Ayurveda is a traditional holistic healing. Translated from Sanskrit, Ayurveda means ‘the science of life’. ayur means “life” and veda means “science. India system which largely depends on plant support to form major Chunk of its medicine. Most of the herbs, spices, seeds, roots, leaves, stems, petals and flowers are deeply ingrained in all Indian homes where ‘home remedies’ are popular. Even certain family members in some family are adept in curing even intricate disorders by simple and cost effective formulations which, at times, have shown marvelous and astounding results.

The winter season is marked as Hemanta ritu and Sisira ritu in ayurveda. Hemanta ritu starts from mid November and ends in mid January. This falls in southern solstice which is called as visarga kala or dakshinayana in ayurveda. Sisira ritu starts from mid January and lasts till middle of march. Sisira ritu falls in Northern solstice which is called as Aadana kaala or uttaraayana.

VATA: The Vata dosha is the most important of the three doshas. It has been said in ayurveda classic books that ” pitta , Kapha and all other body tissues are considered lame without assistance of VATA .” Vata dominates the lower part of the body, which is below umbilicus. The movements of body fluid, metabolism, elimination of waste products, semen ejaculation, pushing the fetus out of body, relaying stimulus to brain and response to organs and tissues, heart beat, respiration, body movements etc are assisted by VATA.Vata dominated regions are intestines, lumbar region, ears, bones and skin.Vata gets vitiated due to following reasons.1.Controlling natural urges like urination, defecation, hunger, thirst, etc.

2. Late nights.3.Irregular food habits.4.Talking in a high pitch.5.Over physical and mental exertion.6.Consumption of spicy, dry, bitter foods.7.Exposure to severe dry and cold climate.

The opposites of above-mentioned reason normalize the vitiated vata.PITTA: The pitta dosha assists the body fire or Agni, which plays a major role in body’s metabolic activities. The locations where pitta dominates are digestive system, skin, eyes, brain, and blood. Pitta maintains body temperature. The secretions like digestive juices pigments like melanin (bhrajaka pitta), hemoglobin (ranjaka pitta) are all types of pitta.

Pitta is dominant in regions of Umbilicus, stomach, sweat, lymph, blood, eyes and skin.Vata gets vitiated due to following reasons.1. Excess consumption of spicy, sour, salty foods.2. Consuming alcohol in excess.3. Over exposure to hot sunny climate.4. Short temperedness.5. Using dried vegetables.6. Indigestion of food.The opposites of above-mentioned reason normalize the vitiated pitta.KAPHA:

Kapha provides bulk to body, lubrications, moistness, fertility, stability, strength, and memory. Helps in binding process wherever necessary. This is heaviest of all doshas.Kapha dominated regions are chest, neck, head, stomach, body fat, nose and tongue

2. Massage your body with vata balancing herbal oil (abhyanga). Never forget to apply oil on your head (moordha taila.).

Summing up, it is a strong Aphrodisiac and has Immunomodulating, anti- inflammatory, anti tumor and anti stress properties which clearly shows why Ayurveda has such a high opinion of this herb as a general tonic. Read More About Ashwagandha http://www.ayurvediccure.com/ashwagandha.htm.Arjuna (Terminalia Arjuna) – It is a cardiac tonic of high quality. Terminalia arjuna, is known to be beneficial for the treatment of heart ailments since 500 BC. Clinical research has indicated its usefulness in relieving anginal pain, and in the treatment of coronary artery disease, heart failure, and possibly hypercholesterolemia.”Terminalia arjuna bark extract, 500 mg 8 hourly, given to patients with stable angina with provocable ischemia on treadmill exercise, led to improvement in clinical and treadmill exercise parameters as compared to placebo therapy.” Result on Clinical Research Conducted.Improvement of cardiac muscle function and subsequent improved pumping activity of the heart seem to be the primary benefits of Terminalia Arjuna. Read More About Arjuna http://www.ayurvedicure.com/arjuna.htm

4. Consume hot soups.

As a nervine tonic, Brahmi has been used to help those affected by stroke, nervous breakdown or exhaustion and Attention Deficit Disorder. The best Ayurvedic brain and memory formulas contain brahmi, as do many of the long life promoting compounds. Read More About Brahmi http://www.ayurvediccure.com/brahmi.htm .Guggulu (Shuddha Guggulu, Guggul, Commiphora Mukul) – Modern Research shows that it is the prime Ayurvedic herb for treating obesity and high cholesterol. Studies shows that guggulu lowers serum cholesterol and phospholipids, and that it also protects against cholesterol- induced atherosclerosis. Guggulu were seen to lower body weight in these clinical studies.

Guggulu also as anti-inflammatory properties and is effective in treating arthritis and other joint pains. Read More About Guggulu http://www.ayurvediccure.com/guggul.htm .Karela (Bitter Melon, Bitter Gourd, Momordica Charantia) – At least three different groups of constituents have been reported to have blood sugar lowering actions in bitter Mellon. These include a mixture of steroidal saponins known as charantin, insulin-like peptides, and alkaloids. Scientific studies have consistently shown that bitter melon lowers blood sugar level of Type 2 Diabetes.It could probably reduce the patients intake of antidiabetic drugs. Also Bitter Melon has two proteins which are thought to repress the AIDS virus.Recently, the Department of Health in the Philippines has recommended bitter melon as one of the best herbal medicines for diabetic management. Read More About Bitter Melon http://www.ayurvediccure.com/bittergourd.htm .Neem (Azadirachta Indica) – Neem is an extraordinary blood purifier, good for al skin diseases like acne, eczema, psoriasis and teeth and gums. Neem is included in most Ayurvedic Skin products because it is as effective on an external application as through internal indigestion.

3. The disease gets transmitted when mucous membrane comes in contact with infected area. The disease gets transmitted mostly during active phase. But it may spread even during asymptomatic (when person is free of symptoms for a particular duration) phase. The virus needs a fluid media for its transportation. The body fluids like saliva, semen, vaginal tract secretions etc. Mucous membranes in mouth, vagina, urethra or open wounds facilitate the virus invasion due to their moistness.In Genital herpes there is an imbalance of all three doshas (VATA, PITTA, KAPHA), which in turn vitiate lasika (lymph), blood (rakta), muscle (mamsa) and skin (twacha). The imbalanced doshas vitiate skin and the immunity of skin cells is lowered. The virus attacks these weak cells and starts exhibiting symptoms on affected area. Local symptoms:1. Pricking sensation 2. Edema 3. Pain 4. Feeling of constriction5. A sensation of ant creeping 6. Many small eruptions gathering in a small area.7. These eruptions or blisters burst soon with exudates.8. These blisters will have different colors according to involvement of doshas. (Blackish red or blue in vata, red, yellow, copper colored in pitta, shades of white in kapha).

The Charaka Samhita states that a person must use shilajit for a minimum of one month before starting to realize he regenerating effects. It is also used to treat impotency and infertility. it is well known that Shilajit would return the libido of people to level of teenagers.

After the first attack the virus moves from skin through the nerve paths to base of the nerve and becomes inactive. Now the herpes infected person will be devoid of all symptoms. But the imbalance of doshas still persists.Reactivation of Virus to cause outbreaks.At unpredictable times, the virus becomes active. It multiplies and resurfaces on skin by traveling through the nerve path and exhibits the symptoms locally. The severity of symptoms of out break depends on the strength of body immunity.The pelvis or shroni, nerves and skin are dominated by vata. When vata gets vitiated due to precipitating factors, it reactivates the virus dormant in base of nerve end and the virus travel through nerve paths to reach the skin surface. Precipitating Factors.As we know the outbreaks have few precipitating factors like :1. Excessive exposure to sun.2. Illness,3. Poor diet, 4. Emotional stress5. Physical stress, 6. Friction, 7. Steroids8. Menstruation. 9. Emotional stress.10. Genital trauma and intercourse. 11. Repeated infections such as a cold or pneumonia.

These factors increase vata and increased vata activates the virus, which is dormant.Low Immunity The systemically imbalanced doshas interfere with the body metabolism by vitiating the body fire (agni). This leads to indigestion and malassimilation of nutrients, which in turn causes poor immunity. Due to decreased immunity the body fails to offer resistance to outbreaks.

It has cleansing and detoxifying action. Used regularly it is good for gentle, slow detoxification of the digestive tract and then the deep tissues. It also has the ability to normalize all three humors with continued use. As a daily supplement triphala is hard to beat; that’ s why in India they say “even if your mother leaves you, every thing will be fine if you have triphala” Read More About Triphala http://www.ayurvediccure.com/triphala.htm.Tulsi (Holy Basil, Ocimum Sanctum) – Its very name Holy Basil certifies to its sacred nature. It is a sacred plant worshipped in many Indian homes and is a must in every Hindu’s house.Holy basil is also a major ingredient of many Ayurvedic cough syrups. it is a good stress reliever, and modern research has found it to be good for Respiratory problems, Cold, Fever and all types of Cough. Read More About Tulsi. http://www.ayurvediccure.com/tulasi.htm.

Find more information about inner child healing methods and emotional healing.

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After Linda’s call to me I got to work looking for any thing that would give their family relief. What I found was astounding and saddening. Eczema sufferers can live in a world of hell as they go from one treatment to another, always searching for, yet never finding the treatment that will stop the itching. Just do an online search for eczema images and you will be overwhelmed at the sheer volume of skin disorders you will see. Eczema can affect young and old alike, including little babies.

Through my research, it quickly became obvious that for eczema herbal remedies to be effective, I needed to find something that could be applied topically for instant relief of swelling and itching as well as taken internally to promote a permanent cure. I often find that treatments for body ailments need a multi-pronged approach. In other words, one treatment will not do the trick. For example, in the case of eczema you may need to use a topical treatment, detoxifier and change your diet.

The following is the regimen that was developed for Linda’s son.

Topically: Pau D’Arco in tincture form. The astringent compounds in this herb will shrink inflammation bringing relief to swollen, itchy areas. This was applied to the affected skin areas with a cotton ball several times a day. Of special note is that Pau D’Arco is not the only herb that can be used topically for eczema. You can also use burdock root, nettle leaf powder and kelp powder in eczema herbal remedies.

Internally: I knew the blood needed to be cleansed. We use an effective eczema herbal remedies combo of 10 different herbs; yellow Dock, Dandelion, Burdock, Licorice, Chaparral, Red Clover, Barberry, Cascara Sagrada, Yarrow and Sarsaparilla. To use these herbs, mix together in equal parts and run them through a coffee grinder. Typically, I recommend adults put the powder into gel capsules. However, Linda’s son was too young to swallow a gel capsule, so she would add the powdered herbs to his breakfast smoothie every morning.

Additional: It was very important that we took note of all that was coming in contact with Linda’s son. Of course, she had already done the leg work on this. They were using all natural soaps, cleaners, detergents, etc. During the time of my research I also suggested they go completely organic with food.

Does this story have a happy ending? Yes, it does! In this situation it seemed that we had to come up with our own eczema herbal remedies “recipe” for this little boy to receive his cure. The topical Pau D’Arco tincture brought immediate relief of the inflammation and swelling. Being consistent with the herbal combo, natural cleaning products and organic diet took a few weeks to work, but the results were drastic and have been long lasting. Linda’s son is eczema free for the first time in three years.

If you need have eczema and nothing is working eczema remedies will definitely help you with all of your alternative medicine needs

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Diabetes is a condition that cannot be cured but this doesn’t mean that all diabetics should give up hope of leading normal lives. There are many practices and remedies that can help curb diabetes and its symptoms; helping people that are suffering from the condition to lead long and healthy lives.

Ayurveda is a well-known and effective system for healthy living that was developed in ancient India. Certain Ayurvedic herbs are known for their ability to decrease sugars in the bloodstream as well as other anti-diabetic effects. These herbal remedies are powerful methods of improving the quality of life for diabetics.

Bael is one of the herbs used for Diabetes in the system of Ayurveda; it’s leaves have been known to contain anti-diabetic elements. In Ayurveda, they add a small dose of black pepper to the Bael leaves prior to consumption to treat Diabetes.

Another popular Ayurvedic herbal remedy used to treat Diabetes is known as “the bitter gourd” or Ampalaya. The results have been tested and proven on thousands of diabetics across the world. The seeds of Ampalaya contain charantin, which normalizes blood sugar levels. It has a very bitter taste, but the stronger the flavor, the more potent the anti-diabetic properties.

Fenugreek is commonly known and is also often used by diabetics. This plant suppresses the release of sugar in diabetics’ urine; an uncomfortable symptom of the disease.

Garlic, which is a known spice that is widely used, is also known to produce beneficial results to diabetics. It reduces blood sugar and even aides in the disintegration of harmful cholesterols in the body.

The Indian plum, also known as jamun, also stimulates a specific pancreatic action that controls the conversion of digested foods into sugar. This helps normalize the sugar levels that enters the body, thereby balancing the sugar levels and preventing them from becoming excessively dangerous.

Neem, turmeric, and onions are also all helpful with Diabetes. These not only help to treat the symptoms of Diabetes, but also benefit overall health for anyone.

One of the best proprietary herbal blends is DBCare, which includes Karela, Jambu Beej, Mamejava, Kariyatu, Methi, Amalaki, Galo Satva, Gudmar, Kadu, Neem Chhal, and Haridra. Using this powerful Ayurvedic diabetes treatment has achieved incredible results for many people suffering from even the worst conditions.

Diabetes is one of the most common and serious diseases known to man. However, by implementing natural treatments and healthy diet, sufferers can achieve a happy and normal life without many of the symptoms they are used to dealing with. With persistence and patience, lasting results can be achieved through herbal remedies and good daily routines.

Nicole Kerala has been studying Ayurveda and alternative medicine for over 10 years. Nicole has found that using ayurvedic herbal remedies has helped countless people to enhance their quality of life. More information about Ayurvedic herbal treatments can be seen here: Natural Ayurvedic Care

categories: diabetes,high blood sugar,blood sugar,herbal remedies,alternative medicine,natural,cures,natural medicine,herbal products,herbs,organic,health,and wellness,medicine

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This information applies to all species of medicinal mushrooms. For practical purposes, this article will focus on the most popular medicinal mushroom species, red reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), over which the most intense battle of conflicting claims is being fought.

The first and perhaps obvious caution is to stay away from cheap mass-produced brands of medicinal mushrooms that may only contain dried and pulverized mushrooms, in which case the medicinal compounds are still inaccessible behind the mushrooms’ cell walls.

There are many real therapeutic brands on the market, though. But even among them, there are significant differences. They all claim to be the best, naturally, because they all want to sell their particular brand. So let’s sift the data, get the facts straight, and clear up misleading information that is out there.

Below are three common methods for extracting medicinal compounds from reishi. Each method results in different compounds. All groups have been shown to have therapeutic effects in scientific studies.

1. Water Extraction, Hot (polysaccharides and more)

2. Alcohol Extraction (triterpenoids, sterols)

3. Fermenting (arabinoxylanes, etc.)

The most important hot water extracted compounds are the polysaccharides. Studies have shown them to possess strong anti-tumor properties, help boost immune system and be powerful antioxidants. [1]

The alcohol soluble compounds are mainly triterpenoids, a large group of related compounds. Scientific studies suggest they help stabilize cholesterol, blood pressure and clotting. Most importantly, they are the anti-inflammatory compounds so critical to many of reishi’s suggested uses, including arthritis, allergies and asthma. [1]

Less researched are the “secondary metabolites” that come from fermenting reishi. “Secondary” because they result when the original medicinal compounds get broken down by bacteria. These new compounds have been shown to possess therapeutic properties that are unique, including immune enhancement, anti-tumor and blood-sugar regulation. [2]

This article is intended to give general guidelines to help you choose an effective reishi product, not to recommend any particular brand. But there are at least two reishi companies on the market which both state only hot water extract is useful while alcohol extracts are of no value.

They do that, of course, because they wish to sell their products. However, there is no scientific validity to those claims. All three extraction methods listed above yield important medicinal compounds.

To determine if a brand of reishi (or Ganoderma) contains all the important medicinal compounds from the mushroom, find out if it utilizes both alcohol and hot water extraction. An additional plus would be if it also includes fermented reishi.

Last but not least, remember to look at the form the reishi comes in. If the reishi is able to dissolve completely in water-based drinks like coffee, it’s a safe bet that it only contains the water-soluble polysaccharides. An excellent choice as far as coffee goes but an incomplete reishi supplement because it does not include the anti-inflammatory triterpenoid compounds.

On the other hand, alcohol tinctures can actually contain both water soluble polysaccharides and alcohol soluble triterpenoids. The way you know is that the polysaccharides will fall out of solution because of the alcohol, and will make the tincture cloudy. That’s alright though; you just need to shake before you take. Capsules and tablets may be one or the other or both. The only way to know is ask the manufacturer or read their information.

[1] Boh B, Berovic M, Zhang J, Zhi-Bin L, 2007. “Ganoderma lucidum and its pharmaceutically active compounds.” Biotechnology Annu Rev 13:265-301.

[2] Tang YJ, Zhang W, Zhong JJ. “Performance analyses of a pH-shift and DOT-shift integrated fed-batch fermentation process for the production of ganoderic acid and Ganoderma polysaccharides by medicinal mushroom Ganoderma lucidum.” Bioresource Technology 2009 Mar;100(5):1852-9.

Dr. Rafael has worked with natural health since the 1990′s, recently specializing in medicinal mushrooms. He partners with Cordyceps Reishi Extracts, LLC on red reishi extract and cordyceps extract plus the increasingly popular mesima mushroom and many more.

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Geranium flowers grow in many gardens throughout the United States and around the world. This fragrant perennial plant, taxonomically identified in the genus Pelargonium, is known for its distinctly powerful leafy-rose scent. There are over 250 natural species of Pelargionium with hundred of hybrids and thousands of cultivars (variety produced by selective breeding). Although commonly known as geranium, there is genus with the same name. The genus Geranium and the genus Pelargonium share the same family (Geraniaceae) but they are different from one another in their cultivation as well as their botanical features. Species of plant in Geranium are known to be hardy and can grow almost anywhere. Pelargonium species on the other hand are specifically cultivated and are of great commercial value. They can also be distinguished by their differing flower patterns.

Although geranium has been used for thousands of years going back to the Greeks and Romans, it was not until the late 17th century that this plant, indigenous to South Africa, was introduced to Europe. Soon after European introduction hybrid cultivars were created and distributed around the world. During the Victorian era, potted rose geranium was often kept in parlors in order to revive the senses. Another Victorian practice was to place geranium leaves in finger bowls at formal dining tables. Today, as in Victorian times, the most widely used Pelargonium species is Pelargonium grave lens, or rose geranium. The essential oil of rose geranium is prized by aroma therapists and cosmologists alike. P. graveolens is used in aromatherapy for its medicinal applications such as an antiseptic, as a haemostatic (stops bleeding), a tonic to regulate the nervous system, a diuretic (to treat edema) and a hormone balancer. In the perfume industry, rose geranium oil is often mixed in or even replaces the more expensive rose petal essential oil. Cosmologists also use this aromatic oil in lotion, soaps, shampoos and creams. One might presume that geranium essential oil comes from the flower alone, yet it is the leaves and branches where the oil glands are found and through a process of steam distillation the oil is extracted. In order to increase the yield of oil during this procedure, processors will often partially dry the plant.

The first geranium plants grown for the French perfume industry were planted in Algeria in 1847 and then in the 1880s extensive plantations were established in Reunion – an island in the Indian Ocean governed by France. Geranium oil is also cultivated in other parts of the world for its commercial value such as China, Egypt, Russia and Central America. The oil from China is thought to be similar to that of Reunion (known as Bourbon), while the Egyptian geranium is quite different. This is due to various soil and climatic conditions. The Bourbon variety, with its rich aroma, is considered to be the most important of the geranium oils.

Geranium as a Strong Antimicrobial

In recent years, the main media have reported on the rise of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. This week in the news is no exception. In the January 2010 issue of Microbiology, researchers from the National University of Ireland in Galway published their findings on how disinfectants might lead to bacteria becoming resistant to antibiotics, especially in hospitals. It is standard hospital procedure to use surface disinfectants to prevent the spread of bacteria; if disinfectants are non-effective than antibiotics are used. The study looked at the response of the gram-negative bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa (known to be the cause of many hospital infections) to increasing amounts of disinfectant. What they found were bacteria not only able to develop immunity from the disinfectant but also become resistant to ciprofloxacin (a commonly-prescribed antibiotic) without direct exposure to the drug. Researchers conclude that bacteria resistance to both controls could be a serious threat to hospital patients and thus urge medical practitioners to rethink how infections are handled.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria are widespread in nature, inhabiting soil, water, plants, and animals. Yet these pathogens usually do not infect healthy human individuals, only those with compromised immune systems. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), P. aeruginosa accounts for 10.1 percent of all hospital-acquired infections and can be a cause of such diseases as pneumonia, urinary tract infections (UTIs), bone and joint infections, gastrointestinal infections and bacteremia. These infections are considered complicated and possibly life threatening.

There are an increasing number of studies being published in peer-reviewed journals on the potent antimicrobial properties of essential oils, including geranium. A 2004 study (Burns 2004 Dec; 30(8): 772-7) found that geranium in combination with Citracidal (grapefruit seed extract) had great effectiveness against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and in combination with tea tree was highly effective against methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus. These researchers concluded that essential oils serve as highly useful antimicrobial agents and in treatment of MSRA infection. A more recent study (BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2006 Nov 30; 6:39) found that essential oils, including geranium were effective against Staphylococcus aureus, including the ubiquitous bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Things to Consider

Geranium essential oil has been praised for centuries for its medicinal qualities and beginning in the late 1800s for its aromatic fragrance in perfumes and cosmetics. Species of Pelargonium are found in flower gardens throughout the world. In recent times, with the rise of drug resistant pathogens, essential oils such as geranium have evoked interest as an alternative remedy in treating and preventing many infectious diseases. It is clear that the spread of drug resistant pathogens, such as P. aeruginosa, is one of the most serious threats to hospital patients. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a majority of the world’s population depends on traditional medicine for primary healthcare. There may come at time in the near future where the entire world will once again turn to the medicinal qualities of plants and their constituents as a main source of illness recovery and wellness.

The author has made available much information about aromatherapy, such as lavender, frankincense, rose and other therapeutic grade essential oils.

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In the more dangerous phases, they will fall out like a lump outside your rectum. So, what are the most general mistakes that people make, which contribute to get this painful problem? If you found hemorrhoid relief already, avoiding the following 3 mistakes will start easing the problem gradually.

Consuming too much unnatural food. This can be a toughie for many people. Yet, it’s well known that unnatural foods create harder stool and troubles in digestion. This causes constipation and all other conditions, that are going to lead to hemorrhoids. The key here, especially if you are hurting and attempting to soothe hemorrhoids, is to decrease your intake of processed sugars.

Sedentary lifestyle. A lot of long term sitting will create additional pressure on the bottom area and this creates the ideal condition for a hemorrhoids to occur if united with a strong force such as constipation or pregnancy. The answer is to make certain you don’t sit for over one hour at a time, and bear in mind to do stretches that support natural blood flow.

Intake of unnatural creams and medication. This causes the same possible problem as unnatural nutrients. Even Many of the fiber supplements contain processed and artificial ingredients that can create side-effects elsewhere, and in conclusion, they aren’t attacking the origin of the problem there, and not providing fast hemorrhoid relief. Another downside of these creams which don’t benefit is that they waste person’s time and the hemorrhoids can get even worse over time if the root problem is not reversed.

So try to avoid these three mistakes, and you will not be worsening your hemorrhoids. It is very important to understand these in our contemporary lifestyle of sedentary business office work and unnatural, lazy diets.

Even so, not all hope is lost. I do have 1 hemorrhoid relief answer that has impressed me pleasantly. I would like to review a completely safe, natural cure that works within a two days. It’s already been confirmed by 100s, if not thousands of testimonials in the underground manner of alternative medicine. The system includes component resources, charts, audio instructions and essentially anything you want to soothe your hemorrhoids once and for all. I truly Phrase Variations it and just check the recommendations from users who have healed even severe hemorrhoids for good.

Irritation from Hemorrhoids? Non-Surgical Hemorrhoid Relief, proven and painless. Hemorrhoids patients tested and advised this Hemorrhoids treatment for it actually worked for them. A 100 percent natural Hemorrhoids treatment that works, risk free and money back guarantee.

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A few years ago I began researching more natural ways to deal with flu symptoms. I was thrilled to find that there really are cost effective flu herbal remedies that can quickly alleviate the discomfort of the flu. I’m not saying these remedies will cure you, but they will lessen the severity of the symptoms and the length of time you will feel lousy.

One of the first signs of the flu can typically be a cough. At the fist sign of a cough, place one dropper full of Echinacea (alcohol-free, of course) in your mouth for five to ten minutes. You can repeat this every hour for three to four hours. If you have congestion, put five drops of Eucalyptus oil in a hot bath or, if you don’t feel like or are incapable of getting into the bath tub, just pour six drops of the Eucalyptus oil in a cup of boiling water, then put a towel over your head and inhale the vapors.

Cayenne, also known as capsicum, will keep the mucus flowing which will help with congestion and also headaches. Yes, this is the same cayenne we use in cooking and it can also be used in flu herbal remedies. Cayenne can be bought and taken in capsule form or you can add it to soups or other foods. However, eating food may not be something you feel like doing while suffering from the flu, so I suggest adding the cayenne to your soup or broth.

Extract of Elderberry contains antiviral properties. For this reason, it can actually reduce the flu symptoms. An easy way to use Elderberry in flu herbal remedies is to make a tea, simply simmer 1 tablespoon of dried berries in two cups of hot water for 15 minutes. You should have this tea three times a day to be effective. Alternatively, you can use elderberry in tincture or capsule form.

Tea is very soothing during times of illness or stress so it is one of my preferred flu herbal remedies. Making a basic tea for the flu is easy. The following blend will soothe the symptoms of flu as well as a cold by fighting viruses and bacteria. This mixture can be made and stored away from heat and light in an airtight container for up to one year. Mix: cup dried peppermint leaves cup dried lemon balm leaves cup dried elder flowers cup dried yarrow flowers

To brew tea: Bring 1 cup water to a boil and remove from heat. Add 1-2 teaspoons of the tea blend and teaspoon freshly grated ginger. Steep for 5 to 10 minutes, strain and add honey and/or lemon juice if desired. It is no fun to get the flu, but I hope this article has shown you the flu herbal remedies can be an effective alternative to the traditional over-the-counter medicines. Being prepared by having the suggested herbs in your home and available to use when needed is a good idea because when you are not feeling well, you definitely will not want to go to the store to buy anything. Be prepared and have them readily available.

If you need have the flu and nothing is working flu remedies will definitely help you with all of your alternative medicine needs

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Most people suffering from Alzheimer’s are senior citizens, and there are many risk factors that can be detected early on. High blood pressure, head trauma, high cholesterol, not exercising the brain, coronary artery disease, and genetics are the more well known risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease.

There are numerous symptoms and warning signs associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Aside from the most common symptom of gradual memory loss, people who are suffering from the condition are also known to exhibit poor cognitive skills, personality problems and dementia.

There is currently no known cure that will completely get rid of Alzheimer’s disease in elderly people. Once the ailment appears, it is known to gradually worsen until it takes the person’s life. Fortunately, there are many Ayurvedic Alzheimer’s herbs known to be effective in slowing down the worsening progression of the disease.

Alzheimer’s disease is a form of brain damage. There are many Ayurvedic Alzheimer’s herbs that are known to slowly treat brain damage and improve the overall quality and functionality of the brain cells. Some of these herbs include Guduchi, Pancha-Tikta-Ghruta Gugguli, Amalaki, Musta and many others.

There are also several Ayurvedic herbs that are known to improve and increase the potency and functionality of the brain. This is extremely essential for people who are at risk of having Alzheimer’s disease, as recent studies indicate that routine brain exercise and may prevent the occurrence of Alzheimer’s in elderly people.

These natural remedies and formulas include Mandukparni, Guduchi, Yashtimadhuk, Padma, Vacha, Convolvulus pluricaulis, Nelumbo nucifera, Shankhpushpi and many more. These natural herbs are great for slowing down the worsening progress of the disease, as they decrease the imminent destruction of brain cells. Because of their ability to achieve a certain level of the brain’s working potential, these remedies are great in stabilizing brain functions and when used consistently, can even help regenerate the brain cells that have been damaged by the disease.

Plenty of other Ayurvedic herbs also help keep the brain damage caused by Alzheimer’s to a minimum. There has not been a lot of modern scientific research about these herbs as of yet, but more and more researchers are taking interest in their potential.

One of the best Ayurvedic Alzheimer’s treatments on the market is AlzCare. AlzCare includes a proprietary blend of Arjun, Amalaki, Ashwagandha, Galo Satva, and Kutaj. This blend of five rejuvenating herbs naturally keeps the brain cells well-nourished and normalizes the depleted tissue elements by maintaining blood supply and oxygen. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) powder acts as Nervine tonic that rejuvenates the cells and boosts energy.

Herbal treatments should commence as soon as Alzheimer’s disease is diagnosed in order to slow the degeneration as early as possible. It is vital to obtain accurate and early diagnosis. Using these Ayurvedic herbs might just be the way to live a normal and healthy life with Alzheimer’s.

Nicole Kerala has been studying Ayurveda and alternative medicine for over 10 years. Nicole has found that using ayurvedic herbal remedies has helped countless people to enhance their quality of life. More information about Ayurvedic herbal treatments can be seen here: Natural Ayurvedic Care

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What do modern medical researchers, bees, the Bible and the Queen of England have in common? Well, as you can probably guess from the topic, it is the recognition that lavender possesses exceptional properties for health and wellness. Medical researchers are now investigating the components of lavender oil that have been used for centuries as a stress and anxiety reducer, an insect deterrent and as an antiseptic and an anti-inflammatory. Honey bees have quite an affinity for the pollen of lavender plants; commercial production of lavender honey is well prized. Lavender was one of the herbs used in the biblical Temple to prepare the holy essence and mentioned in the Song of Solomon as an admirable herb. Queen Elizabeth I was known to use lavender as a tea to treat her frequent migraines. It is now recognized by the medical industry that alternatives to conventional treatments are needed and that lavender is a good candidate for safe and effective applications.

Although generally known as lavender, there are actually thirty-nine species of the genus Lavendula, but only a handful are used commercially. This fragrant plant is native to the Mediterranean region south to tropical Africa and to the southeast region of India. Today lavender is successfully cultivated in southern Europe, Australia and the United States. Aromatherapists distinguish lavender species according to their therapeutic uses and medicinal properties. True lavender (L. officinalis, L. angustifolia) when distilled at high elevations is known for its large percentage of ester content and regarded as the best in quality. Uses for true lavender include cases involving anxiety, stress, small burns, cuts and insect bites. Spike lavender (L. spica, L. latifolia) is known for its camphor content and thus used for respiratory infections, for muscular aches and pains and as a possible stimulant. Lavendin (L.fragrans, L. burnatti) is a hybrid of true lavender (L. angustifolia) and spike lavender (L. latifolia) and commonly used for large-scale commercial purposes. Stoechas lavender (L. stoechas) is used as an expectorant and known for its antimicrobial properties.

Sedative Effects of Lavender

Lavender is well recognized as an agent able to support a reduction in anxiety, mainly due to its high linalool levels. The physiological process of reducing anxiety through the use of essential oils is quite phenomenal. Once the diffused molecules of essential oil enter the nasal cavity, they bind to receptor sites of the olfactory neurons which then trigger a cascade of events. In short, the olfactory neurons send messages to the olfactory nerve and then onto the olfactory bulb (located just three inches from the brain) where messages are initially processed. Within the olfactory bulb are input and output stations, the glomeruli and M/T (mitral and tufted) cells respectively. The olfactory output from the bulb to the brain has several targets, mainly the primary olfactory cortex and the higher olfactory associated areas where olfactory discrimination, perception and memories take place. The other is the limbic system, sometimes referred to the ‘nose’ brain comprising a complex system of 122 regions and associated areas which together is heavily responsible for the expression of emotion. Main structures of the limbic system (LS) are the amygdala, septum, hippocampus, anterior thalamus, and hypothalamus.

Diffused essential oil of lavender has been shown to alter reactions in the limbic system which includes the amygdala and hippocampus, both of with are vital to our behavior, mood and memory. Recent studies have found lavender to reduce levels of cortisol (a hormone secreted by the adrenal glands). High and prolonged levels of cortisol have been shown to have a deleterious effect on the body, such as higher blood pressure, lowered immunity and decrease in bone density. A 2008 study published by the International Journal of Cardiology (Sep 26; 129(2): 193-7) found that lavender aromatherapy reduced serum cortisol and improved coronary flow velocity reserve (CFVR ) in healthy men after stress was induced and concludes that lavender aromatherapy has relaxation capabilities and may be beneficial for cases concerning coronary circulation. Another study from the Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan (Archives of Oral Biology 2008 Oct; 53(10): 964-8) found that salivary cortisol levels decreased in stressed subjects (via a series of mathematical tasks) after being exposed to air-borne lavender essential oil; cortisol levels did not decrease in the control group. Lavender essential oil has also been found to help babies as well. The University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Florida (Early Human Development 2008 Jun; 84(6): 399-41) found that babies bathed with essential oil of lavender cried less and spent more time in deep sleep than babies who were not bathed with the oil.

Other Noteworthy Uses

A rather haphazard discovery of lavender in the use of tissue regeneration was made by the late Dr. Rene-Maurice Gattefosse (a French cosmetic chemist) who after he severely burned his hands in a laboratory accident, submerged them in a container of lavender essential oil and noted the remarkable speed at which they healed. More recent research has newly discovered the possible antimutagenic (inhibits mutations) effect of lavender. In this study (Food and Chemical Toxicology 2005 Sept; 4319: 1381-7) scientists noted antimutagenic effects of lavender oil (L. angustifolia) on a strain of Salmonella bacteria, concluding that such uses of lavender may be promising for applications in modern human healthcare. Other uses, such as antimicrobial and antiviral have been recognized and supported on the University of Maryland Medical Center website (www.umm.edu).

To Remember

The physiological pathway for molecules of lavender essential oil to reach the brain is remarkable. By following the molecular trail into the nasal cavity and its subsequent neurological reactions, one can better appreciate the recognized stress-reducing qualities found in lavender. Traditional uses of lavender are now being investigated and their diverse applications more fully understood. With science now uncovering the specialization of olfactory receptor sites for certain scent molecules, aromatherapy becomes an even more valuable remedy for maintaining wellness. We would all do well to familiarize ourselves and perhaps re-remember what our ancient brain (the limbic area) has stored for thousands, even millions of years- molecules of scent, and in this case lavender, are powerful and effective.

Learn more about using aromatic botanicals to ease menopause symptoms. To read more by this author enjoy her blog. ‘Organic Medicinal Herbs.

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