Among other things, the holidays are a time of national dysnutrition: the disease of excess. Dysnutrition happens even in the most developed countries when food is plentiful but the overall diet is based on eating all the wrong balance of foods. Sound familiar? The typical American diet that is high in simple carbohydrates -- white flour, white salt, and processed food -- is aging us. We are getting all the bulk without the nutrients, plus adding to our propensity for developing real food cravings. So whether you are a vegetarian or an omnivore, you can start to reverse aging by simply choosing to eat the right foods to keep you full of vim, vigor, and vitality, especially over the holidays.
The easiest way to make sure you are getting more nutrients into every meal, even when you are grazing at the office cocktail party or the neighborhood potluck dinner is by choosing foods that are loaded with spices. Every time you flavor your meals with herbs or spices you are literally "upgrading" your food without adding a single calorie. You are taking something ordinary and turning it into something extraordinary by adding color, flavor, vitamins, and often medicinal properties. Here's why: Read more
Showing posts with label herbs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label herbs. Show all posts
Friday, January 29, 2010
20 Anti-Aging Herbs and Spices to Add to Your Diet Now
Aging is inevitable; however, there are many herbs and spices that can support overall health and may leave you feeling younger than your years, according to Dr. Eric Braverman.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
The 12 Most Frequently Recommended Herbal Remedies
Jennifer Newell of Health News lists the twelve most recommended herbal remedies and how to use them.
... While it is recommended that doctors be consulted before integrating herbal remedies into a daily regimen or treating a condition, most herbs are self-explanatory, as they give dosage instructions and recommended length of ingestion on the labels. Most importantly, when taking herbs, pay special attention to the body and any signs it gives that a particular treatment is not working; if the body rejects the option, it might be time to try another alternative, even if it is along the Western medicine route.
The top herbal remedy and one of the most well-known in modern society is the use of aloe vera for burns, whether the minor burns occur as a result of sun exposure or a kitchen accident. The actual aloe vera leaf is the most effective, rather than store-bought products, and the potted plant is simple to maintain with water. Read more
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
The Top 9 Herbs for Better Sleep
Insomnia can make falling asleep difficult, wake you up in the middle of the night, or awaken you way too early in the morning. Insomnia can be naturally relieved with herbal teas, infusions, and baths. The following nine herbs can aid in getting to sleep and staying asleep.
1) California poppy (Escholtzschia californica). California poppy is a sedative and sleep-promoting herb which can currently be found in a variety of herbal remedies for promoting sleep, helping one to relax, and easing mild anxiety. Because of its mild sedative and analgesic properties, it can be given safely to children. Clinical research on California poppy has clearly demonstrated the plant's sedative and anti-anxiety properties. It has been shown to improve both sleep latency and quality.
2) Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis). Chamomile is a time-honored sedative herb which can be safely used by children and adults alike. Chamomile tea is commonly used in Europe, South America, and Mexico for insomnia and restlessness combined with irritability, particularly in children.
3) Hops (Humulus lupulus). In the early 1900s, physicians used hops as a sedative specifically for insomnia due to worry or nerve weakness. Hops, a major ingredient of beer, has a long history of use for sleeplessness, nervousness, and restlessness. Hops pillows are sometimes used for mild insomnia.
4) Kava kava (Piper methysticum). Kava is the national drink of Fiji and is popular throughout the South Seas. It imparts a calm feeling, relaxes the body, and sometimes enhances communication and dreaming. This sedative herb is often used for sleeplessness and fatigue.
5) Lavender (Lavandula officinalis). Lavender is a gentle strengthening tonic for the nervous system. A few drops of lavender oil added to a bath before bedtime are recommended for persons with sleep disorders. Additionally, the oil may be used as a compress or massage oil or simply inhaled to alleviate insomnia.
6) Passion flower (Passiflora incarnata). Herbalists consider passion flower an important herb for insomnia caused by mental worry, overwork, or nervous exhaustion. In England it is an ingredient in forty different commonly-sold sedative preparations. Passion flower is used for minor sleep problems in both children and adults. It is an excellent sedative with no side effects even when used in large doses.
7) St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum). This common yellow-flowered weedy herb from Europe is quickly becoming an important part of modern herbal medicine. It has a long history of use dating back to ancient Greek times. Modern scientific studies show that it can help relieve chronic insomnia and mild depression when related to certain brain chemistry imbalances. Because this herb can sensitize the skin to sunlight, if you are taking a full dose, avoid direct skin exposure to bright sunlight.
8) Valerian (Valeriana officinalis). Herbalists use valerian extensively for its sedative action against insomnia, nervousness, and restlessness. It is recommended for those type of people who have a hard time falling asleep, because it shortens sleep latency. It also reduces nighttime waking. Valerian is an excellent herbal sedative that has none of the negative side effects of Valium and other synthetic sedatives. It works well in combination with other sedative herbs, such as California poppy, skullcap, hops, and passion flower.
9) Wild lettuce (Lactuca virosa). Wild lettuce is a mild sedative and nervine used for restlessness and insomnia. It may be found in a variety of formulas for the treatment of acute and chronic insomnia. It is used homeopathically for restlessness and insomnia. Because of its safety of use and calming effects, wild lettuce is a good children’s remedy.
Unless otherwise specified, for insomnia, take one or two cupfuls of an infusion or decoction in the evening about 30-60 minutes before bedtime. An additional cup can be taken in the night if you wake up. Where a remedy that will not make you drowsy is indicated for conditions associated with insomnia, you can take it three times a day.
Reduce the dosage of herbs taken by mouth by a quarter for children under five years old and by a half for children under twelve. Consult a professional herbalist and your doctor before administering any herbs to children.
To get FREE access to the exclusive series "What Are the 7 Biggest Mistakes Most Insomniacs Make?" click here. To read my review of the two best resources for better sleep you can choose, go to my blog Better Sleep.
1) California poppy (Escholtzschia californica). California poppy is a sedative and sleep-promoting herb which can currently be found in a variety of herbal remedies for promoting sleep, helping one to relax, and easing mild anxiety. Because of its mild sedative and analgesic properties, it can be given safely to children. Clinical research on California poppy has clearly demonstrated the plant's sedative and anti-anxiety properties. It has been shown to improve both sleep latency and quality.
2) Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis). Chamomile is a time-honored sedative herb which can be safely used by children and adults alike. Chamomile tea is commonly used in Europe, South America, and Mexico for insomnia and restlessness combined with irritability, particularly in children.
3) Hops (Humulus lupulus). In the early 1900s, physicians used hops as a sedative specifically for insomnia due to worry or nerve weakness. Hops, a major ingredient of beer, has a long history of use for sleeplessness, nervousness, and restlessness. Hops pillows are sometimes used for mild insomnia.
4) Kava kava (Piper methysticum). Kava is the national drink of Fiji and is popular throughout the South Seas. It imparts a calm feeling, relaxes the body, and sometimes enhances communication and dreaming. This sedative herb is often used for sleeplessness and fatigue.
5) Lavender (Lavandula officinalis). Lavender is a gentle strengthening tonic for the nervous system. A few drops of lavender oil added to a bath before bedtime are recommended for persons with sleep disorders. Additionally, the oil may be used as a compress or massage oil or simply inhaled to alleviate insomnia.
6) Passion flower (Passiflora incarnata). Herbalists consider passion flower an important herb for insomnia caused by mental worry, overwork, or nervous exhaustion. In England it is an ingredient in forty different commonly-sold sedative preparations. Passion flower is used for minor sleep problems in both children and adults. It is an excellent sedative with no side effects even when used in large doses.
7) St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum). This common yellow-flowered weedy herb from Europe is quickly becoming an important part of modern herbal medicine. It has a long history of use dating back to ancient Greek times. Modern scientific studies show that it can help relieve chronic insomnia and mild depression when related to certain brain chemistry imbalances. Because this herb can sensitize the skin to sunlight, if you are taking a full dose, avoid direct skin exposure to bright sunlight.
8) Valerian (Valeriana officinalis). Herbalists use valerian extensively for its sedative action against insomnia, nervousness, and restlessness. It is recommended for those type of people who have a hard time falling asleep, because it shortens sleep latency. It also reduces nighttime waking. Valerian is an excellent herbal sedative that has none of the negative side effects of Valium and other synthetic sedatives. It works well in combination with other sedative herbs, such as California poppy, skullcap, hops, and passion flower.
9) Wild lettuce (Lactuca virosa). Wild lettuce is a mild sedative and nervine used for restlessness and insomnia. It may be found in a variety of formulas for the treatment of acute and chronic insomnia. It is used homeopathically for restlessness and insomnia. Because of its safety of use and calming effects, wild lettuce is a good children’s remedy.
Unless otherwise specified, for insomnia, take one or two cupfuls of an infusion or decoction in the evening about 30-60 minutes before bedtime. An additional cup can be taken in the night if you wake up. Where a remedy that will not make you drowsy is indicated for conditions associated with insomnia, you can take it three times a day.
Reduce the dosage of herbs taken by mouth by a quarter for children under five years old and by a half for children under twelve. Consult a professional herbalist and your doctor before administering any herbs to children.
To get FREE access to the exclusive series "What Are the 7 Biggest Mistakes Most Insomniacs Make?" click here. To read my review of the two best resources for better sleep you can choose, go to my blog Better Sleep.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
The Top Herbs for Hair Loss
Because hair is an important part of appearance, hair loss can result in loss of self-esteem and feeling unattractive, especially in women and younger men. Hair loss sufferers spend billion of dollars annually on remedies ranging from drugs to vitamins to special tonics and shampoos. Though drugs sometimes are effective, many people are wary of their potential side effects and concerned about the ongoing expense. This has led to increased interest in alternative remedies such as herbal medicine.
There are eight herbs that have long been believed to reduce the rate of hair loss and, at the same time, stimulate hair regrowth.
1) Dong Quai (Chinese Angelica)
Dong Quai is a traditional Chinese herb that is used to stop hair loss and even regrow hair. Dong Quai contains phytoestrogens, which reduces the formation of DHT, the main cause of hair loss in men.
2) Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo Biloba is a very popular herbal remedy that is thought to help with many problems, among them improving the circulation of blood to the brain and skin. The majority of herbalists who recommend this herb for hair loss do so believing that the increase of blood to the brain and skin delivers more nutrients to the hair follicles and so promotes hair regrowth.
3)Green Tea (Camellia Sinesis)
Green tea is another popular herbal remedy because it is believed that the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase is inhibited by the catechins found in the green tea. Some herbalists claim that you will reduce the risk of male pattern type baldness if you drink several cups of green tea or take it in capsule form on a daily basis.
4) He Shou Wu or Fo-Ti (Polygonum Multiflorum)
He Shou Wu is an ancient Chinese herb that has been used for centuries for hair loss and baldness. It is available in both tea and capsule form and is one of the main ingredients found in many commercial remedies for the treatment of hair loss. In a recent study published by American Botanical Council, the authors note that this Chinese botanical shows promise as a hair and color restorative and is capable of inducing terminal hair to grow instead of vellus hair (the fine baby hair growth associated with use of minoxidil).
5) Panax Ginseng
Used in Asia for thousands of years, Ginseng’s well known benefits include promoting vascular circulation and regulating cellular metabolism. When used in shampoo or hair tonic, Ginseng helps to nourish and strengthen hair.
6) Pygeum (Pygeum Africanum)
Pygeum is taken from the bark of the evergreen tree and works in a very similar way to green tea. It has been used to treat problems with the prostrate for many years in China and can be found in pill or capsule form.
7) Saw Palmetto (Seranoa Repens)
Saw palmetto is a very popular choice for treating hair loss. Not only does it slow down the loss of hair, it also encourages the hair to regrow. In addition, Saw Palmetto has the ability to protect the prostrate.
8) Stinging Nettle (Urtica Diocia)
Stinging Nettle blocks the conversion of testosterone into DHT. It can be bought in either pill or capsule form and is said to be more effective when used in combination with saw palmetto or pygeum.
The above eight herbs have been used by countless hair loss sufferers long before scientists started creating hair loss drugs or treatments. If you look around in a health food store or online, you will find that most herbal remedies for hair loss incorporate one or more of the above ingredients. These herbal hair loss solutions provide a feasible and safe option for men and women to treat their hair loss problem.
For more information about inexpensive, natural programs to reverse hair loss, read my review of the two best programs I've found to reverse hair loss at my blog http://reverse-hair-loss.blogspot.com.
There are eight herbs that have long been believed to reduce the rate of hair loss and, at the same time, stimulate hair regrowth.
1) Dong Quai (Chinese Angelica)
Dong Quai is a traditional Chinese herb that is used to stop hair loss and even regrow hair. Dong Quai contains phytoestrogens, which reduces the formation of DHT, the main cause of hair loss in men.
2) Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo Biloba is a very popular herbal remedy that is thought to help with many problems, among them improving the circulation of blood to the brain and skin. The majority of herbalists who recommend this herb for hair loss do so believing that the increase of blood to the brain and skin delivers more nutrients to the hair follicles and so promotes hair regrowth.
3)Green Tea (Camellia Sinesis)
Green tea is another popular herbal remedy because it is believed that the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase is inhibited by the catechins found in the green tea. Some herbalists claim that you will reduce the risk of male pattern type baldness if you drink several cups of green tea or take it in capsule form on a daily basis.
4) He Shou Wu or Fo-Ti (Polygonum Multiflorum)
He Shou Wu is an ancient Chinese herb that has been used for centuries for hair loss and baldness. It is available in both tea and capsule form and is one of the main ingredients found in many commercial remedies for the treatment of hair loss. In a recent study published by American Botanical Council, the authors note that this Chinese botanical shows promise as a hair and color restorative and is capable of inducing terminal hair to grow instead of vellus hair (the fine baby hair growth associated with use of minoxidil).
5) Panax Ginseng
Used in Asia for thousands of years, Ginseng’s well known benefits include promoting vascular circulation and regulating cellular metabolism. When used in shampoo or hair tonic, Ginseng helps to nourish and strengthen hair.
6) Pygeum (Pygeum Africanum)
Pygeum is taken from the bark of the evergreen tree and works in a very similar way to green tea. It has been used to treat problems with the prostrate for many years in China and can be found in pill or capsule form.
7) Saw Palmetto (Seranoa Repens)
Saw palmetto is a very popular choice for treating hair loss. Not only does it slow down the loss of hair, it also encourages the hair to regrow. In addition, Saw Palmetto has the ability to protect the prostrate.
8) Stinging Nettle (Urtica Diocia)
Stinging Nettle blocks the conversion of testosterone into DHT. It can be bought in either pill or capsule form and is said to be more effective when used in combination with saw palmetto or pygeum.
The above eight herbs have been used by countless hair loss sufferers long before scientists started creating hair loss drugs or treatments. If you look around in a health food store or online, you will find that most herbal remedies for hair loss incorporate one or more of the above ingredients. These herbal hair loss solutions provide a feasible and safe option for men and women to treat their hair loss problem.
For more information about inexpensive, natural programs to reverse hair loss, read my review of the two best programs I've found to reverse hair loss at my blog http://reverse-hair-loss.blogspot.com.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Criminalizing Natural Health, Vitamins, and Herbs
(Part 1 of 4) Dr. Rima Laibow, M.D., speaks about a movement to place nutritional supplements under the control of the FDA and pharmaceutical industry. If this outrages you, contact your congressional representative and tell them you don't like "Docket: 2006D-0480" or ANY plans to have the FDA and drug companies controlling your nutritional supplements.
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