Green Tea has been consumed throughout the ages in India, China, Japan and Thailand.

In traditional medicine, Green Tea was used as a diuretic and to promote longevity. In modern times, Green Tea is used as a powerful anti-oxidant, ridding the body of harmful chemicals.

The leaves from the tea plant is first steamed and then rolled and dried. Steaming the leaves kill enzymes which would promote fermenting. The lack of fermenting gives Green Tea its unique flavour and preserves the naturally present anti-oxidants.

The Green Tea plant (Camellia sinensis) grows throughout Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

Studies have shown that the rate of certain types of cancer is lower among people who drink Green Tea, including breast, stomach and skin cancers.

Green Tea’s main anti-oxidant EGCG (epigallocatechin-gallate) may be one of the most powerful anticancer compounds ever learned. This component of Green Tea protects cells against hurt, but remarkably does not hurt healthy cells.

Further benefits of Green Tea’s anti-oxidant properties include the prevention of coronary artery disease and the lowering of cholesterol.

Traditionally, Green Tea was used to control blood sugar in the body.

Green Tea is used to help in weight loss as it boosts the metabolism and burns stout. Many herbal weight loss products contain extracts of Green Tea.

Inflammation associated with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis may be reduced with the use of Green Tea.

Green Tea also contains fluoride which inhibits tooth decay.

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

People who are sensitive to caffeine should take care when drinking Green Tea as it contains about 40mg of caffeine per cup.

As Green Tea contains such a high dose of caffeine, pregnant and lactating women should limit their consumption.

Green Tea and aspirin should not be taken together as both have anti-coagulant properties and can cause bleeding. Green Tea contains Vitamin K, which influences blood clotting and should not be taken if you are using blood thinning medication such as Warfarin.

Oral contraceptives increase the amount of time that caffeine stays in the body and could increase its stimulating properties.

If at any time you experience nausea, dizziness, tremors and heart palpitations after drinking Green Tea, you should limit your consumption.

You can get the benefits of Green Tea in capsule or tablet form, or by drinking several cups of Green Tea every day.

A sufficient dosage is 240 to 320mg of polyphenols (anti-oxidant.)

Take Green Tea supplements at meals with a full glass of water. Freshly brewed Green Tea can be taken on its own or with meals.

Tags: prevention of coronary artery disease, anti oxidant, Chinese tea, Health Medical Pharma, herbal weight loss

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: North Africa, herbal medications, Serotonin reuptake inhibitor, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, minor wounds

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: intestinal tract, stomach and bowel disorders, Health Medical Pharma, herbal medicines, anti oxidant

Fennel (foeniculum vulgare latin ) is a tall perennial herb native to the Mediterranean. It has a sweet licorice taste, and is widely used in Mediterranean cuisine. The seeds and leaves are used.

It has a long history of use as a carminative, a term that means that it helps the body expel gas, and also brilliant for weight-loss aid.

The seeds have been eaten during lent and fasts to stave off hunger in traditional medicine.

There is also a long history, dating back to the Chinese and Hindus who used it as a cure for snake bites.

It is a medicinal and culinary herb, very brilliant in flavoring food and other medicines. The seed is used as a spice to flavor fish, duck, lamb, potatoes, breads, and pastries.

This is a excellent remedy for gas, acid stomach, gout, cramps, colic, spasm, increase the flow of urine, increase menstrual flow, and help to manage blood sugar levels, wind, irritable bowel, kidneys, spleen, liver, lungs, and suppressing appetite. The tea makes an brilliant eye wash.

Chewing the seeds after meals can stimulate digestion and relieve symptoms of bloating and stomach pains plus, they serve as an brilliant natural mouth freshener.

The seeds also ground and made into tea is believed to be excellent for snake bites and insect bites.

Do not wash the fresh herb until you are ready to use it, then rinse it well with cold water. The fresh herb can last for up to 8 days when properly stored and refrigerated.

It is available in capsule and powder form.

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Tags: menstrual flow, insect bites, snake bites, fish duck, acid stomach

Although it’s normal to feel nervous from time to time, if you feel nervous without reason and if these worries persist and affect your day-to-day life, you may have generalized anxiety disorder.

Symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder may include restlessness, feeling tense or on edge, irritability, impatience, or poor concentration.

People may also notice changes in their physical health such as headaches, jaw pain, muscle tension, difficulty falling or staying asleep (insomnia), dry mouth, fatigue, chest tightness, indigestion, bloating, excessive sweating, and headache.

It’s vital to be evaluated by your doctor for a proper diagnosis and to rule out other medical problems that may resemble anxiety.

These are some of the natural remedies that are being explored for anxiety.

The herb passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) was used as a folk remedy for anxiety and insomnia.

Two studies involving a total of 198 people examined the effectiveness of passionflower for anxiety. One study found passionflower to be comparable to benzodiazepine drugs. There was also improvement in job performance with passionflower and less drowsiness with passionflower compared with the drug mexazolam, but, neither was statistically significant.

Side effects of passionflower may include nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, and rapid heartbeat. The safety of passionflower in pregnant or nursing women, children, or people with kidney or liver disease has not been established. There have been five case reports in Norway of people becoming temporarily impaired mentally after using a combination product containing passionflower. It’s not known whether the other ingredients in the supplement played a role.

Passionflower should not be taken with sedatives unless under medical supervision. Passionflower may enhance the effect of pentobarbital, a medication used for sleep and seizure disorders.

Massage therapy, shiatsu, and other forms of bodywork are widely used to diminish muscle tension, relieve stress, and improve sleep.

What is Massage Therapy?
10 Massage Styles
10 Embarassing Massage Questions

Mind/body breathing exercises, physical exercise, yoga, tai chi, self-hypnosis, meditation, and biofeedback are just some of the stress reduction techniques used for anxiety. Try different techniques and determine which routine you can stick to with a hectic schedule.

Diaphragmatic Breathing, Step-by-Step
The Relaxation Response
Mindfulness Meditation

The herb valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is best known as a herbal remedy for insomnia. Valerian is also used in patients with mild anxiety, but the research supporting its use for anxiety is limited.

For example, researchers with the Cochrane Collaboration reviewed studies on valerian for anxiety. Only one study met their quality criteria. It was a four-week study comparing valerian, the medication diazepam (Valium), and a placebo in 36 people with generalized anxiety disorder. No statistically signficant differences were found between the groups, perhaps due to the small size of the study.

Valerian is usually taken an hour before bedtime. It takes about two to three weeks to work and shouldn’t be used for more than three months at a time. Side effects of valerian may include mild indigestion, headache, palpitations, and dizziness. Although valerian tea and liquid extracts are available, most people don’t like the smell of valerian and prefer taking the capsule form.

Valerian shouldn’t be taken with many medications, especially those that depress the central nervous system, such as sedatives and antihistamines. Valerian shouldn’t be taken with alcohol, before or after surgery, or by people with liver disease. It should not be used before driving or operating machinery. Consultation with a qualified health practitioner is recommended. For more information about valerian, read the Valerian Fact Sheet.

Native to Polynesia, the herb kava (Piper methysticum) has been found to have anti-anxiety effects in humans.

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but, has issued an advisory to consumers about the potential risk of severe liver injury resulting from the use of dietary supplements containing kava. To date, there have been more than 25 reports of serious adverse effects from kava use in other countries, including four patients who required liver transplants. Learn more about kava; What is Kava?

GABA is an amino acid that is known to play a role in the physiology of anxiety. Some prescription drugs for anxiety work by affecting GABA receptors in the brain. The degree to which orally ingested GABA supplements can reach the brain, but, is unknown.

Plant essential oils can be added to baths, massage oil, or infusers. Essential oils that are used for anxiety and nervous tension are: bergamot, cypress, geranium, jasmine, lavender, melissa, neroli, rose, sandalwood, ylang-ylang. Lavender is the most common and forms the base of many relaxing blends.

What is Aromatherapy?
Tips on Buying Essential Oils
Using Essential Oils Safely

Pantothenic acid
Calcium
Magnesium
B vitamins
Chamomile

Sources

Andreatini R, Sartori VA, Seabra ML, Leite JR. Effect of valepotriates (valerian extract) in generalized anxiety disorder: a randomized placebo-controlled pilot study. Phytother Res. 16.7 (2002): 650-654.

Ernst E. Herbal remedies for anxiety – a systematic review of controlled clinical trials. Phytomedicine. 13.3 (2006): 205-208.

Miyasaka LS, Atallah AN, Soares BG. Valerian for anxiety disorders. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2006 Oct 18;(4):CD004515.

Miyasaka L, Atallah A, Soares B. Passiflora for anxiety disorder. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2007 Jan 24;(1):CD004518.

Tags: generalized anxiety disorder symptoms, seizure disorders, medical supervision, poor concentration, Massage therapy

The polyphenols are found in the camellia sinensis plants, which are crushed and then fermented into common teas, such as green tea, black tea and the oolong tea. These polyphenols have been extensively studied to determine the extent of their benefits.

The studies showed that they contain about 10 times the amount of antioxidants than what are found in our fruits and vegetables. The antioxidants are a powerful ally in the fight against ailments like cancer.

The ones found in the green and black teas are different than the antioxidants that are found in fruits and vegetables. Green and black teas contain flavonoids, such as the catechins, that can seek out and ruin chemicals that hurt a body’s cells, and cause cancers to form.

Tea is also thought to defend against toxic chemicals that we see with inhaling tobacco smoke. They protect cells from these nasty enemies and prevent them from damaging our body’s cells.

Tea can defend against other ailments like blood clot formations, high cholesterol and it can possibly delay the onset of diseases like diabetes. Polyphenols are also known for their aid in weight loss programs and in the defense against halitosis and dental problems.

They can also improve skin conditions and they are possibly linked to aiding in the delay of Parkinson symptoms. The benefits don’t stop there, though. It’s reported that tea can help reduce your chances for skin cancer – and in some cases, by using the tea extract in lotion form, you may be able to block the hurt from the sun.

Tea is known to slow the growth of already-formed tumors, it protects your bones from frailty, and even boosts your immune system so you can lessen your chances for colds, throat infections and flu symptoms.

With the results of these studies on the polyphenols, it’s recommended that you drink about 8-10 cups of green or black tea daily in order to reap from their health benefits.

Balance the cups with caffeinated and decaffeinated teas to prevent the side effects of caffeine. Some experts are considering these teas with powerful antioxidants to be healthier than drinking water.

Water doesn’t provide you with the polyphenols that the teas do, which offer us tons of health benefits as well as nutrients. By adding these teas to your health regimen daily, you can increase your chances of a healthier lifestyle and decrease your chances for contracting diseases, ailments and some types of modern-day cancers.

Tags: Health Medical Pharma, cause cancers, throat infections, Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, oolong tea

More and more consumers are approaching their doctors about getting natural herbal advice for their depression rather than being placed on synthetic anti-depressants. The most common herbal remedy is St. John’s Wort.

The best thing about using an herb in place of a prescribed anti-depressant is that the side effects are fewer in number and severity. You can’t take St. John’s Wort in conjunction with another anti-depressant or with certain other medications, so make sure you consult your doctor if you’re taking anything else before you add St. John’s Wort to the mix.

The NCCAM (National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine) is helping consumers get educated about the use of St. John’s Wort to treat depression. They believe it’s best used to treat mild to moderate (but not severe) forms of depression.

What’s not yet known is exactly how St. John’s Wort works to treat depression. It’s believed that it might prevent nerve cells from reabsorbing serotonin, which is the chemical messenger in the body.

It’s been used and studied by scientists in treating mental disorders for centuries, but still remains somewhat of a mystery, even though its effectiveness in treating symptoms of depression such as mood swings, loss of appetite and energy, and sadness has been largely documented.

The reason consumers are turning to herbal remedies such as St. John’s Wort is because synthetic drugs have a high incidence of side effects, such as dry mouth, headaches, sexual dysfunction and insomnia. It’s also a less costly treatment than high-priced prescription medications.

You can buy St. John’s Wort in capsule form, as a tea, or as an extract. You have to be careful about the quantities you use in taking St. John’s Wort, because high level doses can impede the treatment process by causing dizziness, upset stomach, and a sensitivity to sunlight.

St. John’s Wort isn’t the only herb being used to treat depression. Damiana, Ginseng, and Valerian root are also used to improve depression symptoms such as insomnia and stress.

Regardless of which herbal remedy you wish to try in treatment for your depression symptoms, it’s vital to get the guidance of a doctor skilled in herbal remedies to ensure you’re ingesting the right amount and type of herb for your personal needs.

Tags: sexual dysfunction, Psychoactive drugs, valerian root, chemical messenger, reason consumers

Green tea has been around a long time. It’s been used by the ancient Chinese for many medicinal purposes for about 4,000 years. It’s been used in their culture for just about everything – including depression!

Modern-day scientists have studied green tea and reported a possible linkage with the reduction of chances for people to contract some types of cancers, along with positive effects on our bodies like increasing our energy levels.

Green tea has been linked to helping eliminate our chances of contracting other diseases as well, such as cardiovascular disease and arthritis – and it can even help lower our cholesterol levels.

Using green tea can help with our minor aches and pains like headaches and joint pain. Green tea contains catechin polyphenols, which are believed to be the ingredients that give us all of these wondrous health benefits.

The polyphenols are found in the leaves of the camellia sinensis plant, which is then ground up and made into our green tea. These polyphenols are thought to inhibit the cancer cells from growing to form the many types of cancer we see today, without damaging any tissues in the process.

Polyphenols are considered to be very powerful ant-oxidants, which promote healthier body processes. It’s also known for helping some people lose weight, by increasing your energy levels and promoting a healthier rate of calorie burning within your body.

It’s an all-natural answer to your diet program without the side effects of controversial supplemental diet pills. Drinking green tea is a natural, safe way to provide these health benefits, but it’s not a replacement for regular health checkups with your doctor.

Continue to see your doctors, but give your body a small added benefit of a healthy lifestyle in addition to your checkups. It may be linked to providing natural treatments for some ailments and lessens the chance for others, but don’t forego your physicians’ prescribed treatment plot.

It may lessen your chances for diseases, but it’s not a miracle cure for everything. Use it to enhance your treatment plans. Green tea can also provide you with a healthier oral hygiene regimen.

It helps prevent plaque from forming, while keeping bacteria under control so it doesn’t get out of hand and cause halitosis problems. With all of the reports of harmful effects that some treatments cause, green tea is an attractive option.

The only harmful effect it can cause is from the caffeine you consume with it, but if you choose a decaffeinated version, the effects are minimized. If you want to keep your body truly healthy, give green tea a try. The ancient Chinese did – and they used it for nearly all of their medicinal needs.

Tags: types of cancers, natural answer, safe way, Health effects of tea, calorie burning