Herbs

Email this page to a friend

Want news about Herbs and more e-mailed to you? Click here for free email alerts

The same is true of natural therapies, such as acupuncture, herbs, and other supplements. We will explore the topic of self-care further, but first, let's look to history and continue to explore how these and other modern belief systems arose. If mankind profits from its mistakes, we have a glorious future ahead of us! Unknown fast food for a fast nation The industrial age drove massive numbers of people to urban areas and marked the beginning of a whole new chapter in food production and distribution.

Travel around the world and you will have dishes placed before you brimming with both common and exotic herbs and spices. Scout around most American kitchens, however, and you will be hard-pressed to find anything other than the classic salt and pepper shaker strategically placed on the dining table. If you do find a spice rack, it was most likely acquired as a Christmas gift, and is now collecting dust or never been opened. This is a shame because these marvelous gifts of nature don't just add flavor, but are packed with nutrients and offer a wide variety of therapeutic properties as well.

Also be sure to take advantage of the many pre-washed bagged salads, herbs, baby carrots and other chopped raw, veggies now available at grocery stores. Once again, check labels to be sure nothing has been added as a preservative, which is sometimes the case. Similarly, you will want to keep plenty of raw fruit around for a sweet and easy snack. These ready-to-eat raw foods are the healthiest fast foods out there. When you do head out the door, be sure to pack it in!

Hope's Edge: The Next Diet for a Small Planet Jeremy P. Tarcher See book keywords and concepts

Wash and dry the herbs, and finely chop them. Toast the pine nuts in a toaster oven set at 400° F or in a dry cast-iron skillet until lightly browned, watching carefully so that they don't burn. Toss the carrots with the dressing, herbs, and pine nuts. Taste for seasoning. Cut each goat cheese log into four thick coins. Beat the eggs with the water and salt in a small bowl. Put flour on a plate. Coat each side of the cheese coin in flour, then egg mixture, then flour again. Heat the oil in a small frying pan and brown the goat cheese coins on both sides. Serve hot on top of the carrot salad.

Handbook of Medicinal Plants Amarjit S. Basra See book keywords and concepts

Guide to good agricultural practice for herbs (EHI A), Newsletter of Med. andArom. Plants, Budakaldsz, 1(1): 72-77; Franz, C, 1989, Report on the meeting of the sub-commission GAP, Newsletter of Med. and Arom. Plants, Budakalasz, 3(1): 14-24. 22. Pank, F., 1991, Richtlinien fur den integrierten Anbau von Arznei- und Gewurzpflanzen, Drogenreport, 2(3): 45-60. 23. Franz, C, 1999. Quality assurance systems and total quality management of medicinal plant production. ICMAP News, 3(6): 4-9. 24. Dehe, M., 1999, Marktchancen okologisch erzeugter Arznei- und Gewurzpflanzen in Deutschland, Z. Arzn.

A recent Australian study of a traditional Chinese formula containing 12 herbs showed no symptom improvement over three months.41 PHOTO 18.6. Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa). PHOTO 18.7. Evening primrose (Oenothera biennis). Motherwort (Leonurus cardiacci) is an old-fashioned European herb used to treat menopausal symptoms, in Culpepper's Herbal it was noted that it "makes mothers joyful and settles the womb, also promotes women's courses."42 St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) is also traditionally used to help with menopausal depression and premenstrual mood lability.

The Healing Power of Herbs: The Enlightened Person's Guide to the Wonders of Medicinal Plants Michael T. Murray, N.D. See book keywords and concepts

Occasionally liposterolic extractions, involving the use of lipophilic solvents or hypercritical carbon dioxide, are performed. Most extracts produced by small manufacturers involve the use of maceration procedures. The simplest process consists of soaking the herb in the alcohol/water solution for a period of time, followed by filtering. Typically, this process will yield a lower quality extract at a higher price because the solvent, usually alcohol, cannot be reused. It is, in essence, sold to the customer.

Handbook of Medicinal Plants Amarjit S. Basra See book keywords and concepts

Anecdotal reports suggest rhubarb (Rheum palmatum), devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens), gulgul (Commiphora mukul), and turmeric (Curcuma longa) also may have some effect. Many herbs may have lipid-lowering potential, but adequate studies have not as yet been carried out to confirm their effectiveness in humans. THYROID DISORDER Thyroid overactivity (thyrotoxicosis) is an uncommon condition affecting mainly women. Underactivity (myxoedema) is common, particularly in older women, and is often undiagnosed. It is estimated that as many as 2 or 3 PHOTO 18.5. Red clover (Trifolium pratense).

The Way of Herbs Michael Tierra See book keywords and concepts

Oregon grape root, goldenseal); 3. dry excess moisture and remove excess fat where toxins are retained (e.g., plantain, mullein, chickweed, gota kola); 4. eliminate excess "heat," especially from the small intestine (e.g., rhubarb root). The best herb for blood and lymph purification is Echinacea angusti-folia, sometimes called "prairie doctor" or "Kansas snakeroot." It contributes to some extent to all these ways of purifying the blood. Other useful blood purifiers include: burdock root, dandelion, red clover, sar-saparilla, sassafras and Oregon grape root.

Handbook of Medicinal Plants Amarjit S. Basra See book keywords and concepts

Other Herbals in Use Teas made from a variety of herbs such as chamomile [Chamaemelum nobile (L.) All. and Matricaria recucita L. flowers), lime flowers (Tilia cordata Mill., T. platyphyllos Scop., T. x europea) and passionflower (Passiflora incarnata L.) have a reputation for a mild sedative effect. The chemical reason for any activity is not certain, but recent work has shown that some flavonoids found in these plants bind to benzodiazepine receptors, so this may explain their reputed activity.

Feed Your Genes Right: Eat to Turn Off Disease-Causing Genes and Slow Down Aging Jack Challem See book keywords and concepts

At home you can make your own salad dressing, using combinations of extra-virgin olive oil, quality vinegar (such as red wine or balsamic vinegars), Italian herbs (including oregano, basil, and parsley), garlic, and lemon juice. You can also find many quality salad dressings at natural food stores, such as Wild Oats, Whole Foods, Vitamin Cottage (in Colorado and New Mexico), and the many small independent health food stores around the country. Typically, these salad dressings are made with olive oil and cold-pressed canola oil.

Vegetables, fruits, and herbs contain thousands of different antioxidants, most in families of compounds called polyphenols, flavonoids, and carotenoids, which will be discussed later in this chapter. Unfortunately, companies sometimes advertise that a "super-antioxidant" product is fifty or a hundred times more powerful than vitamins E or C. Such ads are misleading. No single antioxidant can neutralize all types of free radicals. Different antioxidants work in different places in the cell, some are fat-soluble and others water-soluble, and each quenches different types of free radicals.

Anthocyanidins Anthocyanidins are a family of dark-colored flavonoids concentrated in blueberries, raspberries, certain herbs, purple grapes, and red wines. Two flavonoid supplements, Pycnogenol and grapeseed extract, are rich in anthocyanidins. Pycnogenol is obtained from the bark of French maritime pine trees, whereas grapeseed extract is derived from waste material in the wine industry. Both supplements contain complexes of many individual antioxidant flavonoids, with some similarities and differences.

However, other compounds are highly distinctive and found only in certain herbs, such as the ginkolides in ginkgo and the ginsenosides in ginseng. How to Take Flavonoid Supplements As with carotenoids, the best way to obtain a diverse selection of flavonoids is by eating a diet with a healthy range of vegetables and fruits. The reason is simple: no supplement can provide the variety of flavonoids found in foods. • People at risk of inflammatory diseases, heart disease, or cancer may wish to take extra flavonoids in the form of supplements.

For example, you can quickly cube and stir-fry chicken with herbs and vegetables. Guideline 3: Eat Quality Protein Fish, chicken, lean meats, eggs, and other protein-rich foods are good sources of vitamins B6 and B12, which your cells need to manufacture new DNA and repair existing DNA. In addition, the protein in these foods is broken down during digestion into its individual amino acids.

For example, "natural flavors" is a vague statement that could refer to culinary herbs, sugars, or monosodium glutamate (MSG, a flavor enhancer that makes some people ill). It is important that you not be influenced by pleasant-sounding but promotional words, such as "natural," "organic," or "low-carb" on the front of a package. Instead it is to your benefit to become a compulsive reader of the fine print on the back or sides of food packages. It is here that you will find a list of ingredients in order of their weight.

Bottom Line's Health Breakthroughs 2007 Bottom Line Health See book keywords and concepts

The dosage used to prevent infection is two capsules daily during cold-and-flu season, along with your year-round multisupplement. •Reduce exposure to toxins. You are more vulnerable to a viral infection when your body is "distracted" by having to deal with toxins that can damage or suppress the immune system. Toxins aren't necessarily exotic—they include sugar and alcohol consumed to excess, fast food and other unhealthy food laced with artificial preservatives and/or pesticides.

Meal-replacement drinks are commonly available from natural health-care practitioners and at health-food stores. People who have diabetes should avoid fasts. And, if you have a chronic health condition, you should fast only under the supervision of a medical professional. People who do not react well to fasts often do better on the modified versions, such as those that use meal-replacement drinks. If you have little experience in fasting, work with a nutrition-oriented doctor for guidance. Up to 90% of Celiac Disease Cases Undiagnosed Charles O.

Trophyl-line)—into the mesoderm (middle layer of the skin) using tiny needles approximately the size of an eyelash. Currently, mesotherapy is being used in the US primarily for cosmetic purposes—it improves blood flow and plumps up the mid-layer of the skin to help reduce wrinkles and cellulite. It also reduces inflammation and pain in the treatment of sports injuries, such as Achilles tendinitis and sprains. The number of injection sessions varies, but can reach 15 or more for cosmetic treatments. The cost ranges from $300 to $500 per session, and it is usually not covered by insurance.

Handbook of Medicinal Plants Amarjit S. Basra See book keywords and concepts

Murray, M, In The healing power of herbs, 2nd ed. Prima Publishing: Rocklin, CA, 1995; pp 302-305. 67. Caceres, A.; Cano, O.; Samayoa, B.: Aguilar, L., Plants used in Guatemala for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. 1. Screening of 84 plants against enterobacteria. J Ethnopharmacol 1990, 30, (1), 55-73. 68. Sonboli, A.; Fakhari, A.; Kanani, M. R.; Yousefzadi, M., Antimicrobial activity, essential oil composition and micromorphology of trichomes of Satureja laxiflora C. Koch from Iran. Z Naturforsch [C] 2004, 59,(11-12), 777-781. 69. Li. B. Q.; Fu, T.; Dongyan, Y.; Mikovits, J. A.

Best Choices From the People's Pharmacy Joe Graedon, M.S. and Teresa Graedon, Ph.D. See book keywords and concepts

Rinse your nasal passages with saltwater • Try vitamin C • Experiment with the herbs stinging nettle and butterbur þ?? • Take quercetin and bromelain • Try NasalCrom (cromolyn) spray to prevent allergy symptoms þ??? • Look for loratadine, an over-the-counter antihistamine þ??? • Ask your doctor about a steroid nasal spray þ???? • Consider pseudoephedrine for symptomatic relief Breathing is basic. Most of the time we take it for granted. But if your nose is congested and your sinuses are stopped up, you are miserable. For one thing, your head feels as if it's full of cotton.

Toxic Overload: A Doctor's Plan for Combating the Illnesses Caused by Chemicals in Our Foods, Our Homes, and Our Medicine Cabinets Dr. Paula Baillie-Hamilton See book keywords and concepts

Early morning Breakfast Banana and pineapple smoothie 2 oat cakes Multivitamin and mineral supplement, magnesium, vitamin C, MSM-sulfur or amino acids, probi-otics, and i tablespoon of flaxseed oil or pollution-free fish oil supplements (taken at least half an hour after fiber supplements) Mid-morning Raw carrot and cucumber sticks Pre-lunch Fiber supplements Large glass of water Lunch Grilled chicken breast Mixed green leaf and herb salad: In a large bowl, mix salad and chopped fresh herbs, add cherry tomatoes, dress with lemon juice and i tablespoon of olive oil.

Herbs for Health and Healing Kathi Keville See book keywords and concepts

You can be sure that the remedies in this chapter have been kid-tested for effectiveness and gentleness. It is not always easy to persuade children to take medicine—even good herbal medicine—so I have tried to make all the remedies in this chapter pleasant-tasting and easy to administer. Otherwise, children may later turn their nose up at anything that even hints at being herbal. If you take the right approach, you may be surprised how a sick child takes to natural remedies without much resistance at all.

Health and Nutrition Secrets Russell L. Blaylock, M.D. See book keywords and concepts

Of course, it would be folly to combine anticoagulant drugs and anticoagulant herbs. If you take Ginkgo biloba, you should not take an aspirin or any other medication or product known to thin the blood. In fact, those on more powerful anticoagulation medications should avoid Ginkgo biloba altogether. If you are taking Ginkgo biloba there is no need to take an aspirin a day, since you will get all the beneficial effects of aspirin plus a whole lot more.

This means you must check all food labels as well as other sources of exposure such as antiperspirants, medications, aluminum cans and containers, aluminum cookware and utensils, tap water containing aluminum, and aluminum-containing plant sources such as tea, condiments, and herbs. The safest containers are made of glass. (Plastic containers are not particularly safe as they can release PVCs, cadmium, and estrogenic substances.) Never drink tea with lemon. Remember, citrate from fruits greatly increases aluminum absorption.

Major sources of aluminum include processed cheese, teas, some herbs, spices, and some commercial salt. Aluminum utensils, cans, aluminum foil, and other aluminum containers all pose a risk for aluminum absorption into foods. It is known that dark-colored utensils contain more aluminum than do light ones, and the presence of sugar inhibits the corrosion of aluminum utensils. Aluminum colanders pose a risk for contamination of pasta. Cooking foods in aluminum foil leaches the aluminum out of the foil and into the foods, especially into meat gravies and tomato gravies.

Of particular concern today are herbal sources of lead contamination. Some herbs imported from China are not carefully checked before being placed on the market in this country, and some of these products may also contain mercury. American-made herbal products have not been implicated in this problem. Strange as it may sound, indoor shooting ranges are a source of lead exposure. Lead bullets produce a vapor that can be absorbed through the lungs when discharged from a firearm. It is important to use only ranges that are well-ventilated.

Panax ginseng has the same properties. Both herbs boost immunity in both normal individuals and those with depressed immune systems.532 Unfortunately, if use is continued for more than two weeks, there is a significant reduction in immune stimulation. A recent study found that NAC (N-acetyl L-cysteine) could reduce the effects of common viral infections such as influenza.

Special chemicals in fruits, vegetables, and herbs called flavonoids, have been found to be very powerful and versatile free-radical antioxidants, and can also renew the antioxidant status of several of the vitamins. The Network Neutralizing destructive free radicals is so important that God designed a unique and somewhat complicated system to protect us. This antioxidant network involves at least three tiers of protective molecules: (1) the vitamin, mineral and flavonoid network, (2) the antioxidant enzymes, and (3) special antioxidant molecules.

page 21 of 63 | Next ->

FAIR USE NOTICE: The research quoted here is provided under the protection of Fair Use provisions and published by the 501(c)3 non-profit Consumer Wellness Center for the purposes of public comment and education. Authors / publishers may submit books for consideration of inclusion here.

TERMS OF USE: Read full terms of use. Citations of text from NaturalPedia must include: 1) Full credit to the original author and book title. 2) Secondary credit to the Natural News Naturalpedia as a research resource and a link to www.NaturalNews.com/np/index.html

This unique compilation of research is copyright (c) 2008 by the non-profit Consumer Wellness Center.

ABOUT THE CREATOR OF NATURALPEDIA: Mike Adams, the creator of this NaturalNews Naturalpedia, is the editor of NaturalNews.com, the internet's top natural health news site, creator of the Honest Food Guide (www.HonestFoodGuide.org), a free downloadable consumer food guide based on natural health principles, author of Grocery Warning, The 7 Laws of Nutrition, Natural Health Solutions, and many other books available at www.TruthPublishing.com, creator of the earth-friendly EcoLEDs company (www.EcoLEDs.com) that manufactures energy-efficient LED lighting products, founder of Arial Software (www.ArialSoftware.com), a permission e-mail technology company, creator of the CounterThink Cartoon series (www.NaturalNews.com/index-cartoons.html) and author of over 1,500 articles, interviews, special reports and reference guides available at www.NaturalNews.com. Adams' personal philosophy and health statistics are available at www.HealthRanger.org.