Herbal Remedies and Supplements

Find Tips on

Dr John Anne — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 11:56:14 +0000

Latest entries

Menopause Natural Remedies

Dr John Anne — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 09:32:10 +0000

Menopause is brought on by low levels of estrogen and progesterone and can cause symptoms such as irregular periods, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, memory loss and difficulty concentrating, insomnia and fatigue, frequent urination, and mood swings. Many women going through the change of life opt for menopause natural remedies for various reasons. Most women choose menopause natural remedies because they are worried about the adverse-side effects of conventional medicine.

So women who are seeking a true way to treat the symptoms of their menopause and rid themselves of night sweats, hot flashes, lack of sex drive, genital irritation and others have been looking towards the natural remedies to try and fine a way to safely treat these symptoms, and not have to worry about adverse side effects. Fortunately there are now newer, all-natural supplements that offer such relief and that are priced in a range where they are actually cheaper than most medical treatments or drugs that can be taken.

Natural Remedies for Menopause

Chamomile, valerian, and passionflower – These herbs are great as an herbal tea but also come in tablet form. They are very soothing and can help you sleep better as well as relive night sweats. Valerian can act as a stimulant in some people so it should be used sparingly.

Hops – Useful for menopausal insomnia, hops is also effective for treating hot flashes. This herb is not recommended for women who have severe depression.

Supplement with whole food vitamins; high vitamin cod liver oil, rich in vitamins A and D, and essential fatty acids; and nutritional yeast that has been processed at low temperatures. Nutritional yeast is full of B vitamins and can help with sugar and alcohol cravings.

Eating well, using high quality food based supplements, and avoiding foods and drinks that are not health-supportive will give your body the raw materials it needs to help you sleep, build your hormones, regenerate your digestive system and give you bountiful amounts of energy and feelings of well-being.

Keep your cool. Your body’s thermostat may stop functioning properly once the level of estrogen in your body starts to decline. When this happens, you may experience extremely hot or cold sensations regardless of whatever the prevailing weather and the temperature may be at the moment. This event leads to that much controversial (and dreaded) hot flashes and night sweating during menopause.

Once looked upon as a dreaded experience, nowadays there is treatment for menopause that can help either lessen the symptoms or completely eliminate them. There are several hormone replacement drugs. There are risks involved in these hormone therapy treatments which should be considered before using them. These risks include an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, breast cancer and blood clots. Also, estrogen may increase the risk of uterine cancer.

Natural Remedies for Ulcers

Dr John Anne — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 11:14:26 +0000

One of the bacteria that live in your mouth and cause gingivitis is the helicobacter pylori or H. pylori. This bacterium is transmitted by kissing. Everyone have this bacterium in his or her mouth and stomach. You mostly likely got this when you were a youngster and were kissed by your parents and all kinds of relatives.When these bacteria enter your stomach and small intestine, they wait for an opportunity to multiple. When you eat junk food, overeat, mix foods incorrectly, use NASID’s or have continual stress, excess stomach acid is created. This weakens the stomach lining and gives H. pylori a chance to imbed into these weak areas and multiple.

Natural Remedies for Ulcers

Ulcer patients should avoid spices and seasoned or fried foods. Nothing that is likely to augment the acidity of the stomach should be taken. Alcohol is, of course, the first thing which is forbidden. Milk, cream, butter, fruits and boiled vegetables are the best diet for an ulcer patient. The fruit recommended are banana, mangoes, muskmelon and dates. The regimen would progressively reduce the acidity in the stomach.

Those in an advanced state of disease should take only mil and fruits. Milk should be taken in moderate quantities-say about 250 to 300 millilitres-every hour. Leafy vegetables should be avoided in the beginning. The various types of gourds should be boiled without their rind because the rind is likely to create friction in the stomach. Flea-seed husk-10 to 15 grammes-should be taken with water or milk after every meal.

Take a multivitamin and mineral supplement to assist in the healing and recovery processes. The multivitamin and mineral complex contains needed zinc, vitamin A, C and B complex.

Deal with any underlying allergies

Eat a diet that is supportive of the lymphatic system - this means that you need to avoid the following: o red meats, o greasy fatty foods and fried foods, o dairy products including: cheese, butter, cream, milk and goats milk and cheese o vinegar and pickles, o alcohol, o sugar and sugar based products, o artificial additives, preservatives, colorings and flavorings, o coffee and similar beverages.

Take a glass of milk, with a little ghee added to it at night. Take milk two or three times daily if you already have developed ulcer in the digestive tract. You can also mix some castor oil in lukewarm milk and drink it. Make sure the castor oil is odorless.

Take a glass of hot water and put a tsp of aniseed in it. Leave it overnight. Add a tsp honey to the water and drink it. Repeat it two or three times a day for a week. Drink a tender coconut’s water and eat the fruity pulp. This soothes acidity.

Take 300mg or 500mg of shilajit a day for a month. This strengthens digestive tract and brings in additional benefits.

A good way of treating mouth ulcers is with coconut oil which kills the bacteria that causes them. It is also good for treating throat infections, gum disease and cavities. Certainly the Pacific Islanders who have a coconut based diet have excellent dental health and rarely suffer from mouth ulcers even when they have never brushed their teeth or used floss or anti-bacterial mouthwash.

Herbs For Insomnia

Dr John Anne — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 09:28:48 +0000

There are several herbs to treat the sleeping disorder of insomnia. Insomnia is spreading like an epidemic all across the globe due to unhealthy and stressful lifestyle. Our Mother Nature has endowed us with several herbs that can be of great help in treating insomnia.

Herbs For Insomnia

Remedies for treating insomnia are innumerable but relying on the power of herbs is the best method, as it is natural and safe. In this article, we will enlist the important herbs that are known to effectively cure the sleeping disorder. If you wonder where to get these herbs from, then there is nothing to worry as these herb-based medicines can be obtained from any of the Ayurvedic medicine stores.

There is one herb, however, that is commonly used for insomnia relief that you should take care when using. It’s called Valerian.

Kava Kava is a herb found in Southeast islands, and kills anxiety. This herb also relaxes muscles. It works as mild euphoric and analgesic. Kava Kava relives chronic stress. This herb is given to patients in two forms, tables or tinctures. Passion flower, is known for treating chronic restless, as it does not have any addictive effects. There is no morning grogginess also. No pain, relaxes muscles, an also cures low sex drive.

Chamomile, also ingested as tea, provides relief from spasmodic relief, anxiety, chronic restlessness etc. Flowers are used for making tea and other liquids. Skullcap is another vascular plant used for treating Insomnia. It is a blue perennial flower, rich in minerals, which enable stress relief and proper sleep. It is prescribed for Insomnia, nervousness, headaches etc.

Skullcap - Skullcap is a blue perrenial flower that is similar to mint. It has been used for centuries as a mild relaxant. Today people use skullcap to remedy insomnia, headaches, anxiety, and nervousness.

Lemon Balm - One study showed that lemon balm in small doses may improve memory and lengthen attention span, most likely by protecting nerve cells from oxidative damage. Yet when the dosage is increased it has been shown to promote sleep.

Hops - The hops plant can be found in Asia and Europe. Hops oil extract appears to have several health benefits, along with promoting calmful relaxation and sleep. It is often use in conjuction with Valerian as an herbal insomnia remedy.

Valerian reduces anxiety and tension. It is wonderful for people who cannot sleep because their thoughts are racing with worry about their insomnia. One drawback, however that valerian can cause headache. Chronic headache sufferers or people with migraines should not take it. In addition, it reportedly is poisonous if used frequently and in large dosages. Valerian usually is taken as a tea. Adding calcium and magnesium, either directly to the tea or taken as tablets may augment its beneficial effects.

Herbs For Back Pain

Dr John Anne — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 07:18:40 +0000

Back pain is a symptom that can arise from many causes. It can range from a dull, annoying ache to absolute agony. Many cases of back pain are caused by stresses on the muscles and ligaments that support the spine. Sedentary jobs and lifestyles may create a vulnerability to this type of stress or damage. Obesity, which increases both the weight on the spine and the pressure on the discs, is another factor. Strenuous sports such as football and gymnastics can also damage the back.

Useful Herbs For Back Pain

Rosemary

Drinking rosemary tea for pain is a remedy used in the contemporary Hispanic folk medicine of Mexico and the Southwest. Its leaf also contains four anti-inflammatory substances—camosol, oleanolic acid, rosmarinic acid, and ursolic acid. Carnosol acts on the same anti-inflammatory pathways as both steroids and aspirin; rosmarinic acid acts through at least two separate anti-inflammatory biochemical pathways; and ursolic acid, which makes up about 4 percent of the plant by weight, has been shown in animal trials to have anti-arthritic effects.

Epsom Salt Baths

Folk traditions call for Epsom salt baths to relieve pain. Epsom salt was reputed to have magical healing properties. Epsom salt is primarily magnesium sulfate and has been used medicinally in Europe for more than three hundred years. The heat of an Epsom salt bath can increase circulation and reduce the swelling of arthritis, and the magnesium can be absorbed through the skin. Magnesium is one of the most important minerals in the body, participating in at least 300 enzyme systems. Magnesium has both anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties.

Turmeric

Turmeric, a common spice used in curries, is grown in Indonesia, India and other parts of the tropics. A member of the ginger family, turmeric contains curcumin, a powerful natural antioxidant that can help protect the body from unstable oxygen molecules called free radicals. However, it is also a natural anti-inflammatory agent and it is this property which helps to ease stiff joints.

White Willow Bark

The herb white willow bark has pain-relieving properties similar to those of aspirin but with fewer side effects, though it is not recommended for people with ulcers as it can occasionally cause stomach irritation. White willow naturally contains salicylic acid that was later synthesised into acetylsalicylic acid and mass-produced as aspirin.

The Chinese were not unique in using herbs, roots, and plants to assist in overcoming physical ailments. The American Indians, Greeks, and Middle Eastern cultures also relied heavily on natural remedies. In modern day India, much like Oriental medicine in China or Japan, the practice of Ayurvedic Medicine and herb therapy prevails over Western medicine.

What makes Chinese herb therapy special is the advances made in combining herbs available to make a cocktail or tonic specific not to the condition of back pain but specific to the individual or patient. It is in this way that Chinese herb therapy can treat the cause of back pain and not just the symptoms.

Herbs For Anxiety

Dr John Anne — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 07:00:07 +0000

People are increasingly taking the help of herbs to tackle anxiety and stress. Herb Kava kava is used for treating anxiety and promoting sleep. Some herbs such as Valerian are helpful in preventing panic attacks at night. Other herbs such as Ashwagandha, Bugleweed, and California Poppy are useful in soothing nerves.

Anxiety Herbs

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) - has mild sedative properties and is useful in conditions of nervous agitation with sleep problems and digestive complaints. Lemon balm is especially useful for over-anxiety that causes digestive problems such as nausea, bloating, and colic like pains. Traditionally lemon balm was used to lift the spirits and encourage longevity. Lemon balm is a relaxing tonic for anxiety, restlessness, irritability, and mild depression and its actions will quiet the racing heart that often accompanies anxiety. It has mild anti-thyroid effects and is best avoided by people with hypothyroid problems.

Bach used herbs for anxiety - not directly for the physical complaint but rather according to the sufferer’s anxiety and his bouts of fear, worry, anger or depression.

According to Bach: “An inharmonious state of mind will not only hinder the recovery of health and retard convalescence, but it is the primary cause of sickness and disease.”

Skullcap (Scutellaria laterifolia) - tonifies and relaxes the nervous system and is useful for anxiety of all types especially anxiety and irritability that is hormonally based such as premenstrual syndrome. It is a sedative nervine and has mild anti-spasmodic and anti-hypertensive effects. Skullcap is a great herb to use when your anxiety is accompanied by a runaway mind that is stuck on worry. It is tolerated well by most people and has few side effects.

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is one herb for anxiety in clinical trials. Standardized Valerian extracts with a minimum of 0.8% valerenic acid, the active constituent, work best. Valerian extract works rapidly, often in less than an hour, when taken in doses of a few hundred milligrams, and can be taken up to three or four times per day.

Two of the most prevalent herbs for anxiety, kava kava (Piper methysticum) and St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) have balancing properties similar to the identified adaptogens of aromatherapy. Kava kava is documented as having both calming and stimulating actions. St. John’s wort acts as both an antidepressant and a sedative. (For a more in-depth look at St. John’s wort, see Conscious Choice, January/February 1998). Lemon balm, the herb from which the essential oil melissa is derived, also has a dual nature — soothing and rejuvenating. It adds a refreshing flavor to teas as well.

Chai hu, or bupleurum, is the best known of these herbs. Though it is classified as a surface relieving herb, which might be used for colds, etc., its most common use by far, is to move the qi of the chest (Liver QI). Its ability to do this is greatly enhanced by combining it with a small amount of mint (bo he).

He huan pi or he huan hua, mimosa bark or flower (albezzia) is classified as a heart nourishing herb. When combined with dan shen (salvia miltorrhiza), it strongly moves the qi of the chest.

St. John’s Wort

St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) provides long-term treatment of many anxiety disorders. Medicinal use of St. John’s Wort traces back to ancient Greece, where physicians recorded using the plant to treat anxiety, depression and nerve pain. Today, many people swear use St. John’s Wort. It is available at health food stores and places where herbs are sold.

St. John’s Wort is taken as a tincture, mixed with water according to directions from a qualified herbalist, or in pill or capsule form. Teas may also be brewed from the dried flowers of Hypericum. Herbalists generally recommend tinctures, since the quality of St. John’s Wort degrades and capsules may contain aged, dried leaves with less potency. Users must be patient, as St. John’s Wort can take several weeks to have any effect.

Herbs For Fertility

Dr John Anne — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 10:20:46 +0000

Fertility: The ability to conceive and have children, the ability to become pregnant through normal sexual activity. Infertility is defined as the failure to conceive after a year of regular intercourse without contraception.

Fertility Herbs

Dong Quai

Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis root) is the noted Chinese herb that is used as a blood tonic. It contains micronutrients known for their blood building properties (iron, vitamin B12, and vitamin E). Dong Quai balances estrogen in the body, and is traditionally used in China to regulate the menstrual cycle.

False Unicorn Root

Used for amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, endometriosis, hormonal imbalance (balancing effect), infertility, morning sickness, ovarian cysts, spermatorrhea, threatened miscarraige, uterine prolapse. It is a tonic for the reproductive organs, expecially beneficial as an aid to getting pregnant and staying pregnant, has a normalizing effect upon the ovaries.

Wild carrot (Daucus carota), better known as Queen Anne’s lace, is such a common roadside plant that most people are amazed to learn that it is a proven anti-fertility herb. In addition to being the wild cousin of carrot, it is related to parsley, dill, caraway, anise, celery, cumin, and a (now extinct) plant whose seeds were the birth-control of choice for many a classical Greek or Roman woman.

Mugwort is believed to be almost magical in it’s effect on the female sexual organs. Blood flow to the reproductive organs is increased, thereby warming and strengthening the uterus, leading to more productive female cycles, and pregnancy.

Saffron has been used for many centuries to strengthen circulation and promote warmth to the spleen, which is believed to be essential to the reproductive organs, and, therefore, necessary for a healthy, complete pregnancy. This herb is known to be very expensive, but also very effective.

Maca is an herb found in the Andes mountains in South America, and also known as a libido booster. A study was designed to determine the effect of a 4-month oral treatment with tablets of Maca on seminal analysis in adult normal men aged 24-44 years old. Nine men received tablets of maca (1500 or 3000 mg per day) for 4 months. Serum luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, prolactin, testosterone and estradiol levels were measured before and after treatment.

Making simple changes in your life and lifestyle will aid in your ability to conceive a child. Creating a healthy body for a healthy baby to be carried is the prime objective for the use of Chinese herbs for fertility. This is not an overnight fix but a change that must be in place at least four months prior to trying to conceive.

Black Cohosh

Black cohosh is used primarily for hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms. Black cohosh, a phytoestrogen, is the most promising herbal remedy to treat mood swings, hot flashes and vaginal dryness associated with menopause. Phytoestrogens are non-steroidal, plant-derived substances that bind or activate estrogen receptors in various areas of the body. In post-menopausal women, phytoestrogens typically act as weak estrogens.

Herbs For Asthma

Dr John Anne — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 09:19:33 +0000

Have you tried using herbs for asthma? They are the new wonder cure for asthma. Asthma, as you know, is an abnormal condition of the lungs. The typical symptoms of this condition are difficulty in breathing and wheezing. People, who suffer from asthma, have hyper sensitive airways. These airways become narrow and cause obstruction when they are inflamed. This obstruction results in the difficulty in breathing, coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath etc.

Garlic

The powerful odor of garlic cloves also contains chemicals that can improve your blood circulation and decrease inflammation. Garlic can be eaten (if you so prefer), can be taken in capsules or liquids. It is one of the most effective and inexpensive herbs for asthma. Sometimes the strong odor of garlic helps you to take deeper breaths.

If you catch yourself off without your medication, a few cups of coffee have been shown to be a good emergency substitute in helping open the bronchial tubes. Coffee, tea, cocoa, chocolate and other caffeinated drinks or foods are good to help fend off a severe asthma attack. Not only do they contain caffeine but they also contain two other major asthma fighting compounds, theobromine and theophylline, both of which are xanthines.

Lung Deficiency:

Patients with Lung deficiency typically experience asthma attacks triggered by changes in weather or exposure to allergens or viral infections, with sneezing, stuffy nose and sinus congestion. During remission, patients may experience wheezing, shortness of breath, and a low voice spontaneous. Patients with Lung Qi Deficiency typically have weak immune systems and are susceptible to catching colds. Our White Tiger Return Formula reverses Lung Deficiency.

Licorice Root has also been proven as an effective herb for asthma treatment. Licorice Root has been evaluated in the treatment of asthma and scientists have discovered that it assists in defeating the inflammation that constricts the airways in the asthma patient. This is the most highly rated herb for asthma today as a result of its healing properties.

Many other herbs for asthma treatment have been evaluated for properties that help the asthma sufferer. Some of these herbs for asthma treatment include; seed of lobelia, marshmallow root, garlics and onions and other remedies on the holistic front.

Ephedra

The Chinese have prescribed what they call ma huang, ephedra, for asthma for thousands of years. And yes, ephedra is the main ingredient in Ephedrine (”speed”), so you want to carefully follow the directions on this one, unless you want to find yourself clawing the ceiling. Ephedra is a legal herb for asthma and other medical problems, found in Chinese specialty shops, health food stores or even specialty pharmacies.

Coltsfoot acts as an antispasmodic and sedative. It is an herb for asthma that soothes and calms the patient. Coltsfoot can be consumed directly by chewing or through the preparation of a medicinal tea made from the dried coltsfoot to ease cough and relieve chest pain in chest colds. This tea is also beneficial in the cure of whooping cough and viral pneumonia.

Overall, there are many treatments for asthma, and herbal methods are becoming more and more popular. If nothing else is helping your asthma, you will want to look into some of the herbs listed above. You may be surprised to find out that these can do a lot for you and your breathing problems.

Herbs for Depression

Dr John Anne — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 09:02:33 +0000

Most Asian countries are famous for their use of medicinal heeling herbs. One reason is climate - warm and humid it promotes plants growth and it is also traditional way of living using healing herbs to fight diseases where even modern drugs don’t work. Herbs that help with depression are no exception - you can find many Chinese medicinal herbs to cure depression and relieve stress. The Western world has also caught on the usage of medicinal herbs as a treatment for many illnesses including depression and anxiety, because it is safer and more natural.

Herbs for Depression

Chinese herbs used to relieve depression and anxiety all move the Liver QI (qi of the chest ). Taken alone, these herbs may exert only a mild effect. In certain combinations, however, the results can be quite powerful.

Chai hu, or bupleurum, is the best known of these herbs. Though it is classified as a surface relieving herb, which might be used for colds, etc., its most common use by far, is to move the qi of the chest (Liver QI). Its ability to do this is greatly enhanced by combining it with a small amount of mint (bo he).

Gingko Biloba - Indigenous to China, gingko has been used widely to increase memory and mental alertness due to its ability to increase blood circulation to the brain. This improved mental ability helps alleviate feeling of depression, especially in the elderly.

Gotu Kola - native to Asia and Europe, gotu kola has been used to treat skin conditions such as psoriasis and varicose veins. However it has also been shown to help with mental functioning and concentration, helping quell feelings of depression.

SAMe - S-adenosylmethionine (SAM-E) is an amino acid that is used in the treatment of depression. SAMe is an essential amino acid required to maintain healthy neurotransmitter processes in the brain. People suffering from depression often have deficient quantities of certain brain chemicals. SAMe works fast to increase these levels and improve these deficient factors with little or no side effects.

Siberian Ginseng -Siberian ginseng improves the balance of important neurotransmitters (including serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine) in the brain. Its various varieties are referred to as an adaptogen, a substance that assists body in adapting to external physical stresses. Ginseng is believed to stimulate the immune system, enhance abstract thinking and improve aerobic capacity. Ginseng may also benefit people with diabetes by regulating blood sugar levels.

Green Tea (Theanine)

Yes! Green Tea is an excellent herb for depression as it relaxes you. Since ancient times, we’ve heard this. The substance that is responsible for this sense of relaxation, is called theanine. Theanine is a unique amino acid found almost solely in tea plants and the main component responsible for the exotic taste of `green’ tea.

Licorice

Licorice has been known for a long time as an effective herbal treatment fro colds, but recently recorded results have shown impressive results in the treatment of depression. Licorice is a natural anti-depressant which contains eight monoamine oxidase inhibitors.

Other herbs for depression include Kava Kava which is extremely effective in the treatment of somatic complaints and nervousness, ginger, gingko biloba, licorice, Siberian ginseng, basil, thyme, rosemary, lemon balm and valerian. In addition, Chinese tinctures and herbs such as Ding quai and Bupleurum are also known for their effectiveness in the treatment of depressive symptoms.

Herbs for Gout

Dr John Anne — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 07:00:34 +0000

Gout is one of the most painful forms of arthritis. Gout attack can strike without warning with intense pain usually in the joint of the big toe. But, it may also include the ankles, heels, instep, knees, elbows, hips, thumbs, or fingers.

Gout Herbs

For the problem with weak organs, we need to strengthen organs related to uric acid such as liver and pancreas. As herbs for gout, Ganoderma Lucidum herb and Cordyceps Sinensis herb can strengthen your internal organs and balance uric acid metabolism.

Before taking any herbs for gout, remember to first take care of your lifestyle and diet as mentioned above. If you don’t control these two important aspects, taking any supplements or herbs for gout will be less effective or even useless.

Green Tea is full of polyphenols which work as antioxidants and help reduce gouty attacks, green tea also contains Vitamin C and Vitamin E which also are beneficial to Gout sufferers.

Kava Kava (piper methysticum) This herb has a long standing reputation as an aphrodisiac, it is taken by the people in the Pacific Islands for it’s intoxicative euphoric effects. Apart from this it has many wonderful properties, one of which is it’s analgesic cleansing diuretic effect, this makes it most beneficial for people with arthritic complaints. It brings relief from pain and removes waste products from the affected joint

Autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale) is the herb from which the drug colchicine was originally isolated. Colchicine, a strong anti-inflammatory compound, is used as a conventional treatment for gout. Both the herb and the drug have significant toxicity and should only be used under the guidance of a physician.

Folate

Folate has been recommended as a preventive treatment for gout for at least 20 years. Some clinicians report that it can be highly effective. However, what little scientific evidence we have on the method is contradictory.1,2,3 It has been suggested that a contaminant found in folate, pterin-6-aldehyde, may actually be responsible for the positive effects observed by some clinicians.

Devil’s Claw

The herb devil’s claw is sometimes recommended as a pain-relieving treatment for gout based on evidence for its effectiveness in various forms of arthritis.4 However, it has not been tested in gout.