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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tags: psyllium plant, plantago psyllium, digestive complaints, excess water, lowering cholesterol

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: Diabetes mellitus, discomfort constipation, ibs symptoms, lactose intolerance, pain discomfort

At some point in life, most women will experience the unpleasant symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection.  If you are prone to these infections, you will be glad to know that there are natural supplements that can help in treating and preventing these infections.

Candida albicans is the organism that is responsible for the majority of yeast infections and is normally present in your body in harmless amounts.  An overgrowth of this organism can but cause problems, one of them being a vaginal yeast infection.  Should something disturb the normal balance of yeast and bacteria or even the pH level in the vagina, yeast can multiply rapidly and grow uncontrolled.

Vaginal yeast infections are not the only problems that appear, diaper rash and thrush are also caused by an over-abundance of Candida albicans.  The word candidiasis is used to describe infections in various parts of the body caused by Candida albicans, the most common being the mouth, ears, nose, toenails and fingernails, gastrointestinal tract and the vagina.

A yeast infection is likely to develop when your immune system is weakened by stress, lack of sleep or an illness.  Certain antibiotics such as tetracycline can cause yeast infections because it destroys harmful bacteria as well as the “friendly” bacteria that keep yeast levels normal.  Because all yeasts feed on sugar, a diet high in sugar can cause Candida albicans to thrive.  Chemotherapy is also a well known cause of candidiasis.  People who suffer from diabetes report an increase in yeast infections as well.

There is a wide array of symptoms associated with yeast infections and because of this, this disorder is easily misdiagnosed.

Listed below are some of the main symptoms:

• Recurrent urinary tract infections
• Painful and frequent urination
• Vaginal burning, itching and a white, curd like vaginal discharge with sometimes a strong odour
• Unusual menstrual cramping
• Muscle and joint pain
• White patches in the mouth (thrush)
• Skin irritation in the folds of the skin, especially in the groin area or under the breasts
• Abdominal pain and bloating, indigestion and heartburn
• Constipation or diarrhea

Both men and women can be affected by yeast infections, although the incidence is higher in women than men.  This is because of hormonal changes during pregnancy and the use of birth control pills.  Women who have a yeast infection when giving birth can transmit this disease to the newborn.  Yeast infections are rarely sexually transmitted, but care should be taken when either partner has candidiasis.

Acidophilus is what is commonly referred to as a “friendly” bacteria that inhabit your digestive tract.  There are some 500 species of these beneficial bacteria, but the most helpful is two strains of Lactobacillus bacteria:  acidophilus and bifidus.  Both these strains are probiotics, which means that they help maintain a proper balance of health-promoting intestinal bacteria.

Taking an acidophilus supplement along with an immune-boosting herbal supplement such as echinacea, can restore the normal balance of healthy bacteria in both the gastrointestinal tract and the vagina.  Certain vitamins such as B12, K, thiamine and folic acid are also supplied by taking acidophilus supplements.

Studies have shown that when an acidophilus suppository or douche is used, it can effectively treat and prevent vaginal yeast infections.  In fact, if you are taking a course of antibiotics or using birth control pills, it is recommended that you take a probiotic supplement daily to ensure that a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria is maintained.

For your colon to be healthy, it should contain at least 85 percent lactobacilli (acidophilus and bifidus) and 14 percent coliform bacteria (the healthy type of E.coli).  Acidophilus makes an inhospitable environment for harmful strains of E.coli as well as for salmonella, streptococcus and many other perilous and life-threatening bacteria.

Other benefits of acidophilus include reducing the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease, which is a chronic inflammation of the intestines.  Diarrhea caused by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is also relieved because acidophilus supplements replenish the beneficial intestinal bacteria lost because of diarrhea.

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

Very few side effects have been reported, even with prolonged use of acidophilus supplements.  If acidophilus is ingested in large quantities, it may cause diarrhea and other gastrointestinal complaints.

Make sure that when you buy acidophilus supplements that they contain live cultures or active cultures.  Also check the expiry date to make sure that you do not buy a batch that will be ineffective.  Store your acidophilus supplement in a cool, dry place such as the refrigerator because heat can easily kill live cultures.

To promote intestinal health, take one or two capsules daily.  Check the mark of the acidophilus supplement to make sure that it contains at least a billion live organisms.  When taking acidophilus orally, take it at least half an hour before meals.  If you are taking antibiotics, do not take the supplement at the same time as the antibiotics and continue taking the acidophilus even after completing the course of antibiotics.

To make a vaginal douche, mix two teaspoons of acidophilus powder in a liter of warm water.  Use twice daily for up to 10 days to restore the normal bacterial growth in the vagina.  Do not use the douche for prolonged periods as this can cause irritation.

Tags: natural supplements, candida albicans, yeast infection, Lactobacillus acidophilus, vaginal discharge

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: Menstrual cycle, european settlers, hormone progesterone, holistic health care, Tropical agriculture

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: University of Kiel, ml peppermint oil, herbal remedy, less bloating, Taichung Veterans General Hospital

Fibromyalgia is a rheumatic disorder that is characterized by widespread muscle pain and fatigue that has no physical cause.

People suffering from FMS will wake up feeling tired and lethargic and will experience aching and stabbing muscle pain. These pains often disappear throughout the day.

Symptoms of Fibromyalgia may be constant or can disappear and then recur months later. Females are more susceptible to Fibromyalgia than males and FMS often starts to manifest in early adulthood.

As with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, FMS is very hard to diagnose as blood tests and x-rays show no abnormalities.

The most distinctive feature of Fibromyalgia is the existence of “tender points” that specialists use to diagnose and distinguish Fibromyalgia.

The “tender points” refer to eighteen specific spots where the muscles will be abnormally tender to the touch. These points are clustered around the neck, shoulders, chest, knees, hips and the elbow region and will include the following:

At the insertion of the second ribIn the middle of the knee jointAround the lower vertebra of the neckIn muscles of the neck and upper backIn muscles connected to the base of the skullIn muscles of the mid-backIn the upper and outer muscles of the buttocksOn the side of the elbow

People who suffer from Fibromyalgia also suffer from various sleep disorders, all of which contribute to the extreme fatigue experienced.

Alpha-EEG anomaly – the individual’s deep sleep period is interrupted by bouts of waking-type brain activity, i.e. the person is wide awake for long periods of time and literally cannot shut off their thoughts

Sleep apnea – a condition where the individual will stop breathing for a few seconds and the brain automatically “shocks” the body awake to start breathing

Restless leg syndrome – the individual will complain that as he/she is falling asleep, their legs start to involuntarily twitch and the only way to relieve this is to go the limbs

Other disorders common in people suffering from Fibromyalgia:

HeadachesJaw painMenstrual painChemical and/or food allergiesDizziness and loss of balanceIrritable bowel syndromeMemory loss and difficulty in concentratingA sensitivity to bright light and loud noisesSensitivity to dairy productsSkin sensitivitiesStiffness and pain in the morning and when walking

In most cases of FMS, symptoms are severe enough to interfere with daily activities. A number of people suffering from Fibromyalgia are really disabled by the disorder.

The exact cause of FMS is not known. Some experts suggest that the condition is due to low levels of serotonin which is a chemical that transmits messages throughout the brain and the nervous system.

Other researchers have found that some patients with Fibromyalgia have extremely high levels of substance P, which is believed to transmit pain messages from the body to the brain. People with FMS are therefore much more sensitive pain-producing stimuli.

A severe injury, a weak immune system and long-standing psychological stress are all common factors associated with Fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome have been closely linked and symptoms often overlap each other.

Chronic pain sufferers tend to have a magnesium deficiency and a magnesium supplement is therefore crucial. Magnesium is vital for muscle relaxation and Malic acid should be added as this assists the body with magnesium absorption.

St. John’s Wort assists in raising serotonin levels which can improve pain tolerance.

Using Kava Kava or Valerian to aid sleep will help the patient in combating fatigue associated with Fibromyalgia.

Vitamin C and grape seed extracts are powerful anti-oxidants and protect cells from hurt.

Evening Primrose oil eases rheumatoid pain.

150 mg magnesium and 600 mg malic acid twice a day

Eat a well balanced diet that consists of mainly fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, raw nuts and seeds and fish. These foods supply nutrients that renew your energy levels and boost your immune system.

Try to eat at least four small meals during the day to keep a constant supply of carbohydrates and proteins available. Carbohydrates and proteins are essential for proper muscle function.

Drink plenty of water – at least 8 glasses a day and include fresh fruit and vegetable juices. Liquids help to flush out toxins and help in reducing muscle spasms and pain.

Cut out caffeine and refined sugars found in foods such as chocolates and soft drinks.

Include pomegranates and pomegranate juice as this fruit has anti-inflammatory properties.

Regular moderate exercise will be beneficial to keep muscles flexible.

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: Sleep disorders, Exercise physiology, rheumatic disorder, muscle spasms, chronic fatigue syndrome

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: Uncaria tomentosa, bowel disorders, immune systems, respiratory tract infections, leaky bowel syndrome

It started as a fiber for weaving and remains as the basis of natural linen fabrics.

Flaxseed is the seed of the flax plant, which is believed to have originated in Egypt. It grows throughout Canada and the northwestern United States.

Flaxseed oil comes from flaxseeds and the seeds themselves are used for therapeutic purposes.

It is a slender annual and bears blue flowers from February to September.

Flaxseed is also known as linseed.

Flaxseeds are a potent source of essential fatty acids (EFA”s) which are fats and oils critical for health. The human body cannot make these fats on its own.

One specific EFA, alpha-linolenic acid, is more widely known as omega-3 fatty acid. This essential stout is found in fish and flaxseeds and has been acclaimed in recent years for its ability to fight heart disease.

Flaxseeds also contain omega-6 fatty acids, which are the healthy fats found in vegetable oils.

Flaxseeds provide substances called lignans, which studies have shown to have beneficial effects on various hormones and may also help to fight bacteria, fungi, viruses and even some types of cancer.

Flaxseed can be used as an herbal remedy to treat constipation due to the high amounts of soluble fiber that it contains.

In addition, Flaxseed oil has shown to be beneficial in treating irritable bowel syndrome and inflammation of the colon the herbal way. Flaxseed supplements have proven to be a natural herbal remedy for treating and preventing gallstones.

Essential fatty acids found in Flaxseed help throughout the body to protect cell membranes – the outer coverings for all cells that allow healthy nutrients to be absorbed and keep damaging substances out.

Flaxseed can be used as an alternative herbal medicine if you have high cholesterol. Flaxseed also protects against heart disease, angina and high blood pressure. Studies in the USA have shown that Flaxseed can even prevent a second heart attack.

Anti-inflammatory properties in Flaxseed make this herbal medicine a excellent supplement to treat lupus and gout and even painful arthritic conditions.

Flaxseed oil is prescribed by herbal practitioners to treat acne and associated skin conditions. Flaxseed supplements are beneficial to sufferers of psoriases and eczema.

Flaxseed oil is an brilliant herbal medicine that boosts the health of your hair and nails by making it less brittle and prone to breakage.

Flaxseed oil can even be used to treat sunburn.

Research is being conducted into Flaxseed’s ability to facilitate the transmission of nerve impulses which can make this herbal remedy useful to treat numbness and tingling in limbs.

Studies in Canada have shown positive results in using Flaxseed to reduce the risk of colon cancer, breast cancer and prostrate cancer.

Flaxseed improves uterine function, making this herbal remedy a potential treatment for fertility problems.

Flaxseed has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to ease menstrual cramps and even the pain and discomfort of fibrocystic breasts.

A main component of Flaxseed is phyto-estrogens, which is a plant based estrogen. This herbal medicine can therefore be used to balance the ratio of estrogen to progesterone.

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

Few side-effects with Flaxseeds or Flaxseed oil have been reported.

Like any fiber supplement that you take, you need to make sure that you drink plenty of water, otherwise it could worsen constipation.

Do not take Flaxseed supplements at the same time as other prescription medicines as Flaxseed can cause problems with the absorption of other drugs.

Flaxseed supplements work best when taken with food.

In very rare cases, chest pains, breathing problems, skin hives and itchy, swollen skin have been reported. Discontinue use of Flaxseed supplements immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.

Liquid Flaxseed oil is the simplest way to get a therapeutic dose of this herbal medicine. From one teaspoon to one tablespoon daily is recommended, depending on your needs.

To supplement your fiber intake, mix one or two tablespoons of grounds Flaxseeds with a glass of water and drink this herbal remedy up to three times daily. The fiber treatment may take up to two days to act.

Flaxseed oil spoils very quickly so make sure that you check the expiry date before purchasing this herbal medicine.

Flaxseed supplements come in capsule form as well but are very expensive as it takes more than a dozen capsules to equal the benefits of one tablespoon of pure Flaxseed oil.

Tags: therapeutic purposes, blue flowers, breast cancer, flax plant, high cholesterol

Herbs for diseases are found worldwide and from extensive research if one herb cannot be gotten, then there is another with the same qualities to treat various conditions.

A remedy to improve and cure diseases is constantly researched by scientists. Some of these answers can be found in the medicinal herbs found right around us. Herbs are from God and are given to us for the prevention of disease and sickness.

The Romans and Greeks used as many as 150 herbs for respiration or inhalation therapy. Some of their favorite herbs for diseases were colts-foot, rosemary, chamomile and thyme.

Many drugs today are originally derived from herbal sources. The fresh leaves of hyssop were once the host of penicillin, which a lot of country folks used to prevent infections in wounds and also skin sores.

Herbs for diseases include yarrow which is used as a blood cleanser, ephedra is used for bronchitis and coughs, sassafras is used as a blood cleanser and tonic. Sassafras herb is also considered as a wonder medicine for venereal disease and was imported by Sir Walter Raleigh. Mandrake or mandragora officinaram is a member of the tomato family. It was analyzed in 1889 and found to contain painkilling alkaloids used to ease the pain of childbirth as well as induce abortion. American mandrake or May apple was found to be effective in the treatment of blood and lung cancer.

The following herbs for diseases are just a few among the many found to be safe and natural to use. Most of them can be found in my garden and I have been personally using them for my health benefits. I guess this is a hand me down inherited from my grandmother.

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Aloe Vera: This is one of the best healing herbs to clean the colon and to ease constipation.

Basil: This medicinal herb is excellent for stomach aches and to stop vomiting. I have basil plants right in my backyard.

Burdock: Use the root to purify the blood. The tea is brilliant for skin diseases. This herb is very powerful.

Camomile: A tonic of this herb is excellent for a weak stomach and is also useful to women who experience irregular monthly period.

Cayenne: This is One of my favorites. I used it often in my cooking. This is a very stimulating herb and is used for many conditions including new and ancient ulcers and colds.

Cinnamon: Do you want to serve a fantastic tasting porridge? Place 2 cinnamon leaves in any porridge, especially cornmeal and I guarantee that you will delight in your porridge better than before. The result will be a fantastic tasting flavor. This herb is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Comfrey: If you are suffering from asthma and any lungs condition then this is the herb to use. A poultice of the fresh leaves is beneficial for wounds.

Dandelion: Both the leaves and the roots are used for various ailments. This herb is a blood purifier and brilliant for skin diseases. It has a fantastic effect on female organs.

Echinacea: This herb is brilliant for infections and is also a blood cleanser.

Fennel: This herb is effective for digestive disorders and aid women with menstrual disorders.

Garlic: Brilliant for high blood pressure, heart disease and cancer. My cooking is never without garlic.

Ginseng: This is widely used in China for many years to treat all kinds of diseases.

Goldenseal: The benefits of golden seal is numerous. This herb is above all other herbs because of the many diseases that can be treated by it.

Henna: The bark is used as a dye. It is also useful for headache and sore throat.

Lemon grass: Contains anti-cancer properties.

Marjoram: This herb is brilliant for pain, bruises and arthritis.

Motherwort: Midwives use it for a variety of purposes, including uterine tonic and prevention of uterine infection in women.

Parsely: Chinese and German herbologists recommend parsley tea to help control high blood pressure.

peppermint: peppermint oil has the ability to reduce colicky abdominal pain due to irritable bowel syndrome.

Red Clover: Red clover restores and balances hormonal function and nourishes the uterus. It is know to increase fertility in women.

Sage: This is used as an astringent and expectorant and is useful for persons suffering with asthma.

thyme: A excellent herb to treat asthma.

Vervain: This herb has longstanding use in herbalism and folk medicine, usually as a herbal tea. It is very brilliant for all kinds of cold and fever.

Yellow dock: The leaves are an brilliant source of both vitamin A and protein, and are rich in iron and potassium.

These herbs for diseases have been proven effective and there are testimonies of those who have been recovered from various ailments. There also those who continued to use them as a preventative method to avoid serious consequences.

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Tags: Alternative medicine, venereal disease, medicinal herb, heart disease, Sir Walter Raleigh

Natural breast enlargement pills are advertised on the Internet, television, and in women’s magazines. Some of the ads focus on women’s insecurities about their breasts, especially after childbirth, weight loss, and the removal of breast implants.

Women in search of an alternative to breast enlargement surgery are trying these herbal pills, without realizing that there is small-to-no evidence about the safety of breast enhancement pills. Most websites selling natural breast enhancement pills do not list any potential risks.

Natural breast enlargement pills could theoretically increase breast size because some of them contain herbs that have known estrogen-like effects on the body.

Birth control pills are thought to temporarily increase breast size in the same way–estrogen causes fluid retention in the breasts and may have an effect on breast tissue.

But if natural breast enlargement pills do work, there is no evidence that they’re safe. Adriane Fugh-Berman, M.D., professor of complementary and alternative medicine at the Georgetown University School of Medicine, said in an article published in Obstetrics and Gynecology, “The use of bust-enhancing products should be discouraged because of lack of evidence for efficacy and long-term safety concerns.”

If breast enlargement pills do have estrogen-like effects in the body, there are some safety concerns. Estrogen given on its own stimulates the growth of tissue in the uterus and is believed to promote uterine cancer, which is why birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy normally contain progesterone to counter estrogen’s effects on the uterus. We don’t know if natural breast enhancement pills stimulate the growth of uterine tissue.

There is also no evidence about whether natural breast enlargement pills interfere with fertility, menstruation, or the effectiveness of birth control pills.

Ethnobotanist James A. Duke, PhD, discusses breast enlargement herbs in his book, The Green Pharmacy (Rodale, 1997). Many of the herbs Duke talks about, such as fenugreek and fennel, have centuries-ancient folk reputations as breast enlargers. But, there is small discussion of safety, and Duke does not address the safety concerns of taking large quantities of these herbs in pill form.

Here is a rundown of some of the most common ingredients in natural breast enhancement pills:

Blessed Thistle – The herb blessed thistle is approved by Germany’s Commission E for the treatment of loss of appetite and indigestion. It was used historically by nursing women to increase the flow of milk.

There have been no published clinical trials on blessed thistle for natural breast enlargement, so we don’t know whether it is effective or safe for regular use in large doses.

Blessed thistle is believed to stimulate the production of stomach acid, so it can cause mild irritation of the digestive tract lining. It should not be used by people with gastrointestinal reflux disease, ulcers, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome.

Blessed thistle should not be used by pregnant women, as it can increase the risk of birth defects and spontaneous abortion.

People who are allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, or daisies may be allergic to blessed thistle, because they belong to the same plant family.

Dong Quai – Dong quai is a Chinese herb used primarily to relieve menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, reduce menstrual cramps, and regulate menstrual cycles.

The only published study on dong quai and breast enlargement was a case report of a man who took a combination herbal pill and had temporary breast enlargement. The pill was thought to have been contaminated with synthetic estrogen. There are no other published clinical trials on dong quai for breast enhancement.

One potential risk is that dong quai has been found to stimulate the growth of breast cancer cells (estrogen receptor-positive and negative) in test tube studies.

Dong quai can increase the sensitivity of skin to the sun’s rays. Sunscreen should always be used before any exposure to the sun. Dong quai should not be used by pregnant women.

Dong quai contains chemicals called coumarins, which slow blood clotting, so it should not be taken by people using the “blood-thinning” drugs such as Coumadin (warfarin), Plavix (clopidogrel), Ticlid (ticlopidine), Trental (pentoxifylline), or aspirin. For the same reason, dong quai should not be taken two weeks before or after surgery.

Fennel Seed – Fennel has been used for centuries as both food and medicine. It was used traditionally to increase the flow of breast milk in nursing women, enhance libido, and increase menstrual flow. There are no published studies examining the use of fennel seed for breast enhancement in humans. In the 1930s, there was some interest in fennel in the development of synthetic estrogens, due to compounds called dianethole and photoanethole.

One study found that after consuming fennel seed for 10 days, the weight of breast tissue in female rats increased. Higher doses increased the weight of the uterus, which suggests that fennel in high doses may stimulate the growth of uterine tissue. Fennel may decrease the effectiveness of the antibiotic Cipro (ciprofloxacin) and possibly other drugs in the ciprofloxacin family and should not be combined.

Fenugreek – Although there is an unsubstantiated claim that women in harems were fed fenugreek seeds to increase their breast size, no studies confirm fenugreek can result in breast enlargement.

Fenugreek contains a compound called diosgenin. In laboratories, diosgenin can be converted to estrogen and progesterone but that same conversion doesn’t occur naturally in the body.

People who are allergic to peanuts or soybeans may also be allergic to fenugreek. Side effects from oral fenugreek supplements may include diarrhea and gas. Fenugreek, in large quantitites, may cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). It should not be combined with diabetes medication unless under a doctor’s supervision.

More breast enlargement herbs on the next page…

Tags: james a duke phd, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, breast enlargement surgery, natural breast enhancement