The prickly milk thistle has been used in the treatment of various liver problems for more than 2000 years, and many of the earliest healers were well acquainted with this valuable plant. The milk thistle is actually a member of the sunflower family, even though it features flowers of purple instead of yellow. The milk thistle plant has the ability to stimulate the flow of bile from the liver. It is this bile stimulation that is thought to account for the effectiveness of milk thistle in treating ailments of the liver and aiding digestion.

Modern research into the properties of milk thistle
Modern studies have backed up the findings of these ancient doctors, and have substantiated the fact that milk thistle does indeed help to protect the liver from damage, and even has the ability to heal damage that has already been done. In Europe today, many doctors consider the milk thistle plant a preferred treatment for liver disorders from cirrhosis to hepatitis. Continue reading »

Siberian root has been used as an energy tonic in China for thousands of years, but the western world has only recently discovered the healing power of this herbal remedy. Siberian root has long been studied for its ability to reduce stress in men and women, and those taking it often report being better able to endure physical and emotional stress.

Siberian root is thought to also be quite effective at fighting fatigue and at curing a variety of ailments. This ability has led to quite a following for Siberian root, and many of the biggest enthusiasts find that it works best when used in the traditional Chinese way. The Chinese have historically used Siberian root to reinforce the vital energy of the body, known to Chinese medicine as qi. Others enjoy the power of Siberian root to ward off colds and flu, and to enhance memory functions.

The power of Siberian root
Siberian root is known to contain many unique compounds that can positively affect the adrenal glands. These small glands rest on top of the kidneys, and they are known to secrete hormones that are effective in fighting stress. Taking Siberian root is thought to enhance the ability of the body to handle physical stress and to enhance the disease resistance of the body as well.

Therefore, many believe the Siberian root may be able to prevent many diseases that are caused by stress. Users who take Siberian root have reported that they are better able to withstand the rigors of physical labor, and to work at greater speed and with greater accuracy. Siberian root is also said to allow people to adapt more readily to heat, high altitudes and low oxygen situations. Others use Siberian root to enhance their mental alertness and improve their concentration.

Siberian root and chronic fatigue syndrome
In addition, Siberian root is one of the few herbs that has been found to be effective against chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. Siberian root is also thought to be effective against normal fatigue and many users report feelings of greater energy after taking this herb.

Some people even feel that Siberian root is able to increase both male and female fertility and to reduce male impotence. In traditional Chinese cultures Siberian root was often used as an aphrodisiac and a fertility enhancer, and modern medicine is studying these effects.

Traditional uses of Siberian root
Siberian root has also been used in traditional medicine to treat symptoms of menopause, and to relieve the symptoms associated with menopause. It is thought that Siberian root may also affect the hormone levels and tone the muscles of the uterus. These abilities may make it valuable for relieving menstrual cramps and other associated problems.

Siberian root is available over the counter in a number of different places, including health food stores, grocery stores and supermarkets and even on the internet. There are a number of online retailers of Siberian root, and they can provide some very competitive prices.

No matter where you buy your Siberian root, or what conditions you use it to treat, however, it is important to purchase high quality brands form manufacturers who use the most modern manufacturing methods. How herbs such as Siberian root are handled after harvest, and how they are processed, can have a profound impact on their therapeutic value.

The goji berry just may be the most powerful of all anti-aging foods on the market. More and more people are discovering the power of the goji berry, also known as lyceum barbarum.

The history of the goji berry
The goji berry has long enjoyed a privileged place in traditional oriental medicine, and it has been used in traditional Asian medicine for thousands of years. For many in the modern world, however, the goji berry has remained a well kept secret.

Many in traditional medicine have noted that many of the longest living people in the world eat a diet rich in the goji berry, and this tiny red fruit may well be one of the most powerful of all anti-aging foods.

The first healers
Some of the first healers to recognize the power of the goji berry were the Himalayans. These traditional people shared their knowledge of the goji berry and it healing properties with the herbalists of Tibet, China and India. One of the most highly prized elements of these traditional herbalists were the fruits of the goji vine, which had flourished in the valleys of the Himalayas for thousands of years. Those herbalists took this powerful food back home with them, and they continued to spread the word about the power of the goji berry.

There are many varieties of goji berry, grown in many parts of the world, and as the popularity of this food continues to grow, more and more people are growing the goji berry for profit. The most powerful and nutrient rich goji berries, however, still come from plants grown in the valleys of the Himalaya mountains, so it is important for buyers to understand where there supplements come from.

What makes the goji berry so special?
The goji berry contains four individual polysaccarides, also known as phytonutrient compounds. These phytonutrient compounds work in the body to direct and carry instructions used by the cells of the body to communicate with one another. These polysaccharides are often referred to by scientists as master molecules, due to their ability to control many important functions of the body and its immune system.

The goji berries grown in the Himalayan valley exhibit a well balanced level of these various polysaccharides, and they have a greater nutrient density than berries grown elsewhere in the world.

There are many ways that the goji berry can be used in a healthy diet, including supplements, juices and the fruits themselves. There are many places to buy goji berries and goji juice as well, from traditional supermarkets to specialty and whole foods retailers. When buying goji berries, however, it is important to purchase them only from top quality suppliers who are as concerned about your good health as you are. It is also important to know where your goji berries or goji juice comes from, since the goji berries grown in the valleys of the Himalayas can be far more nutritious than those grown in other parts of the world. The goji berry is one of the most exciting and useful new food to be discovered by the modern world, showing how the wisdom of the ancient world is once again shedding new light on common health problems.

There few drinks with as many important health benefits as green tea, and the Chinese have long known about the many benefits of this exciting foodstuff. The Chinese have been using green tea in traditional medicine to treat problems ranging from headaches and insomnia to depression and stomach aches.

Modern research
Research done by modern scientists has backed up the traditional benefits of green tea, with many studies, both in Asia and the West, finding solid evidence of the many health benefits associated with drinking green tea on a regular basis. On often cited study showed a sixty percent decreased in the risk of esophageal cancer in Chinese men and women who drank green tea on a regular basis. The study concluded that a compound in green tea served to inhibit the growth of cancer cells.

In addition, other research seems to indicate that green tea has the ability to lower both total cholesterol levels and the ratio of good cholesterol (HDL) to bad cholesterol (LDL).

Some of the many conditions for which green tea is thought to be effective include cancer, high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular problems, infections and lowered immune system function.

The power of green tea
The secret to the power of green tea is thought to lie in the fact that it is so high in polyphenols. The most significant of these ingredients is thought to be epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG is known as a powerful antioxidant, and it has been shown to both inhibit the growth of cancer cells and kill cancer cells without injuring healthy body tissue. EGCG has been shown to be effective at lowering the level of bad (LDL) cholesterol, and in helping to prevent blood clots from forming. This may be why green tea has shown such promise in preventing heart disease and stroke.

In addition, scientists have been studying the role green tea may play in what has become known as the French paradox. Many people find it amazing that the French, who eat diets rich in fatty foods, have a much lower level of heart disease than do Americans. The answer to the French paradox is thought to lie in the healthful benefits of red wine. Red wine contains resveratrol, which is a polyphenol thought to mitigate the effects of the fatty French diet. Studies have shown that EGCG, a main ingredient of green tea, is twice as powerful as the ingredients found in red wine.

What makes green tea so special?
While green tea, oolong tea and black tea are all made from the leaves of the camellia sinensis plant, green tea is different in the way it is processed. The leaves of green tea are steamed, which helps to prevent the oxidation of the important EGCG compound. Black tea and oolong tea, on the other hand, are made from leaves that are fermented, and this means that the EGCG they contain is converted to other, less effective, disease fighting chemicals.

In addition to its many traditional health benefits, there is even evidence that green tea can be helpful when trying to lose weight. One study found that those who consumed a combination of green tea extract and caffeine burned a higher number of calories than those only taking caffeine.

Herbs can do much more than add much needed spice to the foods you cook. Herbs also have important health benefits, and many herbs have been shown to have remarkable healing properties.

Growing your own herbs
Fortunately, herbs are very easy to grow in your own home herb garden. They are also easy and quite inexpensive to buy, either fresh or in their dried varieties. When buying herbs, whether they are dried or fresh, however, it is important to exercise caution and to buy only the freshest herbs, or those dried herbs made by quality, reputable companies.

The best choice for many people, however, is to grow your own herbs in an herb garden. Unlike many other forms of gardening, an herb garden takes up almost no space. Most herb gardens can be grown using the smallest flower pots set in a sunny windowsill. There are every kits which allow the cook to grow a variety of herbs directly from seed, all in one handy container.

There are as many ways to use herbs in cooking and in healing as there are herbs. For instance, meats, stews and pasta dishes can all be enhanced with basil, garlic, oregano and rosemary. Foods that are naturally sweet can be further enhanced through the addition of herbs like cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg, while extra heat can be added to many foods by adding a dash of white, black or red pepper.

Herbs and dieting
Dieters often appreciate the ability of herbs to add flavor and variety to food without adding extra calories. When adding fresh herbs to a recipe, the best technique is to gently crush the herbs in your hand in order to fully release their flavor. It is best to add the herbs near the end of the cooking process to preserve their flavor and nutritional value. A few of the most commonly grown herbs for the home garden are:

? Sweet basil – Sweet basil (ocimum basilicum), in both the dark opal and the green variety are quite easy to grow from seed, and they generally germinate at 7 to 10 days. Basil can grow to a height of 18 inches, and it provides excellent flavor to tomato paste, pastas, soups and stews.
? Chives – Chives (allium scboenoprasum) is a perennial plant which is popular in both herb gardens and more traditional garden patches. These tiny plants resemble spears of grass when they first sprout, but they can grow to a height of 12 inches. Chives are great in salads, sauces and all kinds of egg dishes.
? Dill – Dill (anethum graveolens) is another easily grown herb, and it makes an excellent flavoring for meats. Dill is also excellent for use in pickling.
? Lavender – Lavender (lavandula) is easy to grow as well, and it provides a fresh scent indoors and out. While not traditionally eaten, lavender is important in aromatherapy, and the dried leaves of the plant make excellent sachets for sprucing up closets.
? Mint – Mint (menthe spicat) is also quite easy to grow and it can easily be grown indoors as part of an herb garden. Mint is an excellent accompaniment to fruit drinks and lemonade, and we all know how well mint jelly goes with lamb dishes.
? Sage – Sage (saivia officinalis) is another perennial plant that is grown indoors and out. This popular herb is excellent for use in chicken, turkey and pork, and it is often used for flavoring sausage as well.

Depression and anxiety are growing problems in the United States, and unfortunately many people who suffer from these serious illnesses are resistant to seeking professional help. Fortunately, there are a number of natural remedies, including St. John’s Wort, which show great promise in treating depression and anxiety without the use of drugs. St. John’s Wort has been shown to improve mood in many people, and there are those who swear by the positive effects of this herbal medication.

The history of St. John’s Wort
The herb we know today as St. John’s Wort is know scientifically as Hypericum perforatum, and it gets its name in honor of St. John The Baptist. St. John’s birthday was thought to be in June, and it is in June that the golden flowers of this herb begin to bloom. The word “wort” translates to “plant”, therefore St. John’s Wort is St. John’s plant.

This herb grows as a perennial, meaning it will grow back year after year on a single planting. St. John’s Wort grows wild like a weed, and it has grown abundantly in Europe for thousands of years. The history of using St. John’s Wort also goes back thousands of years, and it has been used as a safe and effective herbal medication for at least 2400 years. The founder of medicine, Hippocrates, was known to prescribe St. John’s Wort for relief of such common ailments as hemorrhage, jaundice, dysentery, tuberculosis, colds and insomnia.

In European countries, St. John’s Wort has been studied for many decades, and scientists have discovered that it contains a combination of compounds, the most important of which is hypericin. These compounds are thought to react with certain chemicals in the brain, thereby providing emotional comfort, a calming element and freedom from depression. As a matter of fact, St. John’s Wort is thought to work much the same way as many common prescription antidepressants.

St. John’s Wort and depression
In Europe and other places around the world, doctors have been prescribing St. John’s Wort for the treatment of depression for many years, and the therapeutic effects of this herb have been shown to include relief from mild to moderate depression, relief from anxiety, relief from insomnia, and even increased cardiac circulation.

In the United States, St. John’s Wort is available over the counter in a number of preparations and a variety of strengths. When taken orally St. John’s Wort is often prepared in capsule formula, at a standardized dosage of 300 mg. With a 0.3 hypericin concentration. The suggested dosage ranges from 2 to 12 capsules per day, depending on the condition being treated and its severity.

St. John’s Wort is also available in tea form. The tea is prepared by mixing 2 teaspoons of dried herb with hot water and letting it steep for 10 minutes. After the tea has had time to steep, it is strained, and mixed with sugar or honey to make a tasty drink.

In addition to these common forms, St. John’s Wort can be infused into olive oil and used as a massage oil to relieve joint pain and inflammation. This massage oil is also thought to be effective against bruises and wounds.

The pomegranate has been a much loved part of the diet of many cultures for thousands of years, and scientists have recently begun to take a look at its possible health benefits, over and above those derived from the vitamins and minerals it contains. Some studies have suggested that the juice of the pomegranate contains nearly three times the antioxidants found in such foods as green tea and red wine. In addition, the pomegranate contains substantial quantities of such important minerals as potassium, such important vitamins as vitamin C and niacin, and significant amounts of fiber as well.

Traditional uses of the pomegranate
The pomegranate has long been used in traditional folk medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including sort throat, inflammation and rheumatism. These folk uses of the pomegranate are common throughout the Middle East, Iran and India, where the fruit is common.

The pomegranate has a touch rind which is either dark red or brownish in color, and it is similar in size to an apple or an orange. The edible part of the pomegranate is the juicy red pulp.

The history of the pomegranate
The name pomegranate is derived from the Latin term for “fruit of many seeds”, due to the many seeds the interior of the fruit hold. From ancient times onwards, the pomegranate has been associated with fertility, and this fruit often makes appearances in the folklore of ancient Egypt and in Greek mythology as well.

Eating a pomegranate can be a labor intensive experience, as the edible seeds must be eaten one at a time to avoid the bitter membrane that encases them. There are a number of varieties of pomegranate available throughout the world, and one of the best ways to distinguish between these types is by the color of the seeds, which range from light red and dark pink through a deep scarlet color.

What to look for
When buying pomegranates, it is best to choose those with the best color, and those which feel heavy. Pomegranates that are dry looking and wrinkled, or which have a cracked rink, should be avoided. Pomegranates will keep at room temperature for two or three days, and in the refrigerator for up to three months.

In most parts of the United States, the pomegranate is typically available from September through November. Availability of fresh pomegranates varies by region of the country, however.

A typical pomegranate contains only about 100 calories, making an excellent food for dieters. Most nutrition experts recommend eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day, and pomegranates are an excellent addition to anyone’s daily diet.

In addition to fresh pomegranates, pomegranate juice is another popular way to enjoy this popular fruit. Pomegranate juice can be used to make a wide variety of products, including jellies, sauces, marinades and vinaigrettes. In addition, the seeds of the pomegranate are often sprinkled over salads and desserts, or used to garnish meats, poultry and fish.

With all these things going for it, it is no wonder that the pomegranate enjoys such long lasting popularity. While it is not in season for very long, adding a fresh pomegranate or two to your late fall diet can be very rewarding.

Gingko biloba is one of the herbs with the longest history, and it has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. For almost 2800 years, gingko biloba has been used to treat a number of illnesses and ailments.

Where does gingko biloba come from?
Gingko biloba is derived from the tree of the same name, and it has been used for such varied things as:
? Maintaining normal blood circulation
? Maintaining normal function of blood vessels
? Maintaining the levels of oxygen and glucose in the brain
? Preventing capillaries from becoming fragile and leaking
? Helping to maintain a normal blood flow
? Reducing tissue damage caused by improper blood flow

Ginkgo biloba is known to contain a number of important antioxidants, including the very valuable flavonoids. These antioxidant nutrients are vital to combating the damage done by free radicals in the body. In addition, flavonoids like the ones found in gingko biloba are thought to strengthen capillaries, which may lead to increased blood flow the brain and greater memory and brain health.

The importance of quality
It is important that gingko biloba be processed properly, and that the extract process fully removes the toxic element of the gingko leaf, which is known as ginkgolic acid. It is important that processed gingko biloba contain no more than 5 parts per million (ppm) of ginkgolic acid. Most of the high quality gingko biloba extracts on the market today are well below this upper limit.

There is no doubt that ginkgo biloba is a very valuable herb, and it has shown real promise in treating a wide variety of conditions. Taking a quality ginkgo biloba supplement on a daily basis can be a great way to improve your overall health and fitness level.

The effects of gingko biloba
Ginkgo biloba is known to act as a blood thinner, and it can therefore increase circulation to all the tissues of the body, including such vital organs as the brain and the heart. Gingko biloba is thought to interfere with the platelet activating factor, or PAF, which may be implicated in causing asthma, heart disease, problems with hearing and skin conditions such as psoriasis.

Ginkgo biloba is also thought to improve the function of the brain, particularly memory functions, and to help improve overall health and vitality. Part of the effectiveness of gingko biloba may lie in the fact that it has strong antioxidant qualities, and that it is an excellent free radical killer.

In addition to these issues, gingko biloba has also been used successfully by many people to treat such common ailments as anxiety and tension. For some people, gingko biloba appears to act as a mood booster and energy restorer.

Gingko biloba preparations are available in a wide variety of forms, including tablets, pills, soft gels and capsules. In addition, gingko biloba is one of the most widely manufactured herbal supplements on the market, and it is produced by many companies, both large and small. When shopping for gingko biloba supplements, either at the local health food store or on the internet, it is important to buy only from quality, reliable manufacturers, and to make sure that only the finest and purest ingredients are used in the manufacturing process.

There are many reasons to love the pungent aroma and great taste of ginger, but there is increasing evidence that ginger provides strong health benefits as well as great taste. Ginger has a long tradition of use in traditional medicine, and cultures around the world have long used ginger as a healing compound as well as a cooking ingredient.

For many hundreds or even thousands of years, the spice we know as ginger has had great significance to the practitioners of Chinese, Japanese and Indian medicine. The nausea reduction effects of ginger have long been known, and some recent studies suggest that ginger can be effective against the nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy treatments.

The effects on circulation
Ginger is also thought to be good for the circulation, and many ginger enthusiasts have used it for that purpose. Ginger is thought to aid circulation and help the body sweat, and this can be an important factor in fighting colds and flu. Ginger is even being studied as a possible way to reduce the incidence of heart disease. It is not certain whether these possible heart benefits are a result of the increased circulation produced by ginger, or if there is some other mechanism at work.

Ginger has a great many uses in traditional folk medicine, and there is much anecdotal evidence of its reported health effects. Those health benefits are the subject of much ongoing research, and many clinical studies are currently underway into the many health benefits of ginger.

Ginger and motion sickness
Many frequent travelers swear by the effectiveness of ginger at preventing motion sickness, and some studies have suggested that it is just as effective as Dramamine and other common drugs used to treat motion sickness. While these effects are still being studied, it can’t hurt to add a bit of ginger to the meal you eat before hopping on that plane or boat.

Most major supermarket chains carry fresh ginger root, and if they do not chances are the local organic grocery store or health food store does carry this herb. When choosing ginger, it is important to choose those roots that are firm, and that have a distinct aroma. The more strong the odor of the ginger in the store, the more aromatic it will be in your recipes.

Ginger and good cooking
If you need ideas on how to use ginger in your recipes, be sure to check out recipes used in traditional Indian and Middle Eastern cooking. These cultures have made extensive use of ginger for many centuries, and there are some excellent recipes using ginger in combination with lamb, beef and even tofu.

Ground ginger can be quite a valuable substitute when fresh ginger root is not available, but fresh ginger is always preferred, both for its greater health benefits and for its superior taste. Fortunately, in most parts of the country fresh ginger root is available year round, so finding it should not be a problem for most shoppers. Ginger may be an ingredient that is unfamiliar to many, but it definitely pays to get to know this great herb.

Dong quai is one of those natural remedies whose use goes back thousands of years. For generation after generation, Asian societies have used dong quai as a tonic for the reproductive system of women. As a matter of fact, dong quai ranks right below ginseng as the most frequently used herb in Japan and China.

Where does dong quai come from?
Dong quai is obtained from the root of the perennial plant known as angelica sinensis in China and from the root of the A. acutiloba plant in Japan. Both species of plant feature eight foot hollow stems which are topped with umbrella shaped clusters of white flowers. The blossoms of both plants resemble its relative, Queen Anne’s lace. Modern European societies dong quai is being used for a variety of symptoms, both gynecological and non-gynecological in nature.

Some of the most common uses of dong quai, however, continue to be of a feminine nature, and it is thought that this herb helps promote uterine health and maintain regular menstrual cycles. Some research has suggested that the coumarins contained in dong quai are responsible for this effect. Coumarins dilate blood vessels, stimulate the nervous system and increase blood flow through the body. It is thought that coumarins may also relax the muscles of the uterus, which would help to explain the effectiveness of dong quai at soothing menstrual cramps.

In addition, dong quai is thought to help relieve PMS symptoms and irregular menstrual cycles. The reputation of dong quai as a female tonic is largely a result of its ability to reduce the symptoms of PMS and to regulate menstrual cycles. Many women have used dong quai to treat amenorrhea (missing or irregular menstrual cycles) and hemorrhagic (prolonged or heavy periods). It is thought that the antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory actions of the herb are responsible for these healing effects.

The benefits of dong quai
Dong quai is also thought to help reduce the pain associated with endometriosis, especially when used in combination with chasteberry. When used in combination with black cohosh, chasteberry and ginseng, dong quai appears to be helpful in controlling the hot flashes associated with menopause.

In addition to these health benefits, dong quai is also a rich source of vitamin B12, and as such it is thought to play a role in stimulating the production of red blood cells in the body. Using dong quai in combination with other herbs is thought to provide mild dilation of blood vessels, which may lead to increased blood flow and increased pumping action from the heart. For this reason, traditional Chinese doctors have long prescribed dong quai for circulation problems and high blood pressure.

Dong quai comes in a variety of different forms, including a tincture, tablets, capsules, soft gels and liquid. In addition, dong quai is available from many herbal medicine stores and health food stores in dried herb form, which can be used to make a soothing tea.

What to look for
When shopping for dong quai in soft gels, tablets, or capsules, it is important to choose those brands that have been standardized to contain a liguistilide concentration of between 0.8% and 1.1%.

The preparation that seems to be most effective for menstrual cramps and other menstrual problems is taking 200 mg dong quai pills three times a day, or taking 30 drops (1.5 ml) of liquid dong quai three times daily.