newsletter! Over the last few months we have been working hard to build Herbal Meds Online.  Our aim with this website is to inform and educate people about the benefits and uses of herbal supplements, remedies and medicines.

In our first edition, we will be covering a variety of topics ranging from the origins of herbal medicines to useful hints and tips regarding herbal remedies. In every edition, you can expect a summary of a specific herb and its uses and also a summary of a specific condition that can be treated with an herbal medicine.  We will also cover a range of informative topics related to herbal medicines and supplements.

We hope that the information will be of benefit to you and anyone who might be considering alternative treatments. 1)   The origins of herbal medicines 2)   Basic types of supplements

3)   Evening Primrose Oil – a herbal remedy used to treat skin conditions

4)   Endometriosis – a painful menstrual condition

5)   Hints and Fascinating Facts

6)   Herbal Medicine quote of the month

7)   Reminder

Here is a brief history of key dates in the development of herbal medicines:  2800BC – First written record of herbal medicines, the Pen Ts’ao by Shen Nung
C400BC – Hippocrates develops principles of diet, exercise and happiness as the cornerstones of health
C100BC – First illustrated herbal guide produced in Greece
C50AD – Roman Empire spreads herbal medicine and commerce of plants around the Empire
C200AD – Herbal practitioner, Galen, makes system for classifying illnesses and remedies
C500AD – Hippocrates’ principles followed in Britain by Myddfai practitioners throughout Saxon times
C800AD – Monks now pioneer herbal medicine with infirmaries and physic gardens at every monastery
1100sAD – Arab world now major influence on medicine and healing practices and the physician Avicenna writes the Canon of Medicine
1200sAD – Black Death spreads across Europe; ‘qualified’ apothecaries try bleeding, purging, mercury and arsenic to stem the epidemic with no more success than traditional herbalists
1500sAD – Henry VII promotes herbal medicine in the face of the growing number of untrained apothecaries and other ‘medical practitioners’ flourishing in London
Various Acts of Parliament passed to introduce some regulation of medical practices including protection for ‘simple herbalists’ to practice without dread of prosecution
1600sAD – Society sees the first two-tier health system emerge – herbs for the poor and exotics (plant, animal or mineral extracts) or ‘drugs’ for the rich
Nicholas Culpepper writes his well-known herbal paper: The English Physician, explaining in simple terms the practice of herbal medicine
1700sAD – Preacher Charles Wesley advocates a sensible diet, excellent hygiene and herbal medicine as the keys to a healthy life
1800sAD – Herbal medicines start to be eclipsed by mineral-drug based treatments. With powerful drugs such as calomel (mercury) and laudanum available over the counter serious side effects start to be documented.
Albert Coffin pioneers low-cost herbal remedies using plants from his native America as well as European ones helping hundreds of working class people at his North England practice.
Burgeoning pharmaceuticals industry makes herbal medicine seem outdated. National Association of Medical Herbalists founded to defend the practice. Later to become the National Institute of Medical Herbalists
1900sAD – Medicinal herbals used extensively during World War I as drugs are in small supply.
Post war period sees enormous expansion in the international pharmaceuticals industry and the discovery of penicillin
A handful of dedicated herbalists keep the tradition alive.
A Modern Herbal by Hilda Leyel is published.
Pharmacy & Medicines Act 1941 withdraws herbal practitioner’s rights to supply patients with medicines. Public outcry ensures the Act is never enforced.
After much campaigning by the NIMH, the Medicines Act in 1968 reinstates practitioners’ rights and the British Herbal Medicine Association is founded.
The BHMA produce the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia.
Revised edition is published in 1990. Public concern starts to grow over the side effects of the ‘wonder drugs’ of the 1950s and their impact on the environment.
2000AD – EU legislation advocates all herbal medicines should be subject to compulsory clinical testing comparable to that undertaken for conventional drugs. Thus all herbal medicines would be licensed.
UK government currently considering the possible impact and public perception of this legislation.

(Information taken from “Herbal Remedies” by Jan Balkam, published by Bookmart Limited)

There are basically four types of supplements:

Vitamins A chemically organic substance essential for regulating both the metabolic functions within the cells and the biochemical processes that release energy from food. There are 13 known vitamins and these are categorized as either stout-soluble (A, D, E and K) and water-soluble (eight B-vitamins and C.)  Stout-soluble vitamins stay in the body for relative long periods of time and water-soluble vitamins remain in the body for a small time. With a few exceptions, the body cannot manufacture vitamins. Minerals Minerals are present in your body in small amounts and are essential for a wide range of vital processes. Your body contains 60 minerals but only 22 of these minerals are considered to be essential and are classified as macro minerals and trace minerals / micro minerals. Macro minerals include calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, chloride, and potassium.   Micro minerals include iron, zinc, iodine, selenium, copper, manganese, and chromium. Herbs Herbal supplements are prepared from plants using the leaves, stems, roots and/or bark as well as the buds and flowers. Plant parts are refined into tablets, capsules, powders, tinctures and other formulations. Herbs have several active compounds that interact with one another to produce a therapeutic effect. Herbs are used to treat health conditions, to prevent health conditions as well as to maintain excellent health in general.Nutritional supplements These supplements are classified as to possessing disease-fighting potential. Nutritional supplements include compounds found in fruits and vegetables which work to lower the risk of disease. (Information taken from “The Healing Power of Vitamins, Minerals and Herbs” published by Reader’s Digest) Native Americans valued the Evening Primrose plant for its healing powers and there is evidence that European settlers used the plant to treat a variety of skin ailments. This wildflower grows in North America and Europe and its light yellow flowers open at dusk.  The Evening Primrose plant is often mistaken for a weed in gardens.

Evening Primrose oil contains omega-6 fatty acids, which can help to regulate insulin absorption and can even help to regulate your heartbeat. The human body does not manufacture fatty acids on its own, therefore taking Evening Primrose oil supplements can improve your general health.

Several studies have shown the benefits of taking Evening Primrose oil supplements to treat atopic dermatitis, or eczema.  Due to its high GLA content, Evening Primrose oil is very effective to treat a variety of menstrual disorders.

Menopausal women have also benefited from taking Evening Primrose oil supplements as this herbal remedy assists to alleviate the flushing as well as mood swings experienced by menopausal women. Evening Primrose oil lessens the inflammation of acne as well as rosacea.

(Information taken from article published on our website www.herbal-meds-online.com)
Endometriosis is the abnormal growth of cells that form in the lining of the uterus. Each month, as estrogen and other hormones cause the lining of the uterus to thicken with blood, these abnormal cells also expand.  Sometimes a collection of blood, called a cyst, can form.  These endometrial cysts are common on the ovaries.

Here is a list of common symptoms experienced by women with Endometriosis:   Abnormally heavy, menstrual bleeding often with large clots.  Severe menstrual cramps which starts before your period starts and reaches its peak after your period ends.  Nausea or vomiting just before your menstrual period.  Sharp pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse at any time of the month.  Infertility.  Incapacitating pain in the uterus, lower back or pelvic area.  Diarrhea or constipation during your menstrual cycle.  Iron-deficiency anemia due to heavy bleeding.  Severe pain due to endometrial cysts rupturing.Start herbal treatment by taking a combination of Dong Quai and Chasteberry.  Taking high doses of calcium and magnesium can help with painful menstrual cramps.

Flaxseed oil and Evening Primrose oil is useful to help relieve the pain and inflammation associated with Endometriosis. (Information taken from article published on our website www.herbal-meds-online.com)

When buying Evening Primrose Oil supplements, experts recommend looking for a supplement that contains a small amount of vitamin E.  The fatty acids in Evening Primrose Oil break down quickly and vitamin E slows this process down.A study from the University of Massachusetts Medical Center showed that very high doses of GLA found in Evening Primrose Oil reduced hurt to joint tissue in people who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis. (Information taken from “The Healing Power of Vitamins, Minerals and Herbs” published by Reader’s Digest)

“The highest ideal of cure is the speedy, gentle, and enduring restoration of health by the most trustworthy and least harmful way.”

Samuel Hahnemann, founder of Homeopathy Please consult your medical practitioner prior to using any herbal medications should you be under their care.  Pregnant or lactating women and children under 16 years of age should not be using herbal remedies or supplements unless prescribed by a medical practitioner.  Suggestions offered are not intended to replace appropriate medical investigation and treatment.

Tags: Charles Wesley, British Herbal Medicine Association, Online newsletter, herbal medicines, University of Massachusetts Medical Center