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Acne can certainly be a trying time for teens and adults. One of the most effective methods of battling acne in our family is with herbal acne remedies. Our quest for a natural way of dealing with acne came about quite by accident. I never really thought of dealing with acne in a natural, homeopathic way, but after watching what my nephew went through with traditional methods of acne management, I knew we needed to find a better way for our family when the time came.

My nephew struggled with severe acne, to the point of needing an antibiotic to control the infections that had been caused by acne. Then he had a reaction to the antibiotic. It was really heartbreaking to watch his struggle week after week. His struggle prompted me to start researching natural acne treatments. I knew there had to be a better way for him and I wanted to be prepared for my daughters when they reached their teen years.

One of the great things about a natural alternative to acne treatment is the gentleness of the treatment. There are no major side affects, the herbs just seem to naturally and easily take care of the problem without causing dry skin, rashes, etc.

There are three main herbal acne remedies that I recommend. The first is a honey and cinnamon paste. Mix three tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon, this will make a paste. Apply the paste on your face right before you go to bed and wear overnight. In the morning wash it off with warm water. If you can do this for two weeks consistently, you will see your acne disappear!

The second herbal acne remedies treatment, burdock root, can be taken orally or used as a wash, like a toner. Some herbs, when taken orally, act as a blood cleanser. This is what burdock root is well known for; it’s a good blood cleanser. Sometimes if you can get the blood cleaned up and detoxified, you can clear up acne. This herb can be taken orally with no problems. However, you can also make a tea out of it and apply it to the affected areas with a cotton ball.

Before I give you the next natural treatment, I want to mention one thing; when recommending herbal acne remedies, I usually start with the easiest and move on to the more complex. The third acne treatment does require a few different herbs and this can be overwhelming for those who have never used herbal treatments before. If you are just starting out with herbal treatments, I suggest you try the honey and cinnamon paste or the burdock root first. If you are familiar with herbal remedies, you may have most of the required herbs for the following treatment in your home already.

The third herbal treatment for acne is what I like to call the acne combo. Like Burdock root, the acne combo is a blood cleanser or purifier. Use the following herbs: Barberry, Burdock, Cascara Sagrada, Chaparral, Dandelion, Licorice, Red Clover, Sarsparilla, Yarrow and Yellow Dock. These can be ground together in a coffee grinder and put into gel capsules.

Overall, our family much prefers herbal acne remedies over traditional medication. If used consistently and as directed, we find these treatments to be effective and well worth the effort.

If you need have eczema and nothing is working acne remedies will definitely help you with all of your herbal remedy needs

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Yohimbe extract has been used by West African cultures for generations as a natural treatment. The tree is an evergreen that is native to the Congo, Zaire, Cameroon and Nigeria. In recent decades yohimbe extract has been studied and used in western medicine to treat different health conditions.

In West Africa yohhimbe extract has been used to treat leprosy, fever, cough and to act as an anesthetic. In the 1980s the extract was approved by the America Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) for use in helping men with impotence. Since then it has been commonly prescribed and recommended with great amounts of success in erectile dysfunction.

Although doctors and researchers do not understand fully why the yohimbe extract works, it is clear that it does indeed work for a number of men who experience impotence. One school of thought is that the extract increases the flow of blood to the penis and can help to support an erection. Other researchers believe that it works by he;ping sexual signals to be communicated through the nervous system more effectively.

What is for sure, is that the extract is very effective in about 35 per cent of men who use it for impotence. The extract is generally not useful to men who suffer erectile dysfunction due to nerve damage in the spine. Men who do not have impotence, but take the extract, also report increased sexual stamina and more intense and long lasting erections.

Yohimbe has been shown to be able to improve libido in both men and women. The extract is also sometimes used to counteract sexual side effect such as loss of libido caused by antidepressant medications as well as being attributed with antidepressant qualities too. It is available as both a natural supplement as well as in prescription drug form.

Other health issues that may be effectively treated by yohimbe include cholesterol problems, dry mouth and nerve system issues. Some researchers have indicated that yohimbe should not be taken over a long period of time or it may increase blood pressure. There are also side effects that are associated with the medication including: dizziness, shortness of breath, nausea and upset stomach.

Yohimbe may also be useful in helping weight loss. It is considered a stimulant and can increase the heart rate and help the body to burn fat. It may also prevent the body from storing excess fats and help eliminate them. Some body builders and athletes use yohimbe believing that it boost their stamina in training sessions.

Although this product is both natural and approved by the FDA it should still be taken carefully. If you would like to try it, you are strongly recommended to seek the services of a qualified naturopath who will be able to advise you of the correct dose for your individual condition. Most people take the yohimbe bark extract treatment with no side effects or interactions, but it is always best to err on the side of caution with your health.

To find out more about the Yohimbe extract and how it reacts to your body, you should refer to search the net for more answers. You can find out alot about yohimbe bark and how the extract can help your healthy living.

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Constipation is infrequent or difficult evacuation of faces, less than once every two days. Too hard and dry stools can require excessive effort and cause painful defecation. Constipation is a sign of chronic dehydration. One of the main functions of the large intestine is to take excess water out of the excrement so that it is not too loose. Constipation herbal remedies can help resolve this issue. There are several herbal cures that can successfully treat chronic constipation.

Constipation takes place when the stool travels in the large intestine too slowly. The large intestine creates solid waste by taking excess water from the stool. Constipation can be prevented through changes in diet and exercise habits in most cases. Drinking at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily and eating plenty of high-fiber foods such as oat bran, fruits, and vegetables with skin can often improve this condition.

Constipation is becoming more widespread because of the unhealthy diet followed by most of us today. With the trend of eating fatty, starchy and sugary, fast foods people aren’t getting enough fiber, which in turn slows down the bowels. Fiber helps keep people from getting constipation. Constipation can occur if you don’t eat enough fruits and vegetables. This will mean you lack the necessary bulk to fill your rectum.

Constipation can also stem from a lack of friendly bacteria in the intestines. Enzymes and friendly bacteria in your small intestine do much of the work of breaking down the food.

Cascara sagrada ( Rhamnus purshiana ) is a powder made from the aged bark of the Rhamnus purshiana tree. The bark has hormone-like oils that promote peristaltic action in the colon. It is one of the best herbs to use for chronic constipation, its effects can be felt within 6 to 8 hours, producing soft stools with little discomfort. The bark is used by cultures around the world in many over-the-counter laxatives as a nutritional support for chronic constipation.

Cascara sagrada can help expel parasites when used with other herbs. Cascara sagrada is never to be used fresh and it must be aged for at least a year to break down its anthrone chemicals. The herb can be artificially aged by heating but some useful constituents may be lost. Cascara Sagrada helps to alleviate the constipation by the creation of softer stools.

Cascara sagrada is a good alternative because it is gentle on the stomach, it does not work like some laxatives where you are afraid to go out, although it is not a good idea to take it before work if your do not have easy access to a bathroom. It works with the natural rhythm of your body. Cascara Sagrada continues to be one of the most popular laxative ingredients today and is used in many over-the-counter formulations.

Warning! Chronic constipation can be a serous condition and Cascara sagrada is a powerful herb and should be used with the advice of your health care provider. You do not want to be dependent on Cascara sagrada to have a normal bowl movements. Your goal should be to develop habits like eating a healthy diet and drinking enough water to where you don’t need herbs like Cascara sagrada to have healthy bowel movements.

By Carol Branwen, visit herbs for detoxing the body and turmeric.

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Historical and Current Uses

Sandalwood, or Santalum, is identified as belonging to the Santalaceae family. This small tree reaching to about 10 meters is indigenous to Indonesia, the Pacific Islands, Australia and India. Much of the commercial production of sandalwood comes from Santalum album (India) and Santalum spicatum (Australia). Although both of these species are considered true sandalwoods, there are other species commonly called sandalwood that are not included in the Santalum genus and are therefore have differing compositions. These unrelated plants are sometimes used as fillers to reduce the price of the increasingly expensive Santalum oil yet are considered of inferior quality. Research has identified a wide spectrum of applications for both the simple essential oil and its active components. Traditional and ceremonial uses of sandalwood continue to be an important part of cultures around the world.

Sandalwood from the Mysore region (known as “sandalwood city”) of southern India is generally considered to be of the highest quality sandalwood available, providing great commerce for this region of India. Of the traditional areas in Southeast Asia where sandalwood is found, India has been the front runner in creating plantations in which to continually harvest Sandalwood (The Australian Government has also set up reserves as well). Trade and harvest of Indian sandalwood is under strict regulation and the trees themselves are under government protection; only the government of India is permitted to own the trees. To produce commercially valuable sandalwood with high levels of fragrance oils, harvested Santalum trees are recommended to be at least 40 years of age, but 80 or above are preferred. However, trees at 30 years of age are still harvested but considered of inferior quality.

Much of the valuable wood is found in the roots of sandalwood and thus harvested by uprooting the entire tree versus cutting it at the trunk. In the last few years alone, the price of sandalwood has skyrocketed, mainly due to rising demand and limited supply. Increased demand has mainly come from the perfume and aromatherapy industry. Sandalwood essential oil and paste is used in Indian and Chinese medicine and of course aromatherapy botanical medicine. The perfume industry covets this oil for its ability to blend well with other perfume oils; hence, it is used extensively in hundreds of cosmetic products.

Over the centuries, the use of sandalwood and its products have been an integral part of several religious cultures. It scent, either as an essential oil or ground as incense, is thought to bring one closer to the Divine. Hindus burn incense made from sandalwood oil in burial pyres and at funerals. It’s also used in temples to remind people of the heavenly realms. Yogis in India use the oil to anoint each other during ceremonies and before meditation as well deity statues often made of sandalwood itself.

Sandalwood May Help with Antibiotic Resistance

In late December of 2009 a length article by the Associated Press entitled “Pressure Rises to Stop Antibiotics in Agriculture” reported on rapidly emerging bacteria that are resistant to current antibiotics from supposed misuse of antibiotics in the agriculture industry. It was all over the internet in a matter of days. The article provides quotes from professors, researchers as well as government agencies all expressing deep concern and even alarm at the rate of microbial resistance to standard treatment. The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) web page includes recent studies regarding antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MSRA) (both of which cause great harm to humans and animals alike) linked to heavy uses in food agriculture. This scientifically sound web site also provided a press conference statement (way back in 2001) by Margaret Mellon, Ph.D., director of UCS Food and Environment Program stating that 70% of total antibiotic production is devoted to non-therapeutic uses in the cattle, swine and poultry industry. It seems plausible that over the last nine years since this press release, microbes have developed an armor of resistance to antibiotic treatments.

Hospital-acquired infections and antibiotic-resistant bacteria continue to be major health concerns worldwide. In a recent study conducted by the University of Keil, Germany in their Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (Journal of Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery 2009 Oct.; 37(7): 392-7) researchers found that sandalwood oil in vitro demonstrated an effective treatment for antibiotic-resistant strains as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) (a cause of severe soft tissue, bone or implant infections in hospitals) and antimycotic (antifungal)-resistant Candida species. Another microbe that plagues humans is Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). This Gram-negative bacterium is thought to be harbored by over 50% of the world’s population and is strongly linked to the development of duodenal and gastric ulcers as well as stomach cancer. A 2006 study by the Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Tokushima, Japan (Journal of Natural Products 2005 Jun; 68(6): 819-24) found that the crude extract as well as isolated compounds of sandalwood essential oil showed antibacterial activity against H. pylori.

Uses Beyond Bacterial

The Australian and Indian Santalum species, found to be similar in chemical composition, are known by aromatherapists to have such therapeutic properties as anti-inflammatory, antiphlogistic (reduces fever), antiseptic (as mentioned above), antispasmodic (relieves muscle spasms), astringent, carminative (relieves flatulence), demulcent (reduces irritation), diuretic (soft and soothing to skin), emollient, expectorant, as a sedative and general tonic. Their principle chemical constituents are alpha-santalol and beta-santalol. According to a study conducted by the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and South Dakota University (Anticancer Research 2007 Jul-Aug; 27(4B): 2185-8) application of the chemical compound alpha-santalol prevents UVB-induced skin tumor development in mice. Sandalwood is also thought to help alleviate the symptoms of depression as reported by the University of Maryland Medical Center (www.umm.edu).

Concluding Remarks

The value of sandalwood in some cultures goes back centuries – from burning the fragrant incense in temples to using the oil in sacred ceremonies. In the commerce of today, sandalwood is highly prized by the perfume industry as well as those in aromatherapy. Recent science studies indicate that sandalwood and its principle component alpha-santalol have antiseptic as well antitumor capabilities. With the growing concern of antibiotic-resistant bacteria of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Candida in both hospital and public environments, serious investigation into the possible uses to of alternative therapies is well underway. Consideration of essential oils, and in this case Santalum album and Santalum spicatum are prime candidates for meeting modern medical needs.

The author enjoys aromatherapy for lifting spirits in the winter months. Try essential oils like a floral mood lifter and an other fantastic natural aromatics from The Ananda Apothecary.

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Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra) is a medium-sized tree native to the eastern coast of North America. The bark of the Slippery Elm tree has been used medicinally for centuries by native Americans for upset stomachs, coughs and wounds. Other names for Slippery Elm are Indian Elm, Red Elm, Moose Elm, Gray Elm, Soft Elm and Elm Herb.

It tree can reach well over 50 feet and is topped by rough branches that form a crown. The red-brown or orange branches grow downward, and the stalkless flowers are arranged in clusters. The tree’s leaves are long and green, they darkening in color during the fall. The bark has deep fissures, a gummy texture, and a distinct odor.

The bark is collected in spring from the larger branches and dried. The tree is completely stripped of it’s bark during harvesting dies. The wood has no commercial value.

The part of the Slippery Elm tree that is used in making Slippery Elm bark herb is the inner, red, heartwood. The inner bark is ground into a powder, which is most often how it is used.

Slippery Elm bark contains sticky, smooth, mucilage that is used medicinally to sooth irritated and inflamed surfaces, such as mucous membranes. Slippery Elm is used for many diseases including ulcers, gastritis, colitis, inflammatory bowel problems, gastrointestinal disorders, skin ulcers, cough, fevers, and inflammation. The high fiber mucilage helps normalize intestinal action, decrease gas, absorb toxins and lower the stomachs acidity, it can be used to relieve both diarrhea and constipation. Slippery Elm is great when used to soothe a sore throat. The primary constituent is mucilage, which accounts for the demulcent effects.

Be careful if you use this herb daily for three weeks or more. This herb is so mucilaginous it can overcoat the digestive tract and temporarily block the assimilation of nutrients. You may want to take a few days off from using it if you use it for more than a few weeks.

Slippery Elm coats the surface the gastrointestinal lining in the digestive tract, this provides soothing properties. This allows substances to pass easily through the digestive system without irritation. The Slippery Elm mucilage swells up and becomes slippery, but does not dissolve when wet. It helps soothe a sore throat as it coats the throat and esophagus with a slick residue and soothes the inflamed mucous membranes.

It can be very soothing to the throat and is often used in cough lozenges for scratchy, sore throats and mouth irritations.

If you are pregnant, do not consume Slippery Elm in any form. No scientific studies have been done to confirm the safety of Slippery Elm during pregnancy. The outer bark of the elm tree may contain substances that could increase the risk of miscarriage. For this reason pregnant women may be advised to avoid this herb.

By Carol Branwen, visit Detox Herbs and Dandelion Root.

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Remarkable History

For centuries, cultures around the world have regarded frankincense with great reverence and value. It is best known in western Christian cultures as being included in the gifts of the Magi traveling from the east to worship the baby Jesus. Such a gift would have been of great Jewish significance – serving as a symbol of deity and burned in the temple to acknowledge God. Ancient Egyptians also believed in the sacredness of frankincense – thought to be the sweat of the gods that fell to earth. Egyptian queen Hatshepsut (1508 BC – 1458 BC, fifth pharaoh of the eighteenth dynasty of Ancient Egypt) tried to bring the trees of frankincense to plant in her mortuary temples at Thebes; it was used for ceremonial purification and embalming by her people. Greek and Roman pharmacopeias mentioned the medicinal uses for treating a wide variety of diseases; it was also recorded in Chinese and Indian medical texts.

The origin of frankincense is traced back to the Arabian Peninsula. According to Herodotus (5th century BC Greek historian), “Arabia is the only country which produces frankincense, myrrh, cassia and cinnamon…” At one time, there was an active over-land frankincense trade route that started in the Dhofar region of Oman, went through Yemen and followed the Red Sea coast to reach Jerusalem and Egypt. The production and trade of frankincense may have lasted for up to 6,000 years, spurring the creation of villages and towns along the route. Caravans of camels transporting frankincense were often targets of raids, since frankincense commanded prices equal to that of gold. It is likely that frankincense grew in areas across the Red Sea, such as Ethiopia and Somalia, but the initiation of the frankincense trade route began with gum resin from Omani trees. Due to raiding, desertification and other religious zealotry, the trade route dried up after about 300AD.

Origin and Harvest

Frankincense is a derived from the plant genus Boswellia, family Burseraceae indigenous to the Arabian Peninsula (Yemen and Sultanate of Oman), India and the Red Sea region of North-East Africa (Somalia and Eritrea). Incisions, about two inches long, are made in the trunk of the tree which then exudes a milky gum-like substance or resin. This resin, when exposed to air, hardens into droplets or “tears”. These tears are allowed to dry for about two weeks before collection and then stored for approximately twelve weeks to harden. The exception is made for production of some essential oil. In this situation, the resin is not allowed to dry but collected as a semi-solid material, yet in most cases the oil is extracted from dried resin.

The method of harvesting, or tapping, of Boswellia varies according to species and the customs of the region. For example, in Somalia tapping usually occurs in two separate periods, each lasting 3-4 months with successive 15-day intervals. The period between harvests depends upon the onset and extent of rains. In India, the collection is done once a year, commencing at the end of October. In Oman, there are ancient rituals pertaining to resin harvest as well as a sense of guardianship for the trees passed down to each generation.

Active Components

There are numerous species and varieties of Boswellia trees; major species being Boswellia serrata found in India, Boswellia carteri in East Africa and China, Boswellia frereana in Somalia, and Boswellia sacra in Arabia. Quality of frankincense resin is based upon colour, purity, aroma and age. In general, it is thought that the more opaque the resin the higher the quality with Omani frankincense regarded as the best in the world. The majority of ultra-superior Omani B. sacra is said to be purchased by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said the ruler of Oman.

The chemical analysis of frankincense is well researched. The oleo-gum-resin substance of frankincense contains 3-8% volatile oil, an ether (common laboratory solvent) soluble resin fraction of 60-70% and an ether-insoluble fraction of 23-30 per cent. The ether soluble resin contains sesquiterpenes, alcohols, esters and boswellic acids and the ether-insoluble contains polysaccharides and diterpenoids. The composition of the volatile oil differs according to climate, harvest conditions and geographical location, but in general, all oil contains numerous monoterpenes (C10 compounds in the form of hydrocarbons, alcohols and keytones) and sesquiterpenes (C15 compounds) as well as diterpenes.

Medicinal and Therapeutic Uses

Compounds of frankincense have been found to exhibit in vitro (outside a living organism, usually in a test tube or Petri dish) antibacterial, antifungal, immunomodualtory (ability to regulate functions of the immune system) and in recent years immunostimulant activity. Studies have also found anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties of Boswellia. It is thus apparent that frankincense has a wide range of uses. Selected below are just three traditional applications for treating illness and are currently of interest in medical research.

Injury: Powder of the dried resin of Boswellia is a common ingredient of herbal plasters and pastes to treat wounds. A recent study from Hebrew University, Israel (J Cereb Blood Flow Metab. 2008 Jul;28(7):1341-52) indicated that Incensole acetate (IA), an isolated from frankincense resin, was shown to reduce neurological damage from head injuries.

Cancer: Throughout the centuries many illnesses, including cancer, have been treated using frankincense resin. Rising attention has been given to the possible anti-cancer uses of frankincense. A study published in March of this year investigated the induction of tumor cell cytotoxicity using Boswellia carteri. This study found that frankincense oil appears to distinguish between cancerous and normal bladder cells as well as suppress cancer cell viability. Such a finding might indicate use of frankincense as an alternative agent to treat bladder cancer.

Immune Stimulant: In many world cultures frankincense, whether as an essential oil, powder or burning of resin, is seen as an excellent plant product for treating most illnesses. A 2003 study conducted by Mansoura University, Egypt, supported such usage. Mansoura medical researchers found that Boswellia carterii essential oil demonstrated immunostimulant activity. Such a discovery adds yet another positive medicinal result of frankincense and further encourages its use for several immune disorders.

In Conclusion

It is remarkable to see that modern science is now investigating the wealth of knowledge found in ancient medical texts on frankincense. Recent medical studies have indicated that the oleo-gum-resin of frankincense has remarkable medicinal applications. Experimental data confirms many of the traditional uses of frankincense, most notably in regards to the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and bronchial asthma. The body of science literature investigating frankincense continues to expand, revealing the amazing medicinal properties that frankincense has to offer. This age-old plant product has been honored and celebrated by civilizations for centuries. Viewed as a gift fitting for royalty, we in this modern era are just beginning to understand the incredible value in this tree yielded resin. It is no doubt a gift that will keep on giving.

The author highly recommends aromatherapy as a wellness practice. Read more about aromatherapy and ‘emotional well-being‘.

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Black Walnut is a long-lived, hardwood tree that averages 50 to 70 feet in height and up to 3 to 4 feet in diameter. The tree sometimes exceeds 200 years in age. The Black Walnut tree (Juglans nigra) is one of six walnut species found in the United States, there are about 15 species worldwide. It growns in pastures and meadows throughout the United States and southern Canada. The Black Walnut tree is one of the first trees to lose its leaves in autumn.

Walnut is one of the finest woods in the world. It is an easy wood to work and has a beautiful, durable, finish. It is used in homes, cabinets and guns.

The Black Walnut tree produces a nut which is surrounded by a hull, these Black Walnut hulls contain natural chemicals called tannins and quinone. The Black Walnut tree developed the tannins and quinone to act as a strong protection for it’s seeds.

Tannins and quinone compounds are the primary components that give the hulls the ability to expel worms and other parasites. The Black Walnut hull is widely known for its anti-parasitic qualities. They are used to kill intestinal parasites, worms, and yeast in the body. The Black Walnut hull kills adult and developmental stages of at least 100 parasites.

Tannins are belived to be antibacterial, antitumor, cancer preventive, antidiarrhetic, antihepatotoxic, chelator, antihypertensive, antiulcer. Tannins work to tone the body tissues they come in contact with.

Black Walnut hull is used as a natural remedy for acne, thyroid problems, colitis, eczema, hemorrhoids, ringworm, to aid digestion, as a mild laxative, sore throats, skin fungus, skin irritations, asthma, beriberi, diarrhea and tonsillitis. It is also recommend for people who travel to areas with contaminated water supplies, because of its anti-parasitic properties in the stomach and intestines.

The Black Walnut hulls must be harvested green, before they decay and turn black, so they still have their medicinal properties, also it is important to have Black Walnut hulls in a tincture solution.

Parasites hatch and then invade their host’s intestinal wall. They typically thrive in a warm, dark and moist environment. They eat the host’s cells and drain nutrient from the host’s tissues. Another nasty problem of parasites are their fecal and other secretions directly into our bodies. Secretions from parasites into our bodies are poisons which our bodies have to deal with. Parasites can be difficult to detect and eliminate, especially if you don’t have the right treatment. Regular colon cleansing of parasites should be a part of your health routine.

Three herbs must be used together when you do a parasite cleanse. Black Walnut hull and Wormwood kills adults and developmental stages of at least 100 parasites. Cloves kill the eggs. If you only kill only the adults the eggs will hatch and you will have to start all over. Only if you use the three herbs together will you rid yourself of parasites.

When you do a parasite cleanse drink plenty of water to wash your system out. There are many products in health food stores and on the web that sell these three herbs together. Never exceed the recommended dosages to speed up the parasite cleanse.

By Carol Branwen, visit Black Walnut Hulls and herbs to use for detox.

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Basil herbs are royalty, meaning “King”the name originated from the Greek word basileus. But you new that. Rumour has it that, many years ago, the Romans & Greeks associated the word and the herb became somewhat malicious. And get this… some good citizens believed that the only way to get herbs to germinate was to scream a curse at them. This has since proved to be incorrect but it is difficult to argue against the fact that basil herbs are a ‘strongly perfumed’ if not too strong.

A bit further down the track, basil herbs represented of all things, love. The Italian stallions in Italy used to hand the girls a small bunch of basil to indicate their interest. In the food arena basil is mainly associated with Mediterranean style food as well as Italian & Thai dishes. But… what would you say if I told you this herb came from India, I thought so, gob smacked? Yep, Vishnu & Krishna ate it at every opportunity.

Rearing Healthy Basil

Grown as perennials in a number of tropical areas, the basil plant is very sensitive to temperature although it’s actually used as an annual in some temperate climates. It does however prefer hotter climates with plenty of sun and it actually grows better indoors that out as long as it gets plenty of natural light.

Basil prefers soil that does not hold the water too much along with premium quality compost or well ‘matured’ manure. It needs a constant supply of water along with good drainage. Basil will wilt quickly if it doesn’t get enough light or it’s positioned where it gets a breeze. Additionally. those looking after basil will need to add mulch to the soil to maintain it properly. The stems will need to be removed along with the flowers when it starts to get going.

Removing the flowers is something that has to happen, that’s what gives basil to the world. If yiou get the opportunity, try the flavor of basil leaves just before the plant flowers.

The Many Uses of Basil

Basil herbs are not traditionally used as a homeopathic extract, its greatest resources are discovered in culinary use. However, basil does have certain antibacterial and antiviral properties. Basil is actually related to mint, and it has some value as a digestive aid, not to mention a smooth and comforting tea.

With more then 60 varieties of basil, they say that there are many more yet to be unearthed. The most common of the variety used in the kitchen is sweet basil although lemon basil is a common ingredient for some soups & sweets. The basil family includes many varieties including, cinnamon, African blue & Opal.

Using herbs in cooking is best when they’re cut fresh off the plant & having your own herb garden allows you to do this. Much of the basil found in shops has been harvested for quite some time & is nowhere near as fresh.

With fresh basil in your kitchen, your cooking will take on a new dimension!

Fanatical herb lover Peter Williams eats, sleeps & breathes herbs, if he doesn’t know the answer, it aint worth knowing… to learn more about the best place to grow basil herbs check out What’s The Best Herb For Your Kitchen? Grab a totally unique version of this article from the Uber Article Directory

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Absorption through the Nose

Essential oils are highly volatile once they are extracted from the plant. Many of the compounds found in essential oils transform from a solid, when extracted, to a gas when exposed to air and less pressure. Aromatherapists often use a diffuser to disperse the essential oil molecules into the air. Once these molecules reach the nose, they go through a series of twists and turns and within a matter of moments find their way into the body cavity.

The essential oil compounds (made up of molecules of essential oils), are first breathed in by the nasal cavity. Inside the nasal cavity there are fine hairs or cilia that sort the medicinal molecules and filter them down into the pharynx. From here the inhaled compounds reach the trachea, into the branched tubes known as bronchi, down into smaller tubes known as bronchioles and finally arrive at microscopic air sacs known as alveoli. Each alveolus is lined with thin epithelial cells that enable gas exchange to take place with capillaries of the pulmonary vein. Once in the pulmonary vein, the compounds are taken to the heart and then distributed to parts of the body that are receptive to their medicinal support.

The details of this process are actually quite fascinating. Once the gaseous compounds of the essential oil is breathed in through the nose, this essential oil-bearing air is filtered and warmed by the cilia (or little hairs) and mucous membranes that line the nasal cavity. They then travel though the pharynx, down the larynx (the upper portion of the respiratory tract), move through the trachea (or windpipe), and finds their way into the two bronchi ? each leading to a lung. Once in the lungs, the molecules move through finer tubes called bronchioles and then dead end at the alveoli which are microscopic in size. The air passes through the epithelium of the alveoli through diffusion and picked up by capillaries of the pulmonary vein which lead to the heart. Once deposited into the heart chambers, the essential oil-rich air is distributed to various parts of the body that have an affinity for its compounds.

A recent study conducted at Georgetown University found a subset of nociceptive nerves (receptors for pain; send pain messages to the brain and spinal cord) that have receptor sights for aromatherapy molecules. Such an insight is further support for the use of aromatherapy as medicine.

Entering Through the Skin

Although the skin in not the primary way in which essential oils can reach the blood stream, research has shown that select, highly potent essential oils can penetrate the skin membranes and permeate into the body. The penetration potential of essential oils can be enhanced through heat, such as through the action of massage or through hot water, such as in a bath. And, as will be concluded from above, portions of the essential oil compounds will also evaporate and find its way into the nasal cavity and into the lungs.

Although some areas of human skin are more conducive to applying essential oil, all areas of the skin are permeable to essential oil compounds. The use of heat, such as through massage, and hot water, such as in a bath seems to enhance the penetrability of the oils.

Eating Essential Oils

Taking essential oils by mouth is generally discouraged in the States, likely due to the lack of education on the subject more than anything else. In Europe, one can go to a professional Aromatherapist for their treatment plan, and get their oils at a dispensary. The treatment, when oral ingestion is the therapy, only 1-3 drops is ever taken at one time, and only for the course of the treatment. Most oils are completely safe in this manner, though some may be ‘too hot’ for the mouth (Cinnamon and Oregano are a couple). Sometimes these are taken with warm water. So! Essential oils are very rapidly absorbed this way. When taken “neat”, they’re more than likely absorbed by the tongue, and at the furthest the esophagus. With water, they’re also absorbed in the gut. All these lead to rapid distribution throughout the body by the blood, and to all organs and tissues.

More on the healing effects of essential oils can be found at http://www.anandaapothecary.com.

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Anti inflammatory herbs are a great way of treating inflammation if you are fed up of the many side effects of over the counter and prescription medications.

But when choosing a natural anti inflammatory treatments you should ask yourself a number of important questions to ensure the best results. If you’re unsure where to start, then here is a quick guide to four important questions to ask of anti inflammatory herbs.

1. Which Herb Will Bring the Best Results for You?

Always think about your lifestyle and your diet before you start taking any herbs. You should always remember that everyone responds differently, so the best treatment differs from person to person.

Making simple changes to your diet, such as eating more fatty fish, can help to reduce inflammation – and you should always eat plenty of fruits and vegetables to stay healthy. Some people have also found success when adding spices to their food, such as turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne and others.

Next you can start trying anti inflammatory herbs including boswellin, ginger or licorice to see if they help, and if your dietary changes haven’t worked for you.

2. Will It Conflict With Medication or Other Herbs?

You should never add natural anti inflammatory treatments to your regime until you’ve asked your doctor first. If you are taking any medication, whether this is for inflammation or any other purpose, you could find that herbs create undesirable side effects or stop these medications from working.

It could also be the case that anti inflammatory herbs conflict with other natural herbs that you may be taking, so read the label and any warnings before you start taking them.

3. Does This Herb Have Any Unpleasant Side Effects?

You might find that sometimes herbs can cause unwanted side effects. The best way to reduce the chance of this is to ask your doctor, and to always follow the instructions and dosages correctly. Check that you aren’t allergic to any of the ingredients.

4. Are You Buying the Herbs from A Trusted Source?

Lastly, always make sure you’re buying the natural anti inflammatory remedies from a source you can trust. Often this will mean your local drugstore, but if you buy from the internet you’ll want to ensure that the company has proper certification and a full list of ingredients. You need to know what goes into any tablets or capsules you are taking to reduce any of the risks mentioned above.

As you can see, choosing anti inflammatory herbs requires asking a few questions of yourself for best results. However, after checking with a medical professional, these herbs can be a great way to relieve your condition naturally.

There is no shortage of positive reviews when it comes to these herbs. However, it’s still necessary to know other important related issues or facts about anti inflammatory herbs and natural anti inflammatory treatments, especially when there is a chance of negative side effects.

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