Five Herbal Remedies to Ease Menopausal Symptoms

Post date: January 10th, 2008

Menopause, also known ominously as “the change,” is a difficult time in most women’s lives. Most women experience many of the difficult symptoms of menopause, which can include night sweats, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, loss of sex drive, memory loss, depression, and sudden mood swings. Many women also experience weight gain during menopause. Many women decide to go with hormone replacement therapy in order to deal with the most trying symptoms of menopause. Most women feel that hormone replacement therapy is their only choice during menopause. But there are many herbal and natural therapies that can help women ease menopausal symptoms. Here are just five easy to use herbal remedies that can help ease some of the most common symptoms that women experienced during menopause.

Chasteberry: This herb is often overlooked, especially when it comes to treating the difficult symptoms that many women experience during menopause. Chasteberry has long been thought to help have a profound effect on the body’s hormones. Many traditional herbalists and naturopathic doctors believe that chasteberry can make a profound difference in the lives of women who are currently suffering from the most difficult symptoms of menopause. Many herbalists believe that chasteberry can actually help reverse the vaginal changes that are generally a part of menopause. Chasteberry is also thought to reverse the effects of a lowered libido that many women experience during menopause. Many practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine also believe that chasteberry can help reverse many of the most difficult symptoms that women are apt to experience during the course of the menopause process.

St. John’s Wort: This is a popular herb that is recommended to menopausal women for its ability to help treat the symptoms of anxiety, irritability, and mood swings. St. John’s wort is believed to be even more effective in treating depression than traditional antidepressants that are prescribed for mild to moderate depression. Most herbalists and naturopathic doctors recommend taking 100 to 300 milligrams of St. John’s wort supplement each day. Make certain that the St. John’s wort supplement is standardized for 0.3 percent hypercin three times a day.

Ginkgo biloba: This is another popular herb that is thought to help increase and improve blood flow to the brain. Ginkgo biloba is also popular antioxidant. Ginkgo biloba is recommended to menopausal women who are experiencing memory loss. Most herbalists recommend taking 40 to 80 milligram capsules three times each day.

Valerian: Many menopausal women find that they have a difficult time falling asleep. This is where valerian comes in. Valerian is a safe and nonaddictive herbal remedy for getting a good night’s sleep. Herbalists recommend taking 300 to 500 milligrams of valerian each night, at least one hour before bedtime.

Lavender Essential Oil: Another natural and safe way to achieve a peaceful night’s sleep is through the use of lavender essential oil. Lavender essential oil is an easy way to integrate aromatherapy into your menopause herbal therapy. Simply drop a few drops of lavender essential oil onto your pillow for a restful night’s sleep.

Enjoy the anti aging benefits of the goji berry

Post date: January 9th, 2008

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.

Herbal Remedies — The Scientists’ View

Post date: January 9th, 2008

For over fifteen thousand years the human race has been using herbal remedies to resolve all their medical problems, but it has taken time to get the scientific world to take notice of the powers herbal remedies posses. Scientists have extensively tested a wide range of herbal remedies from around the world and found that many, if not most carry properties that may help conditions ranging from a small headache to cancer.

What aroused the scientist’s interest?

Herbal remedies have seen a revival of sorts in the western world, it seems that wherever you turn there is an alternative medicine store selling remedies ranging from the basic to the exotic. Due to the large interest in herbal remedies, scientists decided to embark on large-scale clinical trials to see how they work.

What did the scientist’s find?

What astounded the scientists was the way some of our every day foods were proven to have amazing qualities. Bee honey has shown to be a herbal remedy that does not capture the imagination, yet carries amazing anti bacterial qualities. Due to the large sugar content and low moisture levels, honey forms a natural barrier against nearly all bacteria, this is why honey never spoils. It was also found that some of the more exotic plants used as herbal remedies are actually dangerous to humans if large enough quantities are used, but in smaller quantities they can make an aggressive medication against the more threatening medical conditions.

Scientists have said the clinical trials were a success in proving that herbal remedies do work and that it really comes as no surprise. The reason why they were not surprised Mother Nature can supply a lot of natural medicinal treatments is due to the fact that our modern medicine is a distant relative of the herbal treatments used by our cave dwelling ancestors.

Moving forward

Scientists are looking further into the reasons why herbal remedies work to see if they can use the medicinal qualities in plants for the innovation of new medicines. There has already been talk of certain qualities in Chinese plants that could have an impact on lung cancer cells. It seems that modern medicine still has a lot to learn from its more natural predecessor, it is not surprising that pharmaceutical companies are willing to finance more exploration into the world of herbal remedy. Many pharmaceutical companies see natural substances as a great way of using the world around us for treatment purposes; this also fits in with their business model, as it is usually more cost effective, too.

Summary

If you are interested in finding out more about herbal remedies then it could be a rewarding experience, there are a great many people that have found positive effects from taking these natural substances. Herbal remedies have lasted since the dawn of man, and will still be used till the end of mans time on Earth; we need to harness the full power of the plant life and animal products around us so we can make the best benefits available for our bodies.

Cellulite v Fat

Post date: January 3rd, 2008

Whilst you may associate cellulite with those who are overweight, it is important to recognise that the characteristic lumps and bumps of “orange-peel” skin can afflict even the skinniest of people.

Cellulite affects women rather than men and it is a condition that affects the connective tissue of the body.

The problem of cellulite occurs when pockets of fatty tissue become trapped beneath the connective tissue of the body. Whilst the skeleton provides a framework for the body for support and protection, the organs and tissues of the body are held together by a network of connecting tissues called the superficial fascia that lies under the skin.

The skin is fairly elastic and it will tolerate an amount of expansion and contraction caused by fluid and fat level fluctuations. The connective tissue underlying the skin is no-where near as elastic and it will not tolerate such changes.

As a result fat cells become stuck beneath the connective tissue in nooks and crannies from which they cannot escape – and this is what causes the bumps and bulges on susceptible areas of the body.

Whilst calorie controlled diets will reduce levels of fat in the body, they do not affect cellulite and it is for this reason that even the very slim can be affected by this problem.

Even if the fat cells are eventually persuaded to dissipate whether through diet exercise or massage, the connective tissue will not revert to its former shape as it has no elasticity. It’s a bit like over-filling a plastic carrier bag and causing it to become mis-shapen – no amount of smoothing and folding will restore that carrier bag to its original shape and size.

There are particular parts of the body that are more susceptible to cellulite simply because these are the areas that are prone to storing more fat in the first place. These include the thighs, hips and buttocks – all areas designed to lay down stores of fat, in days when food supplies were not plentiful, to sustain the female during pregnancy, childbirth and lactation.

Unfortunately, the genetic programming of the female body has yet to catch up with modern day food supply levels.

In comparison to cellulite, fat is remarkably easy to shift from the body. This statement should give the reader an idea of how stubborn and persistent cellulite can be. For those who are overweight, the excess weight can conceal cellulite and it is not until this excess weight is finally lost that the cellulite is uncovered and revealed. Being thin can make the cellulite appear to be worse as it is far more visible.

To rid yourself of cellulite is a long process that requires resolve and determination. Starting with a complete detoxification; continuing with a cleansing diet that is high in fluid and nutrients and incorporating regular daily aerobic exercise and weight training.

A diet high in water rich fruit and vegetables is then required for life, to prevent the problem recurring.

Massage can help, although the jury is out on whether the various lotions that are now available really do help the condition. Just the physical action of massaging affected areas to stimulate circulation, improving oxygen supply to the cells and encouraging the elimination of toxins can do nothing but good. (Massage should be avoided in any areas where there are varicose veins)

So whilst cellulite may be caused by fatty tissue initially, the problem will persist even in the absence of fat. Dieting to reduce cellulite does not work.

How to Prevent RSI

Post date: January 1st, 2008

You’ve probably heard of RSI, better known as repetitive stress injury, and know how painful it can be to someone who has it. You don’t want to get this condition yourself, so it can’t be emphasized enough how important it is to prevent this disorder. There are a few simple changes that you can implement in your office setup and your work habits that might be able to save you a lot of pain months or years down the road. If you ever do get an RSI, then you should be prepared for healing to be a long, frustrating, and drawn out process. Prevention is the key.

One thing you can do to help prevent an RSI is to type correctly. This is one of the best things that you can do. You should never contort your hands to do key combinations on your keyboard, like a shifted letter. This is one of the most common mistakes that people tend to make when they are typing. By making key combinations by contorting one hand, you could experience tingling and numbness or a loss of feeling in your pinky.

This is known as cubital tunnel syndrome or ulnar neuropathy. Instead of contorting your hand to do key combinations, you should use one hand to hit the letter key and the index finger of your other hand to hit the other key. It puts strain on your hands to twist them. If you rest your wrist on a wrist rest or your desk while you are typing, then you are forcing your hands to twist in order to reach some of the keys on the keyboard. It is better on you if you keep your hands moving freely above your keyboard and let the muscles of your arms to move your hands.

You should take frequent breaks from the computer and the keyboard. It is better for you to take several short breaks versus a few long breaks. You can take your hands off of your keyboard and let your arms drop to your sides, get up and move around for a few minutes, or whatever relaxes you a little. You should do this about ever half hour to forty-five minutes. Take the time to stretch and loosen up the muscles in your neck and shoulders. By stretching, you are helping to prevent yourself from injury. Before you begin typing, you should stretch your wrists. Also stretch them several times throughout the day.

When you are typing it is important for you to keep you wrists straight and flat. How you hold your arms, neck, and shoulders can also contribute to any problems you might experience. Sit in your chair with your thighs level and your feet should be flat on the floor or on a foot rest. Keep your back straight while you’re sitting and your shoulders should be relaxed. Your arms should be bent at a rough 90 degree angle and the top of your monitor should be at eye level. If you must make adjustments, then make them to the monitor and keyboard, don’t make them to your body.

Herbal Remedies to Treat the Common Cold

Post date: January 1st, 2008

You thought you had avoided it this year: you washed your hands obsessively after shaking hands with strangers and ducked every time someone sneezed, but you still managed to get a common cold. However, even the most vigilant among us manage to get the common cold each winter. When you get a cold, viruses take over your immune system. Leaving you with a series of symptoms that will leave you feeling run-down and sick. Common cold symptoms include headaches, body aches, fevers, coughing, a runny nose, and all over feeling of weakness. Most conventional doctors will tell you to take an over the counter cold medication and wait it out.

However, alternative and herbal practitioners will advise you to arm yourself with a slew of herbal remedies that can help rev up your immune system and survive a cold in record time. Many herbal remedies allow you to mute the worst of those cold symptoms, and some can even help you reduce the duration of a cold to one or two days. Here are a few well-regarded herbal remedies that can help you survive your latest run-in with the common cold.

Echinacea: Echinacea has received some criticism for not always achieving the high expectations that have been set for it. But after the hype wore down, this popular herb still remains a favorite with most herbalists and naturopath doctors. The truth is that Echinacea has been used for centuries for treating colds and treating other upper respiratory problems. It appears that Echinacea works by boosting the production of immune cells such as phagocytes and leukocytes that help fight disease. Most herbalists recommend taking Echinacea in tincture form, or in capsule or tablet form. Most herbalists also recommend that Echinacea be taken off and on. The general belief is that Echinacea should be taken at the first signs of illness, and then taken for a week or two before taking a break from the herb. Taking high doses of the herb steadily are believed to depress the immune system. Most herbalists recommend taking approximately 175 to 225 milligrams of Echinacea two or three times a day.

Goldenseal

Goldenseal is believed to strengthen the immune system, and it can be used in conjunction with Echinacea at the first sign of a cold. Most herbalists recommend taking 175 to 350 milligrams of goldenseal three to four times a day for 10 days or so after the first sign of a cold. Along with boosting the immune system, goldenseal is also believed to help combat localized viruses.

Garlic: This classic herb is considered to be one of the most potent cold-fighters by traditional herbalists and naturopath doctors. Most natural doctors recommend taking a clove of fresh garlic at the first sign of a cold. If you prefer to get the immune-boosting properties of garlic without the odor, opt for deodorized garlic capsules. Take 300 to 500 milligrams of garlic each day for the first week of the cold to keep the worst symptoms at bay.

What Can Herbal Remedies Do For You?

Post date: December 16th, 2007

Maybe you have heard of the wonders of using herbal remedies to treat a variety of health ailments but you have yet to take the natural health plunge. Maybe you feel you need to know more about herbal remedies before you take the plunge. If you are not familiar with the basic principles of herbal therapy, hopefully this article can give you a better idea of what herbal therapy is all about, and how you can use herbal remedies in your everyday life for greater health.

First, you should have a greater understanding of exactly what herbal therapy is and how it works. Herbal therapy and herbal remedies usually refer to the use of medicinal plants to achieve healing and create greater overall health. Using herbal remedies is one of the oldest forms of medicine. These days, you may also hear a lot of about alternative medicine. Alternative medicine incorporates herbal therapies, as well as other healing traditions.

But how exactly does herbal therapy work? Many plants contain chemical properties that are beneficial to the body’s health. Most commercially manufactured pharmaceutical drugs contain compounds that can be traced back to plants found wild in nature. For instance, let us consider saponins. Many plants found growing wild in nature contain saponins. These commonly found saponin compounds are well known for helping in the bowel elimination process and they also help break down excess mucus. Many plants also contain tannins. Tannins are chemical compounds that help slow the bleeding of wound, and some types of tannins are also known for their strong antimicrobial properties.

Herbal remedies can be taken in a variety of ways.

The most common way to take medicinal herbs is as an herbal tea. Another common way to prepare and take herbal medicine is in a tincture. A tincture is a concentrated liquid extract of an herb. You can also ingest many kinds of herbs fresh, either alone or as part of a meal. Many medicinal herbs can also be used for external use as compresses, creams, poultices, and salves. Another common way to apply healing herbs externally is as essential oils. Finally, more and more medicinal herbs are now available for use through commercially available herbal capsules or tablets.

Most medicinal herbs are used to treat specific conditions, boost overall health, or as supportive treatments. Many herbal remedies can be taken in combination with other forms of treatment.

Many herbal remedies can help reduce the side effects of some prescription drugs. However, some herbal remedies may interact negatively with prescription drugs, so great care must be taken when combining medicinal plants with prescription drugs.

Traditional herbal therapy is often used to great effect in the treatment of chronic conditions. Examples of chronic conditions that may benefit from traditional herbal medicine include diabetes, arthritis, memory problems, cardiovascular disease, and for acute conditions such as skin problems and colds. However, just because herbs are natural does not always mean that they are safe. Large doses of herbal treatments should always be avoided. For the best results, herbal remedies should be taken under the guidance of a trained herbalist or naturopath doctor.

A story about repetitive strain injury

Post date: December 16th, 2007

Once upon a time there was a young man aged twenty-three years, he worked in a warehouse for a large supermarket chain. The position he had was called a warehouse operative and his role was to take pallets of goods and place them in the required cages so the goods went to the stores. Some of the goods weighed up to 15 kilograms each with up to fifty-five on a pallet, as you can imagine having to lift this amount of weight over and over, in the same movement caused stress on the young mans wrists and hands.

Over time the boy started feeling pain in his wrists, the pain did go when he rested for long enough periods but over time the pain grew stronger and lasted for longer. One day he was trying to lift heavy items of stock into cages but found that he could not as his wrists hurt very much and he was losing the ability to move his wrists freely as they became stiff.

The young man decided to visit the doctor as the symptoms did not subside, the doctor looked at the wrists and was told what had happened and the doctor was able to diagnose the boy as having carpal tunnel syndrome, a form of repetitive strain injury.

The doctor advised the young man that he would require time off work; physiotherapy to try and relieve the stress he had caused on his wrists and painkillers to take away some o the pain he was feeling.

Over time the young man did find his symptoms rescind but he was never able to resume his role at the warehouse and had to find alternative employment.

Ever since this happened the young man has found that his wrists are weak and he can easily find them fatigue and ache, because of his youth this has caused him further problems in his personal life with playing sports.

Although this condition is not life threatening and should not cause serious problems long term it can affect day to day life, it can still affect you in simple jobs like opening tins of food or using a screw driver. I know this does not sound that bad but it is almost a disability, imagine having to ask someone else to have to do these simple tasks for you.

Reality

Although this story may sound far-fetched it is close to the reality of some peoples lives. Because a lot of people do not understand, or have knowledge about repetitive strain injury they can cause themselves harm over time if they do not seek medical help should symptoms of repetitive strain injury arise.

My first nugget of gold to share with you information wise is to research and learn about repetitive strain injury. This condition is fast becoming an epidemic due to the long hours many people spend on computers typing away and the amount of people standing on assembly lines, or walking around warehouses like the young man in the story.

A brief overview of the types of repetitive strain injury

Post date: December 4th, 2007

Many people know of certain types of repetitive strain injuries, but few realize that they fall under this type of umbrella condition. There are many different types of repetitive strain injuries, and they are a type of injury categorized by an overuse of simple motions. More often than not, repetitive strain injuries are caused by carrying out the duties of an occupation; making the same movements, over and over again, can lead to strains on certain parts of the body. Computer workers and assembly line workers are particularly prone to developing a case of repetitive strain injury. In this article, we’ll discuss the different types of repetitive strain injury that exist so that you can better tell what types of overuse to avoid in order to maintain a decent level of health.
One of the most commonly known types of repetitive strain injuries is carpal tunnel syndrome. A case of carpal tunnel syndrome develops when the median nerve which is located inside of the wrist becomes compressed. When this occurs, the afflicted individual will experience feelings of numbness and tingling within their wrist, sometimes causing them to awaken in the middle of the night due to the pain. The range of motion of the wrist may also be affected in the afflicted individual.
Another type of repetitive strain injury is known as DeQuervain’s syndrome. Also known as washerwoman’s sprain, this type of repetitive strain injury affects the thumb. There are two tendons within the body that work to control the movement of the thumb, and when the sheaths that hold these tendons become inflamed, pain and swelling may occur within the thumb. Those afflicted with DeQuervain’s syndrome also often experience a lack of ability to grip with the affected thumb.
One type of repetitive strain injury that often is confused with DeQuervain’s syndrome is known as intersection syndrome. It’s a painful type of repetitive strain injury that occurs when muscles within the forearm overlap with wrist tendons.
A type of repetitive strain injury that is similar to DeQuervain’s syndrome is known as trigger finger. In a case of trigger finger, the sheath surrounding the tendons of the thumb becomes swollen or a type of nodule becomes present on the tendon. These two types of afflictions can cause the tendon of the thumb to be unable to move through the sheath, causing cracking sounds when motion occurs and often causing pain when bending the digit.
Most of these different types of repetitive stress injury require the same types of treatments. More often than not, the use of non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs can be helpful in reducing the inflammation and the swelling of the affected area. In all cases, resting the affected area of the body is of the utmost importance, with most doctors recommending at least 2 weeks of rest. In the event of an advanced case of repetitive stress injury, surgery may be necessary to correct the problem. Luckily, most surgeries that are performed to treat repetitive stress injuries are outpatient surgeries which require little down-time.

Making Your Own Herbal Remedies

Post date: December 4th, 2007

Making your own herbal remedies can be a simple and effective way to treat common ailments at home. There are many ways to prepare herbs and create effective herbal remedies. The most popular ways to prepare herbal remedies include infusion, decoction, tincture, and syrup. Here is a brief overview of the most popular methods of preparing herbal remedies.

Infusion is perhaps the most popular way to prepare herbs into herbal remedies that can be consumed quickly and easily. Most of the time, infusion is made in much the same way as hot tea. To create a healing herbal infusion, simply put the herb (or herbs) that you are working with in a pot with a closed, tight-fitting lid, and then pour hot water over the herbs you are working with. Infuse the herbs for at least ten minutes. To strain your tea, simply pour the infusion through a nylon sieve or a strainer into a teacup or mug. You can store any leftover of the infusion in a cool place and then heat it up again later, but avoid drinking any infusions that are not fresh or almost fresh.

A decoction is a method that has to do with extracting a plant’s active ingredients in a more vigorous manner than an infusion. Most decoctions are made from the twigs, barks, roots and berries of plants. To make a decoction, simply heat herb you are working with in cold water. Simmer it for about an hour. Then strain the bark, twigs, roots or berries with a strainer. You can take a decoction either hot or cold, but you should always make sure that it should be consumed fresh.

Making an herbal tincture can be a little more complicated. To make an herbal tincture requires a little planning. First, put the herb that you are working with in a large jar and cover the herb with a mixture of vodka (rum can also be used, although vodka is ideal) and water. The mixture should contain at least 25 percent alcohol. Then you can seal the jar and store it in a cool dry place. The tincture should be stored for up to two weeks, and you should make sure to shake the jar occasionally. After the two week waiting period, you should press the mixture through a wine press and collect the tincture in a jug, Then use a funnel to strain the liquid into a dark bottle.

Many herbs can be prepared into palatable and effective healing syrups. First, simply heat about two cups of a standard herbal infusion in a medium-sized saucepan. Then add roughly 500 grams of honey or sugar and stir until the sweetener has dissolved completely. After the ingredients have been combined, allow the mixture to sit and cool. Then simply pour the syrup into a dark bottle and store in a dry and cool location. Make certain to seal the bottle with a cork stopper. Syrups ferment quickly enough, so it is particularly important to seal the bottle with a cork stopper.