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, chest pain, several species, herbal remedies, traditional Chinese medicine

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tags: breast cancer, sun sensitivity, gynecological problems, Health Medical Pharma, Dong Quai

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tags: Medicinal plants, herbal medicine, rich blood, macular degeneration, herbal treatment

Are you looking for a herbal medicine to treat a skin disorder?

If you have itching skin, burns, blisters or any other skin related disorders, then herbal Aloe can help you.

Find out the origins and uses of this powerful herbal remedy.

Learn how it can treat your skin disorders and bring relief to your skin conditions.

Over 500 species of Aloe are found growing worldwide. Aloe is a succulent in the Lily family and the fleshy leaves of the Aloe plant provide a gel that has been used since the reign of Cleopatra.

Egyptian healers described the use of Aloe as far back as 1500 BC and African hunters have long used Aloe to hide their scent from their prey.

Modern healers have used Aloe since the 1930s for various skin ailments such as skin ulcers and cuts and abrasions.

Commercial growers cultivate Aloe in the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Japan and the United States.

Even though scientists are not exactly sure how Aloe works, they have identified several of the active ingredients. Aloe is rich in anti-inflammatory substances and the gel contains a gummy material which acts as a soothing skin cream.

Aloe contains a compound called bradykininase that helps to treat pain and reduce swelling. In addition, Aloe also contains magnesium lactate which soothes itching skin.

Acemannan is a newly learned compound found in Aloe that is being studied for its ability to strengthen the immune system by boosting T-lymphocyte cells.

Aloe leaf juice can relieve the pain of burns and even prevent blisters from forming. As a topical herbal medicine, Aloe gel decreases inflammation, redness and accelerates wound healing.

This herbal medicine helps in keeping the skin supple and has long been used to relieve the itching associated with insect bites and skin allergies. By increasing the availability of oxygen to the skin, Aloe is a powerful herbal skin healer.

Aloe gel has been used for many years as an effective herbal treatment for sunburn, by soothing and calming the redness and inflammation caused by over exposure to the sun.

Studies have shown that Aloe gel has antiviral effects and is therefore a natural healing product used in treating warts.

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

Aloe juice contains anti-inflammatory fatty acids that are helpful for the colon, small intestine and the stomach. This herbal medicine is a natural alkalizer that prevents over acidity which is a common cause of indigestion.

Aloe juice has also been used by herbalists as a natural digestive tract cleanser, balancing and soothing the digestive system.

Aloe Vera juice has been found by Japanese scientists to inhibit stomach secretions and lesions; therefore this herbal plant is an effective treatment against peptic ulcers.

American scientists are conducting research into the use of Aloe Vera juice as a treatment for people with ulcerative colitis which is a common type of inflammatory bowel disease.

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

Topical applications of Aloe are very safe; but in rare cases a mild, allergic skin reaction has been noted. Simply discontinue use if this occurs.

Never use Aloe juice if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Aloe juice can have a laxative effect if the recommended dosage is exceeded. A form of Aloe, called Aloe latex, is a powerful laxative and should only be used under your doctor or herbalist’s recommendation.

Aloe dilates blood vessels known as capillaries, allowing blood to get to an injury; therefore care should be taken when using Aloe together with blood thinning medicine such as Warfarin as it can cause the skin to bleed easily.

Topically, Aloe gel can be applied repeatedly, especially in the case of burns. This will also prevent painful blisters from forming.

Fresh Aloe gel from a broken leaf of this herbal plant is the most effective and economical way to topically apply the gel.

For topical herbal treatments to be effective, it should contain at least 20 percent Aloe.

For internal use, Aloe juice can be taken between meals. Make sure that the Aloe juice contains at least 98 percent Aloe and does not contain aloin or aloe-emodin.

Aloe juice can also be added to your bathwater as a soothing herbal skin remedy by simply adding a cup or two of the Aloe juice to your bathwater.

Tags: lily family, Product Issues, aloe plant, herbal treatment, Alternative medicine

Kava Kava, often just know as Kava, is a member of the pepper family and this shrub thrives on many South Pacific islands.

The name “Kava Kava” refers not only to the plant but also to a traditional drink that played a role in religious rituals amongst the Pacific Islanders.

Kava Kava root contains a number of compounds that have a wide range of therapeutic uses.

In many European countries, doctors are prescribing Kava Kava as an herbal medicine for treating anxiety, stress and insomnia.

This herbal medicine has been successfully used in treating panic attacks as well as preventing this often debilitating condition.

Kava Kava has been prescribed for people who are trying to stop smoking because of its calming effects.

Kava Kava can also be used as an herbal treatment for sore, aching muscles due to its muscle-relaxing properties. This also makes Kava Kava a useful herbal medicine to treat the pain associated with arthritis and rheumatism.

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

If you have Parkinson”s disease do not use Kava Kava as it may make symptoms worse.

Pregnant and lactating women should not use Kava Kava.

Stomach upsets are the most common side effects of this herbal medicine. Continued use of high doses of Kava Kava can lead to skin rashes and muscle weakness.

Do not use Kava Kava with any prescription anti-depressants, tranquilizers and alcohol.

The recommended dose is 250mg of a standardized Kava Kava extract two to three times daily.

The third dose can be taken 30 minutes before bedtime.

Tags: aching muscles, fight stress, Panic Attacks, pacific islanders, Tongan culture

To minimize the effects of this disease, psoriasis herbal treatment are often beneficial.

Psoriasis (Alphos, Lepra Alphos) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease suffered by millions of Americans. This is characterized by dry, well defined, reddish patches, fairy large and covered with an abundance of silvery scales.

These patches are are most commonly found on the scalp, the knees, the elbows, the nails, or the sacral region. But, in a severe case, no part of the body surface is exempt from the eruption. It also cause problems with nails and joints.

Persons suffering with this disease should avoid tea, coffee, tobacco, and especially alcoholic liquors. Psoriasis is not contagious. General improvement in health habits offers the most hope for the psoriasis sufferer through herbal treatment are very beneficial in the following herbs:

Yellow dock: It relieves acne, psoriasis and other skin diseases.

dandelion root: This herb is a blood purifier and brilliant for skin diseases.

Sarsaparilla root: This herb is effective in all skin ailments such as eczema, psoriasis, ringworm, arthritis and rheumatism.

Nettle leaves: The fresh boiled nettle leaves will stop bleeding and promote healing. It can be applied to the skin or taken internally as a remedy for rashes and pimples.

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Tags: skin ailments, sarsaparilla root, blood purifier, tea coffee, nettle leaves

When a sinus infection attacks, it can linger for weeks and not only cause physical symptoms, but emotional distress. Faced with a flood of over the counter medications, many consumers are opting for herbal remedies to treat sinusitis.

It’s more than just a runny nose or a headache that won’t go away. When sinusitis strikes, your entire body is fatigued and it seems as if it’s a common cold that you can’t get rid of. In reality, your sinuses are in need of an herbal treatment to repair the hurt being done to your body and set you on a path to wellness.

The National Center for Health Statistics says that sinusitis is the single most common disorder affecting American today. Herbal remedies treat the symptoms, including congestion, headaches, and pressure in the head.

Unlike a viral or bacterial infection, sinusitis just means that your sinuses are inflamed. Herbs can help cause the sinuses to return to normal quicker, since many sinus infections last for three months or longer.

Doctors will generally prescribe antibiotics, but they do nothing to prepare the body against a recurring attack. Plus, they tend to compromise the amount of excellent bacteria living in your sinuses to help ward off infection. Herbs, on the other hand, provide a natural balance to your body and enable it to get stronger and fight off infection for excellent.

The key to beating and keeping sinus infections at bay is to get your immune system healthy. Echinacea is one herbal immune booster that helps with inflammation and protects your mucus membranes from being pierced by infectious bacteria. A single capsule of 150-300 mg or 1 teaspoon fluid extract mixed with 1 cup of water is sufficient to treat your sinuses.

Goldenseal is another natural herbal remedy used to treat sinus infections. Its immune-enhancing properties help with the natural flow of mucus, helping your body get rid of toxins that are slowing you down. You can start treatment with a 250-500 mg capsule or 1 teaspoon of fluid extract combined with a cup of water.

Two other herbs commonly used to treat sinus infections are nettle and licorice, using the same doses as in Goldenseal treatments. Regardless of which herb you use to treat your own sinus infection, make sure you take every available precaution to fortify your immune system so that your body has it in it to fight off infection the next time it’s faced with an unfriendly bacterial infection.

Tags: natural flow, Health Medical Pharma, General practice, sinus infection, infectious bacteria