Herbal Remedies

Herbal Remedies for High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is common in many adults. A number of factors can contribute to high blood pressure, including genetics, and can be aggravated by being overweight. If you are currently taking prescription medication for high blood pressure, do not take herbal cures or stop your current treatment until you discuss this with your [...]

High blood pressure is common in many adults. A number of factors can contribute to high blood pressure, including genetics, and can be aggravated by being overweight. If you are currently taking prescription medication for high blood pressure, do not take herbal cures or stop your current treatment until you discuss this with your doctor.

Hawthorn - The leaves, flowers and berries are used to make tonic that helps improve the cardiovascular system. It helps reduce blood pressure by relaxing the walls of the arteries. This herb takes weeks or months to show any affects so do not rely on this as your sole method of controlling your high blood pressure.

Reishi - This mushroom is known for its rejuvenating properties and has been used since ancient times in Japan and China. It can help reduce your cholesterol. The most common way to take this is in capsule form but it is also available as a powder that can be mixed into liquids.

Garlic - Garlic has been used to cure many ailments for thousands of years, and it is known to help lower blood pressure and cholesterol. You can eat raw or lightly cooked garlic every day. If you prefer, you can take garlic in capsule form, which is readily available.

Dandelion - Dandelion helps increase urine flow and lowers blood pressure. You can eat the leaves in a salad or drink tea. It is also available in capsule form.

Herbal Remedies for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

CFS is a debilitating exhaustion that affects thousands of people every year. The illness begins with flu-like symptoms but does not go away. It can progress to cause headaches, depression and anxiety. If you have severe feelings of fatigue it’s worth getting checked out by a doctor. Some herbal remedies can be very effective [...]

CFS is a debilitating exhaustion that affects thousands of people every year. The illness begins with flu-like symptoms but does not go away. It can progress to cause headaches, depression and anxiety. If you have severe feelings of fatigue it’s worth getting checked out by a doctor. Some herbal remedies can be very effective in treating many of the symptoms of CFS.

Astragalus - Often used in Chinese medicine, astragalus is used as an overall tonic to help boost the immune system. It has anti-viral properties, and is safe for long-term use. Available in capsule form, take up to 5 500-milligram capsules per day. It is also available as a tincture.

Echinacea - This popular herb helps improve the immune system. It can be taken as a tea, a tincture or in capsule form. Take for two weeks followed by a one-week break. If you are allergic to daisies beware that this is part of the daisy family.

Reishi - A traditional Chinese remedy, reishi has long been used to help fight inflammations, infections and allergies. It is also a strong antioxidant. The most common form is capsule. Take up to three 1,000-milligram capsules two to three times per day.

Siberian ginseng - This helps bolster resistance to stress and increases adrenal function. In studies it has been shown to increase the number of immune cells, helping stave off infections. Taken in capsule form, take up to 4500 milligrams per day.

Herbal Remedies for Stress and Anxiety

Anxiety is extreme stress, sometimes panic. It can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath along with feelings of doom. You can experience anxiety when your body reacts to signals it thinks are threats. Your heart rate goes up and you start to sweat.
When treating anxiety, start with the mildest remedy in the mildest dosage [...]

Anxiety is extreme stress, sometimes panic. It can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath along with feelings of doom. You can experience anxiety when your body reacts to signals it thinks are threats. Your heart rate goes up and you start to sweat.

When treating anxiety, start with the mildest remedy in the mildest dosage and go from there. Many of the herbs used to treat anxiety are safely compatible.

Oats - Oat seeds are calming and soothing and are helpful for those suffering from daily stress or who feels frayed. Tea is the common method of taking oats. Steep 1 to 2 tablespoons of seeds in a cup of hot water for ten minutes. You can drink a cup of tea every two hours as needed. Tincture is also available and you can take up to 3 teaspoons every two hours. Oats are also available as capsules.

Chamomile - Used often as tea, chamomile has a very soothing and calming effect on you. It helps relax the muscles and also helps ease a tense stomach. Drink one cup of tea every two hours or up to 3 teaspoons of tincture every two hours. Chamomile is readily available as tea at most supermarkets, but it’s a good idea to keep some on hand.

Linden - Linden gently relaxes and eases muscle tension, and is also used as a remedy for high blood pressure. Linden also makes a good allaround remedy for helping keep the cardiovascular system functioning well. It is most often used in tea, and you should drink one cup of tea every two hours as needed. Tincture is also available as well as capsules.

Vervain - Vervain is an herb that soothes and calms the nervous system as well as helps with depression. Often found as a tea, drink one cup of tea every two hours. It is also available as a tincture and in capsules.

Motherwort - This old-time remedy is useful for the cardiovascular system in general. It can help calm nerves and aids in soothing anxiety that can cause a rapid heart rate. Drink one cup of Motherwort tea every two hours. It is also available as a tincture and as capsules. Consult your doctor before taking Motherwort if you are currently taking any cardiac drugs.

Lavender - Lavender is relaxing and uplifting. It is fragrant and offers relief for anxiety and depression. Lavender essential oil is used diluted in bath water or can be inhaled. To use in a bath, add 10 to 12 drops to a full tub. You can also dilute it with oil to use as massage oil. It should not be taken internally.

St. John’s Wort - Commonly used to treat depression, St. John’s Wort is an overall health booster that helps the nervous system. As a tonic, take up to 3 teaspoons every two hours. It is also available in capsule form.

Skullcap - Used for anxiety and hormonal mood swings, skullcap is relaxing to the nervous system. It can be taken as a tea, a tincture or in capsule form. To make tea, steep one or two teaspoons of dried herbs in a cup of hot water for 10 minutes. Drink one cup of hot tea every two hours as needed.

Kava-Kava - This is an anti-anxiety herb that originated in the South Pacific islands. It works similarly to Valium, working with the part of the brain that controls the nervous system and emotions. It does not cause addiction nor does the body build up a tolerance to it. It also doesn’t impair thinking the way drugs may. In fact, in studies it was shown to improve brain function and memory. It is a good solution to treat anxiety on a short-term basis. The standard form is in capsules. Do not take with alcohol.

Valerian - Valerian is considered a strong anti-anxiety herb. Similar to Valium, it works with the central nervous system; however it does not cause dependence. It is also used to improve sleep as well as a muscle relaxant. It is taken in capsule form. Note: a small percentage of users indicate an increase in anxiety when taking this herb. If that happens, discontinue use.

Passionflower - Passionflower is a strong herb used primarily for calming and treating insomnia. It can also be used to help calm daytime anxiety. It is most commonly used as a tea. To make the tea, steep one to two teaspoons of dried herbs in a cup of hot water for 10 minutes. Drink one cup every two hours.

Siberian Ginseng - This herb helps restore adrenal glands that are overstressed. It is a good choice for those who are chronically overstressed, and is taken as a tonic. It has a cumulative effect, meaning that it may take several weeks or even months to see results from taking the tonic.

Herbal Remedies for Acne

The following are some herbal remedies for acne:
Tea Tree Oil - Tea tree oil comes from this Australian tree. Used as a topical treatment, in studies it was found to be as effective as benzoil peroxide but with fewer side effects. To use, first gently cleanse the skin and pat dry. Apply diluted tea tree [...]

The following are some herbal remedies for acne:

Tea Tree Oil - Tea tree oil comes from this Australian tree. Used as a topical treatment, in studies it was found to be as effective as benzoil peroxide but with fewer side effects. To use, first gently cleanse the skin and pat dry. Apply diluted tea tree oil to the problem areas and let dry. You can purchase tea tree oil already diluted or you can dilute yourself using jojoba oil with 5 to 15% tea tree oil. Use the mixture twice a day. Test a small spot first to ensure that you do not get a rash. Some people with sensitive skin can have a small reaction to tea tree oil. Do not take internally.

Lavender - Lavender essential oil is often used as an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial. It is also astringent. It is good on minor skin irritations and burns. To use, dot lavender essential oil onto blemishes individually using a cotton swab. Used once or twice per day on mild acne, this will help dry up the blemishes.

Burdock - Burdock is often taken internally as a tea. The leaves, roots and stems of the burdock plant are rich in minerals that promote sweating and urination (a natural diuretic). For the treatment of acne, use burdock topically, as a face wash. Apply cooled tea to the skin with a washcloth and rinse with cool water.

Calendula - Used as a remedy for many skin ailments, calendula has antibacterial and calming properties. Calendula is often found as a tea. To use, make the tea and allow cooling. Then apply to the face with a cotton ball or cloth. There are also calendula creams available that can be found at your local natural food store. These creams are usually too thick in consistency to help with acne, however, they can be used lightly.

Chamomile - This flowering herb is often found in teas. It contains a natural anti-inflammatory called azulene. Chamomile is used as a skin wash in the treatment of acne. To use, steep chamomile tea and allow cooling. Apply to the skin with a cotton ball or washcloth. You can also dab the mixture onto blemishes. There are also skin care products available with chamomile.

Rose - Rose essential oil has soothing antiseptic properties. It also smells wonderfully. Find rosewater that is made from essential oil. Put some into a spray bottle and spritz onto the face whenever you want.

Grapefruit Seed Extract - The seeds of grapefruit have been found to have potent micro bacterial properties. Mix 5 drops of extract with ½ cup water to dilute and use as a face wash.

Aloe - Aloe has long been known to be a soothing anti-inflammatory with anti-bacterial properties. Use in the gel form for best affects. Use topically by applying directly to the blemish spots.

Understanding Herbal Remedies

Herbs are plants used in medicine. Natural healing has come to denote any type of natural means used to aid in healing. Although most herbal remedies are from plants, there are some that are mineral or animal products as well. Herbal medicine is also called phytotherapy, the science of using herbal remedies to treat illnesses.
People [...]

Herbs are plants used in medicine. Natural healing has come to denote any type of natural means used to aid in healing. Although most herbal remedies are from plants, there are some that are mineral or animal products as well. Herbal medicine is also called phytotherapy, the science of using herbal remedies to treat illnesses.

People have been using herbs for hundreds of years to treat all types of illnesses and symptoms. Throughout history we can find examples from many cultures of their use of herbal remedies. The ancient Egyptians used herbs in healing and in ceremonies as well. There are hieroglyphics that depict the use of herbs on some ancient walls. In ancient China, herbs were an important part of healing and still are used in traditional Chinese medicine.

Today, more and more people are turning to herbal remedies to cure anything from headaches to skin conditions to colds. You can find an herbal cure for just about anything that ails you. There are also herbal remedies that are used as preventions for many types of illnesses as well.

Medical doctors are also getting involved in more natural cures. There are specific additional medical courses available that instruct on herbal cures and their uses. A holistic M.D. is a licensed physician who has completed not only the traditional medical studies, but has additional education in the philosophy and methods of natural healing. A N.D is a doctor of naturopathic medicine, and they are recognized and licensed in a number of states.

Herbalists understand how herbs act to treat certain ailments in the body. The body is like a small ecosystem unto itself, and everything is balanced just right. When some part of the body becomes unbalanced, herbs can be used to help restore balance again.

Usually, herbal remedies are milder than traditional medicines and have fewer side effects, and most are very safe if used as directed. The body can build up a resistance to some medications, such as antibiotics, when they are used too much. Herbal cures are helpful when treating illnesses that are not too serious. There are many ways to use herbs as effective treatments.