Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Medicines and Important Herbs
Posted by admin on Oct 9, 2009
What is Ayurveda and Its Importance?
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.
All over the world today we are looking for a natural system of healing that is comprehensive and complete, that is not merely some curious form of folk healing but a real and rational system of medicine that is sensitive to both nature and the Earth. This is exactly what Ayurveda has to offer, for it has a many thousand year-old clinical tradition and a comprehensive natural method of treatment ranging from diet, herbs and massage.
With Ayurveda we learn the right diet for our individual type, how to improve our immune system, he keys to right use of sexual energy and rejuvenation,a nd a conscious way of life that can lift us to a new level of awareness in all our endeavors.
Without such natural wisdom as Ayurveda, we may find ourselves not only unhealthy, but unhappy and spiritually confused.
Ayurveda Principles and Theory
Ayurveda system is the prominent user of herbs and its basic theory revolves round imbalance and vitiation of three humors (Doshas).
Ether (Akash), Air (Vayu), Fire (Agni), Water (Jal) and Earth (Prithvi) are the great five elements which underline all living systems. these elements are constantly changing and interacting and can be simplified into three Vitiations (Doshas). When these doshas remain under harmony and balance, health of body does not get disturbed but, when their balance gets disturbed, a diseased state sets in.
The three doshas are vata (Wind), Pitta (Bile) and Kapha (Phlegm) and due to predominance of the one dosha, a person’s personality is determined that is ‘ Vata-Prakriti’, ‘Pitta- Prakriti’ or ‘Kapha Prakriti’
Vata formed from ether and air, governs all movement in the mind and body and must be kept in good balance.
Pitta formed from fire and water, governs “all heat, metabolism and transformation in the mind and body
Kapha formed from earth and water, cements the elements in the body, providing the material for physical structure
Each person has an individual blend of the three doshas, with one or sometimes two doshas predominating.
Common Herbs used in Ayurvedic Medicines
Amalaki (Amla or Indian Gooseberry or Emblica officinalis) – The fruit is reputed to have the highest content of vitamin C of any natural occuring substance in nature. It maintains balance amongst three doshas and effectively controls digestive problems, strengthens heart, normalises cholesterol, prevents cancer, builds up and sustain defence mechanism, improves eye-sight and detoxifies the body.
Amla is said to have 20 times more vitamin C than orange. The vitamin C content of amla is between 625mg – 1814mg per 100gms. Other studies show that amla increases red blood cell count and hemoglobin. A research tem discovered that when Amla is taken regularly as a dietary supplement, it counteracts the toxic effects of prolonged exposure to environmental heavy metals, such as lead, aluminium and nickel.
Ashwagandha (Winter Cherry or Withania Somnifera) – Ashwagandha is one of the main herbs for promoting ojas and rejuvenating the body in Ayurveda. It is a well known semen promoter and it treats impotency and infertility.
Clinical studies show that Ashwagandha has antibacterial, antitumor, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating properties. The strong anti-stress actions, increases memory and learning capabilities. It has also found to be useful in Rheumatic and Arthritic disorders like pain, swelling etc
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.
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.
Brahmi (Bacopa, Gotu Kola) – Brahmi is known as “the food for brain”. Traditionally Brahmi is used as a mental tonic, to rejuvenate the body, as a promoter of memory and as a nerve tonic. It promotes a calm, clear mind, and improves mental function.
Modern Research claims that brahmi improves memory and helps overcome the negative effects of stress. Brahmi is especially suitable for students as it enhances the minds ability to learn and to focus and for an elderly person hoping to regain their memory. It is unique in its ability to invigorate mental processes whilst reducing the effects of stress and nervous anxiety.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In Ayurveda it has been safely used for over five thousand years and are a good immunity booster to prevent colds, fevers, infections and various skin diseases.
Shilajit (Mineral Pitch, Asphaltum) – Shilajit is one of the prime Ayurvedic compounds for rejuvenating the body. it is an aphrodisiac, anti-aging herb and to treat diabetes and debilitating urinary problems.
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.
There is a folk saying by the indigenous people who live in the Himalayan region that Shilajit makes the body strong as a rock. It is an adaptogen, (Rasayna), that helps to combat immune disorders, urinary tract disorders, nervous disorders and sexual dissatisfaction.
Shallaki (Boswellia Serrata, Salai Guggul) – Modern Research indicate that the Boswellia herb may assist in treating joint mobility, pain, and may be a useful remedy for a variety of inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. A recent clinical trial suggests positive effects of Boswellia serrata extract in knee osteoarthritis.
Boswellia has also been found to be useful for a number of other disorders and best for treating Back Pain, Knee Pain, Joint Pain and Arthritis. This herb has also been proposed as a possible therapy for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Triphala (Amalaki, Bibhitaki, Haritaki) – Triphala has got the properties of three famous nutrients: amla, haritaki and bibhitaki. The advantage of this formula is that it is milder in action and more balanced than any of the three alone.
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”
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.
Dr John Anne
http://www.articlesbase.com/alternative-medicine-articles/ayurveda-ayurvedic-medicines-and-important-herbs-75181.html
Herbs And Essential Oils For Diabetes
Posted by admin on Oct 9, 2009
Diabetes is a condition in which the concentration of glucose in the bloodstream is chronically higher than normal. Diabetics are two to four times more likely than non-diabetics to die from stroke or heart disease. Diabetes may also lead to blindness, kidney disease, nerve disease, amputation, and impotence. It is responsible for over 180,000 deaths each year.
Diabetes causes rampant damage to the arteries and veins due to an accumulation of glucose in the blood. This accumulation sets an enzyme called PKC into overdrive. In addition to giving signals to the genes and causing cells to grow and divide fast, PKC also starts a chain reaction that reduces the elasticity of the veins and arteries. The consequently hardened arteries are very prone to breaking. Blockage of these arteries results in reduced blood flow to vital organs which could lead to conditions such as gangrene and blindness. Blockage of larger arteries leads to heart disease and stroke.
The complications of diabetes from heart disease and stroke to diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and damage of the nerves, have all been linked in some way to the formation of free radicals. Studies show that omega three and omega six fatty acids neutralize free radicals, and provide the additional nutrition so desperately needed by diabetics. One way of obtaining these required nutrients is to harness the power of nature and nourish the body with medicinal plants.
The Purslane Herb
Purslane, or portulaca as it is also known, is an herbaceous garden weed with fleshy succulent leaves. Purslane is one of the richest sources of fatty acids known in nature. It is also full of nutrients that can help manage diabetes. The main components of Purslane are tocopherals which are known to be strong antioxidants. It also contains vitamins C, A and E and minerals such as phosphorus, zinc, calcium, magnesium, manganese, silicon and phosphorus. A regular intake of Purslane in the form of salads should be an integral part in the management of diabetes.
Purslane is also an anti-inflammatory, demulcent, antibiotic, and anti-parasitic. It is regularly used in cosmetology due to its soothing properties. This property of Purslane can also be utilized in the treatment of the skin conditions, such as boils and sores, associated with diabetes.
Purslane is also used internally to deal with the symptoms of toxic dysentery, boils, sores, vaginal discharges, and urinary tract infections.
Essential oils and diabetes
Although essential oils cannot claim to cure diabetes, they can be used to reduce the side effects of diabetes related ailments such as ulcers, loss of skin integrity, and skin infections. The use of essential oils can reduce inflammation, encourage cell regeneration, and eliminate infection.
Some of the common essential oils that may be used are Palma Rosa, Rosemary, Juniper, Lavender, Tea-tree, and Peppermint.
Essential oils can also alleviate the stress of coping with a chronic condition such as diabetes and ease the burden of living with such a debilitating disease. Aromatherapy is a known antidote for relieving stress. Some of the essential oils that can be used for reducing stress are lavender, Ylang Ylang, Sandalwood, Lemon, Bergamot, Neroli and Germanium.
Sharon Hopkins
http://www.articlesbase.com/advice-articles/herbs-and-essential-oils-for-diabetes-50720.html
Does any body know of any natural herbs that gives the same happy exhilerating affect as X- stacy ?
Posted by admin on Oct 8, 2009
I did x-stacy for 2 yrs and I had to quit because it was very very addictive and it wasn’t good for me…It damages the heart, the kidneys, and the brain but I miss that dreamy floating feeling it gives. It works miracles for anxiety and it makes you love everyone that crosses your path..
Is there something natural that I can take to replace that "Bad " Excstacy ?
Sir, you are a horses’ as*s.
Obesity Treatment – Herbs and Ayurvedic, Home Remedies
Posted by admin on Oct 7, 2009
Not only is being overweight a matter of social ridicule, but it is also a very dangerous proposition health-wise. Obesity is an open invitation for six of the most terrible diseases known to man – diabetes, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular problems, paralysis, gangrene and heart attacks. Hence obesity may not itself be a disease, but it could definitely be a life-threatening condition.
In Ayurveda, obesity is known as Medo Roga. It is simply defined as the condition in which excessive amount of fat is accumulated in the body. There are two main reasons for this abnormal deposition of fat – (i) excessive fat intake through the diet and (ii) some metabolic problem which does not allow the proper utilization of fat in the body. Ayurveda holds agni, or the digestive fire, responsible for obesity. When the agni is vitiated, then the ama (toxic substances) is built up in the body, leading to obesity.
The fat accumulated in the body could lead to a deposition of cholesterol in the arteries and the veins of the body. This is where most of the problems begin. The collection of the cholesterol can reduce the diameters of the blood vessels leading to a decreased blood flow into various important organs of the body, including the heart.
(1) Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Obesity
1. Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia)
Guduchi is an indigenous Indian herb which is not very well-known out of India. It is a commonly prescribed herb in Ayurveda for the condition of obesity. It helps in the proper canalization of fats in the body and thus reduces obesity.
2. Guggulu (Commiphora wightii)
A great deal of research has been done on the guggulu plant in recent times. The guggulsterone present in it is an alkaloid that has been found to be especially effective in heart ailments. Among its myriad other benefits, one is the reduction of fat accumulation in the body, giving people a leaner physique. Guggulu is the Ayurvedic drug of choice for obesity.
3. Indian Gooseberry (Emblica officinalis)
Known as amalaki in Indian medicine, the Indian gooseberry is the richest source of vitamin C among all foodstuffs. Vitamin C can disintegrate fatty buildup in the body. Hence, it is a very effective herb for the treatment of obesity and related conditions. The amalaki is an integral component of Triphala, which is commonly prescribed in the treatment of obesity.
(2) Dietary Treatments for Obesity
There is a direct relation between the diet one eats and obesity. Controlling the diet is a sure method of controlling obesity. The following guidelines must be observed:-
1. Foods that are excessively rich in carbohydrates must be avoided. These include rice and potatoes. Wheat must be used instead of rice. Barley and maize can also be used effectively.
2. Fatty substances must be avoided. In obese people, the chances of cardiovascular problems such as atherosclerosis are high. Hence, people who consume lots of hydrogenated fats have greater risk of cholesterol buildup in their arteries.
3. Obesity increases the chances of diabetes mellitus. Hence, people who are overweight must reduce their intake of sugars and other sweet foods.
4. Bitter and pungent foods are found to be effective in the control of weight and also preventing the dangers of diabetes in obese people. The bitter gourd and the bitter variety of drumstick are beneficial in this aspect.
5. Obese people must avoid preserved foods. The same applies to refrigerated drinks and cold foods.
6. Among meats, avoid red meats as they have high fatty contents. While buying meats, ask for the lean cuts and get the fats trimmed from them before cooking.
(3) Ayurvedic Treatments for Obesity
Guggulu is prescribed by most Ayurvedic physicians as the drug of choice in the control of obesity. It may be prescribed in its pure form (in the dosage of one gram four times a day), or it can be given in a mixture form as Navaka Guggulu or Triphala Guggulu. These are given in tablet form, followed by some hot drink. Mineral supplements such as Tapyaadi Lauha and Shilajitawadi Lauha are given in conjunction with the Guggulu tablets.
(4) Home Remedies for Obesity
1. When you wake up in the morning, have a tablespoonful of honey mixed in an equal amount of water.
2. Drinking hot water continuously throughout the day also helps to dissolve the excess fat in the body.
3. Ginger is effective in dissolving fat. Have it twice or thrice a day in the form of tea.
4. Every one day a week, have a totally liquid diet. Fasting entirely can also be done if it is physically tolerable. This helps to flush out the toxins and excess fats accumulated throughout the week.
5. Regular exercise is one of the most important things. It helps to reduce the excess fats in the body and also keep the person fresh and active throughout the day.
Tom alter
http://www.articlesbase.com/wellness-articles/obesity-treatment-herbs-and-ayurvedic-home-remedies-113107.html
Two Amazon Herbs Work for Good Health
Posted by admin on Oct 6, 2009
Deep in the Amazon rainforest exist a multitude of herbs, roots and plants used by the natives as alternative remedies. As Americans become more fascinated by alternative methods of healing and health, these herbs are fast becoming popular. Two such by products of the Amazon are Espinheira Santa and Pata de Vaca.
ESPINHEIRA SANTA
What is an Espinheira Santa?
Part of the evergreen family, the Espinheira Santa (Maytenus ilicifolia) is a shrub-like tree that can grow as high as 16 feet. Indigenous to the Amazon Rainforest, the Espinheira Santa is considered to be quite small when compared to other trees!
What’s so great about Espinheira Santa?
The Espinheira Santa, also known as “Holy Thorn” for its appearance, contains many medicinal qualities that the Amazonian natives have utilized for years. Extracts of the leaves are reported to offer the same relief of antacids and antiulcerogenics, beneficial for those suffering digestive ailments. Espineheira Santa byproducts may also act as analgesics, aiding in pain relief.
Taken internally as a supplement or stewed in a tea, Espinheira Santa offers numerous other health benefits:
* Maytansinoids found in the leaves are known to contribute to antitumorous and anticancerous activities, and have been used in chemotherapy drugs
* Naturally occurring cangorins are known to have anticancerous properties
* Aids in the relief of stomach ailments and constipation
* Aids in the relief of urinary infections and diarrhea
* Believed to help regulate menstrual periods
Does Espinheira Santa cure cancer?
There is yet no research to indicate that Espinheira Santa cures cancer, only that it contains valuable properties for relieving pains and some symptoms found in cancer patients. It is strongly advised that any cancer patients interested in alternative treatment consult with a physician before taking supplements.
Are there side effects to taking Espinheira Santa?
Recent research indicates no common side effects with Espinheira Santa. However, if anyone experiences any adverse reactions while taking this supplement, consult with a doctor immediately.
Enter Espinheira Santa into Internet search and you are bound to find many online shops that sell this herb in supplement form. When you shop for Espinheira Santa make sure you are getting the purest extracts of this herb available, directly from the Amazon Rainforest, in order to receive the full benefits.
PATA DE VACA
Regardless of who you are, your and where you live, ailments like diabetes and other blood sugar imbalances do not discriminate. While in the United States there are sound treatments for these conditions, natives of the Amazon Rainforest region have used natural remedies for centuries. One such herb used is Pata de Vaca, or Cow’s Paw.
What is Cow’s Paw?
The Bahuinia Forticata tree, growing deep in the heart of the Amazon rainforest, yields Cow’s Paw, or Pata de Vaca. The large, divided leaves of the Bauhinia are thought to resemble a cow’s hoof, hence the name. Drooping white flowers supported by brown seed pods characterize this flower indigenous to the tropical regions of Peru, Brazil and Asia. The Bauhinia tree may grow as tall as 30 feet.
What’s so great about Cow’s Paw?
Like its indirect relative pedra hume, pata de vaca is known for its blood sugar restorative properties. In Amazon folk medicine, pata de vaca leaves are used for hypoglycemic and diuretic purposes. Steeped in a tea, the leaves are known to aid renal discomforts and promote blood purity and urinary health.
Does pata de vaca cure diabetes?
While pata de vaca has been shown to help regulate glucose levels in diabetics (those with onset diabetes more often than juvenile diabetes patients), it is an herbal supplement and therefore is not considered a cure. People with diabetes or other blood ailments interested in pata de vaca should first consult with a physician with regards to supplemental treatments.
Are there side effects associated with pata de vaca?
Recent research indicates no side effects. However, diabetics and people with blood sugar ailments are strongly advised to consult with their physicians before taking any kind of supplement to aid their blood levels.
Where do you buy pata de vaca?
Do an Internet search for pata de vaca and may find a number of online stores offering the herb in various forms – powders, teas, and capsules. If you decide to purchase supplements containing pata de vaca, make sure it is in the purest form available in the US, direct from the Amazon Rainforest. As always, consult with a physician or other nutritional expert before taking.
Kathryn Lively
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/two-amazon-herbs-work-for-good-health-127842.html
can asthma attacks be prevented with herbs?
Posted by admin on Oct 4, 2009
Drs said I had a touch of asthma & now they want to say copd.
I have used the albuterol in a nebulizerand singulair. Now my heart beats faster and my breath is shorter and my BP is higher than it has ever been. If I don’t get off the albuterol it is going to kill me. Please help.
Omega fatty acids.
Here’s more info.
Herbs
Posted by admin on Oct 3, 2009
Does hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for your menopause make your blood run cold? Many women are faced with the potential risks associated with HRT. First, let’s take a quick look at the three stages of menopause.
Menopause begins in your early 40s as your ovaries progressively produces less and less of the hormone estrogen. Your periods become erratic sometimes skipping a month or alternating between light and heavy.
The next period of time is the transitioning to actual menopause. During this time you may continue to have erratic periods and the “fun stuff” starts to settle in for a long visit. Yes, fun stuff like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood swings and insomnia are some of the signs.
The final and actual onset of menopause normally occurs in your early 50s and is represented by the absence of your period for a full 12 months. It’s those in between years that can wreak havoc in your life.
Is there natural alternative for chemical HRT? The good news is yes! It’s a sad fact that less than two percent of doctors even mention alternative therapies and that most of them feel there is no benefit. Thousands of women would disagree. Here are just a few of the many natural alternatives:
Try adjusting your diet to include vegetables and fish that are high in Omega-3 as they contain nutrients that can help your body deal with menopause naturally. Conversely, there are foods that can make your menopausal symptoms worse. Caffeine, sugar, fatty dairy products, salt, alcohol and saturated oils can aggravate the symptoms.
Be sure and take a daily multivitamin making certain that the vitamin contains 100% of the daily allowance for nutrients. Just be aware that vitamins are no substitute for following a healthy diet.
If menopause cause mood swings, it only makes sense that it’s possible to experience enormous responses for stress. Try using deep breathing techniques, meditation or some other methods of relaxation that works for you and practice the technique for 10 to 20 minutes per day. You will be left feeling calmer, more able to manage and more in control.
Exercising generally can also help alleviate menopausal symptoms. Scheduling at least 30 minutes of exercise three times a week will relieve hot flashes. You will be able to think more clearly and reduce your risk of osteoporosis and heart disease.
Some women have found relief through yoga and acupressure. Both are mainstays of practitioners of eastern medicine.
Last, but not least, we come to herbal treatments. Beans and certain other plants have a mild estrogen activity in their makeup thanks to “phytoestrogens.” These are compounds that include riboflavin’s, lingams, phytoseterols and saponins. In additional to helping your body through menopause, animal experiments show they are significantly effective in preventing tumors of the breast tissue.
Without sending you off for a medical dictionary to understand the compounds listed above, here are some of the nourishments and herbs that contain healthy compounds: Soy, black cohosh, licorice, alfalfa, chaste berry, Chinese angelica, red clover, strawberry, celery stalks, dates, elder, false unicorn root, fennel, Honduran sarsaparilla, lady’s slipper, life root, Mexican wild yams, passion flower, pomegranates and sassafras.
The nourishments, of course, are available from your local grocery. Visit your local health food store where you should be able to find the herbs and methods to include them in your daily diet.
Bernie Dozier
http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/herbs–100422.html
Any techniques or herbs to fight nervousness?
Posted by admin on Oct 2, 2009
Whenever i am about to do anything like go for an interveiw or do a speech for a class, it could be anything new, I get so nervous. I can’t calm down and relax. My heart is pounding and I can’t pronounce words correctly. I know this is common with all people, but I think I have it too much. I also have it when I am speaking to someone of aurthority. It is like my adrenalin is going overboard. I just want to be calm and really feel it. Does anyone have suggestions?
You could try St Johns Wort or Valerian- they are natural calmatives, also Vitamin B or camomille tea. A combination of breathing and yoga techniques might also be useful.
Try to imagine the situation before you attempt this uncomfortable task and practice what you are going to say, preferably in front of someone you trust. Rehearse your answers; that way you’ll have less to worry about.
For a non herbal solution, a beta-blocker, this is a drug that slows your heart; but you’ll need to check with your doctor first.
Essential Herbs – 4 Herbs for Illness Prevention Cure Libido & Ultimate Wellbeing!
Posted by admin on Oct 1, 2009
The 4 herbs below have been used for centuries to help prevent, treat illness, increase feelings of wellbeing and increase libido.
Fact is, they will make you feel fitter younger and increase your overall sense of well being.
If you have not guessed them yet here is a clue – They all start with the letter G and have been use for thousands of years.
Let’s look at them.
1. Ginger
Ginger is one of 1400 species belonging to the zingiberaceae family (other members include turmeric and cardamon).
Ginger is the most popular of the family.
It is a rhizome although it is normally referred to as ‘root ginger’.
More than just a spice and is widely used as a digestive aid the ginger root was originally seen as a digestive aid.
Its active constituents are gingerols, zingiberene, and shogoals in the dried form-so dried ginger is much more pungent than the fresh root.
It has the following health benefits
For the treatment and prevention of nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, menstrual cramps, morning sickness, postoperative sickness and various digestive disorders.
Effective in cleansing the colon.
Can help relief the symptoms of colds, flu, and coughs.
Acts as an effective anti-inflammatory treatment for arthritis.
Relieves high cholesterol and blood pressure.
Relieves headaches and toothaches.
Reduce the risk of heart attacks or strokes.
Acts as a strong antioxidant throughout the body
2. Garlic
“The preventative wonder herb”
The garlic bulb has gained recognition as a medicinal remedy in Chinese culture for thousands of years and has often been referred to as a “Wonder drug among all herbs”.
Garlic contains allicin, destroys, or inhibits various bacteria and fungi.
When allicin is crushed it combines with the enzyme allinase, which then acts as an antibacterial agent.
Its health benefits are:
Effective in lowering the risk of heart disease.
Has anti-carcinogenic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Helps the resistance of the immune system.
Protects the liver from damage induced by pollutants.
Helps in the treatment of digestive disorders including diarrhea, and food poisoning.
Helps in the treatment of high blood pressure, bladder infection, flu, liver and gallbladder problems.
3. Ginkgo Biloba
“One of the world’s most powerful herbs”
The ginkgo is the oldest living tree species, records has been growing on earth for 150 – 200 million years. It is one of the most well researched herbs in the world.
Ginkgo has proven to be a particularly valuable geriatric drug because of its ability to increase blood flow to the brain and throughout the body.
It increases metabolism efficiency, regulates neurotransmitters, and boosts oxygen levels in the brain.
Benefits of enhanced circulation in the brain are many and include improved memory, increased reaction time and improved mental clarity.
Health Benefits:
Controls allergic inflammation, eczema and asthma.
Improves blood flow in capillaries and arteries.
Useful in the treatment of circulation-related disorders such as diabetic peripheral vascular disease, Raynaud’s syndrome, hemorrhoids as well as varicose veins.
Aids in the treatment of insufficient circulation, stroke and skull injuries.
Helps control the transformation of cholesterol to plaque associated with the hardening of arteries by relaxing constricted blood vessels.
The herb is being investigated as a potential treatment to prevent the rejection of transplanted organs.
Increases blood flow and may be extremely effective in treating erectile dysfunction.
Used in the treatment of vertigo, PMS, MS (Multiple Sclerosis), depression and headaches.
Relieves tension and anxiety and improves mental ability.
Can be used to treat people with Alzheimer’s, dementia and other symptoms of cerebral insufficiency.
Possesses powerful antioxidant properties and is valuable for fighting age related conditions.
4. Ginseng
“The world’s most popular herbal tonic”
Ginseng is the most popular healing herbs used in the world today.
There are several species of Ginseng but, all are considered to have similar affects as a general rejuvenator and tonic.
Ginseng contains vitamins A, B-6 and the mineral zinc, which aids in the production of thymic hormones, necessary for the functioning of the immune system and is often prescribed to ward of colds and minor illnesses.
Health Benefits:
Helps the body cope with t stress.
Increases estrogen levels in women and used to treat menopausal symptoms.
Used in the treatment of diabetes, to decrease blood sugar levels.
Acts as an appetite stimulant to help diets.
Believed to Possess cancer fighting agents.
Aids sleep and rest.
Enhances endurance, stamina, performance and overall wellbeing.
Boosts the immune system.
Relieves tension and anxiety.
Normalizes blood pressure and increase blood circulation, the latter is seen as sexual stimulator.
Reduces the risk of heart disease.
Improves memory, concentration.
These four herbs have been used by countless billions of Chinese people for thousands of years and if you use them to you will soon feel the benefits.
If you are looking for four great essential herbs they all begin with G and they will help you feel better ward of disease illness and infection as well as increase your mood and your libido.
If you have not tried them you should!
Sacha Tarkovsky
http://www.articlesbase.com/sexuality-articles/essential-herbs-4-herbs-for-illness-prevention-cure-libido-ultimate-wellbeing-63937.html
Herbs and Cardio Health
Posted by admin on Sep 29, 2009
Heart health is the top-selling pharmaceutical drug category. It’s also in the top-five supplement categories. Is there room for more growth in the supplements category pertaining to heart health?
“Supplements have tremendous room for growth in heart health,” says Dan Murray, vice president of business development at Xsto Solutions.
Niacin is perhaps the oldest cardio ingredient, and while Murray says it “doesn’t have the ‘newness factor’,” compared with other Johnny-come-latelys, companies are still interested in the old standby because it uniquely works on the entire blood-lipid profile and not just singular factors such as LDL cholesterol.
Speaking of cholesterol, lowering cholesterol is probably the most common symptom to address. Soy protein, sterols, fish oil, policosanol, vitamin E, garlic and others all address this element of heart health. Soy and sterols enjoy a bona-fide FDA health claim to this effect, while fish oils rate a qualified health claim. And while fish-oil aficionados may feel snubbed on this account, the ingredient has larger benefits than cardio alone.
“Consumer awareness on the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids are at an all-time high, whether it’s for cardiovascular health or neurological development,” says Patrick Luchsinger, North American marketing manager for Lipid Nutrition.
If a manufacturer comes to think of an ingredient as good for one thing, such as heart health, that ingredient can become stuck in that health-condition box. But there are cases of ingredients migrating. Co-Q10 is an elegant example — it powers the mitochondria, the cells’ power plants, which are abundant in the heart muscle, but it is now used extensively in cosmetics.
Co-Q10 actually has an interesting fate in that, at least for suppliers, the most compelling story may not be its specific targeted health condition but the issue of bioavailability. “Although we do focus on heart health, our main claim for our co-Q10 products is superior absorption, which is always a focus for co-Q10 products,” says Soft Gel Technology’s president Ron Udell.
The need for heart-health solutions compounds daily. Nearly 2400 Americans die of cardiovascular disease (CVD) each day, an average of one death every 36 seconds. CVD claims more lives each year than cancer, chronic lower-respiratory diseases, accidents and diabetes mellitus combined. An estimated 79.4 million American adults (one in three) have one or more types of CVD. Of these, 37.5 million are estimated to be 65 or older, according to NCHS NHANES 1999—2004. Though these numbers don’t exactly add up to the 79.4 million because of extrapolation, the data breakouts are significant, particularly when one considers that many of these conditions could be preventable through diet, supplements, exercise, stress management and refraining from smoking.
High blood pressure — 72 million
Coronary heart disease — 15.8 million
Stroke — 5.6 million
Congenital cardiovascular defects — 650 000 to 1.3 million

