Guide To Herb: March 2012

Herbs That Lower Triglycerides, Reduce High Cholesterol Levels and Remove Toxins From Your Body

Not many people know that there are certain herbs that lower triglycerides. Indeed, Mother Nature does not play favorites especially when it comes to good health, and makes these herbs available to target specific problems. So if you have a heart problem resulting from increased levels of triglycerides and LDL, you can be sure that Mother Earth has something to offer you. The best thing is that these herbs are actually familiar to you.

Take for instance, garlic. Garlic, for sure is something that you use to add flavor to your dishes perhaps even everyday if you are fond of cooking. Garlic has excellent health benefits; it's been used for years to heal a wide range of illnesses because of its antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties. Garlic, too, has been found to liquefy blood fat, thus making removal of fat from the arterial walls so much easier. With less fat clumping at the muscles of the arteries, cholesterol levels are bound to go down, and with it there should also be a resulting decrease in the levels of triglycerides. It goes to say that if you have problems with elevated cholesterol and triglycerides and if your blood pressure is beyond the normal range, chopping some raw garlic and chewing it helps to solve the problem.

Herb

Psyllium is also recommended for high cholesterol and triglyceride levels. A rich source of soluble fiber, Psyllium aids in removing toxins, including blood fat, such as cholesterol and triglyceride, from the body.

Green Tea has far-reaching health benefits as well. Green Tea leaves have been identified as among the herbs that lower triglycerides because of its fat-burning and calorie-reducing properties. When you have high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, you are advised to lose weight, and green tea helps you to do that. You can easily brew a cup of Green Tea for good health by boiling water and then soaking the Green Tea leaves in it. Strain, add a bit of lemon juice or honey for more flavor and added health benefits, and drink to your heart's content.

If you don't have problems with your kidneys or liver, Red Yeast Rice is another herb that can effectively lower down cholesterol levels as it slows down the production of cholesterol. In fact, many drugs made to regulate cholesterol levels are based on it or have it as component.

It is always a good idea to couple these herbal remedies with a healthy lifestyle. This means avoiding eating breakfast at fast food restaurants or buying takeouts for lunch because these foods contain many preservatives and artificial flavorings and are usually prepared using saturated oil. It's also a must to resist all temptation to drink alcoholic beverages or feed your sweet tooth with cakes and pastries made of refined sugar and flour as either one could up the levels of your triglycerides.

Although these herbs that lower triglycerides are also available in capsule, powder, or liquid form, it's always best to prepare them yourself at home.

Herbs That Lower Triglycerides, Reduce High Cholesterol Levels and Remove Toxins From Your Body

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Oils For Aromatherapy

Many herbs are used, and here are some of the most common herbs that are used in essential oils for aromatherapy.

Lavender -Lavender helps relieve tired muscles and can actually reduce muscle spasms. It is a very safe herb and is often used in many items, especially in baby products because of its gentle nature. There are relatively no side effects from using lavender. It is often used to calm anxiety and helps in eliminating insomnia. A diluted version is often used in a spray that can be used on beds and pillows to promote sleep. It is often used in small pillows that can be heated in the microwave and then applied onto the neck and back muscles to help relax them. Lavender blends well with most other herbs, making it a perfect choice for many herbal mixtures.

Herbs

Bergamot -Bergamot is very uplifting. It is often used to help depression or mood swings. It is also helpful in eliminating insomnia and is said to help stop nightmares from occurring. It is a mild herb and is unlikely to cause any ill effects. It mixes well with most other herbs, including lavender, cedarwood, rosemary, geranium and lemongrass.

Tea Tree -Tea tree oil is an herb that is often used in topical mixtures to help fight bacterial infections. Used in aromatherapy, tea tree is said to help promote energy and helps relieve anxiety. It is also used to help aid in poor concentration. Another mild herb, tea tree is not associated with any known side effects and is safe to use. It mixes well with eucalyptus, bergamot, lavender and peppermint.

Neroli -Neroli is often used to help control the signs of stress and anxiety. Long used as a remedy, neroli is known to help those with exhaustion feel better and more relaxed. It helps with panic disorders and is said to calm fears, insomnia, and moodiness. It was used for many years as a treatment for grieving widows as it helps calm and soothe the mind. Neroli is a mild and safe treatment, and it blends well with most other herbs, including ylang-ylang, jasmine, melissa and peppermint.

Melissa -Melissa is known for its antiseptic properties when used on the skin. In aromatherapy, melissa is known to ease panic attacks. It is also used to help those who are overcoming addictions with alcohol or tobacco, as it helps alleviate those cravings. Melissa helps encourage calmness and brings serenity to you, and helps stop fear and depression. It mixes well with most other herbs, especially jasmine, neroli, geranium, and chamomile. Melissa in aromatherapy is mild, but when used on the skin it can cause irritation for those with sensitive skin. Test a small spot on the skin prior to use.

Frankincense -Frankincense has been used for thousands of years and has strong religious associations to the Bible. It is a popular herb used to help restore confidence and calm. It helps calm fears and paranoia, as well as nightmares. It helps restore balance to those who have signs of emotional exhaustion. It is mild and is unlikely to cause any adverse reactions, and mixes well with most other herbs, including ylang-ylang, myrrh, neroli, melissa, cedarwood, rosemary and lavender.

Juniper -Juniper is commonly grown in the United States as well as Europe. The berries are very pungent and are used in the making of gin. Juniper is used to clear and stimulate the mind, and is said to prevent worry and unpleasant memories. It can renew enthusiasm and give you a new zest for life. It is safe as an aromatic; however, you should use caution when ingesting it if you have any kidney disease. Juniper blends well with most other herbs such as lavender, frankincense, tea tree and jasmine.

Herbs can be used in aromatherapy treatments in several ways. Essential oils are the easiest to use. These are made by distilling the plant material and mixing with a small amount of liquid or oil. Essential oils are concentrated and need to be diluted when used, and a few drops are all that is necessary when mixing with other oils. Essential oils can be used in baths, in lotions and perfumes and as inhalations. They are readily available at most health food or natural stores, as well as online. Do not put essential oils directly on the skin without first diluting them. These concentrations are strong and even safe herbs can cause irritations if not diluted. Be sure to dilute even more when using with young children.

Oils For Aromatherapy

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Shallaki Herb Benefits and Uses

Boswellia serrata in the biological name of the very renowned ayurvedic herb known as shallaki. Shallaki is more commonly known as salai guggulu in Indian native language as it possesses similar properties as of guggulu (commiphora mukul).

It has a medium height tree with a girth of about 3 - 5 ft. it possess trunk, which is reddish green in appearance with a pleasant aroma. Possess small leaves similar to that of a neem tree. Small white colored flowers that blossom in winder season i.e. in January to march. Fruit is triangular in appearance and is about one and a half inch in diameter. Which fruits in February to march. There is resin that comes out of the tree hence it is used for medication purposes. Plant is found in middle and western part of India

Herb

The herb is ushan virya in potency so it acts on all the vata disorders. More over it possess kashaya, tickt and madhur rasa that makes it kapha suppressant. Therefore shallaki possess the qualities, which suppress the disorders created by vata and kapha dosha. It contains triterpenoids called boswellic acid

Indication of shallaki

· Due to presence of ushan virya potency it is supposed to suppress vata thereby helps in relieving pain, as vata is cause behind every pain.

· It works as anti inflammatory substance which is helpful in curbing any kind of swelling and pain due to presence of boswellic acid.

· Shallaki is indicated in arthritic problems like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, and joint pains, skeletal muscle pain.

· It is also indicated in lymphadenopathy and back pain.

· Boswellic acid also aid this plant in reducing any tumors.

· This herb also possess anti cancerous properties.

· It works in eliminating nay foul odor .

· It also acts in eliminating any pest in the surroundings.

· It is very commonly used as wound healer herb and used on any kind of injury to make it heal faster in efficiently.

· A well known herb for increasing vision of eyes.

· It is very commonly used in increasing the intelligence levels and increasing mental concentration therefore helps in toning up of brain.

· It is very helpful in indigestion, constipation, tastelessness, intestinal disturbance and stomach disorders.

· It helps in dissolving away with the toxin name ama formed in our body.

· It is very helpful in diarrhea and dysentery condition.

· It helps in proper functioning of liver and its secretions i.e. bile juices.

· It is considered one of the best mouth freshener and increases the functioning of taste buds to normalcy.

· This herb has proved its worth in heart related ailments.

· A wonderful herb which work as an expectorant and helps in eradicating extra mucus in the respiratory tract.

· Shallaki also helps in fighting against the urinary tract infections. Also works as diuretic.

· It also acts as aphrodisiac agent thereby helping in increasing the sperm count and quality.

A single herb and so many uses makes shallaki one of the best herb which ayurvedic doctors had discovered centuries back to make people relieved from the suffering the they are suffering.

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Shallaki Herb Benefits and Uses

Dr John Anne
Read more on Natural Home Remedies and Herbal Treatments

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Stop Smoking Herbs - Have You Tried Natural Herbs To Quit Smoking?

To stop smoking is hard, and most smokers cannot quit - and if they do - it is only for a short time. More and more people are getting into the natural way of doing things anymore, and using herbs to stop smoking is a very popular method for smokers today. Those who have been able to quit smoking with using herbs as a preventive, swear by them as a successful aid. They help in combating the withdrawal symptoms that every smoker faces when he tries to give up smoking. Among other things, the herbal cures lead to positive mood swings and reduce the urge to light another cigarette.

One of the natural substances that can be used by people when they want to quit smoking is Lobelia, or Indian tobacco, an old and controversial herb that has recently become popular to smokers who want to quit the habit and cannot. Used for centuries as an expectorant that cleans the lungs, it was used for asthma, bronchitis, whooping cough, or pleurisy. Many uses are connected with Lobelia - relaxants, antispasmodics, diaphoretics, reducing inflammations and pain, poultices, hyperactivity, easing muscle tension or convulsions - which go back in history until its recent popularity today. Many believe it makes the taste of regular tobacco "repulsive" while other naturalists use it to clam the nerves and relax the body muscles, easing mild depression. Lately, current evidence suggests the herb Lobelia can produce similar effects on the human body as nicotine, yet is not addictive and helps eliminate the desire to smoke. There is trouble when it is overused, such as vomiting, drowsiness, weak pulse, and respiratory failure.

Herbs

Another herb is the Mimosa tea ("mimosa hostilis"), a perennial evergreen shrub that is native to northeastern Brazil and also found in southern Mexico. The root bark is the choice part of the plant, traditionally used in the preparation of a psychoactive sacramental beverage. Giving up smoking may make you feel anxious, or give you a headache but a strong cup of Mimosa tea can boost your mood and help you calm down. It is not addictive and is recommended for use instead of anti-depressant medicines. Similarly, the traditional Chinese CaoSu herb diminishes the desire to smoke.

Smoking non-tobacco cigarettes look like regular cigarettes and are available in many flavors like burnt sienna and menthol. They offer the same sensation while smoking as regular cigarettes but are healthier because they don't contain nicotine or tar. However, you must consult your doctor before taking these or any herbal medicines, because many of them may contain substances similar to drugs. You must also eat lots of raw or lightly steamed fresh fruits and vegetables, drinking lots of water, fruit juice, herbal tea, etc, to flush out the nicotine. Try taking hot baths, whirlpool baths, and saunas. These make you feel better, and reduce the urge to smoke. Another way to fight the craving for nicotine is to chew on a large flavored toothpick, or squirt juice into your mouth. Similarly, drinking herbal tea, which is made from five different herbs, can help you to fight the urge to smoke.

Stop Smoking Herbs - Have You Tried Natural Herbs To Quit Smoking?

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Drying Herbs

Drying herbs is one of the easiest ways to preserve leaves and flowers for future use in cooking, cosmetics, or health care recipes or potions. There are three different types of drying methods.

- Air-drying by hanging.

Herbs

- Air-drying on screens

- Drying in a dehydrator

Hanging Herbs

Hanging herbs to dry is a good way to preserve them. However, a well-ventilated and dark area will be necessary, as well as one that stays dry throughout the year. An attic is a good solution, after you have covered any windows that will allow sunlight. In many situations, a person may also use a basement room or a spare room for this purpose.

The best time of day to gather herbs for drying is in the morning. You don't need to wash them unless they've been soiled with mud. If you do rinse off your herbs, make sure they are completely dry before you bunch them up for hanging.

To hang dry herbs, tie bundles or bunches with twist ties, thread, or even rubber bands, and then hang them on some sort of apparatus that will allow air to circulate freely around them. You can use hangers, books, or any other method to hang. Make sure that you leave room in between hangers or bundles in order to allow adequate air circulation for optimal drying.

If you're drying herbs this way to use in cooking, you may find better results by enclosing herb bundles in paper bags to keep them from growing dusty while they dry. While this may take a little longer, up to three weeks, they will stay cleaner!

If you live in a humid area or the area where you are drying your herbs may accumulate humidity, wrapping cheesecloth around herbs instead of paper bags will provide a better solution, by offering more air to circulate around herbs, though still keeping them clean from dust.

Hang branches of herbs, upside down at least one foot from any wall and allow at least six inches in between bunches of herbs. While most herbs take about two weeks to dry when hung uncovered in dark and dry conditions, those that are covered with paper bags or cheesecloth will probably need an extra week, perhaps more before they are ready to use.

You can determine whether your herbs are ready to use or not, or if they are completely dry, by touching them. If they are ready, they will feel crackly and crisp. You may use them or store them for even longer periods of time, but keep in mind that since the water has evaporated from stems and leaves, their flavor will be more concentrated than the herb you pluck fresh from your garden. Because of this, reduce the amount you add to recipes to perhaps one half to one third as much as you would use when using a fresh herb.

After your herbs of dried, remove leaves from the stands and store in a tightly closed jar or container in a cupboard that is not open to direct sunlight.

Drying on screens

Drying herbs on an elevated screen or screen which you have elevated with blocks of wood or any other object proves a little easier for tiny leaves and flowers that might be hard to handle otherwise, or to hang without damaging.

Dehydrators

If you happen to live in an area of the country that maintains relatively high levels of humidity throughout the year, a dehydrator may be your only option for properly drying herbs. However, though dehydrators are handy for drying herbs such as parsley and basil, they may lose their color or flavor when air-dried. A dehydrator is perfect for drying roots in about three days, but when drying especially small herbs such as thyme, cover the dehydrator tray with cheesecloth to prevent leaves from falling through.

There are three different methods for drying herbs. Each one has its positives and negatives. Choose the ones that best fit your needs

Drying Herbs

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The 8 Secret Benefits of "The Miracle Herb" - Pueraria Mirifica

I have been exploring, working & living in south east Asia for many years, while here one of the things that I have become really intrigued in is the wide spread acceptance and use of natural alternative remedies. Particularly herbs, plants & roots that are used in conjunction with current medical practices.

One of the plants I have found during my time in Thailand is named Puerara mirifica, also recognized as "the miracle herb" or "the miracle medicine" for its astounding benefits. It has only recently been brought to the west and is gaining popularity in the the modern world as a fantastic alternative medicine. There is more than meets the eye to this clever little herb as more research is uncovering just how much this herb can do!

Herb

Eight of its well-known benefits are shown beneath:

1. Natural Breast Improvement / Breast Enhancement
2. Natural Menopause Remedy / Peri Menopause
3. Firming of Breasts
4. Increases Blood Flow
5. Enhances skin tone, Nourishes the Skin
6. Minimizes Wrinkles
7. Slows Premature fading of Hair & Strengthening of Hair
8. Revitalizes the Body

The herb originates from a climbing vine and is native to Thailand, well-known locally as Kwao Keur and has been used here for over a 100 years. Only the last few years Pueraria mirifica has grown to be better accepted to the rest of us out side of Thailand and Asia.

One of Pueraria mirifica's biggest properties is that it has the capacity to stimulate growth especially in the area of natural breast enhancement & improvement. It can also enhance firmness as well as size. This is a huge alternative to ladies who would rather stay away from familiar cosmetic practices such as implants. Pueraria Mirifica achieves this because it contains Phytoestrogens or (estrogen hormones derived from a plant) the phytoestrogens are made up of isoflavones (including genistein, puerarin, miroestrol.) These substances have very similar properties to the female hormone estrogen.

Another significant benefit of Pueraria Mirifica is for women in menopause, Pueraria Mirifica doesn't just simply mimic estrogen in the body the way that other therapies do, instead, the plant (much like the human byproduct it resembles) acts on estrogen receptors. In more transparent terms, it acts as a balancing agent: When levels of estrogen are too high, Pueraria Mirifica will tie up receptors to weaken the hormones effects-when levels are low, the plant exerts the essential estrogenic activity without actually raising the amount of estrogen in your body.

Pueraria mirifica has many ailias's one of which is well-known as "the fountain of youth" due to its anti aging and wrinkle reducing properties. Here are a number of other points that other herbalists have come to know about this herb. More impressive properties Pueraria mirifica has:

1. Relief with sleeping problems
2. Promotes eyesight
3. Helps to increase concentration
4. Promotes appetite

This plant is a really extraordinary find in the herbal medicine world, as it is only found naturally in Thailand. You may well call this new product HRT with a twist = herbal rejuvenation therapy or herbal treatment.

The 8 Secret Benefits of "The Miracle Herb" - Pueraria Mirifica

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Nice article about an amazing herb that has the ability of natural breast enlargement.

Italian Herbs

Anyone that has cooked in a kitchen that even somewhat resembles an Italian kitchen can easily tell you just how important the Italian herbs section of the kitchen really is. This area that seems to be well away from everything else is either a small ledge garden, or a section of the kitchen where it is cool and convenient to store these herbs. These herbs along with spices are what make a good dish great, and without these ingredients you can bet that your recipe will simply fall flat. Knowing how to keep fresh herbs is actually key to a successful kitchen, and if you know what you are doing you can have herbs to last quite a few recipes with one shopping trip.

Cost Versus Replacement

Herbs

One of the first things you will notice about Italian herbs is just how expensive they really are. You can actually spend a great deal of your shopping budget on herbs, if you are not paying attention to what you are doing. While the dried herbs will do the job if need be, you can be sure that no right minded Italian is going to want to resort to that measure. Fresh is where it is at, and you need to be able to keep the herbs you do buy for a while before they go bad and cannot be used anymore. Keeping the herbs fresh is very important, if you want to keep cost down while shopping for your foods at the market.

How To Store Fresh Herbs

When you are planning to store fresh Italian herbs, you are going to want to follow a few basic rules. These rules will help you keep the herb stash that you have longer5, than if you elect to just leave it laying around to dry out. If you are going to do this, it may just make sense to buy the dried herbs to begin with. First you will want to wash the herbs in cold water, and in doing so you will also want to remove any stems that appear limp or dead. It is also a good idea to snip the ends of the herbs, and this will help in the packing process. You will want to place the herbs in a container of water, but you will want to be sure that you do not completely submerge the herbs in the water you have in the container. After the herbs are in the container, it is time to cover the herbs with some form of plastic like a bag or wrap keeping it loose. When in the fridge, you will want to periodically check the water the herbs are in, if it appears murky you will want to change this water for fresh water. This will allow you to extend the life of your herbs by at least a week in this manner.

All But Basil

It is important to note that all Italian herbs can be stored this way except basil. This herb should be left out of not only water and plastic, but also refrigeration as well. This is one of the exceptions to the rule that the crisp fresh herbs are best.

Italian Herbs

Anna Fiori writes food related articles for the Italian Traditional Food website at www.italiantraditionalfood.com

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5 Herbs That Can Help You Sleep

You've probably seen ads for a bunch of different sleep aids. They're all over TV and in many magazines - some are by prescription only, others are over the counter. If you don't want to take chemicals to help you sleep, however, there are some alternatives.

One of the more popular alternatives to medication are herbs. There are a number of natural supplements that can help you to relax and sleep better at night. While many of these remedies haven't been clinically proven to improve sleep, they have been used for many years in various other cultures with excellent results.

Herbs

The following are 5 of the most effective herbal remedies for improving your sleep:

1. German Chamomile

This is probably the most widely recognized herbal sleep remedy currently - chamomile tea. Simply brew yourself a cup of this tea and drink it before going to bed. Plus, you can drink it during the day to help unwind, something that most medications can't offer.

2. Catnip

It may sound kind of crazy but this herb that causes cats to get hyper can actually help calm you down. It contains chemicals similar to those in valerian root, another herbal sleep remedy. It can be brewed as a tea or taken in the form of a liquid extract.

3. Valerian Root

One of the oldest herbal sleep remedies, valerian root is somewhat unique in that it has been the subject of several trials that have shown it does help people get a better night's sleep. It can be found in pill, liquid or tea form.

4. Lavendar

Lavendar is quite powerful, in fact it has been shown to reduce and even reverse the effects of caffeine in some people. This herb can come in the form of a tea or as an essential oil that can be used in a bath, in potpourri or even used as a massage oil.

5. Lemon Balm

This herb is often grown in gardens for its lemon scent but it is also quite effective at calming your nerves. It is available as a tea, in capsules or as a liquid extract.

5 Herbs That Can Help You Sleep

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