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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tags: respiratory system, herbal treatment, herbal remedy, organ transplants, treatment for cancer

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: light sensitivity, indian pennywort, attention deficit disorder, ancient healing, treating burns

Milk Thistle has been used as Herbal Medicine since early Roman and Greek times. This herb is found mainly in Europe and Asia but is also found in Australia.

This herb medicine is a flowering herb, and the seeds contain the active ingeident called Silymari.

Milk Thistle is can help you in improving liver function and this herb is also believed to have protective effects on the liver.

his herb helps to lower enzyme levels and assists in detoxifying the liver. In recent years certain medical doctors have prescribed Milk Thistle for Hepatitis to keep down inflammation, Cirrhosis to soften the liver, Liver Cancer to aid in detoxification, and many dysfunctions of the Gall Bladder System.

Individuals taking prescription medication that eliminates liver enzymes might also benefit from Milk Thistle. This herbal Medicine is often used in the treatment of liver cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis (liver inflammation), and gallbladder disorders.

Milk Thistle is also a mild laxative, this due to its ability to increase bile secretion and flow in the intestinal tract.

This herbal remedy is also a demulcent, this means it moistens and soothes mucus membranes, kidney and bladder irritations and inflammations in general.

Here is a more technical description of the medicinal workings of Milk Thistle.

The active ingredient is Silymarin, this consists of a group of compounds called flavonolignands. These help the liver repair cells hurt by alcohol and other toxic substances.

Silymarin also helps keeps new liver cells from being ruined by harmful substances such as alcohol. Inflammation is also reduced by this herbal remedy (vital for people with liver inflammation or hepatitis).

Antioxidant effects are another benefit of milk thistle. Most milk thistle products are extracted from the seeds of the herb.

Most Milk Thistle Herbal Remedies contain 70% to 80% of flavonolignans (silibinin, silychristin, and silydianin) more easily known as silymarin.

What are the side effects of taking this herbal medicine? In trials conducted, Milk Thistle generally has minimal side effects. On occasion, using this herbal medicine has resulted in stomach aliments, such as upset stomach, diarrhea, and bloating.

Milk Thistle is known to produce allergic reactions in people who are allergic to plants in the same family such as ragweed, chrysanthemum, marigold, and daisy.

If you are on any medication, it is vitality vital to discuss the use of herbal remedies with your doctor to avoid any interactions with your medication.

If you are taking the following medications, Milk Thistle may help in protecting your liver, but please discuss this with your doctor.

Antipsychotics: This group of medications used for schizophrenia includes butyrophenones (such as haloperidol) and phenothiazines (such as chlorpromazine, fluphenazine, and promethazine)

Phenytoin : a medication used for seizures

Halothane : a medication used during general anesthesia

If you have tablets or capsules, they can be swallowed with a large glass of water.

If your stomach is sensitive, try and take Milk Thistle as a tincture, infusion, or tea.

The most vital ingridinet in Milk Thistle is Silymarin, and this is not water solulable and alcohol is recommended to extract the Silymarim.

For this reason, teas may not be very effective.

The dosage you take will be based on the Silymarin content. You may take Milk thistle with or without food.

The dosage you take varies on the severity of the problem and from person to person.

Germany’s Commission E recommends daily dosages of 200 mg to 400 mg or about three capsules.

Doses ranging from 160 to 800 milligrams daily by mouth have been used for cirrhosis, hepatitis and toxic liver hurt.

Tags: thistle products, Liver Cancer, mild laxative, antioxidant effects, Health Medical Pharma

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: sensitive to light, motion sickness, tight muscles, visual disturbances, Retinal migraine

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: herbal medicines, allergic sinusitis, acute sinusitis, bridge of the nose, postnasal drip

Lavender is a flowering plant part of the mint family.  It is not uncommon to see lavender with its pretty purple flowers growing everywhere as people plant this herb in their gardens quite frequently.

The name lavender comes from the Latin root lavare, which means “to wash.”  This name was most likely given to this herb because of its traditional use in soaps and bath and hair products.  In ancient Egypt lavender was used in the mummification process and in Persia, Greece and Rome it was well loved among women as a bath additive.

Traditionally, lavender was used for mental health purposes and as an antiseptic, today, this herb is used to relieve restlessness, insomnia, depression and anxiety.

In ancient times, pillows and bedding where sprinkled with lavender flowers to help restless people to fall asleep.  Scientific studies have now proven that aromatherapy with lavender slows down the activity of the nervous system, thereby promoting relaxation and improving sleep quality.

Massage with lavender essential oil increases mental capacity and makes a more stable mood in people suffering from anxiety.  Adding lavender oil to a pre-bedtime bath can soothe your nerves and help you to relax.

In certain European countries, lavender has been approved as a tea to relieve restlessness, insomnia and stomach irritations.

Lavender essential oil is used in inhalation therapy to relieve headaches and exhaustion, and when added to bathwater, it has been proven to relieve muscle aches and pain.

Gels containing lavender extract are commercially available and bring relief to people suffering from the pain of rheumatic conditions.

Research conducted of people with alopecia areata (a disease characterized by hair loss in patches) showed that massaging the scalp with lavender oil daily for several months experienced significant hair regrowth.

Drinking lavender tea helps alleviate gas and bloating and calms an upset stomach quickly.  Pregnant women often drink lavender tea to relieve morning sickness.

Linalool, which is a volatile oil in lavender, relaxes the bronchial passages, thereby reducing allergic reactions and inflammation.  Lavender is often included in herbal remedies to treat asthma, coughs and other respiratory illnesses.  Linalool is also considered an expectorant and an antiseptic.

Topical uses for lavender include soothing burn wounds and relieving the itching associated with allergic skin conditions.  People who suffer from eczema also find relief when applying lavender creams to their skin.  Insect bites and stings are soothed by applying lavender creams.

Outer ear infections are soothed by rubbing lavender oil gently into the outer ear area.

Adding a few drops of lavender oil to your bathwater will soothe mild sunburn.

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

There are few known side effects of lavender, but some people have reported nausea, headaches and chills when absorbing of lavender through the skin.

Pregnant and breast feeding women should consult their health care practitioner before using lavender herbal remedies.

Lavender might increase the effects of over-the-counter sleep aids and sedatives.  Use lavender with caution when taking anti-depressants.

People who use antihistamines to treat hayfever and other allergies have reported that the sedative effect of the antihistamine is increased when using lavender.

To treat and disinfect cuts and scrapes, apply 1 or 2 drops of lavender oil to the wound after rinsing the wound with clean water.

For outer ear ache, apply a few drops of lavender essential oil to the outer ear and rub it in gently.  This can be repeated during the day as often as needed.

To relieve the itching and pain associated with insect bites, gently rub a few drops of lavender oil into the affected area.  You can repeat this as often as needed.  Please seek medical help if you are allergic to bee stings.

To treat mild sunburn, add lavender oil mixed with almond oil to a cool bath.  This treatment is recommended twice a day.  For severe sunburn, seek medical attention.

For stomach upsets and nausea, use 1 teaspoon of dried lavender flowers for each cup of water.  Brew the dried flowers in a teapot with boiled water for 5 to 10 minutes, depending on how strong you want the tea.  Do not brew longer than 10 minutes as it will become too bitter to drink.  Strain the tea and add milk or sugar to taste.

Tags: Health Medical Pharma, hair products, Alopecia areata, inhalation therapy, Medicinal plants

Fever blisters or cold sores are caused by the Herpes simplex virus (HSV-1).  Cold sores are just another name for fever blisters and this name originated because often fever blisters appear during the same time that a patient is suffering from a cold or flu.

Fever blisters first appear three to ten days after exposure to the virus and an outbreak of fever blisters can last up to three weeks. 

Unfortunately, this virus remains in the body and moves into the nervous system.  Outbreaks can be triggered by stress, emotional trauma, a cold or a viral infection, exposure to sun and wind or a weakened immune system.

Fever blisters are highly contagious and studies have shown that children as young as ten carry the virus.

There are several warning signs that a fever blister is about to make its appearance, the most common being the tingling, itching feeling on the lips or around the lips.  As an outbreak of fever blisters usually go hand-in-hand with a weakened immune system, you might find that a day or two before your cold or flu starts, you will have an outbreak of fever blisters.

Having a fever and fatigue are also common symptoms of a fever blister outbreak.  Often the patient will complain of a sore throat and difficulty eating as well.  Fever blisters are simple to identify:  a group of blisters on a painful base that is often hot to the touch and very painful.  The blisters that form will dry up rapidly and leave scabs.  Depending on the severity of the infection, these scabs may last for a few days up to a few weeks.

Fever blister sores are not limited to the lips, it can sometimes be inside the mouth, on the face, and even inside or on the nose.    There are several stages of the development of a fever blister:

     Stage 1:  no sores are visible yet, but there is a tingling, prickling feeling around the affected area.     Stage 2:  swelling starts and the affected area is red and often hot to the touch.     Stage 3:  the first signs of tiny blisters appear and itching and pain increases.     Stage 4:  a soft, very painful ulcer forms. Fever blisters or cold sores are caused by the Herpes simplex virus (HSV-1).

Herpes is a group of viruses that cause painful blisters and sores and the Herpes simplex virus can cause both cold sores around the mouth and genital area.  HSV-1 (herpes simplex virus 1) is responsible for fever blisters and HSV-2 (herpes simplex virus 2) is responsible for sores around the genital area.

HSV-1 is considered to be the most common herpes simplex virus and most people develop it in early childhood.

The Herpes viruses are known as neuroinvasive viruses which mean that they enter and hide in your body”s nervous system.  This unfortunately means that once you have contracted the Herpes simplex virus, you will be prone to outbreaks for the rest of your life.

Once you have contracted the Herpes simplex virus 1, a recurrence can be triggered by stress, fatigue, colds and flu, over-exposure to the sun and wind, a weakened immune system and even changes in hormones such as menstruation.

Fever blisters are extremely contagious and can spread easily to other areas on the face. The HSV-1 virus spreads through direct contact, either skin contact or through contact with the oral secretions from fever blisters.  You can still pass on the virus even when fever blisters are not present.  You can transmit the virus by sharing eating utensils and glasses or cups.

If a person has fever blisters on the mouth, the Herpes simplex virus-1 can be transmitted during oral sex and cause herpes in the genital area.

Touching the fever blister and then touching a mucous membrane will also cause the virus to spread. Mucous membranes are the moist, protective linings found in areas of your body like the nose, eyes, and the inside of the mouth.

Wash your hands regularly to prevent the spread of the virus.

Do not share face towels and face cloths and discard your toothbrush after an outbreak of fever blisters as you might cause re-infection.
The list of herbal supplements and herbal remedies listed here can all help to minimize future outbreaks and speed up the healing process.

The herbal supplements must all be used in combination and often results are seen within a few days.

The most useful and powerful of the herbal remedies recommended for fever blisters is the amino acid lysine.   Lysine is an essential amino acid that the human body cannot synthesize on its own, therefore it needs to be obtained from your diet or from an herbal supplement.  Using a lysine supplement long-term can help to prevent fever blister outbreaks.  Increasing the availability of Lysine in the human body slows the virus replication and inhibits the use of Arginine, which is an amino acid that the Herpes simplex virus 1 utilizes.

Lysine is available in pill form and cream form.  At the onset of an outbreak of fever blisters, start with a dosage of 1000 mg Lysine daily and as the condition improves, take a therapeutic dosage of 500 mg daily.  Lysine cream can be applied topically to the affected areas to reduce the symptoms of painful outbreaks.

1000 mg 3 times a day for flare-ups, then 500 mg a day as a therapeutic doseApply cream to the affected area 2-4 times a day1000 mg vitamin C and 500 mg flavonoids 3 times a day10 000 IU twice a day for 5 days200 mg echinacea and 125 mg goldenseal 4 times a day100-150 mg of each B-vitamin dailyTaking a Flaxseed oil supplement can help in speeding up the healing process by promoting cell renewal.  Recent studies have shown that Vitamin C may be effective in treating fever blisters when applied topically.

Patients with recurring fever blister outbreaks can apply melissa cream regularly to prevent outbreaks.

The herbal supplement and herbal remedies listed here can all be used safely with prescription antiviral creams such as acyclovir, which also promotes the healing of fever blisters.

Using a protective lip balm with an SPF of 15 or higher can prevent fever blister outbreaks.

As mentioned before, do not touch the blisters as you will spread the infection.

Holding an ice cube on the affected areas can help to reduce the pain and swelling associated with fever blisters.

Try to avoid foods that contain the amino acid arginine.  As mentioned, arginine is used by the Herpes simplex virus.  These foods include nuts, chocolate, whole-grain cereals and gelatine.

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: stage 2, nervous system, hsv 1, warning signs, Sexually transmitted diseases and infections

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: tricyclic anti depressants, herbal plant, bacterial infections, treatment of hemorrhoids, treatment of mental and nerve disorders

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: informative topics, Dietary supplements, University of Massachusetts Medical Center, diet exercise, pain in the uterus

The Cherokee and other Native American tribes used Goldenseal for everything from insect bites to eye infections. Today, Goldenseal is officially recognized in 11 countries as an herbal medicine.

Goldenseal is related to the buttercup and is native to North America. Only the roots are used as an herbal medicine.

The name Goldenseal comes from the scars on the previous year”s root growth, which resembles the wax seals used to seal envelopes.

How can Goldenseal help me?

Goldenseal”s primary benefit is its effect on the immune system. Goldenseal does not only increase the immune system’s production of germ-fighting compounds, it also combats viruses and bacteria.

This herbal remedy has a excellent reputation as a natural antibiotic, therefore taking Goldenseal at the onset of a sinus infection will not only relieve the symptoms, but will fight the infection itself.

The berberine content in Goldenseal has very strong antibiotic and antiseptic qualities, which makes this herbal medicine a very effective natural alternative to antibiotics commonly prescribed.

Goldenseal fights the human papilloma virus that causes warts and applying Goldenseal tincture directly to warts can help to heal these unsightly skin lesions.

Goldenseal is also used to treat urinary tract infections as well as intestinal infections.

Goldenseal can be used topically to treat mouth ulcers and sores. Used as a tincture, Goldenseal promotes the healing of the sores. Using Goldenseal as an antiseptic mouthwash is also very effective to treat the inflammation of sore throats.

In treating periodontal disease, Goldenseal destroys the bacteria that cause the disease and relieves inflamed gums.

Cooled Goldenseal tea can be used as an eyewash to relieve and treat eye infections such as conjunctivitis.

Goldenseal was used by the early Native Americans to treat a variety of stomach disorders. Several scientific studies have proven that Goldenseal increases the flow of digestive enzymes, thereby treating heartburn, constipation, indigestion as well as inflamed peptic ulcers.

Goldenseal is also an effective herbal remedy used to cool a nauseated stomach.

Goldenseal soothes inflamed mucous membranes and has long been used to treat infections of the respiratory system because it eases congestion.

As Goldenseal is one of the main herbal remedies used to strengthen your immune system, it is very effective in treating disorders associated with a weakened immune system, such as shingles and cold sores.

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

Pregnant or lactating women should not use Goldenseal or any herbs containing berberine.

Goldenseal limits the efficacy of anticoagulants such as Warfarin.

If you are taking antibiotics such as tetracycline, do not use Goldenseal in conjunction with the antibiotics.

People with glaucoma should not use Goldenseal to treat eye infections.

As Goldenseal is a natural antiseptic, it can reduce the presence of “excellent” bacteria in the digestive system, thereby causing diarrhea and nausea.

Prolonged use of Goldenseal can affect the absorption of the B-group of vitamins.

Do not take Goldenseal for prolonged periods of time, rather use it in rotation with other immune-support herbal remedies such as Echinacea.

To treat colds, flu and other respiratory illnesses, start taking 125 mg of Goldenseal five times a day for five days as soon as you start feeling ill.

For urinary tract infections, drink several cups of Goldenseal tea a day for a period of 3 days.

To help in healing cold sores and shingles, take 125 mg of Goldenseal four times a day.

Apply Goldenseal tincture directly to mouth ulcers and warts three times a day.

To make an eyewash from Goldenseal, use one teaspoon of dried herb per 500 ml of hot water. Let the tea steep and then make sure that you strain it thoroughly to avoid any gritty bits staying behind. Use the cooled Goldenseal tea as an eyewash three times a day.

Tags: antiseptic mouthwash, insect bites, Medicinal plants, mouth ulcers, stomach disorders