Turmeric For Diabetes - Can You Really Use This Herb to Improve Your Health?

Although studies have not yet been that thorough and comprehensive yet, the same have shown promising findings that indeed turmeric can be used to prevent and treat diabetes. Exactly how does turmeric for diabetes prevention work?

Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, has been established to be a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory substance that can very well diminish the body's resistance to insulin and treat Type 2 diabetes, also known as diabetes mellitus, by mitigating the inflammation caused by obesity.

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Resveratrol, found in red wine and grapes, has also been found to help in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes, so it can synergize with turmeric and work in combination in the treatment of diabetes.

Turmeric For Diabetes - Can You Really Use This Herb to Improve Your Health?

Health experts have also established the fact that turmeric works best in the body when taken in the form of multi-vitamin supplements, combining with other helpful substances and ingredients.

A good example is combining turmeric with piperine, a basic ingredient of black pepper, wherein it was found that the absorption of turmeric in the body increased by 2,000 percent, thereby negating the need to take higher doses.

The synergy of taking multi-vitamin supplements, simply mean that the body, aside from getting the benefits of each and every substance in it, also enjoys the benefits of the substances when combined with each other, therefore doubling the health benefits altogether.

You also have to make sure that the multi-vitamin supplement is enteric-coated and that the curcumin is of 95 percent extract, so that it is assured to reach the bloodstream and effectively gives its benefits to the body.

Diabetes treatment is now another health benefit from turmeric. Turmeric is one of several substances found to have powerful antioxidant properties.

Since ancient times, turmeric has been used to treat various ailments from the healing of wounds to the treatment and healing of the liver.

Studies have indicated that turmeric indeed stops inflammation of the body fats and diminishes insulin resistance while allowing the body to reduce and burn fat and therefore also treat obesity.

As a warning, it doesn't mean that you should eat more curry to treat your diabetes, as some other substances and ingredients of the curry might even worsen your diabetes.

While there are several ways to use turmeric to treat diabetes, the best and most efficient way is to take turmeric in the form of multi-vitamin supplement pills or capsules. Also, make sure that the turmeric content in the supplemental pill or capsule is substantial enough to elicit its full benefits.

The best way to ensure safety and effectiveness is to take turmeric in a high quality supplement!

Turmeric For Diabetes - Can You Really Use This Herb to Improve Your Health?

If you're interested in learning more about the best natural supplements with turmeric, visit my website, where I share what products I have personally been using daily for several years.

Henri K. Junttila is a health researcher, and believer of using the best natural options to stay healthy and young. Visit his website http://www.natural-supplements-advice.com/ today to learn more about the powerful health benefits of natural supplements.

Buy Hawthorn Berry Herb to Lower Cholesterol, Blood Pressure and Other Benefits

Hawthorn - Crataegus oxyacantha

COMMON NAMES
May Blossom, Haw, Maybush, Mayhaw, Whitehorn, Whitethorn, Mother-die, Bread and cheese

Herb

LATIN NAMES
Crataegus oxyacantha, C. monogyna

Buy Hawthorn Berry Herb to Lower Cholesterol, Blood Pressure and Other Benefits

FAMILY
Rosaceae

PARTS USED
Leaf, flower, berry

DESCRIPTION
Hawthorn, a deciduous tree, can reach 30 feet in height and can also be grown as a shrub. Clusters of white flowers bloom in spring, and bright red berries, called haws, form in the fall.

HABITAT
This tree grows in temperate regions in Europe, North Africa, India, and North America.

FOLKLORE AND TRADITIONAL USES
Hawthorn's name comes from "haw" derived from the Old English haga, which also meant "hedge," because its thorns and sturdy twigs made it a perfect barrier for cattle and pigs. It earned its former nickname "bread and cheese" when people ate the leaves during hard times. The branches were used in Maypole ceremonies to symbolize renewed life, fertility, and spring. Romans attached hawthorn sprigs to the cradle of a newborn baby to protect it against illnesses and evil influences. This was reputedly the plant used in Christ's crown of thorns. For centuries, people believed that lightning, the work of the devil, would never strike a hawthorn tree, because this plant had rested upon the forehead of Christ.

MEDICINAL USES
Historically hawthorn was used as a diuretic and to treat kidney stones. By the late 19th century, doctors understood the connection between hawthorn and the heart. An extract of the flowers and leaves improves cardiac output and the contractility of the heart muscle itself. Flavonoids in hawthorn have been shown to increase blood flow in the heart by dilating blood vessels in coronary arteries. Hawthorn has lowered cholesterol in animal studies, probably due to its oligomeric procyanidins (OPC), a type of bioflavonoids similar to that found in the extracts of grape seed and grape skin.

Buy Hawthorn Berry Herb to Lower Cholesterol, Blood Pressure and Other Benefits

Where can I buy Hawthorn herb supplements? ZooScape.com has a wide selection of Hawthorn Berry capsules, tea, powder and liquid extracts.

Can Ganoderma Herb Improve Cancer?

Ganoderma Lucidum can be an effective cancer herbs to assist conventional treatment.

Modern treatment usually attempt to destroy cancer cells through radio therapy or chemo therapy. However while destroying cancer cells, such treatment also destroys many essential cells beneficial to human body such as

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• Macrophage
• T-lymphocyte
• Blood producing cells
• White Blood Cells and others

Can Ganoderma Herb Improve Cancer?

Furthermore, chemo therapy leads to lowering of immunity and weakening of body. So, once treatment is discontinued, the remaining cancer cells might multiply back quickly when the body is weak. This may be fatal.

The integral effects from the consumption of Ganoderma cancer herbs together with modern therapy provide promising results. Beside its own anti cancer properties, this herb can also destroy cancer cell together with conventional therapy.

At the same time, it also fights against the unwanted effects of radiation, reducing damage by radio therapy and chemo therapy to essential cells like Macrophage, T-lymphocyte, blood producing cells, White Blood Cells and others.

Ganoderma Lucidum increases the tolerance level to radio therapy and chemo therapy, improves appetite and strengthens immunity. Some terminally ill cancer patient are so weak that they are not able to withstand these therapies.

After the consumption of Ganoderma cancer herbs, their condition improved and they can complete the course of radio therapy and chemo therapy. Many patients with tumors have also significantly improved after taking Ganoderma Lucidum.

Indeed, Ganoderma cancer herbs play an important role in supporting conventional medication for alternative cancer cure. Its effectiveness in controlling cancer is around 40% to 50%. The main components that give Ganoderma Lucidum its strong anti cancer properties are Organic Germanium and Polysaccharides (especially beta glucan).

Another important natural supplement for alternative cancer cure is Bee Propolis. Researchers found that this natural antibiotic can cut down the DNA of cancer cell, preventing it from multiplying. Other beneficial supplements for cancer include Cordyceps Sinensis herbs and Green Tea extract.

Besides taking natural herbs and supplements for cancer, it's very important to continue with conventional chemo therapy and radio therapy.

Can Ganoderma Herb Improve Cancer?

Find out more about Ganoderma mushroom at http://www.ganoderma-for-health.com or learn how Ganoderma herb improves cancer at

http://www.ganoderma-for-health.com/cancer-herbs.html

Scientifically Tested Olive Leaf Herb Is Known To Kill Every Virus And Germ Known To Man

What is the worst case scenario for the bird flu or just how bad could it get? A question I have always wanted the answer to. Well history is always the best teacher and we have an excellent historical teacher from 1918. The answer there is the bird flu of 1918, and that teacher is foreboding. Called the aquatic bird flu that actually started in China (sound familiar) then somehow got into Kansas not Europe. Isn't that interesting? It started among US Cavalry horses then moved to American troopers assigned to those mounts, stationed in Kansas. These Cavalry soldiers were shipped to the battle fields of Europe to take part in the fighting. Some of those soldiers arrived infected with the virus. This flu circulated throughout the densely packed cities of Europe then made its way back to America and did the same there. In a little over a years time it had run its course and 40 to 50 million people were dead.

In 1918 the big cities like London had a million people. Today our mega cities have 10 plus million people and a very fast transport system. Any new bird flu virus can travel in infected people across the world in a matter of days.

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Why can't modern medicine help us?

Scientifically Tested Olive Leaf Herb Is Known To Kill Every Virus And Germ Known To Man

Until the bird flu virus of today mutates to its human infecting form, no scientific steps can be taken to create a serum. Only then can science develop the serum and begin to make large batches. This takes considerable amounts of time and fertile chicken eggs and there are not many around. Under optimal conditions modern science takes at least 6 months, minimum. Remember I just said above, it only takes days to move the virus across the world. So even with all the pharmaceutical companies around the world creating this serum only a small part of the world's population would be protected. I hate to make this sound worse, but the virus can also mutate into other human infecting forms and other serums must be developed.

The Herbal Solution to a Bird Flu Epidemic

You can see how bad it can get and how little modern medicine can do. There has really been little progress since 1918. So what can be done to protect yourself and your family? Here is the answer that has been around for ages. Olive leaf tincture is the answer to bird flu and all other germs and virus infections. But do not take my word for it, here is some of the history of this very powerful herb and what modern science found when they looked at it.

History of Olive Leaf as Herbal Medicine

I personally believe that God was referring to the olive tree in Ezekiel 47:12, God spoke of a tree: "The fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine."

The ancient Egyptians may have been the first to put the olive leaf to practical use. They regarded it as a symbol of heavenly power, and in keeping with that belief, they extracted its oil and used it to mummify their kings. The Egyptians and later cultures also found, and there is documentation, that the olive leaf was a great herbal medicine for the relief of fevers (sounds like viral infections to me).

The knowledge of the medicinal properties of the tree (Olea europaea) date back to the early 1800's where it was used in liquid form as a very effective treatment for malarial infections. According to the 1854 Pharmaceutical Journal of Provincial Transactions, pages 353 and 354(a), the doctors at that time stated that the properties of the tree, Olea europaea, deserved more extensive investigation.

In the early 1900's, a bitter compound was found in the leaves of certain olive trees called "Oleuropein." This compound was determined to be part of the olive tree's powerful disease resistant structure. In 1962, European researchers recorded that oleuropein had the ability to lower blood pressure in animals, increase blood flow in the coronary arteries, relieve arrhythmias and prevent intestinal muscle spasms. A Dutch researcher found the chemical responsible for olive leafs healing power was elenolic acid which has strong antiviral, bacterial and antiparasitic properties.

Modern Medicine Finds That Olive Leaf is a Powerful Medicine

In the late 60's and early 70's, The Upjohn Companies' test studies were published by The American Society for Microbiology in regards to a new multifunctional monoterpene which they had isolated from various parts of the olive tree. The compound was called calcium elenolate, a crystalline salt form of elenolic acid. When they tested this compound it was found to be virucidal against all viruses for which it was tested. The compound acted effectively at low concentrations without any harmful influence on host cell mechanisms. It was also found to be extremely safe and nontoxic, even at high doses. While it worked extremely well in-vitro, it was unsuccessful in-vitro. When injected into the blood stream, the compound bound quickly to the blood serum protein and rendered itself ineffective. They were unable to overcome this problem and terminated their research. During this same period, other companies had interest in the compound and performed various tests, but also lost interest. Then in 1990, interest was renewed and the process of bringing the remarkable product Olive Leaf Extract to market began.

A safety study on calcium elenolate was laboratory tested with animals and published by The Upjohn Company in 1970. The study concluded that even in doses several hundred times higher than recommended, no toxic or other adverse side effects appeared..

Recent Australian studies show that liquid olive leaf extract made from fresh olive leaves has up to 40 times more antioxidants than even the very best extra virgin olive oils. This same fresh Olive Leaf Extract also has 5 times more antioxidant power than Vitamin C, 28 times more antioxidant power than Noni juices and 6 times more than Goji juices.

The Power of Olive Leaves

Effective against fever and helpful for nervous tension; great immune booster and viral/bacterial killer. Researchers credit a number of unique properties possessed by the olive leaf compound for the broad killing power: an ability to interfere with critical amino acid production essential for viruses, an ability to contain viral infection and/or spread by inactivating viruses or by preventing virus shedding, budding or assembly at the cell membrane, and the ability to directly penetrate infected cells and stop viral replication in the case of retroviruses. It is able to neutralize the production of reverse transcriptase and protease (an enzyme found in retroviruses that enable the virus to make DNA from viral RNA). These enzymes are essential for a retrovirus, such as HIV, to alter the RNA of a healthy cell. It can stimulate phagocytosis, an immune system response in which immune cells ingest harmful microorganisms and foreign matter.

Summary of conditions for which olive leaf extract acts as a microbial and anti-viral agent

AIDS Amoebiasis Anthrax Athlete's Foot Bladder Infection Campylobacter Chicken Pox Chlamydia Cholera Common Cold Cold Sore (herpes simplex) Cryptosporidiosis Cytomegalovirus Diarrheal Disease Diphtheria Ear Infection Ebola Sudan Virus E. Coli Epstein-Barr Virus Flu (influenza) Gastric Ulcers (from H. Pylori) Genital Herpes/Warts Giardia Gonorrhea Group B Strep Hantavirus Hepatitis A, B, C Herpes Zoster (shingles) Lyme Disease Malaria Measles Meningitis (bacterial) Meningitis (viral) Mononucleosis Pinworms Pneumonia (bacterial) Pneumonia (viral) Polio Pork Tapeworm Rabies Rheumatic Fever Ringworm Retrovirus infection Roundworm Rotavirus Infection RSV Staphylococcal Food Poisoning Strep Throat Syphilis Tuberculosis Thrush Toxic Shock Syndrome Trichinosis Typhoid Fever Urinary Tract Infections Vaginal Yeast Infections

Die-Off Syndrome

There are no negative side effects with Olive leaf extract but it does have a healthy side effect called the Herxheimer or "Die-Off" effect. Here is what takes place during a die-off effect. In the body there are microbes or viruses that somehow manage to evade the body's immune system. Upon exposure to olive leaf tincture these microbes and viruses are destroyed which is a good thing for the person. After the microbe virus death, their cell-wall proteins are absorbed through the weakened mucous membrane, which surrounds them. The body recognizes these as toxins and begins its natural processes to get rid of them. If present in too large of numbers for the eliminative system to handle, the individual may develop symptoms that include headaches, swelling in the mouth, throat, sinuses, and lymphatic's, rashes, fatigue, diarrhea, muscle/joint achiness, or other flu-like symptoms. The severity will vary from person to person, depending on the extent of their condition, the state of their immune and eliminatory systems, and how much olive leaf extract is being consumed.

The die off effect is desirable as it indicates that the body is being cleared of these hazardous microbes and viruses. Anyone who experiences these unpleasant effects generally feels fabulously well afterwards many times better than ever before.

If you feel the effects and you would like to minimize them, there are some easy things you can do. Many physicians recommend that an individual consume plenty of water in between usages of the product. Water keeps the lymphatic system and the kidneys functioning properly and more capable of handling the excess toxins. Another way to reduce the effects is to cut back on the dose of tincture that you are taking or go off it completely for a day or two before slowly increasing the dose once again. It can take anywhere from a couple of days to a week to completely rid the body of the excess toxins.

Why Olive Leaf Tincture?

A good question, and the answer makes common sense. Tinctures are made from the ground herb combined with pure grain alcohol. The alcohol acts as a solvent extracting the active healing ingredients out of the herb. The alcohol is then pressed out of the herb, all the valuable active herbal ingredients are now in the alcohol, the herbal pulp is discarded. This process can be done with one or a combination of herbs. In an alcohol tincture form the herb(s) are easily assimilated by the body to immediately begin the healing process such as killing germs or viruses.

Dosage

There is no official dose for taking olive leaf tincture even though it has been around for thousands of years of use and testing. The most popular amount for a maintenance dose is 2 droppers full twice daily on an empty stomach before meals. For conditions such as the common cold, flu, sinus infections, and basic respiratory tract infections, the dose is 2 droppers full every 2 hours. For acute infections such as sore throat, swollen glands, fever, etc., the recommendation is 3 droppers full every 2 hours.

Safety of Olive Leaf Tincture

From all indications over the thousands of years of use by professional and nonprofessional people; Olive leaf tincture appears to be an extremely safe supplement that can effectively aid the body in improving immune function and fighting infection by various microbes and viruses. To my knowledge and through my research I have not found one single negative case involving the use of olive leaf tincture.

Shelf Life

Alcohol acts as a preservative and if stored in a cool, dark place, tinctures can last indefinitely. I have herbal tinctures that have lasted 15 years and were just as strong as when I first used them. As I said above, avoid heat, sunlight, and exposure to air, and your tinctures will keep their "just picked" freshness for as long as you own them.

Caution:

Don't take olive leaf with antibiotics as they can be inactivated by olive leaf.

Don't take olive leaf with Warfarin (Coumadin) this drug can cause internal bleeding.

Olive leaf naturally relaxes blood vessels and capillaries which could increase Coumadin's side effect.

References:

The main reference for the information in this article was taken from Doctor Jack Ritchason's Book "Olive Leaf Extract" Woodland publishing, Pleasant Grove, Utah. 1999

Nature's multi-functional force against infections and cardiovascular disease? by Amanda Jackson Ph.D.

Positive Health Publications LTD 1994-2002

Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, by James A. Duke, Pub. CRP Second Edition 2007

Scientifically Tested Olive Leaf Herb Is Known To Kill Every Virus And Germ Known To Man

Paul Blake is a doctor of herbal medicine and a master herbalist. He used naturopathic medicine to treat his own case of cancer eighteen years ago. Visit Paul's website on Herbal Remedies, Natural Healing Herbs for more interesting information on improving your health, or for more information on the powerful Olive Leaf herb.

Rosemary Care Tips - How to Plant, Harvest, Propagate and Enjoy This Wonderful Herb

Rosemary is a beautiful and highly aromatic herbal plant, with needle-shaped, almost pine-like leaves and pretty purplish-blue flowers. The herb originates from the Mediterranean, with a beautiful Latin name meaning "Dew from the Sea". Indeed, wild Rosemary can be found along the sea cliffs in Spain, Italy and Greece.

Rosemary Care

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As you can imagine, Rosemary loves to live in a sunny, somewhat sandy environment with occasional sea breeze. If this doesn't apply to your herb gardening, don't worry, as Rosemary is easy to grow as long as there is at least 6 hours of direct sunlight, together with well-drained soil and good circulation.

Rosemary Care Tips - How to Plant, Harvest, Propagate and Enjoy This Wonderful Herb

Rosemary care is simple but we have to be careful in watering. Over-watering is the biggest cause of death for this herb, as this will lead to root rot as well as powdery mildew, which will seriously weaken the plant. Here is a practical advice: do not plant Rosemary next to the sprinklers because this is usually where the water collects and soil becomes soggy.

Air circulation is important as well because otherwise, a damp, poor circulated environment will not only attract powdery mildew, but also annoying pests such as spider mites and aphids. If occurs, simply spray with insecticidal soap.

Rosemary is not particular to the type of soil as long as it is well-drained. Generally, soil with a slightly alkaline pH (6.0-7.5) is great for the plant. Also, fertilizer is not necessary but you can choose to add fish/kelp emulsion in spring and the herb will thrive beautifully.

Planting Rosemary

Rosemary is not easy to grow from seeds and it is rather slow growing at the seedling stage. Instead, propagation by division is much better for efficient herb gardening. Snip two inches from new growth springs (the soft, non-woody part), dip it in rooting hormone, and gently plant it in well-drained soil such as perlite and peat moss. After two weeks or so, you can test whether roots have come out by gently tugging on the cutting. Alternatively, you can put the cutting in a jar of water and change water every few days. It takes longer for the root to appear, generally around four weeks. Once the root appears, pinch away the central stem to encourage side growth. Follow the Rosemary care tips above and your plant will thrive year after year.

Harvesting Rosemary

Harvesting Rosemary is easy. Cut a few sprigs and hang it upside down in a warm, dry place. When completely dried, place them into a bag and rub off the leaves from the stem. You can also keep the leaves intact and place the whole sprig in your roasting and remove it when the food is served.

Rosemary as Culinary Herb

You may not realize, but Rosemary is part of the larger Mint family, together with well-known herbs such as Basil, Oregano, Marjoram, and Lavender. It has a bitter-sweet, somewhat piney flavor, and is excellent as seasoning for all types of meat. In particular, I find that Rosemary proves especially useful in roasting lamb, as its flavor counteracts the richness and fattiness of the meat. At the same time, it does wonders in enhancing vegetables ranging from tomatoes, spinach, peas and even mushroom.

Rosemary as Medicinal Herb

In ancient Greece, Rosemary was used as a magic plant to improve memory. In the 16th century, Rosemary was widely used as a disinfectant and the herb was burned in hospitals to kill germs. It was also used as a medicine to relief gas, indigestion, toothache, headache, coughs and even baldness! Nowadays, Rosemary extract is used in making tinctures and insect repellents.

Besides the culinary and medicinal uses, Rosemary extract is often used in perfume, hair rinse and bath oil, and dried Rosemary leaves and flowers are made into cute potpourris! The use of this wonderful herb is endless - just let your imagination shines!

Rosemary Care Tips - How to Plant, Harvest, Propagate and Enjoy This Wonderful Herb

Megan Saurus is a dedicated herb gardener and author, and someone who is passionate about quality cooking, health and life. Besides herb gardening [http://www.herbgardeningcenter.com/the-amazing-home-herb-garden-how-to-guide], she enjoys cooking, makes potpourri gifts for family and friends, and reads with her kids. To learn about other herbs for a wonderful Italian herb garden, please visit her website at [http://herbgardeningcenter.com].

Correct Way to Harvest Chives Without Killing the Herb Plant

Wanted to share this tidbit of "harvesting trivia" on chives - garlic and regular.

During HerbFest I've noticed when I talk about "cutting chives" there are lots of people who are surprised to learn that chives are not to be cut from the top but the bottom of the plant base.

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Let's say you're doing a baked potato and only need a smidget of chives so you don't want to cut the entire stalk down so you snip across the top harvesting only what you are going to use. What you just did was kill the stalk from where you cut to the ground, which is waste and also not good for the plant.

Correct Way to Harvest Chives Without Killing the Herb Plant

Here's what you need to do...

• Cut from the base the number of stalks you need.
• Now cut from the top of the stalks harvested the amount you need tonight
• Chop them, but do not chop the remainder of the chive stalk or you release the oils which is what you are after for flavor and fragrance
• Take the remaining stalks and put in freezer bag and put in freezer
• Next time you need chives remove stalks from freezer and chop which release oil you had saved in stalk by not cutting up upon original harvest.

This process also encourages the chives to expand their base and you get more chives year after year.

It should also be remembered that chive blossoms are edible flowers but be careful to eat the garlic chive blossom hesitantly as it's more garlicky than garlic itself!!

Correct Way to Harvest Chives Without Killing the Herb Plant

Bob Johnson is founder of HerbFest. The herb plant festival is known for it's unusual hard to find herbs and information on growing, harvesting, using herbs for cooking, crafting, culinary, landscaping and aromatic purposes.

A weekly free e-tip is sent to subscribers on herbal lore and legend describing history of herbs, myths, recipes and many other tips. To receive go to:

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Herb Guide - How Much Turmeric to Use on a Daily Basis to Improve Your Health & Wellbeing?

Turmeric is a herb that has been introduced to the market recently and it has been making quite a splash. Before you start looking into how much turmeric to use, you need to do a bit of research first.

There have been reports and studies that have shown that this herb may aid in fighting various types of cancers as well as help to lower that high cholesterol level you may have! It seems amazing to think that a perennial plant can actually help our bodies in such a positive way!

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It is important to know upfront how and when to take any type of supplement or herb. When you are taking Turmeric, you need to know how much Turmeric to use on a daily basis.

Herb Guide - How Much Turmeric to Use on a Daily Basis to Improve Your Health & Wellbeing?

This information will be based on the form of Turmeric you have chosen to take. If you are using cut root Turmeric then do not use more than 3,000 mg per day. Most people will choose to use the turmeric extract and in this case you take 250mg - 500mg, 3 times a day.

You can also find Turmeric in the dried or powdered root form. This form is very common as well and most people do report the dried root powder as tasting fairly bitter.

Many people are always looking to take a vitamin in order to increase their health and detoxify their bodies. Turmeric will act as not only an antioxidant but an anti-mutagenic as well. These factors combined help to prevent cancers that are newly forming after a patient undergoes chemotherapy.

Make sure that you know how much turmeric to use before you start your daily routine. This herb is even more effective when it is added to multivitamins because of the synergistic properties that occur between different nutrients. These multivitamins are very effective when it comes to treating the common cold or flu and increasing your health and happiness.

Herb Guide - How Much Turmeric to Use on a Daily Basis to Improve Your Health & Wellbeing?

If you're interested in learning the secrets of finding the best natural multivitamin with turmeric and dramatically improving your health, visit my website, where I share what products I personally use for fast, safe and effective results.

Henri K. Junttila is a health researcher, and believer of using the best natural products to stay healthy, vibrant and happy. Visit his website http://www.natural-supplements-advice.com/ today to learn the secrets of how you too can easily supercharge your life with proven effective and safe supplements.

How to Use Goldenseal Herb As an Acne Treatment

Herbal practitioners now think of Goldenseal as a 'natural acne' treatment, anti-inflammatory and mild antiseptic/astringent. Also Goldenseal can help with digestive problems, loss of appetite and liver pathologies. The astringent effect is on the mucous membranes of the lungs, the gut and the bodies' skin. Goldenseal tastes quite bitter, encouraging the appetite and helping digestion and eliciting bile secretion.

Goldenseal has direct antimicrobial effects, but it may also work on intestinal bacteria, which are reduced in numbers after taking Goldenseal. This in turn leads to decreased digestive problems and also helps in clearing the skin of acne spots and body toxins.

Herb

Goldenseal, is thought of as a mucous membrane stimulant, however, it does not have to come into contact with mucous membranes to have this effect. If you chew some Goldenseal in your mouth for a few minutes, you can feel the sensation of tingling on the linings of your nose. There also is an increased flow of mucous from the membranes leading to a very runny nose. Also Goldenseal contains astringent properties, which also opposes that flow of mucous. It is a strange effect, with the result being a runny nose if the sinuses are blocked, but being checked by the astringent effect of Goldenseal. Looking at the traditional herbal mechanisms of action, it is thought this effect of increasing mucous flow, brings about firstly, the evacuation from the body of noxious substances, but also initiates the antibacterial effects of the mucous on the membranes and skin of the body. So, Goldenseal is regarded as being very useful for the internal membranes, but also externally on the skin of the body in the fight against acne bacteria.

How to Use Goldenseal Herb As an Acne Treatment

So, take Goldenseal 3 times a day, generally for 8 - 12 days:
3 - 4 grams of root or herb, as a tea
3 - 4 mL of tincture extract

For acne skin, apply cool compresses of the herb. This simply means brew the herb in hot water, strain and put the herb in a thin piece of cloth. This can then be applied to the acne skin of the face, back and chest. Initially, a hot sensation will be felt on the skin, but this will pass - followed by a pleasant 'glowing feeling'.

This astringent effect from Goldenseal will bring about increased blood flow to the superficial skin of the body, which in turn will stimulate tissue healing and speed up the resolution of acne spots. Also, the Goldenseal will exert its anti-bacterial affects and so reduce the acne-causing-bacteria that give us the characteristic spots and scars of acne. This is a soothing, natural acne treatment that deserves more recognition by doctors and patients alike, in the ongoing fight against acne.

How to Use Goldenseal Herb As an Acne Treatment

If you are looking for effective ways to beat your acne, then keep checking my blog reports, articles and scientific evidence. I work in medical research and I will give you the latest scientific evidence for some good, effective treatments and management plans. I look forward to helping you. Thank you for reading this.

Visit:

Rid Of Acne Fast

http://www.ridofacnefast.net/

Drinking Chamomile Tea Benefits Your Health - 9 Reasons to Grow Chamomile In Your Herb Garden

Growing chamomile tea will not only  benefit your health, it will entice your senses. The scent of the tiny daisy like flowers of the Chamomile plant smell like freshly cut apples.  Chamomile should be a part of every basic herb garden. It is a hardy annual that adds beauty, attracts bees and butterflies due to the sweet fragrance the blooms give off, and makes a sweet flavorful tea. This is one of the pleasures of growing herbs.

One of the safest and gentlest of herbs, Chamomile has been used for centuries for medicinal purposes. Ancient Egyptians used the ground flowers to drink for fighting colds, calming nerves and alleviating skin irritations.

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Modern science is now proving that the ancient cultures knew what they were talking about. Here are nine reasons you should consider growing Chamomile as part of your basic herb garden:

Drinking Chamomile Tea Benefits Your Health - 9 Reasons to Grow Chamomile In Your Herb Garden

• Chamomile has proven anti bacterial properties that enhance the immune system. It can be used in a steam for respiratory ailments such as hay fever, sinus infections and asthma.
•  Has been used to decrease inflammation. The unsweetened tea is used on the skin to fight acne, skin      irritations and bee stings.
• Chamomile has been proven to have properties that relax the muscles. Taken as a tea, it helps with menstrual cramps and sore muscles. It can also be used in a bath, to decrease muscle soreness and improve skin irritations. The sweet scent from the bath water will also brighten your mood.
• Chamomile when made into a tea is known for its calming effect and it often taken before bedtime to aid in a good night's sleep.

More drinking and growing Chamomile tea benefits your health

•  New research studies show that the tiny daisy like flowers may have a chemical that will decrease the complications of Type 2 diabetes. This chemical has an affect that increases the ability of the cells to allow sorbitol to pass through the cell wall. In Type 2 diabetes, the sorbitol builds up outside the nerve cells and eyes causing pain and blindness.
•  A cup of Chamomile tea to rinse your hair after it has been washed will bring out the gold highlights in brunette or dark blonde hair.
•  If you are an avid gardener and start your plants indoors, Chamomile tea sprayed on your plants will prevent the seedlings from developing any type of fungus.
• Used in composts, Chamomile tea is thought to increase the calcium level of the soil.          
• Chamomile is safe for babies and is often make into a tepid tea to ease gas pains and soothe a teething baby.

There is nothing more soothing and appealing to the senses than to experience Chamomile tea made right from the blooms out of your own garden. I drink dried loose leaf Chamomile tea in the winter. But, in the summer, taking time to go out and pick the blooms and smell the sweet scent relaxes me. As I wait for the tea to steep, I experience the refreshing scent of newly cut apples. As I taste my tea from the garden, it is a lightly sweet taste that I feel does not need any sweetener added.  I know that when I use the loose leaf dried Chamomile tea, I often use a spot of honey or a touch of apple juice.  

Drinking and growing Chamomile tea not only benefits your health, your senses. The addition of this plant will benefit your garden as well. I hope you will choose to make this herb part of your basic herb garden year after year.

Drinking Chamomile Tea Benefits Your Health - 9 Reasons to Grow Chamomile In Your Herb Garden

Connie Bednar has been a tea enthusiast all her life. She enjoys sharing information about loose leaf tea and so her web site http://www.your-cup-of-tea.com was born. Learn more about herbal teas such as chamomile and other herbs on her web site. Take the time to sign up for "Tea Note Speaker" her newsletter while you are there and take advantage of her complimentary tea e-course.

Hawthorne Berry - Its Benefits As a Heart Herb

Hawthorn herbs come from the Hawthorne Berry, which is a small red berry that looks like a miniature apple as it too grows on a tree. This thorny tree grows 30 feet tall and has beautiful pink or white flowers during the spring. The tree is known by several names, including the how, may bush or mayflower tree.

The Hawthorne Berry

Herb

There is a good reason why Hawthorne Berries are used as heart disease herbs. Not only can they help to regulate your blood pressure but they can also break down cholesterol and fat, both of which contribute to heart disease. They also help dilate coronary blood vessels so that your body is able to utilize oxygen, blood and nutrients more efficiently throughout your entire body.

Hawthorne Berry - Its Benefits As a Heart Herb

Bioflavonoids

Hawthorne Berry is loaded with bioflavanoids, which are potent antioxidants. In fact, there are a lot of people who believe that they are actually a lot more potent than Vitamins A, C or E. It is these bioflavanoids that help your heart muscle be able to pump blood more efficiently. Whenever you have healthy arteries you will also have more endurance, good blood pressure and healthy blood vessels. This is the reason why this natural heart medicine is actually best used as a preventative medicine but it can also be used to treat heart disease too.

Hawthorne for Your Vascular System

The vascular system is also important whenever it comes to supporting your heart. It has been shown that Hawthorne Berry will reduce calcification of your vascular system. As such, this heart extract will stop the arteries that lead to your heart from hardening or narrowing. You also won't develop any blot clots, which can lead to strokes and heart attacks.

Hawthorne Supplements

Hawthorne Berry tea is often used for natural heart health even today. It can be made from the berries, the berry leaves or even the flowers of this herb. This tea is packaged and sold at most health food stores throughout the world. You can also get this alternative medicine for the heart in capsules or as a tincture.

Research on the Hawthorne Berry

Ever since the early 1900's, and even continuing today, there have been clinical trials and research done in regard to the medicinal value of Hawthorne Berry extract. Unfortunately, science has only partially evaluated the benefits of this herb on human health though. Nevertheless, it is still believed that the antioxidants, flavanoids and other compounds that are found in the Hawthorne Berry give this herb its beneficial effects. For this reason, it is sometimes added to heart herbal remedies in order to help reduce a person's blood pressure and correct any potentially unhealthy cholesterol levels.

Recently most of the studies about Hawthorne Berry extract are concerned with the medicinal value of this extract in regard to its affect upon a person's liver, digestive system and cardiovascular system. Many of these studies are also looking at Hawthorne Berry as an anti-inflammatory agent. The many studies that have been completed thus far have not looked at the use of Hawthorne Berry tea so much as they have looked at the usage of the concentrated extract itself.

While there are some health care professionals who have recognized the medicinal value of Hawthorne Berry extract for more than 100 years now, research on this extract is still considered to be only preliminary. This is because the majority of this type of research is funded by pharmaceutical companies and they are unable to patent a naturally occurring substance. For this reason, any of the natural remedies that contain Hawthorne Berry or other such herbs are of little interest to them.

Conclusion

Hawthorne berries are thought to be one of the safest herbal heart supplements on the market today. As with any other medication, Hawthorne berries do have some side effects that occur on rare occasions. These include headaches, nausea and rapid heartbeat. It is also important to understand that there are a few possible drug interactions too. Therefore, if you are taking any prescription medications, you should contact your doctor before taking this heart supplement. Nevertheless, Hawthorne berries are considered to be safe for long-term usage.

Hawthorne Berry - Its Benefits As a Heart Herb

Article Submitted by Robert Bailey, an active author and consultant in the Natural Wellness field.
For more information about Hawthorne as a heart herb, and how to maintain your heart health, please visit the SuperNaturals website at http://www.hearthealthvitamins.net.

Tribulus Aquaticus - Is There Science Behind This Muscle Building Herb?

Tribulus Aquaticus is an herbal extract sold as a muscle builder and a replacement for anabolic steroids. However the data behind this supplement is scare. Users do report some benefits to the herb, but overall there is little to no data supporting it's use as a sports supplement meant to boost or act like testosterone.

What is Tribulus Aquaticus?

Herb

Tribulus Aquaticus is a plant that shares a similar name with the popular bodybuilding supplement Tribulus Terristris, but the name is where the similarities end. Tribulus Aquaticus is indeed a plant going under the name Tribulus lacusoris, Tribulus marinus, Trapa natans, Saligos, Caltrop (Water) or better known as the simple water chestnut. It appears that this is the simple water chestnut that you can find at any grocery store in the asian center. Quite simply it is just Water Chestnut, which is great on salads and in stir fry.

Tribulus Aquaticus - Is There Science Behind This Muscle Building Herb?

Many of the names for this herb are unavailable in pubmed, the leading authority on all published papers. However Trapa natans does identify this herb as having anti-oxidant properties. Unfortunately this doesn't seem to translate at all into how it is claimed to build muscle or be a replacement for steroids. Searching Trapa natans and Tribulus Aquaticus for "strength, muscle, cortisol, exercise" all came up with no results, making the inclusion of this ingredient in sports supplements a mystery. Water chestnut has never been used as a bodybuilding supplement but this study does show it may have some potent anti-oxidant properties. In fact I could only find one article for any of the terms "Identification of major phenolic compounds of Chinese water chestnut and their antioxidant activity. Molecules. 2007 Apr 25;12(4):842-52." showing any activity at all.

Is Tribulus Aquaticus good for muscle building?

Anti-oxidants may have some slight benefit for building muscle, but it isn't going to be a replacement for steroids nor will it add significant muscle or strength to your performance. Anti-oxidants such as Tribulus Aquaticus may prevent muscle soreness, which might ultimately lead to quicker recovery, but this hasn't been proven in the literature. As a supplement Tribulus Aquaticus just doesn't have much data to support it's claim to replace steroids or augment testosterone.

To be at least considered for boosting testosterone or replacing steroids, an herb must have some basic studies showing increased testosterone levels, sperm count, semen quality or testicular weight variations. Tribulus Aquaticus has none of these properties. Until there is some published research on this herb it may be useful as an anti-oxidant but it's effects on muscle are pure speculation.

Until there is some research on Tribulus Aquaticus doing anything for muscle building, it's best avoid this ingredient as a bodybuilding supplement. If you want anti-oxidants, there are far better and more studied ones on the market like Vitamin E or CoQ10. It seems the only thing this supplement has going for it is a similar name to Tribulus Terrestris, which may actually boost testosterone.

Tribulus Aquaticus - Is There Science Behind This Muscle Building Herb?

Erin Raad reviews sports supplements and supplement ingredients.

He recommends as a testosterone booster, Formadrol Extreme from LG Sciences:
Formadrol Testosterone Booster

As an herbal androgen replacement he recommends the natabolic stack from LG Sciences:
Natadrol Androgenic Supplement

Erin Raad's opinions are not unbiased nor impartial however the research is valid and appropriate for commentary on herbal supplements.

Choosing the Best Herb to Improve Memory

When choosing a herb to improve memory, people usually want to know how fast will the effects appear, what the side effects are and what is the price of the treatment. They are recommended to make a comparison between the medicinal plants, in order to pick the best herb to improve memory.

In most of the cases, the effectiveness increases once with the number of ways in which the herb can improve memory. Ginkgo biloba, for example can enhance the blood flow to the brain, enhance the circulation throughout the entire body, prevent cholesterol from turning into plaque, fighting free radicals and improving the mood. People are recommended to look at ginkgo biloba as their first options, as many scientists consider it the best herb to improve memory.

Herb

The brain needs 20% out of the entire amount of oxygen that is consumed by the body. When this level drops, people experience dizziness, vertigo, and fatigue as well as memory loss. Ginkgo biloba is regarded as a good herb to improve memory as it can reduce fatigue by oxygenating properly all the other organs.

Choosing the Best Herb to Improve Memory

Next, it prevents the cholesterol from turning into plaque. If this change succeeds, the plaque is deposited on the arteries and the blood circulates with difficulty. In the end, stroke becomes inevitable. As stroke is a major cause of memory loss, by preventing it, ginkgo biloba helps in the memory improvement process.

Ginkgo biloba is an herb to improve memory that contains more than 40 active substances. Out of all these, flavonoids and terpenoids seem to be the most important. These are two types of antioxidants that boost the immune system and help the body to fight the free radicals. The latter type of chemical substances helps significantly in the development of cancer and heart diseases. Brain cancer, as well as stroke, represents major causes of memory disorders.

Ginseng is an herb to improve memory that acts as an energy booster. In conclusion, it helps people to decrease the stress and depression levels, which are also causes of memory loss. On the other hand, rosemary is a herb to improve memory that enhances directly the mental processes.

When choosing the best herb to improve memory, people must also know the contraindications of these herbs. Most of them are anticoagulants, so they must not be used in excess. In addition, pregnant women are recommended to avoid supplements based on ginkgo biloba.

Choosing the Best Herb to Improve Memory

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Ginger Health: Goodness of Ginger Herb

Revered in the Orient for its powerful healing qualities and its culinary uses, Ginger has been in use since ages. A perennial herb, ginger is a greenish yellow rhizome. The botanical name of the spice is Zingiber Officinale. Ginger is been used extensively in the Orient; its benefits covering a spectrum so wide, that it includes the medicinal, culinary as well as aromatherapy fields. A pungent and flavorful spice, ginger is one of the most widely used spices in the East.

Ginger is known to be beneficial to the body in a number of ways. Ginger can be used in its raw as well as dried form. Raw ginger is thermogenic, anti-flatulent, appetiser, digestive and a powerful laxative.

Herb

Dried ginger is thermogenic, appetizer, laxative, expectorant, stimulant and effective to cure stomach disorders. Dried and ground ginger is used to cure cold, cough, cholera, nausea ad vomiting, inflammations, diarrhea, colic, flatulence, anorexia, asthma and headaches.

Ginger Health: Goodness of Ginger Herb

Ginger has extensive uses in aromatherapy as well. Ginger yields an essential oil that is steam distilled from the unpeeled, dried and ground root. Ginger oil is used in combination with sandalwood, cedar wood and patchouli, which renders a woody-spicy scent to the mixture.

The uses of ginger as a digestive aid can be largely attributed to the presence of gingerols and shogaols, which help neutralise stomach acids, enhance the secretion of digestive juices and tone the muscles of the digestive tract.

The active ingredient in ginger is terpenes and an oleoresin, which is called ginger oil. These active agents are responsible for its antiseptic qualities, lymph-cleansing, circulation-stimulating and mild constipation relief. Research has shown that ginger lowers blood cholesterol by reducing cholesterol absorption in the blood and liver.

Other Ginger health benefits

o Ginger has been known to reduce inflammation of the joints and muscle tissue for people suffering from arthritis or rheumatism. o Ginger improves blood circulation, hence thought to improve the complexion too. It is also known to have reduced nervousness, ease tendonitis and relieve sore throats. o Ginger is an effective herbal remedy for all kinds of motion sickness and even morning sickness during pregnancy. A great way to get rid of the uneasy, queasy feeling in the stomach. o Scientists have found that ginger can block the effects of prostaglandin - a substance that causes inflammation of the blood vessels in the brain, which leads to migraine. o Many women believe that consuming ginger tea during periods helps minimize menstrual cramps. o Known for its warming action, ginger is an effective treatment in colds and flu. o An effective remedy for cramps caused by flatulence, ginger stimulates digestion. o Ginger is a mood enhancer, the Cineole present in ginger helps provide stress relief. o It is a great mouth freshener and ginger tea is known for its refreshing properties.

Ginger Health: Goodness of Ginger Herb

Kevin Pederson has been managing a number of natural home remedies websites which have information on home based natural cures and remedies for some of the most common illnesses and health problems .

Herbs For Protection

If you have never used plant matter in magic before, I explain in detail in the column Plants, Herbs and Roots for Prosperity the different ways these substances can be practically used in rituals and everyday practice. In brief, the main methods of using plant material to summon protection are: carrying the substance on your person in a locket or a sachet, boiling the herb and sprinkling the residual water around your residence, putting a sprig of it under your bed or pillow, bathing in a distillation of it or burning it as incense. Also with love attracting, just keeping the living plant in your house can help increase your vibrations.

Below I have detailed where an herb can be used for a specific protective purpose.

Herb

Ague Weed: A bath in this herb is alleged to banish evil spirits. This herb is also known as Boneset.

Herbs For Protection

Agrimony: Is burned or sprinkled around the house to send bad spirits back to the sender.

Angelica: Worn on the person to protect from evil spirits, however a drawback of this herb is that it also may protect you from opportunities. Used formally in rites of exorcism to get rid of bad spirits. Brew into a tea it and sprinkle in the corners of a house to protect from evil spirits. It is also warn on the person in a locket or sachet for personal protection.

Anise: Stuffed under a pillow it protects from nightmares.

Ash: The branches can be shaken and rattled like a wand to cleanse a place of bad energy.

Asafoetida: Kept in a potpourri or burned for protection.

Bergamot: Usually used for money, but some sources say it can be used for personal protection and to attract good spirits as well.

Borage: Place in an area that is suspicious it is said to make the truth come out or have dishonesty, plots or secrets revealed.

Broom Tops: Boiled in salt water to keep evil spirits and ghosts away.

Caraway: Carry the seeds on your person to protect from disease and ill health. A few seeds in the clothing of a loved one are said to protect your marriage from infidelity.

Carnations: A bouquet of fresh or dried blossoms is said to protect the home and family from rivals and attackers of all sorts.

Camphor: Worn as a balm it is used to ward off physical attack or unwanted advances from others.

Cedar: The boughs or incense are burnt to protect the home from spirits. It also protects those in deep meditation or doing rituals from picking up unwanted energies and astral attack. It is toxic to reptiles and birds, however, so you should be careful using it if you have either as pets.

Coriander: Burn as an incense or wear the seeds on your person to protect against attack. Helps keep friends and lovers from accidents.

Deersbane: Burned to reveal bad energy or tell one the source of bad energy.

Dill: Sprinkle in a corner of a children's room to protect them from harm.

Elder: A highly protective tree whose branches are burnt or kept in the home to save residents from accidents and attacks of all kinds.

Eucalyptus: Burnt in the home to protect the health from viruses, disease and plagues.

Geranium: Live bouquets, oil and incense are kept in the home to protect the family against attacks of all kinds and also disease. Worn as an oil to protect the health.

Heather: The sprigs are worn on the person or kept in the house to protect from evil spirits and unwanted attentions.

Lavender: Use a fresh bouquet, dried flowers, oil, perfume or incense to protect and shield your person and home from bad vibrations and negative people.

Marjoram: Sprinkled in the house for protection against accidents, burglars and unwanted visitors.

Myrtle: A sprig is kept above the front door for protection.

Motherwort: Burned or kept in sachets or lockets on the person for personal protection.

Pennyroyal: Burned to protect against domestic abuse and violence in the home.

Pine: A wreath of pine protects from bad spirits and attracts good spirits. The incense clears spaces of bad vibrations.

Snakeroot: Used to banish a person or thing from a home.

Rue: Rue Candles are burned for protection and the herb is burned to rid a space of bad thought forms and malevolent energies.

Slippery Elm: Place the herb in the place where you wish to get rid of slander or gossip. It may also be burned while sending bad thoughts back to the sender.

Vetivert: Wear the oil to protect yourself when you go out in dangerous or iffy situations.

Herbs For Protection

Samantha Steven's articles have been published in many high-standing newspapers and she has published several books. If you wish to buy Samantha's books about metaphysics click here http://www.insomniacpress.com/author.php?id=110 You can meet Samantha Stevens at http://www.psychicrealm.com where she works as a professional psychic. You can also read more of her articles at http://www.newagenotebook.com

Garden Herb Planter - For Indoor and Outdoor Gardens

Herb gardens are becoming the definitive choice of more and more gardeners because it provides for their cooking needs. A garden herb planter is important if you want to add aesthetic value to the indoor or outdoor herb garden you are growing. You can find differently sized and designed planters available in your local garden shops as well as online.

A garden herb planter will come in many different designs which would go well both indoors and outdoors. Some people have problems with indoor gardening because they might not have a lot of space in their kitchen. A great solution to that problem is a stackable herb planter like Stack-A-Pots' mini garden stacker, available in Amazon for .99. This is self-watering and can hold nine or more plants. It includes a hanging chain and it's both stackable and hangable. The product measures approximately 2 ft. tall with a diameter of 11". It is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use but it will be perfect for indoor gardening because of its space-saving design. You can choose from 4 available colors like terra cotta and stone, plus the purchase would come with a 1-year limited warranty. It is also an ideal gift for a friend with a green thumb.

Herb

If you have a modern-styled home or kitchen, you would need a contemporary looking garden herb planter to go along with it. The Chiasso Mesa Herb Planter is available online in the Chiasso website for . This has a sleek and simple modern design which comes with 3 metallic small pots and a tray. This great garden equipment is made of lead-free aluminum and measures 3.5" (pot), 13.5" L x 4.5" W x 3" D (tray). It is designed with no drainage holes and gravel or sand is recommended to use for drainage. Its compact size would make it easy to place in window sills or small kitchen counters and centers. It is perfect to use for any kind of herb seed. Chiasso is a great source of modern-designed furniture, tool and décor for your home. There are other choices of stylish planters and vases that you can select from.

Garden Herb Planter - For Indoor and Outdoor Gardens

Another popular brand you can use as a garden herb planter is Oxford Garden. This English wood planter measures 15" high and 15" square and available in Amazon for 9.99. It is made of Shorea, which is a lot like Teak but more heavy and dense. It comes in 5 pre-assembled pieces that is designed for easy assembly and removable bottom. Aside from herbs, It can also be used for growing fruits like tomato or flowering plants. You can also buy this in a set of 3 garden planters, which comes in different sizes and costs around 0.

Since it takes some space, it would be best to use for outdoor gardens. For those with smaller kitchen and indoor spaces, opt for mini-planters or the newly popular aero gardening system which also works well for growing different kinds of herbs. The right garden herb planter will not just help your plants grow healthy and strong, it will also add color and style to your living space whether indoors or outdoors. Your garden will be much more attractive with the perfect planter box. Enjoy comparing your options and find the ideal planter for your herbs.

Garden Herb Planter - For Indoor and Outdoor Gardens

These are just a few of the options in an herb garden planter.

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New Herbs in WoW Cataclysm

In World of Warcraft, Cataclysm, players will have access to four new types of herbs. In this article, I will be revealing the different herbs along with where they are most commonly found.

One of the most common herbs is Cinderbloom. This is the lowest level herb of the group. It is used in common low-level Alchemy recipes and can be found in practically any area that is fiery in nature. The most common place to get it is in Mount Hyjal on the outskirts of Sulfuron's Spire.

Herb

Next up on the list is Stormvine. Stormvine is one of the rarest herbs in Cataclysm as it does not have many spawn points. There are a few areas in the northern part of Mount Hyjal at have spawn points. It can only be found in grassy areas. The Twilight Highlands is also a good place to look for it.

New Herbs in WoW Cataclysm

Since Stormvine is fairly rare and is still one of the lower-level herbs, it will be fairly expensive and is not likely to be useful when it comes to milling it for Inscription.

One of the most annoying herbs to get in Cataclysm is Azshara's Veil, which only grows under the water. The richest zones for it are the new underwater zones home of Lady Azshara. While it spawns richly underwater, the fact that your character moves so slowly under water does not make it good for farming.

The highest-level as well as the most common herb in Cataclysm is Heartblossom. The best place to farm this herb is without a doubt in Deepholm. It spawns literally everywhere and you cannot take more than a few steps without running into a few dozen spawns of this herb.

Since there is so much Heartblossom in Cataclysm and it is also the highest level herb, players are likely to make this their herb of choice when milling for inks. You can get the uncommon qualities of ink with more regularity when milling this herb.

That is all for the new herbs in Cataclysm. Note that there is no equivalent of Frost Lotus in Cataclysm and that most potions and flasks simply require a lot more of the basic types of herbs. The end result of this is that flasks are a lot more likely to be expensive in Cataclysm, so if you are an alchemist you will likely profit off of this change in events.

New Herbs in WoW Cataclysm

For some new gold-making strategies, be sure to visit this wow schools review. If you want to level up quickly in Cataclysm, I recommend this Zygors guide review which contains some of the best secrets for ranking up from 1 to 85 on the fastest time possible.

Serenity Herbs

Serenity - that calm soothing sensation that we catch glimpses of every once in awhile in the hectic, fast paced lives. Sometimes wishing for even five minutes to do nothing. What does this tranquility search have to do with herbs for everyday health? A healthy body includes a healthy mind and spirit. Herbs can play a huge role in physical, mental and emotional well being creating a healthy body in all three aspects.

Using herbs simply just for restorative health benefits alone misses the true value. The Japanese have long recognized the need to celebrate the person when using herbs best seen through the elaborate tea ceremony. The making and drinking of any herbal tea should almost me a ritual in itself to obtain the full value of the herb. Many herbs actually contain properties that can assist in the dissipation of tension and promote relaxation. Whether the herbs are used as an herbal tea remedy or as an aromatherapy. In either method, the herb itself is only part of the process. How a person processes the herb has a lot to do with how they prepare it. Enjoying the aroma of tea steeping, the sounds of water boiling, or even the sound of running water mixed with the aromatic smells should all be part of the process. It is the slowing down part that promotes and allows the herbs to work their "magic".

Herb

For most, slowing down is an art form lost long ago. When we are stressed or nervous and filled with tension, to sit down an enjoy even savor a cup of tea is part of caring for our bodies as well as our minds and spirits. There are some herbs that actually promote the process of calming down and relaxing.

Serenity Herbs

Chamomile since the early 19th century has been used to calm the nerves and promote deep relaxation.

Lavender can be used both as a tea and as aromatherapy. It works to calm the entire nervous system.

Lemon balm can calm tension filled muscles and aid in sleep when insomnia strikes. It can also relieve those tension headaches either as a tea or in a hot bath.

Oatstraw is popular for tension headaches, sleeplessness, and nervous exhaustion. Its mild sedative properties make for a wonderful sleepy time tea.

Passionflower also has sedation properties when drank as a tea. It also can relieve many of the symptoms of PMS.

Skullcap is known to nourish the nervous system and the tea can relieve tension headaches, anxiety and exhaustion.

All of these herbs can promote tranquility and create an atmosphere within that is calm and serene. Take you time. Whether you are preparing a tea or a bath, allow yourself to be part of the process. Light some candles and practice some deep breathing. The herbs can promote but you need to promote as well.

Serenity Herbs

Bright blessings,
Ashira
http://www.ashira.ws
ashira@ashira.ws
Ashira is a Practicing Pagan for over 15 years. Currently she is a featured columnist at http://Asknow.com
The Witches' Child Author
Bacon Bits Author
FFWA Member
Cassel Network of Writers Member

Mint Herb

Mint herb varieties are almost countless but there a few worth consideration when choosing which herbs to plant in your garden. Mint is native to the Mediterranean and Western Asia. Early settlers brought it to America mostly for medicinal purposes but it quickly became a symbol of hospitality. One cannot think of the South without imagining ladies and gentleman sipping their Mint Juleps while rocking in their chairs on the veranda on a warm summer day.  

Mentha spicata, Spearmint for drinks, and Mentha pipperata, Peppermint for drinks and desserts, are the most common species found in herb gardens but look also for Garden Mint for general culinary purposes, Chocolate Mint, for desserts, and Pineapple Mint for salads and cooking.  

Herb

Mint is a pretty flowering edible herb which grows well in most soils as long as it stays moist, not wet or soaking. Mulching is a great way to retain moisture which the herb enjoys. It tolerates partial shade as well as full sun. It grows so well in fact, it may just take over your garden and crowd out other plants if you are not careful to keep it in check. Most mint herb varieties can grow 2 to 3 feet high. As your herb flowers, remove them by hand otherwise they will reduce the amount of leaves your plant will grow.   To harvest your mint herb, cut the leaves as you need them. Start with the top leaves to encourage the plant to shoot new leaves further down its stem. You can dry the leaves for later use but this does cause it to loose some flavor.  

Mint Herb

There are many culinary delights you can enjoy with mint:  

Tea: Add a handful of fresh, clean spearmint or peppermint leaves to boiling water. Remove from heat and let steep for 2-3 minutes. Add honey if desired.  

Eggs: Chopped mint is a favorite to add to eggs whether they be scrambled, fried, or made into an omelet or quiche. You can also add it to egg substitutes.  

Salads: Fresh mint leaves added to any salad gives it a fresh, lively flavor. Try pineapple mint in Greek salads or Tabbouleh.  

Jello: Pour the hot Jello mixture into the container it will be chilled in and before it goes into the refrigerator, steep several mint herb leaves in the hot liquid for 5 minutes. Remove the leaves and refrigerate as usual. You will taste the fresh flavor of the leaves in the Jello. Use Chocolate mint in any chocolate dessert.  

Vegetables: Add chopped mint to any steamed vegetable at the end of the cooking process for a peppy flavor.  

Traditional Mint Julep:  

5 fresh mint leaves

1 1/4 teaspoon sugar

2 tablespoons cold water

Crushed ice

2 ounces Kentucky Bourbon  

Put 4 mint leaves, sugar and water into a highball glass. Crush the mint leaves with the back of a spoon and stir, dissolving the sugar. Add the bourbon and lots of crushed ice. Stir gently to mix and garnish with the last leaf. Add a short straw and enjoy on the front porch with friends!

Mint Herb

Ginny Greene is an herb garden enthusiast. Visit Herb Garden Center for more expert advice on planting, growing and using herbs in cooking, crafts and home remedies.

Constipation - The Herbs Most Often Used

Constipation is very readily treated by a number of herbal remedies. Unless there are major complications - such as the presence of cancer or there having been an operation on the bowel - it is very rare to find someone who will not respond to herbal treatment for constipation extremely successfully.

There are a number of herbs considered, but one herb stands head and shoulders above the others. I will tell you below which herb that is.

Herb

When constipation is present there are several ways in which herbs can be helpful:

Constipation - The Herbs Most Often Used

1. Some herbs provide bulk which help the stools pass more easily

2. Other herbs contain 'anthroquinone glycosides' which stimulate the peristalsis - earthworm-like movements of the bowel - stimulate bowel muscle,stimulate the peristalsis - earthworm-like movements of the bowel, help the muscles of the bowel to move the waste matter along. They are generally for short-term use only.

3. Happily there is one 'miracle' herb which can have a fantastic effect on constipation - it will usually banish it forever. This herb is called CASCARA SAGRADA. However there are certain conditions to its use which must be followed to get this result; firstly it must be used at a low dose; secondly it must be combined with certain other herbs; and thirdly the resulting formula must be taken with every meal and for every day until the cure is effected. See below for more detail on this great herb and the well-proven formula containing it.

1. Herbs For Bulk

These herbs provide a large amount of fibre or mucilage. This bulks up the waste matter in the colon helping to make the stools pass more easily. This happens because of a reflex action in the bowel.

Herbs in this category include PSYLLIUM HUSKS, LINSEEDS AND FENUGREEK. These herbs should be taken with an additional intake of water every day.

2. Herbs Containing Anthroquinone Glycosides

The best known herb containing anthroquinone glycosides is SENNA. This has a long history of use in the UK. It is not recommended for longer than ten days.

Buckthorn is another herb which has been used over many centuries. It was replaced with the herb CASCARA SAGRADA, from the same family, which was more gentle but still reliable. Used at the usual dosage, these herbs are not recommended to be taken for longer than ten consecutive days or so.

Much stronger, and only to be used 'in extremis' is a herb extracted from the outer skin of the Aloe Vera plant. This is the same plant whose gel is used to promote healing. The Aloe from the outer skin - often called CAPE ALOE - is a strongly laxative herb. It is also very, very bitter and unpleasant if you happen to taste it. Aloe is generally used only occasionally.

3. The Best Choice For Constipation

One of the herbs mentioned above is by far the best herb to use to treat long-term, or short-term, constipation. However, to achieve this it is used at a relatively low dosage for long period of time.

The herb is Cascara Sagrada, or sacred bark.

If Cascara is used in small amounts - say 50 mg with each meal; and if it is combined with other appropriate herbs, it will often deal permanently with constipation in about six months. It is needed every day, however.

To be most effective, Cascara is combined with the herbs barberry, cayenne, Turkey rhubarb, and a number of other herbs. This unique formula has got a fantastic track record of success which has given long-term relief from constipation to thousands.

The Best Solution - a 90-Day Programme

Even better - this Cascara-based formula can be used as part of a holistic 90-Day Programme for constipation. This will include extra fiber - such as by using Psyllium Husks - as well as supplementary 'bowel flora' which also helps the bowel to work more effectively.

A 90-day Programme such as this gives a great start in treating constipation. Following this successful start for 3 months with 3 such products, the Cascara-based product can be used alone, daily, for a further few months until the bowel finally functions successfully on its own. Many, many people have been absolutely delighted, as well as very relieved, after using a programme like this.

Constipation - The Herbs Most Often Used

Robert Ralph strongly recommends colon cleansing. He can save you up to an extra £15 (approx 20 Euros or ) on a top quality herbal 90-DAY COLON CLEANSING PROGRAMME when you visit this Colon Cleansing Programme website. This fantastic programme consists of Cascara Compound Capsules, Psyllium Husks, Bio Multi-flora (bowel flora), an instructional pamphlet PLUS unlimited free professional support by phone or email. Read more at the Colon Cleansing website.

Herbs With Claims to Lower Blood Glucose

The long-term complications of uncontrolled diabetes are well known - damage to eyes, kidneys, nerves, blood vessels, and other organs. Most of this damage is attributed to chronic elevated blood glucose levels. Type II diabetics and pre-diabetics are aware of these dangers and sometimes consider adding herbal therapy, to their doctor prescribed medication, to "tweak" blood sugar lowering effects and possibly prevent complications. Sometimes patients may try herbs and other supplements because they want to use a more "natural" treatment to control their blood sugars.

The strength and dose of herbal products vary and your pharmacist can assist you in selecting products, discussing dosage ranges, and preventing any herb-drug interactions. Herbal products can also vary greatly from batch-to-batch and it is always preferred to purchase a quality name brand product that has been assayed and standardized in regard to active ingredient. The bottom line is that there must be some assurance that you are purchasing a product that will consistently deliver a specified dose of active herb.

Herb

Type I diabetics who require insulin generally should not add herbs with blood sugar lowering effects to their treatment because of the serious potential for life -threatening hypoglycemia (extremely low blood sugar) or other medical complications.

Herbs With Claims to Lower Blood Glucose

Regardless of the reasons for using these specific herbs, one must always keep their doctor and pharmacist "in the loop" to prevent any hypoglycemic reactions and dangerous or toxic interactions. Hypoglycemic reactions are dangerous and can be deadly.

There are several noteworthy herbs that are claimed to have blood sugar lowering effects. These herbs are not generally used in Western herbal medicine and are more common in Ayurvedic Medicine and Oriental Medicine. The exact mechanism of action in lowering blood sugar is often not known. In addition, these herbs may not work well for everyone and their overall effect may vary in individuals. Side effects can also be patient specific and a combination of these herbs may be required to obtain the desired effect. Commercial herbal combinations are available and often contain antioxidants, zinc, chromium, vanadyl sulfate, and other minerals or vitamins that may be beneficial to diabetics.

Glucometer blood sugar monitoring, especially fasting samples and the two-hour after meal (postprandial) sampling, are usually necessary until blood sugar levels are under control. However, always follow your physician's advice regarding the frequency of glucometer testing. Hemoglobin A1c values should also be monitored by your physician to follow blood glucose levels over the long haul.

Agaricus Mushroom (Agaricus blazei):

This mushroom has shown evidence of lowering blood glucose.

Aloe Vera (Aloe):

Aloe Vera is a member of the Lily family even though it resembles a cactus. There are over 240 species of Aloe, but only four species are recognized as having nutritional value with Aloe barbadensis leading the group.

Preliminary research suggests aloe gel might lower blood glucose levels. Dose is usually (15-30 ml (50 mg) per day.

American Ginseng:

A very popular herb in Chinese medicine. Recent studies have shown that Ginseng may be helpful in reducing blood sugar levels in Type II diabetic patients. For diabetes, ginsengosides and possibly other constituents are thought to reduce postprandial glucose levels. This effect might be due to either tissue insulin sensitization or direct stimulation of insulin release or both of these mechanisms. The effect of various ginsengs on glucose appears to be related in part to the mix of ginsenosides. Other non-ginsenoside constituents likely affect blood glucose as well.

For reducing postprandial glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes, 3-9 grams up to 2-hours before a meal has been used. However, there is no added benefit to taking more than 3 grams. Other studies suggest taking ginseng 40 minutes prior to meal to obtain the optimal effect. Irregardless, American ginseng should be taken within two hours of a meal to avoid potential hypoglycemia.

Bilberry (Huckleberry):

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) has been used in traditional European medicine for nearly a thousand years, primarily to treat diarrhea. Bilberry contains a powerful antioxidant that helps to promote circulation in the eyes. Studies on diabetic dogs have also indicated benefits in reducing blood sugar levels. Use Bilberry standardized at 25% anothocyanins for maximum potency.

Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia):

A member of the Cucurbitaceae family, the plant grows in tropical areas, including parts of the Amazon Basin, Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and South America. The bitter melon grows as a vine bearing green leaves and yellow flowers with oblong green fruit that resemble a cucumber.

Bitter melon has a long history of use as a hypoglycemic agent in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, where the plant extract has been referred to as vegetable insulin. Although several constituents of bitter melon have hypoglycemic properties, most interest has focused on a polypeptide isolated from the seeds called polypeptide-p and a mixture of two steroid glycosides referred to as charantin. At least three different compounds in Bitter Melon have been reported to have sugar-regulating properties. Gurmarin, in particular, is a polypeptide considered to be similar to bovine insulin.

Blond Psyllium (Blond Plantago):

Blond psyllium seed husk orally seems to significantly reduce postprandial serum glucose, insulin levels, serum total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels in patients with Type II diabetes and hypercholesterolemia

Blond psyllium seems to reduce postprandial blood glucose levels by about 14% to 20%, total cholesterol by about 9%, and LDL cholesterol by 13%. Blonde psyllium also seems to lower postprandial glucose levels in patients with Type I diabetes. Blond psyllium's maximum effect on the glucose levels occurs when psyllium is mixed and consumed with foods. Blond psyllium does not lower postprandial glucose in people who do not have diabetes.

Cinnamon Bark (Cassia Cinnamon):

Cinnamon is getting a lot of attention as a treatment for diabetes. There is preliminary evidence that it can lower blood glucose and cholesterol levels in people with type 2 diabetes. So far, this benefit has only been found with Cassia Cinnamon (Chinese Cinnamon) in humans. As little as ¼ to ½ teaspoonfuls can have a powerful effect in lowering blood sugar.

Recent studies (2008) indicate that cinnamom may not significantly lower blood glucose.

Devil's Claw:

Devil's Claw is native to south and central Africa. Its medicinal value lies in its fleshy roots, which are sliced, chopped, or pulverized while fresh.

Some evidence shows that this herb might decrease blood glucose and have additive effects with medication used in diabetes.

Eleuthro (Siberian Ginseng):

Eleuthro is a shrub that grows 3 to 10 feet high with products made from the root. The root contains a mixture of components, common to many plants but occurring together in Siberian ginseng, called eleutherosides. Among the other ingredients are chemicals called polysaccharides, which have been found to boost the immune system and lower blood sugar levels in laboratory studies using animals.

Like the panax ginsengs, Siberian ginseng is considered to be an adaptogen, which means that it helps in stressful circumstances and also helps return the body to a normal balance.

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum):

Dose: 10-15 grams per day in divided doses with meals Fenugreek is effective for lowering postprandial (after meals) blood sugar. The applicable part of fenugreek is the seed. The active constituents include trigonelline, 4-hydroxyisoleucine, and sotolon. About 80% of the total content of free amino acids in the seeds is present as 4-hydroxyisoleucine, which appears to directly stimulate insulin. This effect is glucose dependent and only occurs in the presence of moderate to high glucose concentrations.

Fenugreek seeds have a distinctive bitter taste and odor. Sotolon is frequently used as a flavoring for artificial maple syrup. Theoretically, patients who are allergic to other Fabaceae plants including soybeans, peanuts, and green peas might also be allergic to fenugreek.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale):

Preliminary research suggests ginger might increase insulin levels. Theoretically, it could have an additive effect with medication used to treat diabetes and cause hypoglycemia.

Glucomannan (Konnyaku root):

A member of the yam family, this herb is high in fiber and can help normalize blood sugar, relieve stress on the pancreas.

Gulvel (Tinospora cordifolia):

Grows wild along roadsides throughout the tropical and sub-tropical plains of India and Sri Lanka. Plant extracts causes reduction in fasting blood sugar in rabbits and rats.

Gymnema sylvestre (Gumar):

A tropical plant of the milkweed family with an ancient Sanskrit name meaning "destroyer of sugar." Preliminary clinical research indicates that certain Gymnema extracts can reduce blood glucose and glycosated hemoglobin (Hb A1c) in Type I and Type II diabetics.

Holy Basil (Hot Basil):

Preliminary evidence suggests that holy leaf extract may decrease fasting (17.6%) and postprandial blood glucose in patients with Type II diabetes.

Jambolan (Syzygium cumini):

A close relative of the clove tree Syzygium aromaticum, Jambolan is native to east India and the Malay Peninsula, but has spread as far as China and Australia and is grown in the Caribbean.

Only the bark of the Jambolan has proven medicinal value, although the seeds are often used as well. In Asian medicine, it is used for diabetes, diarrhea, sore throat, and diseases of the spleen.

Kudzu:

Kudzu is native to Japan and China, however it grows extremely well in the Southern United states. This vine, when left uncontrolled, will eventually grow over almost any fixed object or other vegetation.

Kudzu or its constituents might have hypoglycemic, hypocholesterolemic, and antioxidant activity.

Neem (Azadirachta indica):

Neem is a member of the Mahogany family (Meliaceae) which includes a large array of tropical trees and shrubs native to both the Old and New World. Evidence indicates that Neem might possess some hypoglycemic activity.

Panax Ginseng (Asian Ginseng):

There is some evidence that taking Panax ginseng orally, 200 mg daily can decrease fasting blood glucose levels and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) in patients with Type II diabetes.

Prickly Pear Cactus (Nopal):

There is some preliminary clinical evidence that prickly pear cactus used orally can decrease blood glucose levels in patients with Type II diabetes. Single doses can decrease blood glucose levels by 17% to 46% in some patients. However, it is not known if extended daily use can consistently lower blood glucose levels and decrease HbA1c levels. Only the broiled stems of the specific species Opuntia streptacantha seem to be beneficial and raw or crude stems do not seem to decrease glucose levels. Other prickly pear cactus species do not seem to significantly lower blood glucose levels.

Red Sandalwood (Pterocarpus marsupium):

Like Gymnema Sylvestre, this is a traditional herb used in India to help rejuvenate the insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells. One group of researchers investigating diabetic rats compared Pterocarpus' observed effects on blood glucose levels to those of metformin, a drug familiar to many diabetics.

Stevia (Sweet Herb):

Stevia is a non-caloric herb, native to Paraguay, which has been used as a sweetener and flavor enhancer for centuries. Clinical research suggests that stevioside, a constituent of Stevia, might reduce postprandial glucose levels by 18% in people with Type II diabetes.

Tumeric:

Turmeric has been used for thousands of years in Asian Indian cookery and is an ingredient in curry powder. Ground from dried curcumin, a rhizome of the ginger family, turmeric is not peppery and rather mild tasting.

May decrease blood sugar levels (and cholesterol). The apparent blocking of enzymes that convert dietary carbohydrates into glucose may be involved in this lowing of blood sugar.

Many of these herbs have potential to help Type II diabetics and pre-diabetics maintain lower blood sugar and reach a Hemoglobin A1c goal of http://www.charanteausa.com/ampalaya_archive/studies/3.doc Natural Medicine Comprehensive. Database. (2006) Retrieved June 2006 from http://www.naturaldatabase.com

Shane-McWhorter, Laura. Biological complementary therapies: a focus on botanical products in diabetes. Diabetes Spectrum 14:199-208, 2001Retrieved February 23, 2006 from http://spectrum.diabetesjournals.org/cgi/content/full/14/4/199

The Ayurvedic Center (2006) Historical use of ayurvedic herbs. Retrieved June 5, 2006 from http://www.holheal.com/ayurved4.html

University of Maryland Medical Center (2006) Siberian ginseng. Retrieved June 5, 2006 from http://www.umm.edu/altmed/ConsHerbs/GinsengSiberianch.html

Herbs With Claims to Lower Blood Glucose

The Different Types of Herbs

If you're not really into herb gardening, you might not realize that there are many different types of herbs. They can be generalized into a few different categories depending on what they are used for.

Culinary Herbs
This is what most people think of when they hear the word 'herb.' These plants are used primarily for cooking. They can be generally be thought of as the herbs with strong flavors but are also sometimes used as a garnish.

Herb

The culinary herbs include chives, thyme, basil, sage, savory, marjoram, and parsley, as well as others.

The Different Types of Herbs

Aromatic herbs
As the name suggests, these have a strong fragrance. They are used for their aromatic quality, not their taste. The strong aroma can come from either the flowers or the leaves themselves.

These herbs can be dried and used to make potpourri, for example. This enables them to retain their fragrance for a long period of time. Examples of herbs often used for potpourri are lavender and lemon verbena.

Some herbs which have aromatic oils in them can be used to make perfume or toilet water. These are herbs such as lovage, mint, and rosemary. (Note that mint is also considered a culinary herb, so herbs don't always fall into a single category).

Ornamental Herbs
Some herbs are used in the same way other flowers are; they are pretty to look at. These herbs have brightly colored flowers and leaves. For example, the crimson flowers of valerian are very lovely to look at, as are lovely blue flowers of chicory and borage.

Herbs are also categorized by their life span, as are other plants. Annuals must be grown every year. These include basil and cilantro.

Perennial herbs will come back year after year. These include sage and winter savory. Note that if they are grown indoors, they should be repotted annually.

Biennial herbs have a 2-year life span. The first year, they form leaves. During the second year, they flower and form seeds. These include parsley, angelica, or caraway.

So as you can see, there are many different types of herbs. Which ones you decide to plant depend on what you want to use them for.

The Different Types of Herbs

Sebastian Mortner enjoys herbs in cooking. He also has a website http://www.stainless-steelrefrigerator.com all about the stainless steel refrigerator.

Harvesting Herbs - What You Need to Know When Harvesting Rosemary

Rosemary is a perennial herb that can thrive for many years especially in warm and dry climates. It is an evergreen shrub that grows up to six feet tall when planted in the ground under optimum conditions, or 3 feet in height when grown in containers. It doesn't take frost very well and might die during the cold season without adequate protection. For this reason, many choose to grow rosemary in pots so it can be easily taken indoors during winter.

But many herb gardeners will certainly agree that rosemary is one of the easiest herbs to grow. You can be sure of a good harvest as long as you provide its basic requirements: lots of sun, just the right amount of water and a little pruning here and there to promote a bushy growth.

Herb

Harvesting rosemary doesn't need any special method at all and there is really no harvest season for this herb. You can enjoy its fresh leaves anytime for as long as the plant is growing. But there some points you might find helpful to ensure full benefit from your rosemary herb.

Harvesting Herbs - What You Need to Know When Harvesting Rosemary

One: Harvest only from an established rosemary plant. Give young plants at least six weeks before harvesting for the first time. Six weeks also for older plants to allow them to grow back their stems and establish new growth.

Two: Harvest is simply done by snipping off its stems. You may find a pair of clippers useful for this purpose because rosemary is a woody plant and cannot be easily pruned by bare hands. Using a sharp pair of clippers also ensures a clean cut and avoids wounding the stems or damaging the plant. Wounded stems may invite pest or make the plant vulnerable to diseases.

Three: Cut or prune only four to eight inches from the tip of the stems, depending on how tall the plant is. If you cut too far down, there won't be any foliage left to allow the stems to grow back and repopulate.

Four: Also, cut only the leafy stems and not the woody part, especially if you have an older plant. New growth stems only from the leafy ones. Bare wood doesn't grow back.

Five: Prune or harvest rosemary after it blooms.

Six: Get only as much as you need if you plan to use the herb fresh.

Seven: Harvest anytime of the day. You don't really have to wait for the full moon or for a specific time in the morning to make sure that the herb is at its peak.

Eight: After you harvest, there are a number of ways to store the herb. You can use it immediately, hang it on a warm and dry place to dry, or toss inside a plastic bag and freeze. Although, dried or frozen rosemary leaves are not as good and as flavorful as fresh leaves.

Rosemary is a truly a wonderful herb to have growing in your garden or inside your house. Knowing how to properly harvest from it and allowing the plant to grow back over and over again could mean many bountiful years for you and your rosemary.

Harvesting Herbs - What You Need to Know When Harvesting Rosemary

You can visit Nova's site if you'd like to know more about Harvesting Herbs and Herb Gardening.

Nova Person is an herb enthusiast and her site is a collection of useful tips and practices that she learn from over 20 years of experience in gardening. To know more about it, go visit http://www.GrowHerbsInfo.com.