herbal information

Black Cohosh (Actaea Racemosa)

admin — Wed, 16 May 2012 12:03:48 +0000

Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa) is a medicinal herb commonly used in alternative medicine. This is a tall flowering plant native to North America which is known also as black snakeroot, rattleroot, rattleweed, bugbane, bugwort, squawroot, etc. As a rule, the roots of the plant are used for preparing infusions, poultices, solid extracts, or liquid tincture (in modern medicine it is possible to find this natural remedy in the form of capsules or tablets). Black cohosh benefits have been studied since the end of the nineteenth century, and historically, this herb was used as a very effective and quite safe natural anti-inflammatory and labor inducing remedy. In addition, it is estimated that black cohosh belongs to the group of the most extensively sold natural remedies for aging women who experience severe symptoms of menopause.

It was found out that this medicinal herb is very rich in isoferulic acids, natural compounds with very powerful anti-inflammatory power, as well as in natural sugar compounds. According to the findings of another study, this plant contain plenty of phytoestrogens which can support hormonal levels in women and assist them in combating the symptoms of menopause. Apart of the mentioned properties, health benefits of black cohosh include various therapeutic actions and this is one of the greatest herbal remedies which can be used to treat and prevent a variety of common health conditions. However, it is necessary to keep in mind that some people can experience side effects like abdominal pains, headaches, skin rashes, etc, while using any sort of treatment involving black cohosh. Principal health benefits of black cohosh include the following:

This is an excellent natural remedy to treat all sorts of pains related to arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, including joint pains, muscle pains, sore muscles, stiffness, and so on.
Anti-inflammatory properties have been known for many decades. In combination with such herbs as guaiacum (Guaiacum officinale), willow bark (Salix spp.), poplar bark (Populus tremuloides) , or sarsaparilla (Smilax spp.), it is possible to boost these health benefits of black cohosh and use these blend to treat and prevent respiratory system infections, kidney infections, skin infections, as well as inflammation of the uterus or ovaries.
This medicinal herb can be recommended to everyone who suffers from the most common symptoms of cold and related respiratory system conditions, including high fever, headaches, coughs, etc.
Some studies have proven the effectiveness of black cohosh tea for mild digestive disorders, especially constipation and flatulence.
Black cohosh infusions can be used to treat neurological conditions like nervousness or chronic depression, as well as the most common effects of stresses like insomnia.
Diuretic health benefits of black cohosh can assist everyone who needs to intensify detoxification processes and speed up toxin evacuation from the body.
Black cohosh is an excellent natural support for all women who suffer from menstrual pains and other related irregularities.
It is a great remedy to prevent miscarriage, treat infertility, as well as stimulate labour.
All sorts of menopause symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, anxiety, night sweats, and many more, can be successfully eased and relieved by a regular consumption of black cohosh tea or capsules.
Osteoporosis and bone loss prevention are very important black cohosh benefits. They are provided by a high content of natural plant based estrogens found in this medicinal herb.
Finally, there are some studies which are currently analyzing possible effectiveness of black cohosh as a natural cancer-prevention remedy.

Clove (Syzygium aromaticum)

admin — Wed, 02 May 2012 08:41:34 +0000

Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) is an aromatic plant which plays a role both as a culinary spice and as a medicinal herb. The clove tree is an evergreen plant that is cultivated in India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Sumatra, Zanzibar, Jamaica, and other southern countries. What we all know as cloves are actually unopened reddish flower buds of the tree. Both for culinary and medicinal purposes, cloves are manually picked and processed. Health benefits of cloves are abundant, but first of all, this is one of herbal remedies known for its very high content of natural antioxidants. Thus, using this culinary spice allows us enjoying its very powerful antioxidant properties.

Cloves are also rich natural sources of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients like calcium, magnesium, manganese, iron, phosphorus, sodium, vitamin C, vitamin K, omega 3 fatty acids, dietary fiber, and many more. Cloves are highly valued for their rich nutrient content, as well as for their aromatic and therapeutic properties. Fundamental clove benefits embrace anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-spasmodic, and repellent powers of this natural remedy. Cloves are used to produce very aromatic and widely used in aromatherapy clove oil, which is quite easy to be made at home, too. Check out the list of the most common therapeutic powers and health benefits of cloves and clove oil below:

As one of the richest natural sources of antioxidants like quercetin, anthocyanins, and others, cloves can serve as a great natural remedy to slow down the effects of oxidative stress on our cells, this way prevent premature aging and all related health risks.
Antioxidant compounds in cloves also provide such clove benefits as improved protection against many types of cancer, cardiovascular problems, arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, muscular degeneration, and so on.
Due to high concentrations of flavonoids like rhamnetin, kaempferol, and others, as well as a high content of eugenol, cloves are considered very effective anti-inflammatory agents and can be consumed to prevent a great deal of inner infections, including the ones of respiratory system and digestive system.
As a great natural anti-inflammatory remedy, cloves can be used to treat bronchitis, asthma, coughs, arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, nausea, diarrhea, and many more related health conditions.
This natural remedy can be used to treat digestive problems like gastric irritability, indigestion, appetite loss, or flatulence.
Excellent antiseptic health benefits of cloves have been used for centuries to treat all types of minor skin damage like cuts, wounds, bruises, insect bites, Athlete’s foot, etc.
Clove benefits include anti-fungal properties of this natural remedy.
Controlling blood sugar levels can be a very valuable property of cloves for those who suffer from diabetes mellitus.
This natural remedy is considered a great immune system booster.
Finally, since early times cloves have been used as an effective natural aphrodisiac.

Celery (Apium Graveolens)

admin — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 17:51:00 +0000

Celery (Apium Graveolens) is an edible plant, a relative to fennel and parsley. It is a very common food on our kitchens, and those of us who are concerned about their body mass and work on losing some weight are well aware about celery being a low calorie and so called “negative calorie” food (in other words, our body needs more calories to digest celery than it actually receives with the celery we consume). Celery root is a very common ingredient for our favorite vegetable soups, vegetable stews, salads, and other healthy meals we all love so much. So, what are the health benefits of celery and what kind of therapeutic values does this natural remedy have?

Actually, celery is a depot of natural minerals and vitamins, and those who enjoy eating uncooked celery have a great chance to nourish their body with that variety of nutrients. Not many of us know that celery can also be used in the framework of alternative medicine, as a natural remedy for a number of health conditions and common ailments, as well as for their prevention. Celery health benefits and healing powers include the following:

Diuretic properties of celery are probably the most commonly used ones. Thus, celery can be recommended to those who suffer from arthritis, rheumatism, liver and bladder problems, fever, respiratory system infections, and many other health conditions.
Celery is known as a great natural appetite suppressant, and these celery health benefits play a role for effective weight loss and weight management.
In addition to that, a regular consumption of celery is linked to improved levels of cholesterol in blood.
This natural remedy has good laxative effects and can be recommended to prevent constipation.
Immune-boosting health benefits of celery are derived from a high content of vitamin C in this natural food.
It was discovered that celery has excellent anti-inflammatory properties and can assist us in preventing various types of inflammations.
Rich in such mineral as calcium, raw celery is reported to be a great natural solution for those who is suffering from high blood pressure and related cardiovascular problems and risks.
For the above stated reason, celery health benefits embrace improved dental health.
A number of recent research have shown preliminary findings that due to a high content of cumarins, celery health benefits include great natural protection against cancer.
In the Traditional Chinese medicine, celery has been used as a great natural kidney and liver stimulant.
Since the early times celery is known as an effective natural aphrodisiac that can work wonders both for today’s men and women.
Celery has shown very good calming properties.

Kava (Piper methysticum)

admin — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 17:44:06 +0000

Kava-kava, or Kava (Piper methysticum) is a member of the pepper family, a medicinal herb which grows in the South Pacific region. Nowadays, when alternative medicine and using herbal remedies are becoming more and more popular, herbs like kava coming from far away island and territories gained more popularity. Throughout tropical islands of South Pacific, from New Guinea to Hawaii, this herb has been used for centuries due to numerous therapeutic health benefits of kava. In particular, kava leaf tea is considered a sacred beverage that is used in many local rituals and traditions, as well as as a medicine or just a drink for a friendly talk.

European scientists found out that the most of those kava health benefits which have been so well known in Pacific region, should be attributed to a high content of kavalactones which exist in great amounts in all parts of the plant. It was found out that these compounds affect the limbic system and act as a natural tranquilizers. For most of the herbal remedies and herbal preparations, such parts as kava leaves, roots, or stems can be used. Below, check out a list of the most powerful therapeutic actions and health benefits of kava plant.

Kava is the most commonly used to reduce the effects of stresses, including anxiety, depression, fears, panic, and others.
Resreaches of German experts published in 1993 and 1996 have demonstrated that using kava extract to treat anxiety disorders can be more effective compared to using prescriptions drugs.
Some studies have shown that kava can be used to speed up the recovery of patients after stroke.
Sleep inducing powers are considered among the main kava health benefits making this plan an excellent natural alternative to unhealthy and quite harmful pharmaceutical sleeping pills.
This medicinal herb can be recommended to those who suffer from all sorts of chronic pains, including muscle pains, joint pans, low back pains, chest pains, and others, because health benefits of kava include anesthetic properties.
Kava health benefits embrace the effectiveness of this natural remedy for chronic headaches and migraines.
Women can used this medicinal herb to prevent all the conditions linked to irregular periods.
Kava tea can be used very effectively as a natural remedy to treat and prevent urinary infections.
Herbal preparations with kawa are reported to be good for treating badder problems.
It is also reported that using this natural remedy can assist in controlling epileptic seizures.
Kava is one of the most known effective herbal remedies for asthma.
Finally, kava tea can be a great aid to those who are trying to combat nicotine or alcohol dependence.

Arnica (Arnica Montana)

admin — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 21:54:00 +0000

Arnica is among the most commonly used herbal remedies known for its anti-inflammatory properties around the globe. For over five centuries this medicinal herb has been used in Europe, Russia, Latin America and North America for a variety of health conditions and ailments. Arnica is a perennial plant with small yellow flowers resembling daisies. The flowers (dried of fresh) are used for herbal preparations with this natural remedy, which usually include arnica tincture (also used as a base for compresses and poultices), arnica powder, arnica oil, arnica ointments, and various arnica extracts, which are recommended only for topical use, not oral.

This medicinal herb contains such substances as flavonoids, carotenoids, tannins, inulin, thymol, caffeic acid, saccharose, and others. Health benefits of arnica include stimulant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, diuretic, diaphoretic, expectorant, vulnerary, emollient, and calming effects. In addition, one of the most valuable arnica health benefits is stimulating healing and total recovery of the body, mainly due to excellent natural properties of this herbal remedy to prevent viruses and bacteria from multiplying. Other numerous therapeutic powers and health benefits of arnica embrace the following:

As an effective anti-inflammatory, arnica remedies can be used to treat and prevent various infections, including respiratory infections, arthritis-related symptoms, and so on.
Arnica health benefits include reducing swelling and pain.
Hot baths and poultices with this herb have been used for centuries to reduce abdominal pains of various nature, starting from menstrual pains and ending up with colic and inflammation-related pains.
This amazing natural remedy can be used to elevate blood pressure and stimulate blood circulation.
Among all other health benefits of arnica, a great role is played by its property to boost the activity of blood cells and relieve congested blood cells.
Arnica tincture can be used to stop bleeding.
This natural remedy can be recommended to prevent various cardiovascular problems and conditions.
Health benefits of arnica include relieving such conditions as sore muscles, muscle spasms, muscle tension, and muscle aches.
Arnica oil, tincture or extracts can be used to heal various skin problems of bacterial, inflammatory or viral nature, including acne, eczema, etc.
It is a great remedy for muscle strains and swellings caused by fractures.
Arnica extracts can be used for blisters, peeling, too dry skin, skin ulcers, and all related skin conditions.
Homeopathic preparations with arnica can be safely used in childern for speeding up healing wounds, cuts, burns, and other minor skin problems.
Health benefits of arnica embrace hair loss treatment and prevention.

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)

admin — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 06:32:59 +0000

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is quite common medicinal herb with a variety of therapeutic properties and healing powers. Known also as lemon grass, fever grass, citronella grass, silky heads, and other names, this herb has quite a long history of being used for treating and preventing various diseases, as well as for improving overall health. Lemongrass is extremely popular in many national cuisines of the Far East, including Chinese, Indonesian, Thai traditional cuisines, as well as in Mexican and African cuisines. Lemongrass is used mostly used dried or powdered, mainly for soups, sauces and teas.

Lemongrass health benefits include anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, cholesterol lowering, repellant, sedative, soothing, expectorant, and other properties. Lemongrass is one of the most studied medicinal herbs, and there is a great interest to this amazing natural remedy in scientific circles. This natural remedy is used in the form of tea or infusion, as well as in the form of capsules or naturally extracted oil. Below, there is a list of medicinal applications of this herb.

Cholesterol lowering health benefits of lemongrass can assist in preventing cardiovascular problems and promoting weight loss.
Herbal remedies like lemongrass can be used to promote circulation and improve metabolism.
Lemongrass benefits include excellent powers of this natural remedy to relieve lower back pains.
Along with St. John’s Wort or Eucalyptus, this herb can be recommended to those who suffer from neuralgia, itching, spasms, and other related health problems.
Sedative lemongrass health benefits can be a great natural solution to anxiety, nervous tension, irritability and other symptoms of stresses.
For the same purpose, specialists recommend using lemongrass oil for aromatherapy.
Herbal remedies and preparations with lemongrass can be used to promote the function of digestive system.
Lemongrass is an excellent solution to prevent nausea, constipation, bowel spasms, vomiting.
Anti-inflammatory properties of this medicinal herb can assist in preventing the symptoms of flu, cold, and other respiratory system problems.
Health benefits of lemongrass include relieving the symptoms and pains of rheumatoid arthritis.
This natural treatment can be used for tendonitis.
Anti-inflammatory properties of this herb are a perfect aid to combat acne and other types of skin infections.
In many cosmetic and skin care products lemongrass health benefits are used for hydrating skin, treating cuts or wounds, and eliminating such problem as clogged pores.
In folk medicine, lemongrass is known as a natural remedy for athlete’s foot.

Jasmine (Jasminum officinale)

admin — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 21:29:42 +0000

Jasmine (Jasminum officinale) is a very widely known flowering shrub famous for its amazing beauty and mesmerizing aroma. This is one of the most characteristic herbal remedies of the Mediterranean region, which has been highly valued in folk medicines and used for numerous herbal preparation for many centuries. It plays a role of therapeutic natural remedy in Traditional Chinese and ancient Indian medicines, too. Jasmine essential oil and jasmine tea are arguably the most known ways to use numerous health benefits of jasmine plant. However, sometimes jasmine flower tinctures or extracts can be used as well.

Many herbalists know very well that jasmine flowers are rich in such natural component as etheric oi, bu not all of them are aware about other constituents of this herbal remedy. Jasmine benefits can be attributed to such chemical compounds as indole, linalcohol, benzilic acetate, benzilic alcohol, jasmon, and others. Being a very pleasant with its taste and aroma, jasmine and its products can be quite allergic, so those who want to enjoy the below stated benefits should keep this in mind and be sure to avoid such unwanted effects as increased acidity, allergic reactions, and others. Jasmine extracts and product are know for the following therapeutic properties and healing actions:

Since the times of ancient history, jasmine tea and jasmine oil were known as very powerful natural aphrodisiacs, so this herbal remedy was recommended to boost libido and manly sexual power, stimulate sexual drive and even possibly treat infertility both in men and women.
Besides, using jasmine benefits as a painkiller was also among the frailest uses of this herbal remedy which is considered especially effective for muscle pains, joint aches and headaches.
Jasmine oil can be added to special essential oil mixtures to treat the most common symptoms of respiratory infections.
Jasmine tea is known as a great natural tonic which can stimulate the function of all main body systems and organs.
Health benefits of jasmine include antiseptic properties which can be recommended to treat all sorts of skin infections.
This natural remedy can be successfully used to stimulate and imrpove the fucntion of digestive system.
Studied have shown that detoxifying jasmine benefits can be safely used by virtually everyone for effective toxin removal and body cleansing.
Jasmine tea and extracts can assist in more effective weight loss and weight management.
In aromatherapy, jasmine oil can be very effectively used to treat nervous tension, apathy, anxiety, and even more serious nervous disorders.
Health benefits of jasmine oil embrace excellent uplifting and relaxing porwes which can be used to combat depression and other negative effects of stresses.

Meadowsweet (Filipendula Ulmaria)

admin — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 14:59:58 +0000

Meadowsweet (Filipendula Ulmaria) is a perennial herb, a member of Rosaceae family, which can be found in marshes, wet forests and damp meadows throughout Central Europe, North America and the Middle East. This medicinal herb is also known as Meadowwort, meadow queen, bridewort, meadsweet, dollof, moerasspirea, lady of the meadow, ulmaria or Filipendula. Meadowsweet has been used for centuries to treat a variety of health conditions and disorders, starting from common cold and minor digestive disorders, and ending up with hernia. Health benefits of meadowsweet vary greatly, and herbal preparations with this medicinal herb have very powerful effects.

This herb is rich in volatile oils, minerals and flavonoids. Also, its chemical composition includes tannins, salicylic aldehyde, spireine, spireoside, hiperine, waxes, and other compounds. In the middle of the 19th century, it was discovered that meadowsweet is a great natural source of aspirin, that is why this medicinal herb can be used to combat fever and various sorts of infections. Other health benefits of meadowsweet include antiseptic, diuretic, tonic, diaphoretic, sedative, astringent, anti-rheumatic, and other therapeutic actions.

Meadowsweet infusion and other preparations are very effective herbal remedies to relieve the symptoms of cold and other respiratory system infections.
Being a natural aspirin source, this medicinal herb can be used to lower fever, relieve pain and treat various sorts of infections.
Anti-inflammatory and anti-viral health benefits of meadowsweet can be used to treat chicken pox in children.
Also, this medicinal herb is a very effective solution to treat diarrhea in children.
Externally, this remedy can be used to treat muscular pains and pains related to rheumatoid arthritis.
It is a great natural remedy for an acidic stomach and increased appetite.
Herbal infusion can be used to treat nausea and minor stomach upsets.
Meadowsweet can be used to suppress the symptoms of asthma.
This natural remedy is traditionally used to treat high blood pressure and prevent all related problems.
Herbal infusion of this medicinal herb can assist in treating hemorrhoids.
By using this natural remedy it is possible to prevent hepatic disorders, bowel infections and liver problems.
Meadowsweet infusion are considered good remedy to stimulate detoxification.
Women can use this medicinal herb to combat various menstrual irregularities and vaginal irritations.
Sedative health benefits of meadowsweet can help relieve the most common symptoms of stresses, including nervousness, fatigue, irritation, and so on.
This herb plays a serious role in treating various skin infections, starting from sores and infected wounds, and ending up with herpes.

Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea)

admin — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 19:57:26 +0000

Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea) is a creeping evergreen perennial plant which can be found throughout Europe, North America, North Africa and East Asia. It has been known and used for centuries as a medicinal herb, as well as an ingredient for salads and excellent natural preservative for beer and many other foods. There are quite a few names of this herb, like Alehoof, Gillrun, Creeping Charlie, Cat’s feet, Hay girls, Gill-over-the-ground, and so on. Ground ivy is a member of mint family, therefore, it has quite strong and distinctive flavor and aroma.

Health benefits of ground ivy are quite numerous, and the main advantage of this medicinal herb is its being quite safe. The absence of unwanted side effects makes ground ivy tea or ground ivy ointment a great natural solution available for both children and adults. As a rule, such parts of the herb as leaves, stems and flowers are used for various herbal preparations and herbal remedies, and very often ground ivy is combined with daisies, celandine, rose water, and other herbal extracts. There is a great deal of various health conditions and symptoms which can be relieved by using ground ivy and its extracts.

Ground ivy tea can be a great natural solution for adults and children to combat the symptoms of the flu and cold.
It can be used to treat various nose, ear and throat related ailments.
Health benefits of ground ivy include excellent diuretic properties, meaning that this herb can be used to prevent various problems of urinary system and bladder disorders.
This medicinal herb is recommended to everyone as a great digestive aid to treat indigestion, stomach cramps and colic, gastritis, and so on.
Ground ivy tea is famous for its great natural detoxifying properties and it can be of a great help to those who live in the regions with high toxicity.
Tonic health benefits of ground ivy can be used to stimulate the function of all body systems, but they are especially effective to stimulate appetite.
Anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of this medicinal herb can be used to treat and prevent all sorts of infections, especially the ones that affect skin and the mucous membrane.
This natural remedy can be used to boost the function of the immune system.
Ground ivy tea is a known natural sedative used for combating anxiety, nervousness, and other symptoms of chronic stresses.
Some studies have shown that this medicinal herb can potentially have quite powerful cancer-preventive properties.
Women are recommended to use ground ivy tea to prevent various menstrual irregularities.

Chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium)

admin — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 14:11:28 +0000

Chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium) has been known for centuries as a culinary spice. This medicinal herb is a delicate annual herb which belongs to the same family as parsley, chives, tarragon and others. It is quite common to cultivate this herb indoors as it grows pretty good at room temperatures. Chervil originates from the Middle East and was brought to Europe in the times of the Roman Empire. As a culinary spice, it can be used both fresh and dried to enhance the taste of a great variety of meals.

Health benefits of chervil embrace its antiseptic, digestive, diuretic, tonic, cleansing, expectorant, and many other therapeutic properties of this medicinal herb. It is known for its very powerful warming effects, and it is possible to boost those by combining this medicinal herb with such herbal remedies as anise and parsley. Herbal infusions are also used for skin care. The most common forms of using this herbal remedy is chervil tea, chervil poultice, and chervil juice.

Chervil is known as an effective natural digestive aid which can be recommended to everyone who suffers from moderate digestive disorders.
Since the early times, chervil is highly valued as blood purifier. These effects could be maximized by combining chervil with dandelion and watercress.
This natural remedy is very commonly used by those who suffer from high blood pressure. The best way to use it for this purpose is preparing chervil tea.
Chervil tea is a known remedy to prevent kidney stone formation.
Chervil benefits for skin include skin cleansing and purification, improving skin tone, moisturizing and refreshing.
This herbal remedy possesses very strong antiseptic powers which make it a very good and safe solution for such skin problems as dermatitis, eczema, etc, along with insect bites, cuts, burns, bruises and so on.
Expectorant properties of this herb make chervil tea a great remedy for various respiratory system infections.
Many specialists recommend such natural remedy as chervil tea to alleviate anxiety, nervous tension and other effects of stresses.
Chervil poultice is reported to be an effective natural remedy to relieve arthritis pains and related discomfort.
Chervil tea can be used as a great and refreshing mouth wash and eye wash.
There is some evidence that by using chervil tea it is possible to combat such problem as hiccups.