Herbal Medicines - Types and Uses

Herbal medicines help a lot of people with different illnesses. Although some do not have therapeutic claims, most herbal remedies are safe and effective to use. However, one must consult their physicians first before deciding to take any of the herbal products.

In this article, we will discuss some of the most popular and widely used herbal products. Read the sections below and know more about the herbal remedies for various illnesses.

Herbal

Bitter Gourd

Herbal Medicines - Types and Uses

Bitter Gourd, also know as Ampalaya in Philippine language, is a vegetable plant that has been used and is accepted for so many years. The bitter taste of this vegetable is often disdained by many of its consumers. However, the plant is widely known for its efficacy in lowering blood sugar levels. Over the years, it has been seen as an effective alternative treatment for Diabetes of both types.

St John's Wort

St John's Wort is often used for depression problems. It triggers some chemical changes in the body which often lead to the cure of depression problems. Like the Bitter Gourd, St John's Wort is accepted by many health agencies and is used by a lot of people. However, limitation to the use of this herbal remedy is needed. Consult with your doctors is necessary to bring about therapeutic effects.

Garlic

Garlic is also one of the most helpful herbal remedies ever discovered. It is believed to cause changes in the blood pressure. Garlic is also known to lower blood cholesterol levels. It is a very potent and effective herbal remedy for several cardiovascular diseases.

Ginger

Ginger is one of the greatest Chinese herbal medicines discovered. It is not only an herbal product but a spice used in many cooking recipes as well. Ginger is believed to have healing properties on the throat and is good as a cough and cold remedy.

Kava Kava

Kava Kava is also a popular treatment for mental disorders. Specifically, it treats anxiety problems. Like St John's Wort, it has to be taken with caution because of the detrimental changes it could bring. Physician consult is necessary before taking the herbal remedy.

Gingko Biloba

Gingko Biloba is mostly used for Alzheimer's disease. Today, it is widely accepted by many health agencies because of its therapeutic effects. It causes a positive change in the judgment, social function and awareness of an Alzheimer's patient.

Echinacea

Echinacea is also one of the most potent herbal remedies. It is used to treat flu and its accompanying signs and symptoms. Like the other herbal products mentioned above, Echinacea is accepted by health agencies all over the globe.

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Herbal Medicines - Types and Uses

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An Honest Review of Herbal Magic Diet Plan

Herbal Magic is a Canada based weight loss centre specialized in weight management and herbal supplements. According to Herbal Magic, their clients lost in average 2 to 7 pounds a week. Their program is also said to be able to improve various health issues, including stress, cold flu, arthritis, and digestion. If you are interested in Herbal Magic, you may arrange free and private consultation with the company to determine the appropriate program and herbal supplements based on your health profile.

The Herbal magic diet meal consists of the following: 2 proteins, 2 starches, 2 fruits, 2 fats, 1 dairy and 3 vegetables. Beside, you have to take their herbal supplements 30 to 60 minutes before each meal. According to Herbal Magic official website, there's no set cost for their weight loss program. You will find out the cost after the consultation. According to reliable source, the joining fee is 00. After that, you pay approximately 0 every month for the herbal supplements and 1 to 1 consultation. In fact, depending on your health profile, you may need to buy more herbal supplements which cost far more than 0.

Herbal

If you are interested in Herbal Magic, my recommendation is save your money. The reason is rather simple: it is too expensive! The price is simply outrageous. If you want to follow the plan religiously for a period of time, the cost can add up pretty quickly. You should spend the money to get advice from your family doctor instead of the consultants from Herbal Magic. In fact, we are not even sure if these consultants have the proper qualification! Even if they do, you have to be careful as they may earn commission from products that you purchase via them. At such, they may not have your best interest in mind.

An Honest Review of Herbal Magic Diet Plan

Sure many people swear that Herbal Magic helped them to lose weight, but I suspect that it is direct results of low calories intake. In addition, if you examine the meal plan, you will notice that it lacks flexibility. It's not feasible in the long run. What's worse, if you stop the plan, you may stop losing weight or gain back the weight. Besides, I would also like to question the long term safety, potency, side effects and effectiveness of herbal supplements from Herbal Magic. I really wonder: why are their herbal products more expensive than market price?

Sorry to disappoint you, but there's simply no "magic" when come to weight loss. However, don't be discouraged, there are good plans out there to help you shed away the fat.

An Honest Review of Herbal Magic Diet Plan

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Herb Remedies

Herb remedies are made of natural substances that come from plants. Herbs have been valued throughout history. The Bible tells us Kings journeyed many miles to bring frankincense and myrrh as gifts for Jesus.

Indeed the Bible makes references to herbal medicine. In Ezekiel, Jesus says "the fruit of the tree is for man's meat, and the leaves for man's medicine."

Herb

Many plants have been found by science to have effects upon the body. One example is the bark of the willow tree. Years ago this bark would be steeped in hot water, the same way you would make tea. This hot drink somehow brought pain relief and helped to lower fevers. As time went by, scientists found that the bark of this plant contained something called salicin. This natural substance was eventually made into acetesalicylic acid, which is now known by the more common name of "aspirin." This tree bark based home remedy is now the world's top selling pain relief product.

Herb Remedies

Not all herb remedies come from tree bark of course. Ginseng and Kava supplements are made from the roots of those plants. In Ginkgo Biloba products, the tree's leaves are used. Other herb remedies are made from flowers, seeds, mushrooms, leaves, cacti, bark, etc.

Coffee is made from ground coffee "beans" which are the seeds of a tree. Coffee contains caffeine, which stimulates the body. Tea comes from the dried leaves of various plants. Tea also contains caffeine. These may be helpful when trying to stay awake and alert, and not helpful at all when trying to get a good night's sleep.

Throughout history, herbs and plants have been believed to have medicinal properties. Today medical researchers are proving that many herbs and plants do support good health. Some herbs have even been turned into medicines.

Foxglove is one example. In the past it was believed to help chest pains. Researchers eventually found that ingredient digitalis from foxglove. Digitalis is now a medicine that is widely used by doctors for heart related treatments.

Scientists turned a mold into the medicine named Penicillin. The bark of the Peruvian cinchona tree was believed to help the body fight off malaria and medical researchers eventually used it to make quinine sulfate.

However not all herbs and plants are good for you simply because they are "natural." The tobacco leaf, for example, is a natural herb. Cigarettes were at one time advertised on television as being good for helping soothe a cough. The truth was just the opposite and we now know that tobacco can cause
cancer.

On the other hand, some plants have falsely been labeled as being bad for you when they are actually good for you. Early settlers in America thought that if you ate tomatoes you would die from poisoning.

Scientific medical studies are the only way to prove how herbs work or do not work. Unscientific claims for or against a simple plant are absurd.

History provides some clues as to which herb remedies may help support good health. Ginkgo biloba for example may be the oldest herb known in human history. Fossils of ginkgo biloba trees have been found dating back to the Paleozoic era millions of years ago. In China, these tree leaves have been used as one of their most popular herb remedies for over five thousand years.

The Egyptians left us the Papyrus Ebers which are hieroglyphic writings about hundreds of herb remedies such as aloe vera. A Chinese herbal guide known as the Ben Cao is thought to have be recorded by Emporer Shen Nong around 2000 B.C. In India the study of Ayurveda (the science of life) also dates back to around 2000 B.C. The Greek doctor Dioscorides made a record called De Materia medica which tells the health effects of over 500 plants. Italy was where ingredients were first formulated
in standardized dosages.

The Amazon rain forest is home to many unknown plants and herbs. Today scientists hope it could be home to many new herbal supplements that could lead to new medicines.

Every year science learns more about how herbs and plants are good for your health. It is becoming more and more as the Bible quote says, "the fruit of the tree is for man's meat, and the leaves for man's medicine."

Note: The statements herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Herbs are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, mitigate or prevent any disease. Always talk to your Doctor before taking herbal products.

Herb Remedies

Chris Hana writes helpful articles for consumers about a variety of health topics including healing herbs and nutritional supplements, weightloss products, bodybuilding supplements, amino acids, minerals and vitamin advice.

Herbal Tea For Acid Reflux

Herbal tea for acid reflux is an option that you can consider in place of antacids. As always, relying on drug medications for acid reflux relief is not wise due to the possibility of adverse side effects. Holistic experts recommend that you can try consuming a herbal tea for acid reflux relief.

In several cultures, tea has been used for ages to soothe and ease a variety of health problems. Tea lovers come from Japan, England and China, just to name a few. There are many varieties of tea; black, green and red tea. These teas contain polyphenols, which serve as antioxidants to protect the body from free radical damage and can help prevent several types of cancer.

Herbal

Green tea is an excellent choice as a natural acid reflux relief. However, you should note that not just any green tea will do. Caffeine is a known trigger for acid reflux and hence, you should only be taking decaffeinated green tea for acid reflux relief. After a meal comprising of foods that are oily, drinking some green tea will help your body digest food more effectively. Also, green tea is great for reducing the painful symptoms of an upset stomach. Consuming green tea can help reduce the risk of gastric and esophageal cancers.

Herbal Tea For Acid Reflux

To make a great herbal tea for acid reflux relief on your own, you can also try the chicory root. Simply boil some chicory roots in water, let it cool and then add honey. Marshmallow tea can also be made from root of the herb. Other options include chamomile or fennel. Acid reflux sufferers have reported relief with consuming these herbal teas. Do, however, make sure that you drink the herbal teas not when it is boiling hot but simply warm.

There are various sources whereby you can purchase herbal tea for acid reflux. You can buy them at your local herbal store or buy them online. Although more expensive, it may be worthwhile to get good quality organic herbs if your aim is to also help you detoxify and cleanse your body system.

As with all types of herbs, do check with your doctor fist before consumption. Although herbal remedies are natural, they can be potent. Some can interact negatively with the medications that you are taking. So ask your doctor if he can recommend a safe herbal tea for acid reflux for your case.

Herbal Tea For Acid Reflux

Acid reflux treatment can be made with some diet and lifestyle changes. For more information and resource, please visit this site here at http://www.treat-acid-reflux.com

Lichen Planus - Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

Lichen Planus is an inflammatory skin condition in which flat lesions appear on the skin or mucous membrane, causing pain, redness and itching. It is neither infectious nor contagious, but it may persist for months or years, and may recur. The exact cause is unknown, but it may sometimes be triggered by an allergic or immune reaction to a medication or other substance.

In Ayurveda, there is no clear-cut synonym for lichen planus. However, all skin diseases have been clubbed together as "Kushtha", and the general principles of treatment for kushtha can be applied to the treatment of lichen planus, with very good results. Treatment is aimed at reducing itching and inflammation, and gradually helping the causative immune reaction to subside. Patients having severe symptoms, or recurrence, may require several courses of treatment.

Herbal

Some of the medicines usually used for the treatment of lichen planus are: Arogya Vardhini, Gandhak Rasayan, Nimba-Gandhak, Swayambhu Guggulu, Sukshma Triphala, Saarivadyasava, Mahamanjishthadi Qadha,and Khadirarishta. Single herbal medicines used for this disease are: Nimba (Azadirachta indica), Saariva (Hemidesmus indicus), Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), Karanj (Pongamia pinnata), Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Haridra (Curcuma longa), Daruharidra (Berberis aristata), Chirayta (Swertia chirata),Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Khadeer (Acacia catechu) and Vacha (Acorus calamus). These medicines have the unique property of acting on the skin and blood tissue, and also bring about the desired immunomodulation.

Lichen Planus - Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

Medicines used for local application are: Shatadhout ghruta, honey, Neem-Karanj oil, Shodhan oil, Ropan oil, Chandan oil, Marichyadi oil and Bakuchi oil. Selection of the appropriate medicine is made according to the predominance of symptoms and the location of the lesions.

Some physicians advocate cleansing of the body for the purpose of detoxification. This is advisable if the lesions are widespread or do not respond to standard oral medicines. Induced emesis, induced purgation, and periodical blood-letting are some of the procedures adopted for this purpose.

Lichen Planus - Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

Dr. A. A. Mundewadi is Chief Ayurvedic Physician at Mundewadi Ayurvedic Clinic based at Thane, Maharashtra, India. He is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at http://www.ayurvedaphysician.com

Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, B.A.M.S., has clinical experience of 22 years and clinical research experience of 9 years. He has published his findings of herbal treatment of HIV / AIDS in 55 patients in the Bombay Hospital Journal, Mumbai, India, July 2005 issue.

He has also successfully completed a clinical trial of herbal extract medicines in Schizophrenia compared to modern anti-psychotics, in 200 patients. He has also conducted preliminary studies of Ayurvedic herbal extracts in the treatment of Bipolar Disorder, Vascular Dementia, Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism, Mental Retardation, Tobacco and Alcohol Addiction, Age Related Macular Degeneration and different types of Cancer.

Juniper Berries - The Powerful Kidney Herb

For each organ of the human body there is a herb that outshines all others in its ability to assist that organ when it is diseased. Juniper berries are magic when it comes to the kidney and urinary tract system. I say magic because I have seen it at work and its power to heal the urinary tract system is so powerful and fast that it seems magical. I have seen the power of this herb help many people but the most impressive case I ever saw was a woman (a registered nurse) who had been suffering from urinary tract infections for more then 3 years. She was on antibiotics and had suffered 2 renal failures when I met her. Along with some naturopathic advice on life style I left her with some whole juniper berries. I suggested she take about a half dozen berries 3 times a day and consider that she stop taking the antibiotics.

I got a call 2 days later. She was beside herself because the infection was gone. She could hardly believe that after all those years of suffering that taking a few berries three times a day could stop this infection so quickly. This experience changed that woman's life. The last I heard from her she was studying naturopathic medicine.

Herb

But you can see what I am getting at; this berry is a wonderful herb that has the ability to help those who are suffering needlessly with what appears to be an incurable problem. This berry is just a food that has antibiotic and antiviral properties with no side effects.

Juniper Berries - The Powerful Kidney Herb

I do not want to leave you with the impression that I believe in treating a symptom with an herb. Treating symptoms is modern medicine's way of treating disease. As I said above I gave the nurse advice on changing her lifestyle as well as taking juniper berries. If you only treat the symptom you leave the root of the disease to appear somewhere else with more power. So look at your life style that is the root of your urinary problem.

Some Juniper Berry Tips:

If you are taking medication, always check the contraindications of that drug (those things you do not want to take with the medication, such as lithium).

A whole juniper berry that you buy from the health food store (I do not recommend the tea) should be a little bit like a raisin. It should be soft and taste sweet and piney.

Juniper Berries - The Powerful Kidney Herb

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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. For more interesting information on improving your health visit The Natural Path or Paul's Health Blog.