Western researchers have studied Cat’s Claw since the 1970′s and European doctors have used this herb since the 1980′s.

The name is derived from two curved thorns at the base of the plant’s leaves that resemble a cat’s claws.

There are dozens of related Cat’s Claw species, but two specific ones are harvested in Peru and Brazil for use as herbal remedies.

Native Indians have long used the bark to make tea to treat wounds, stomach ailments and arthritis.

Scientific studies have identified several active ingredients that enhance activity of the immune system and inhibit inflammation.

Anti-viral, anti-microbial and anti-tumor properties have been attributed to Cat’s Claw.

Cat’s Claw has anti-inflammatory effects that have proven to be beneficial in the treatment of arthritis, rheumatism, gout and bursitis.

Used as an anti-oxidant, Cat’s Claw helps to protect cell from hurt caused by free radicals.

German and Austrian doctors prescribe Cat’s Claw to stimulate the immune systems of cancer patients that have been weakened by chemotherapy.

Studies conducted on animals have shown that Cat’s Claw roots and bark contain compounds called procyanidolic oligomers (PCO’s), which inhibit tumours.

Other compounds identified in this herbal medicine stimulate immune cells called phagocytes which “devour” viruses and other disease-causing organisms.

Cat’s Claw has been successfully used to combat sinus infections as well as other upper respiratory-tract infections.

Cat’s Claw can be used to treat viral infections such as herpes and can also be used by HIV positive patients to boost their immune systems.

Recently, scientists have been researching the use of Cat’s Claw to treat Alzheimer’s.

Cat’s Claw is prescribed by health practitioners to cleanse the intestinal tract, thereby assisting patients suffering from many different stomach and bowel disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome, leaky bowel syndrome, diverticulitis, gastritis, ulcers and even Crohn’s disease.

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

No known side effects have been reported when using Cat’s Claw at the recommended dosages.

People who use higher doses than recommended have reported nausea and headaches and using high doses over extended periods can adversely affect your immune system.

Pregnant women and women who are trying to get pregnant should not use Cat’s Claw under any circumstance as this herbal remedy was once used to prevent pregnancy and to abort pregnancies.

Take 250 mg of a standardized extract in pill form twice a day. You can combine or alternate Cat’s Claw with other immune boosting herbal medicines such as Echinacea or goldenseal.

Make sure when purchasing Cat’s Claw products that it is made from Uncaria tomentosa or U. guianensis as many products commercially available do not really contain Cat’s Claw, but herbs that carry the same name.

Cat’s Claw tea is available from health stores. Use one or two teaspoons of the dried extract per cup of hot water. You can drink up to three cups of tea daily.

Tags: upper respiratory tract, free radicals, stomach disorders, Health Medical Pharma, respiratory tract infections

Ancient Indian herbal remedy for hair and scalp care. Causes actual regrowth of lost hair, strengthens existing hair preventing loss and cures scalp conditions such as dandruff.

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Tags: herbal remedy, Baldness treatments, Hair care, scalp care, scalp conditions

Practicing as a medical doctor, I have treated hundreds of patients suffering from sinus infection using only natural remedies. The essence of my long practice is summarized in my e-book.

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Tags: Alternative medicine, sinus infection, Human Interest, home remedies, medical doctor

Learn how to get rid of constipation using natural remedies. All aspects of colon and constipation are covered.

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Tags: Human Interest, Hospitality Recreation, Colorectal cancer, Health Medical Pharma, natural remedies

Enhance your life with Natural Health Remedies – Aromatherapy, Self-Hypnosis for Weight Loss, Quit Smoking, Relieve Pain and Stress and learn Sensual Massage. Get Rid of Headaches, Anxiety and Panic Attacks – Relax and Sleep like a baby…

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Tags: Mind-body interventions, natural health remedies, hypnosis for weight loss, self hypnosis, Human Interest

Q: I recently heard about supplements and other products that can reduce or reverse gray hair. Is there any truth in these products or are they bogus? Thanks for any input.

Answer:

There is no scientific evidence that any diet, herb, supplement, or product can reduce or reverse gray hair, but, there are some underlying conditions that may result in premature gray and some ancient approaches you might be interested in.

It might help to first know why we get gray hair. Hair color is produced by tiny hair pigment cells within our hair follicles called melanocytes. As we age, the activity of these melanocytes gradually declines until they stop making pigment. New hairs grown in without pigment, resulting in gray hair.

Each one of us has a genetically determined time when we will get gray hair. Although nothing can stop hair from turning gray, there are some conditions that can cause hair to gray earlier or more quickly than normal. Thyroid disorders. Conditions such as Grave’s disease, Hashimoto’s disease, hyperthyroidism, and hypothyroidism have been linked with premature gray hair.

Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia. It can be due to a diet low in vitamin B12, which is found mainly in meat, eggs, and milk. It can also occur if the stomach can’t absorb vitamin B12, due to surgery involving the stomach or small intestine (such as gastric bypass surgery), diseases that affect the small intestine, such as Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, fish tapeworms, or small intestine bacterial overgrowth, or a lack of protein called intrinsic factor due to an autoimmune reaction or a genetic defect.

Vitiligo. A condition in which your skin loses melanocytes, resulting in very light patches of skin and possibly premature gray hair.
Early menopause

Smoking. Cigarette smoking has been linked to premature gray hair. Addressing these underlying conditions, in some cases, may help to prevent hair from going premature gray.

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda, the traditional medicine of India, premature gray hair reflects an underlying disturbance.

Hair, according to TCM, reflects the quality of blood and the strength of the kidneys. The kidneys and blood have a broader role in TCM than they do in Western physiology.

Foods that are thought to strengthen the blood and kidneys are: Hijiki seaweed
Blackstrap molasses
Black sesame seeds
Nettles
Wheat grass
ChlorophyllKeep in mind though that consuming excessive amounts of these foods is not recommended. For example, excessive amounts of iodine (from seaweed) may increase the risk of developing thyroid problems, which itself is a cause of premature gray hair.

Foods to avoid, according to TCM, are excessive meat, dairy, and salt

Many commercial products that claim to restore hair’s natural color contain herbs that are used in TCM to strengthen the kidneys and blood. The most well loved is a herb called He Shou Wu, also called Polygonum multiflorum or Fo-Ti.

The name He Shou Wu means “black-haired Mr. He” in Chinese. This name refers to a legend of an older villager named Mr. He who took this herb and restored his black hair, youthful appearance and vitality.

He Shou Wu isn’t right for everyone with grey hair, say TCM practitioners, which is why a consultation is recommended. If used improperly, it is thought to lead to emotional ailments such as rage or depression. For more information about He Shou Wu, read the He Shou Wu / Fo-Ti Fact Sheet.

In ayurveda, hair is associated with an imbalance in the pitta constitutional type. An imbalance in the vata constitutional type, aggravated by stress, is also associated with premature greying.

A herb that is used in Ayurveda for gray hair is called bringaraja, translated as “king of the hair”. It is taken by mouth to support the liver and kidney energies, but, there aren’t any studies on the safety or effectiveness of this herb. It is also an ingredient in Ayurvedic hair oils and tonics, which are applied topically to the scalp.

Another well loved Ayurvedic herb is called amla. It is used for inflammatory conditions, to strengthen eyes, and to address prematurely gray hair.

Tags: crohn s disease, light patches, chinese medicine, inflammatory conditions, gastric bypass surgery

A healthy growth of hair is a desired thing for everybody especially in women as the free flowing, shiny and gorgeous hair describes her beauty as a whole. So if there starts a sudden hair fall it can be a nightmare to anyone and Alopecia in men is equally undesirable. People in general are rather conscious about their hair much more than the overall health.

Hair fall can occur due to indigestion, deficiency of nutrients in the body, sudden gain or loss in weight or due to prolonged suffering from any disease. Women generally face hair loss due to anemia or pregnancy. Side effects of any medication may also lead to hair loss.

Herbal Treatments for Hair Loss

Now-a-days a number of shampoos, hair potions, hair oils are promoted through the media and those are readily accessible to everybody. But whether those products are worth trying or not leaves much room for discussion. The naturally occurring herbs have been tested through ages and their efficacy is beyond any doubt.

1. Aloe Vera improves blood circulation and stimulates hair growth. It also prevents alopecia. Application of aloe directly on the scalp prevents hair fall and promotes growth of hair.

2. Arnica – Oil extracted from the dried arnica flowers has inflammable properties that reduce the dandruff making the scalp healthy helping in hair growth. The oil also stimulates the hair follicles that strengthens the hair and even prevents premature graying of the hair.

3. Birch – Many people try the birch oil which is believed to promote hair growth and prevents sudden thinning of hair.

4. Green tea has catechins that reduce alopecia in males. Drinking 3-4 cups of green tea daily or taking green tea capsules is beneficial in treating hair loss.

5. Brahmi has antioxidant properties and it provides nourishment to the hair and promotes growth of the hair. Moreover it fights dandruff and prevents the hair from splitting.

6. Chamomile herb is excellent to fight dandruff and it also prevents dryness of the scalp. It strengthens the hair and cures the hurt caused by some internal disorders.

7. Catmint herb is used for rinsing after washing the hair. This prevents itching of the scalp that prevents the hair loss.

8. Onion helps in hair growth if applied externally before washing off the hair. Onion is rich in sulphur which helps in the healing of any hurt on the scalp.

Health of the hair largely depends on the general condition of the body. Eating nutrient rich diet, drinking plenty of water and having sufficient sleep all contributes to shiny and attractive mane.

Tags: thinning of hair, internal disorders, Hair care, hair growth, green tea capsules

Most people don’t reckon of healing their eyes, but instead simply go out and buy eyeglasses or contact lenses. I was part of this group until several years ago I heard of a few techniques around naturally healing eyesight. I approached these with skepticism, but found after a few weeks my eyesight did improve! After several months, I had no need for my glasses, and I haven’t looked back since. Here are some of the exercises I used:

1) Sunning. Close your eyes, and face towards the sun (or a bright light held closely indoors). Sway your head from side to side very slowly, and feel the rays of the sun permeating and flowing into your eyes. If your eyes water, that’s fine, it is a sign of the eyes healing. Really delight in the feeling and sensation of warmth and healing. Do this for anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes.

2) Palming. Try to do this following sunning. Take your hands, cup them, and place them over your eyes (you might want to lean your elbows on a table with a pillow or a soft surface so you are comfortable). Make sure you block out all the light from your eyes, and visualize darkness (the colour black). Try to visualize blacker and blacker. Do this for 5 to 15 minutes as well.

3) Eye Gymnastics. With your eyes open, slowly dart your eyes to the left, then the right, then up, then down. Now top left to bottom right, now top right to bottom left. Do this 5 to 10 times.

4) Massage. Massage your eyebrows right under your eyes thoroughly, massage the top of the bridge of your nose, massage your temples, massage the top of your cheekbones (this is a forgotten one, but massage right at the top of your cheekbones where they meet your eye sockets.) Push down on each location and hold for 5 to 10 seconds each. This is a very relaxing one and can be done at any time (I delight in doing this whenever I feel stressed or my eyes hurt, it provides a fantastic escape and feeling.

Another option on top of these is an eye improvement supplement – I have no personally tried any so I can not endorse them, but I have heard success tales about these. You can pick them up at your local health food stores (usually they are in the form of drops you just place into water)

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Tags: fantastic escape, local health food stores, Orthopedic surgery, eye sockets, 15 minutes

Although widely touted as a healthy alternative to synthetic pharmaceuticals, herbal treatments must be used with caution and by someone who knows what they’re doing. You want to be knowledgeable about what you place into (or on) your body before you ingest a perilous amount of an herb you’re not familiar with.

Many companies sell herbs off the Internet without any verifiable way to back up their claims or even that you’re receiving the kind of herb you’re investing in. You want to only buy from a reputable company that delivers herbs you can trust.

Make sure you’re working toward preventative health, and not simply treatments or cures for diseases or ailments you encounter from time to time. Herbal medicine works best when you try to maintain a balance within your body, not when you seek out help solely to fix an immediate problem.

Whenever you buy herbs, you want to know what the plant does and how much you can safely consume of it. If you’re on any other medications, you’ll want to check with your physician first to determine if you’ll have any unsafe interaction between the natural and synthetic medications.

Many herbal distributors will place directions for use on the packages, but some do not. Make sure you have valid information before you ingest or apply any herb without understanding its effects and dosage. You can usually find ample amounts of information about an herb’s abilities online, so be sure you order the right herb for the right ailment.

Whenever you start taking an herb for the first time, you’ll want to use precaution and start with smaller doses until you make sure you’re not going to have an allergic reaction, just as you could any synthetic medication. Start with a test sample and then if all goes well, increase it to the recommended dose.

Some people hope to avoid going to a doctor and instead treat all of their ailments – from the insignificant to the serious – using herbal remedies. It’s always best to consult your doctor before you start using herbal treatments whether alone or in conjunction with other medications he or she prescribes.

Tags: Health Medical Pharma, Human Interest, herbal medicine, Herbal tea, traditional Chinese medicine