Benefits of Honey

The endless possibilities of honey are found both inside and outside of the kitchen. It’s not just something you can sweeten your food with as a substitution for sugar. Honey can also be used for:

• Skin Care: From treating acne to smoothing out dryness, honey is used as a skin care ingredient in many beauty products and home remedies.

• Wound Management: The benefits of honey can promote autolytic debridement, combat deodorous wounds with foul smells, fight bacteria, stimulate tissues, and speed up the healing process.

• Weight Loss: Although honey has more calories than sugar, when consumed with warm water, it can help your body digest stored fat. You can also combine honey with other common products to create weight loss tonics.

• Energy: The 64 calories contained in one tablespoon of honey can be used as an energy source that is easily converted into glucose by even the most sensitive of stomachs.

• Athletic Supplement: Because honey is involved with maintaining blood sugar levels, aiding muscle recuperation and restoring glycogen levels after a workout, it can be used as an aid to boost the performance of athletes.

• Vitamins, Antioxidant, and Minerals: Honey is full of vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, iron, and vitamin C. The nutraceuticals found in honey are also effective in eliminating free radicals from the body, which helps improve the immune system. Choose darker honey over lighter options because they offer higher concentrations of antioxidants [1].

Honey Home Remedies

Honey offers a wealth of benefits that can be used both topically (on the skin) and orally (taken by mouth). To discover a healthier way of treating your mind, body and other medical concerns, consider some of the following home remedies for honey:

a) Shiny Hair:

To create hair with a healthy shine, mix one teaspoon of honey and four cups of warm water together. After shampooing your hair, thoroughly saturate with the honey mixture. Dry your hair normally, but do not rinse out the honey remedy.

b) Hair Conditioner:

You can use honey to condition your hair by mixing together ½ cup honey and 2 to 4 tablespoons of olive oil. Massage the remedy into your hair until it is evenly distributed. Cover your head with a shower cap to let the treatment set. Leave on for 30 minutes, and then wash out with shampoo. Rinse thoroughly. If you have oily hair, use only two tablespoons of olive oil.

c) Stay Healthy Cocktail:

From easing indigestion to preventing gout, you can create a healthy cocktail out of one to two teaspoons each of apple cider vinegar and honey added to eight ounces of cold water. Beginners should use one teaspoon of the vinegar and honey to start out with, and then gradually increase to two.

d) Moisturize Your Skin:

The antibacterial properties of honey make an effective moisturizer for the skin. Apply a thin layer across the face to moisturize. To maximize the results, create a honey-buttermilk mask by applying a layer of buttermilk over the honey [2]. After 20 minutes, rinse off the mask and follow up by rubbing olive oil into the skin.

e) Honey and Lemon Juice:

Add honey and lemon juice to a glass of warm water to create a solution for weight loss. The two ingredients work together to reduce weight – especially when consumed early in the morning.

f) Honey and Cinnamon:

The combination of one tablespoon each of honey and cinnamon powder can be used as a weight loss tonic when added to one cup of warm water [3]. Drink this concoction while on an empty stomach.

g) Smooth Out Skin:

Combine milk and honey to create a soothing topical remedy for smoothing out the skin. This is why some cultures will drink a honey and milk mixture first thing in the morning.

h) Aid in Digestion:

Eat a tablespoon of honey after eating dinner to promote digestion.

i) Disinfect Wounds:

Apply a thin coat of honey to minor skin scrapes and abrasions to speed up the recovery time. The honey actually draws out excess water from the tissues to reduce swelling.

j) Soothe Lips:

Rub in a small amount of honey on your lips to ease the symptoms of chapped lips.

k) Address Insomnia:

To prepare the body and mind for a restful night, consider relaxing in a honey bath. Put two ounces of honey in a glass and add five drops of lavender essential oil. To ease the symptoms of insomnia, add one to two tablespoons of the mixture to your bathwater. You can store leftover honey-lavender in a covered glass jar.

l) Reduce Hay Fever:

Lessen the intensity of hay fever symptoms by taking a tablespoon of honey in the morning. For the best results, use honey that has been locally grown because it contains some of the same pollen that will later trigger your symptoms. You can also chew on honeycomb to ease the symptoms of a severe hay fever attack.

m) Treat Coughs and Wheezing:

When a cold has you coughing and wheezing, create a mixture of one teaspoon of freshly chopped thyme and a bit of honey. Ingest to fight these common cold symptoms.

n) Fight a Congested Cough:

When cough and congestion have you down, add a little lemon juice to honey that is slightly warmed in the microwave before consuming.

o) Treat Bedwetting:

It is said that you can help a child suffering from in-the-middle-of-the-night bedwetting by giving them a teaspoon of honey to promote water retention, which also calms any fears they may develop in the nighttime.

p) A Sleep Aid:

Add a small amount of honey to a cup of hot milk, which creates a mild sedative that assists an individual in catching a few zzz’s.

q) Clear Nasal Congestion:

Add one to two teaspoons of honey to a basin filled with hot water. Bend over the water with a large towel while covering your head. Inhale the steam to help clear nasal congestion.

r) Treat Inflamed Joints:

Combine equal parts of honey and apple cider vinegar to drink for a homemade joint inflammation treatment.

s) Cool Your Throat:

After eating food that irritates your throat, you can ease the aftereffects by consuming a teaspoon of honey in order to calm the tissues in your sore throat.

t) Kickstart Your Energy:

For an instant pick-me-up, eat a spoonful of honey, which helps give you a boost in energy.

u) Fight Osteoporosis:

The components in one teaspoon of honey taken daily can help utilize calcium absorption and prevent osteoporosis.

v) Healthy Heart:

The natural fructose and glucose in honey makes a good substitute for white sugar that is beneficial for heart patients.

w) Asthma Helper:

Chew on honeycomb for 20 minutes to strengthen the immune system if you suffer from asthma. Repeat this home remedy five to six times per day.

x) A Long Life:

Regular consumption of honey is thought to lengthen your life. Interestingly, studies have shown that beekeepers belong to a working group that develops fewer cases of cancer and arthritis across the world.

y) Relieve Tension:

Add honey to bathwater to create a soothing soak that encourages relaxation and relieves tension.

z) Treat Stomach Ulcers:

Research suggests that honey fights the H. pylori bacterium known to cause gastric ulcers. Reports state that within three days, the growth of bacterium colonies will stop with the honey consumption.

aa) Heal Burns:

A lot of research has been done on the effects of honey on the healing of burns. It is said that the majority of people treated with honey coated dressings on burns recovered in 15 days.

bb) Stop Pounding Headaches:

If you suffer from frequent migraine headaches, try sipping on a ½ glass of warm water with a couple of added teaspoons of honey. Allow the honey to dissolve before consuming. Drink another serving after 20 minutes has passed, if needed. This remedy produces the best results when a migraine is associated with stress.

cc) Treat Pink Eye:

Dissolve an equal amount of honey in a cup of warm water to create a healing lotion or eyebath for conjunctivitis (better known as pink eye). This remedy helps to fight crusty, irritated eyes.

dd) Preserve Food:

When baking a cake, replace the sugar with honey to make the dessert last longer. The natural antibiotics in the honey help retain moisture.

Resources

[1] http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/animal-product/benefits-of-honey-in-weight-loss.html

What is Cloves?

Clove is an herb used as a spice for cooking and as an ingredient for natural healing. Native to India and Indonesia, the essential oil from the clove plant is known as Eugenia aromaticum [1]. Along with the oils, people use the dried flower buds, leaves, and stems to make medicine. Because of active components, cloves has been linked to many remedies that help the pain and inflammation that strikes the mouth, throat, and skin [2]. However, please note that pregnant or nursing mothers should not use home remedies with cloves.

Clove Home Remedies

One of the reasons cloves makes a decent home remedy is because the oil is comprised of eugenol – known for its antifungal, anesthetic and antiseptic properties. However, when using home remedies for cloves, it important to consult your doctor to make sure you are able to safely use some of the following medical suggestions:

a) Clear Mouth Bacteria:

The antiseptic properties of clove oil can clear mouth bacteria when made into a mouth rinse.

b) Fight Fungus:

Treat a bad case of athlete’s foot, nail fungus, and other skin issues by directly applying clove oil to the skin or nails. If you have sensitive skin, you can dilute the remedy using extra virgin olive oil.

c) Warm the Body:

Use clove oil as a stimulant for circulation and blood flow to the skin, which is quite helpful for someone battling cold fingers and toes.

d) Ease a Headache:

To gain relief from a pounding headache, try adding one drop of clove oil to the roof of your mouth.

e) Toothache Miracle Worker:

To temporarily ease the pain of a toothache before you get to the dentist, apply clove directly to your gums using a Q-tip. When dropped directly into a cavity, clove oil can help stop the pain [3]. Add a clove or two to a cup of tea to ease toothache pain or calm a tooth-related headache that often comes with stubborn wisdom teeth. Dentists even use clove oil as an oral anesthetic and as a way to disinfect root canals.

f) Wart Treatment:

Apply a couple of clove oil drops to a Band-Aid and apply to warts to dissolve the growths. Every day, administer a fresh application. It can take up to a month for a wart to completely disappear using this method.

g) Fight Infection:

The germs, bacteria and viruses associated with the common cold, flu, bronchitis, fever, and whooping cough produces phlegm in the respiratory system that cloves can help loosen up. The herb also encourages a person to sweat, which helps heal the body.

h) Calm Your Digestive System:

Sip on a nice cup of clove tea to relieve diarrhea, gas, bloating, intestinal spasms and nausea.

i) Aid Digestion:

By relaxing the muscle lining of the digestive tract, cloves work as an effective digestion aid.

j) Stop Vomiting:

Add a couple of drops of clove oil to a glass of water, and sip to stop vomiting.

k) Eye Treatment:

To help prevent the breakdown in the retina of the eye (associated with macular degeneration and failing vision), it is said that using cloves is beneficial.

l) Free Your Mind:

Research suggests that taking a whiff of the spiciness of cloves can cut down on drowsiness and fatigue. The herb can help stimulate the mind, enhance your memory, reduce headaches, and ease irritability.

m) Repel Insects:

Mix cloves with citrus oils to keep insects away.

n) Uplift the Spirits:

A blend of clove oil mixed with the oils of cinnamon, orange, nutmeg or vanilla creates a delicious combination of warming scents that will uplift the spirits. Use these aromas to freshen up a room or treat seasonal depression. Add the blend to an evaporator or potpourri jar.

o) Ease Pain:

Used as a topical and aromatherapy treatment, the scent of cloves is known to help relieve pain. Add three drops of clove oil to one teaspoon of coconut oil or extra virgin olive oil to address general pains. Rub on muscles plagued by aches and pains.

Resources

[1] http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/02/17/remedies-clove-oil-for-tooth-pain/
[2] http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/251.html
[3] http://www.gaiagarden.com/products/cloves/

Baking Soda Home Remedies

You’d be surprised just how many uses you can get out of a small box of Arm & Hammer. Don’t underestimate the power of this reasonably priced household staple. To learn how to best put sodium bicarbonate to good use, consider the following home remedies for baking soda:

a) All-Natural Deodorant:

When you mix one part each of baking soda and cornstarch with tea tree oil, you can make an all-natural deodorant. Don’t forget to mix all of the ingredients well and store in an airtight container.

b) Clean Your Floors:

Sprinkle a bit of baking soda on your floors to remove grease spills and scuff marks. Wipe up the baking soda with a damp, warm washcloth. This home remedy will also work on no-wax floors.

c) Remove Blackheads:

A combination of equal parts baking soda and water works as a way to remove blackheads from the face.

d) Exfoliate the Skin:

Add enough water to baking soda to create a paste that exfoliates the skin.

e) Treat a Cold Sore and Canker Sore:

Dab a pesky cold sore with baking soda to diminish its appearance. A baking soda and water paste applied to a canker sore can help ease symptoms.

f) Sanitize Grooming Tools:

Clean your hairbrushes and combs by soaking in a baking soda solution.

g) Fight Nausea:

Add ½ teaspoon of baking soda to a glass of warm water to treat nausea. Pregnant women should not use this remedy because of potential increase of salt levels.

h) Soothe Sunburned Skin:

Add ¼ cup of baking soda to a spray bottle filled with cool water. Get relief from a sunburn by spritzing the solution on skin.

i) Soften Dry Elbows:

A thick paste made out of fresh lemon juice and baking soda can exfoliate the skin when gently rubbed on dry elbows. Leave on the mixture for about 15 minutes. Wash off the remedy and follow up by applying a moisturizer, such as Vaseline.

j) Itch Relief:

Soak in a hot bath with lots of added baking soda to treat the itch of poison ivy. A baking soda and water paste applied to a mosquito bite will address itchy skin.

k) Alleviate Bee and Wasp Sting Pain:

Ease the pain of a wasp or bee sting by applying a thick baking soda and water paste to affected skin.

l) Treat Yellowed Fingernails:

When nails have yellowed, apply a paste of one tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide and two tablespoons of baking soda under and across each nail [1]. Allow the solution to sit for three minutes before removing.

m) Soothe Sore Throats:

Add ½ teaspoon each of baking soda and salt to ½ cup of warm water to make a soothing gargle for sore throats. Use a couple of times a day. ?

n) Prevent Clogged Drains:

To lessen your chances of suffering a clogged drain, pour ¼ cup of baking soda down the drain on a weekly basis. Follow up by rinsing with hot water.

o) Freshen a Carpet:

Remove unwanted scents from your carpet by sprinkling with baking soda, and then vacuuming after 15 minutes.

p) Neutralize Acid:

To clean up the aftermath of a battery acid mishap in your garage or driveway, neutralize the acid with baking soda, which makes it safe to wash away. ?

q) Odor Fighter:

Sprinkle baking soda in your garbage cans to decrease the damage of offending odors.

r) Treat Heartburn:

Baking soda and water will neutralize the stomach acid behind heartburn. Add ½ to 1 teaspoon of baking soda to a glass of water. Do not overdo this remedy, as it can dramatically increase your salt intake. Pregnant women should not use this baking soda home remedy.

s) Clean Stinky Hands:

After chopping garlic or cleaning fish, your hands may hold onto the scent longer than you’d like. To remove unwanted hand odors, rub about two teaspoons of baking soda between moistened hands instead of using soap [2]. Rinse off to enjoy better-smelling hands. ?

t) Fight Dog Odor:

When your pooch comes in after a romp in the rain, sprinkle on a bit of baking soda over their fur and brush out to fight ‘wet dog’ smell.
?

u) Fix Walls:

When you need a small amount of spackle, mixing a small amount of white glue and baking soda will form a paste that makes a suitable substitute. Apply the remedy to the wall, and let dry. ??

v) Freshen Up Water Bottles:

When your thermos or water bottle starts to smell stale inside, wash with a blend of baking soda and water.

w) Whiten Teeth:

Add about one teaspoon of baking soda to a mashed fresh strawberry to create a paste for whitening teeth. Spread the remedy on a toothbrush, as well as rub onto teeth. Leave the mixture on for a few minutes, and then brush teeth again. Rinse out your mouth after brushing. You can also make your own whitening toothpaste by combining one teaspoon of baking soda and ¼ teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide. Brush your teeth with the paste.

x) Calm a Toothache:

Moisten a Q-tip with water and coat with baking soda. Rub the cotton swab into the tooth and gums until the pain fades. Dissolve a heaping spoonful of baking soda in a small glass of lukewarm to warm water to create a mouth rinse for a toothache. Swish the mixture in the mouth – directing the remedy around the sore tooth.

y) Prevent Litterbox Odors:

When you add baking soda to a litterbox, you can cut down on odors.

z) Rejuvenate Plastic Containers:

The plastic containers, such as Tupperware, that you use to store your leftovers can absorb the coloring of food, such as tomato sauce. To rejuvenate stained plastic, sprinkle baking soda and clean with a damp sponge. ?

aa) Clean Fixtures:

Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda on dull faucets and clean with a sponge dipped in white vinegar. The abrasiveness of the baking soda is gentle enough to scour soap scum.

bb) Clean Sinks:

Use the abrasive nature of baking soda to clean and deodorize dirty sinks. Add baking soda to a moistened washcloth before applying. ??

cc) Clean the Stove and Oven:

Save money by using a baking soda and water paste instead of investing in stove cleaners. Apply the remedy with a clean cloth to remove burned-on food residue. Rinse off, and then buff with a clean cloth. The baking soda and water paste will also clean the inside of your oven. Smear the paste inside and leave on overnight. In the morning, remove the dried remedy with a wet sponge.

dd) Clean Lawn Furniture:

Rinse off lawn furniture with a solution made up of ¼ cup baking soda added to one quart of warm water.

ee) Add Sparkle to Silver:

Add water to baking soda to make a thick paste, which helps clean silver. Gently massage the mixture into the silver using an old, soft-bristled toothbrush. Rinse the silver under warm water. Buff with a clean cotton towel to add shine.

ff) Fight Diaper and Dirty Clothes Smells:

Keep diaper pails and hampers smelling fresher than usual by sprinkling baking soda in the bottom of the containers.

gg) Remove Rust:

Cut a potato lengthwise and dip in baking soda as a way to remove rust. Before scrubbing a rusty item, make sure to lightly moisten the surface first. After cleaning, thoroughly rinse the object.

hh) Toilet Bowl Recovery:

Use the abrasiveness of baking soda to clean the inside of the toilet bowl – great for removing those pesky rings.

Resources

[1] Babushka’s Beauty Secrets by Raise Ruder; pg. 118.
[2] Extraordinary Use for Ordinary Things by Reader’s Digest; pg. 63.

What is Aloe Vera?

As a member of the Lily family, aloe vera is a succulent, perennial plant sometimes confused with a type of cactus because it possesses thick, spiny leaves. The aloe vera plant contains polysaccharides (that promote skin cell repair and growth) and glycoproteins (eases irritation and calms pain), which are also known to strengthen the immune system.

The leaf of the aloe vera plant is considered the most beneficial part. The outside of the aloe vera leaf is smooth and rubbery, and when broken open, the gel inside can be used as an immediate topical remedy associated with accelerated wound healing.

In the past, the leaves were sliced and laid on the skin to ease itching and heal burns [1]. Today, aloe vera is used as an effective treatment for minor burns, wrinkles, insect bites, skin irritation, cuts, scratches, and sunburns. The plant is used in many different ways, including:

• Clear gel from aloe leaves is a topical ointment
• Green part of the leaf makes a juice or dried substance that is taken by mouth
• Taken orally for a laxative effect
• Aloe vera gel is used in many commercial skin products, such as lotions and sunblocks
• Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has even approved aloe vera as a natural food flavoring [2]

It is important to note that out of all the different species of aloe, only five are recognized as offering nutritional and medicinal value.

Possible Side Effects

For some patients, aloe vera does not come without the occasional side effects. When taking aloe vera orally, some people have reported abdominal cramping and diarrhea. The laxative effect associated with oral aloe vera remedies can also decrease the absorption of many drugs. Some interactions with drugs noted include blood sugar medications.

People who should not consume aloe vera juice orally include pregnant women, children, and people suffering with kidney, liver or intestinal disease. Some patients have suffered an allergic reaction to aloe vera when used as a topical remedy. It is suggested to test a small amount on a patch of skin.

Aloe Vera Home Remedies

To reap the benefits of aloe vera plants, keep in mind that they are not fully mature until they reach four years old. Until then, the plant cannot offer the medicinal properties listed in the following home remedies for using aloe vera:

a) Skin Infections:

Reduce the severity of skin infections by turning the pulp of an aloe vera leaf into a paste that is applied to the face. This mask can also be used to rejuvenate skin tissues.

b) Minor Cuts:

Treat minor cuts or lesions on the skin by applying aloe vera gel for an overnight treatment.

c) Anti-Aging:

Applying aloe vera gel on the face can help remove the signs of aging when used on a regular basis. Some people have used the substance to eliminate spots on skin, as well as remove or reduce wrinkles.

d) Clear Complexion:

Apply aloe vera on the face to enhance the appearance of your skin.

e) Acne:

Treat your acne with aloe vera juice by applying to your face. As a natural germ killer, the aloe helps stop the spread of acne with its antibacterial properties.

f) Acne Scars:

Aloe vera juice can also treat acne scars by slicing a leaf into two sections and then directly applying to scars.

g) Poison Ivy:

The juice of aloe vera can soothe irritations of the skin, such as poison ivy. Pour aloe vera juice over affected skin for a calming effect [3].

h) A Wash for Eyes:

You can use the dried sap of the aloe vera leaf to prepare a “tea” that is a good wash for the eyes, as well as other wounds.

i) Itchy Scalp:

Not only does aloe vera juice remedy an itchy scalp, but also treats excess oil and dandruff. The aloe naturally balances pH and can be mixed with carrier oils, such as jojoba, which can purify the scalp. Use the treatment two to three times per week to see results. Apply the juice directly to the roots of your hair. While some people leave the remedy on for five minutes, you may also opt for an hour or even overnight.
?

j) Digestion:

It is said that you can improve your digestion by drinking aloe vera juice.

k) Appetite:

Some people have improved their appetite by taking one tablespoon of aloe vera juice before eating a meal.

l) Shiny Hair:

Enjoy a shinier mane by applying aloe vera juice to your hair before washing. Aloe is also associated with making your roots stronger.

m) Constipation:

Remove the dried latex from the inner lining of the aloe vera leaf and consume. A chemical called anthroquinone glycosides is found in the latex, which encourages a bowel movement to occur.

n) Diabetes:

People who experience low blood sugar levels can drink aloe juice to treat their diabetic symptoms.

o) Heartburn:

When the symptoms of heartburn start to emerge, drink aloe vera juice to ease your gastrointestinal issues.

Resources

[1] http://faculty.ucc.edu/biology-ombrello/pow/aloe_vera.htm
[2] http://nccam.nih.gov/health/aloevera/ [3] http://www.livestrong.com?

St. John’s wort plant

St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a flowering shrub, known for its yellow flowers. This plant had been traditionally hung over a picture in the house during St. John’s day to ward off evil. In fact, the genus name Hypericum is Greek for ‘above’ (hyper) and ‘picture’ (eikon)! (2)

Medicinal properties of St. John’s wort

St. John’s wort has anti-inflammatory, astringent and antiseptic properties and its use dates back to ancient Greeks and Native Americans. Historically, the plant was used in herbal tea, which had many curative properties.

In modern medicine, St. John’s wort is used for treating depression and anxiety disorders. This herb has been found more effective in treating mild depression, as compared to over-the-counter antidepressant medication. In most drugstores, standardized extracts are available usually in the form of tablets/capsules and tinctures. They are also available in teabags.

In the preparation of teas and tablets, only the flowering tops of St. John’s wort are used, since they contain concentrated extracts. Its use in homeopathy for various medical problems is also well known, but the success rate has not been adequately documented.

Dosage for St. John’s wort

British Herbal Medicine Association Scientific Committee (1983) recommends the following dosage for various forms of St John’s wort (2):

a. 2 to 4 gram dried herb or by infusion 3 times a day.

b. 2 to 4 ml liquid extract 3 times a day.

c. 2 to 4 ml tincture 3 times day.

However, this dosage is for adults and should not be given to children without consulting the physician, as the dosage varies from child to child.

Effectiveness of St. John’s wort

Studies conducted for the effectiveness of St. John’s wort in treating clinical depression showed mixed results. The good news is this herb was found effective in treating mild to moderate depression, with fewer side effects than many conventional antidepressants (2). However, the bad news is studies sponsored by NCCAM showed that the herb was no more effective than placebo in treating major depression of moderate severity. The research is continuing that encompasses a wider spectrum of mood disorders, including minor depression (2).

Side effects of St. John’s wort

There are certain side effects associated with the use of St. John’s wort. Let’s see what they are (1):

a. Its use may cause increased sensitivity to sunlight. This can also cause sunburns, but the incidence is rare (2).

b. It can cause anxiety, dryness of mouth, dizziness, gastrointestinal symptoms, fatigue, headache, confusion, sedation and even sexual dysfunction.

c. This herb is also known to interact with some drugs. When combined with certain antidepressants, St. John’s wort may increase the incidence of nausea, anxiety, headache and confusion.

d. It may hinder in the efficient processing or breaking down of many drugs. In some cases, it may even speed up or slow down a drug’s breakdown. The drugs that are commonly affected by the intake of St. John’s wort are those for controlling HIV infection, treating cancer, strengthening heart muscle contractions and some anticoagulants and antidepressants.

e. This herb is known to have negative effects on fertility in both men and women (2).

f. Sudden discontinuance of this herb has been found to be quite unpleasant in certain cases (2).

St. John’s wort is an effective herb, but should be used judiciously. The best course is to go by the recommendations of your physician, in case you’re using any medicine or dietary supplement containing St. John’s wort.

References

1-http://nccam.nih.gov/health/stjohnswort/
2- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._John’s_Wort

Ginkgo tree

This deciduous tree is generally 20 to 35 meters tall, but can grow over 50 meters. It is deep rooted and resistant to wind and snow damage, and has an amazingly long life. Some specimens are more than 2,500 years old. Its wood is resistant to disease and insect. Its leaves resemble some of the pinnae of the maidenhair fern (Adiantum capillus-veneris) and hence the name maidenhair tree (1).

Effects of ginkgo

Ginkgo leaves contain medicinal properties. Its extract contains flavonoid glycosides and ginkgolides, which are used in pharmaceuticals. The leaf extract contain nootropic properties that boost human cognitive abilities. Therefore, it finds use as memory enhancer and anti-vertigo agent. Research has shown that ginkgo extract effect the human body in 3 ways (1):

a. They improve blood flow to tissues and organs, including microcirculation in small capillaries.

b. They act as an antioxidant by providing protection against oxidative cell damage.

c. They block the effects of platelet aggregation and blood clotting, thus preventing the development of cardiovascular, renal, respiratory and central nervous system disorders.

Medicinal uses of ginkgo

Ginkgo is one of the 10 best-selling herbal medications in the US, where it’s classified as a dietary supplement. No wonder you find ginkgo listed on the labels of every energy drink! Its leaf extract is the most widely sold phyto-medicine in Europe. There are no less than 120 published clinical studies on ginkgo. Gingko, in its various forms, is used for (2):

a. Treatment of early-stages of Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, peripheral claudication and tinnitus.

b. Alleviating the symptoms of cerebrovascular disease and dementia.

c. Curing sexual dysfunction.

d. Alleviating mountain sickness.

e. Preventing macular degeneration, asthma and hypoxia.

f. Recommended for use in Raynaud’s disease, acrocyanosis, and post-phlebitic syndrome by the World Health Organization.

Dosage of ginkgo

The following dosage has been recommended for various ailments (1):

a. Patients of memory problems and dementia: 2 to 3 doses of 120 to 240 mg daily.

b. Patients of tinnitus and peripheral vascular disease: 2 to 3 doses of 160 mg per day.

This dosage is for adults and should not be given to children without consulting the physician, as the dosage varies from child to child.

To ascertain the effectiveness of ginkgo, an initial period of 6 to 12 weeks should be given. However, the results may become apparent as early as 4 weeks.

Adverse effects of ginkgo

An estimated 2 billion 120 mg daily doses of ginkgo have been sold in the last 20 years at the cost of approximately $15 to $20 each. Ginkgo is generally well tolerated, with side effects being rare and usually mild. However, the following adverse effects have been noticed (2):

a. Occurrence of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, dizziness, palpitation, restlessness, weakness or skin rashes.

b. Inhibition of the platelet-activating factor. This requires discontinuing ginkgo between 36 hours and 14 days before surgery.

c. Increased risk of bleeding, if used with herbal medications, like feverfew, garlic, ginseng, dong quai, red clover and other natural coumarins.

d. Bleeding complications, including subdural hematoma, subarachnoid hemorrhage, intracerebral hemorrhage and hyphema.

e. Toxicity through use of unprocessed ginkgo leaf, as it contains toxic ginkgolic acids.

f. Adverse effect on pregnant women or those hypersensitive to ginkgo preparations.

g. Increased risk of bleeding, if used in combination with warfarin, antiplatelet agents, and certain other herbal medications.
h. Adverse effects on those taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors.

Despite these adverse effects, ginkgo offers a relatively safe, inexpensive and modestly effective treatment option for a string of diseases and conditions. However, its use should always be made under the recommendations and supervision of a physician.

References

1-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ginkgo
2-http://www.aafp.org/afp/20030901/923.html

Echinacea down the ages

Echinacea has been traditionally used by Native Americans, as their main herbal remedy. Till early 20th century, this plant was an important constituent of modern American medicine. Even Europeans used it extensively in the 1930s. (2)

Medicinal properties of Echinacea

Echinacea’s rhizome, which is nothing but an underground root, was used by Native Americans to prepare herbal medicines. However, depending upon the species, any part of the plant, above or below the ground, can be used in the preparation of such medicines. This is because the plant contains many chemical components responsible for health benefits. These chemical compounds are called phenols.

Phenols, such as, cichoric and caftaric acids are present in E. purpurea, while echinacoside is found in E. angustifolia and E. pallida. The importance of these phenols is they serve as markers to help evaluate the quantity of Echinacea, while making herbal products. Other important constituents of these plants are alkamides and polysaccharides. (2)

Echinacea has been found beneficial in boosting the immune system. It stimulates the overall activity of the cells responsible for combating infection. Other benefits of this plant are given as under (2):

a. Echinacea reduces or shortens the duration of cold symptoms, as per the research conducted by University of Maryland.

b. It alleviates coughs, flu and other upper respiratory tract conditions.

c. It cures sore throat and enlarged lymph glands.

d. It’s helpful in combating herpes, Candida and athlete’s foot.

e. It assists in clearing urinary tract infections.

f. It helps in healing wounds, in skin regeneration and in clearing skin infections.

g. It has also proved beneficial against psoriasis, eczema and inflammatory skin conditions.

h. It also helps in cancer treatment.

i. It increases the number and activity of immune system cells by promoting T-cell activation. (3)

j. It reduces inflammation in arthritis and inflammatory skin conditions. (3)

k. It’s a mild antibiotic and is an effective anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal. (3)

Preparation

The plant parts, both above and below the ground, are crushed and its juice extracted and used as such. It can even be used, either fresh or dried, for making herbal teas. Extracts of the plant can also be used in preparations for external use (3).

Precautions

Echinacea products should not be taken by children without consulting the physician. Even persons with progressive systemic and auto-immune disorders, such as connective tissue disorders, tuberculosis, collagenosis, leicosis and related diseases should not take this herbal medicine. It should also not be used by AIDS patients (3).

Echinacea also doesn’t go well with certain hepatotoxic drugs, like anabolic steroids, amiodarone, methotrexate or ketoconazole (3).

Side effects

Echinacea produces side effects in certain people. Some people experience allergic reactions, including rashes, increased asthma and anaphylaxis. Allergic reactions were more apparent in people naturally allergic to plants of the daisy family, like ragweed, chrysanthemum, marigold and daisy. Gastrointestinal problems have also occurred in clinical trials. Asthmatic persons or persons with atopy, a genetic tendency toward allergic reactions, are more likely to have an allergic reaction to Echinacea.

Echinacea is an effective herbal remedy, but if you’re using it, it’s important to inform your physician. This will help him or her in prescribing medicine that doesn’t have adverse reaction with Echinacea.

References

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Echinacea

http://www.herbs.org/greenpapers/echinacea.html

http://nccam.nih.gov/health/echinacea/

Black cohosh plant

Black cohosh is a herbaceous perennial plant found in some parts of North America. It has coarse leaves with toothed margins and sweet smelling flowers that are without petals or sepals! The plant can grow to a height of 7 feet. The healing powers of the herb were known since olden times, as Native Americans used it to treat disorders like, sore throat, colds, cough, constipation, hives, backache, kidney problems, gynecological disorders, malaria and rheumatism. They even used it to induce lactation!

Importance of black cohosh

Black cohosh possesses some excellent curative properties that alleviate premenstrual tension, menopause, inflammation of the uterus or ovaries, infertility and other gynecological problems in women. It also helps induce labor pains and is used for abortion. Previously, it was thought this herb healed because it contained some estrogen-like chemicals, but recent research has found it works by binding to serotonin receptors.

Effectiveness of black cohosh

The effectiveness of black cohosh lies in its composition. It contains active compounds of triterpene glycosides, including actein and cimicifugoside, resins, caffeic and isoferulic acids. Clinical studies conducted on women indicate that black cohosh may help relieve menopausal symptoms. However, concrete proof is yet to be established.

Black cohosh preparations

Mostly, the roots and rhizomes of black cohosh are used in preparations. These are commonly used fresh or dried to make strong teas or infusions and capsules. Also, its solid and liquid extracts are used for making pills and tinctures, respectively. One preparation, called Remifemin, contains black cohosh extract equivalent to 20 mg of root per tablet.

Side effects of black cohosh

Black cohosh, being a powerful herb, is not without side effects. Let’s see what all it can cause:

a. Black cohosh can cause headaches, dizziness, diarrhea, nausea, stomach discomfort, heaviness in the legs, and weight problems. It has also been known to cause seizures, vomiting, sweating, low blood pressure, slow heartbeats and loss of bone mass in some.

b. If used during pregnancy for inducing labor or for lactation, it can cause neurological complications in a post-term baby.

c. Black cohosh may produce stimulation of the mucous membrane lining the uterus.

d. Since, use of this herb increases blood flow to the pelvic area, it’s not recommended during menses, as it may increase or prolong bleeding.

e. The tannin contained in black cohosh inhibits iron absorption.

f. Although not established, in an experiment done on mice, black cohosh increased metastasis of cancer in lungs.

Precautions for black cohosh

Black cohosh should not be taken during pregnancy, since the effects have not been rigorously studied. If taken, it should be under the supervision of a physician. Also, women with breast cancer should avoid its use. Although black cohosh has not been reported to interact with any drugs, it’s not conclusively established. So, avoid taking it along with prescriptions drugs.

Regulatory status of black cohosh

Since black cohosh is marketed as a dietary supplement in the US, it’s counted as a food and not drug. So, it doesn’t require FDA approval. However, since supplements are not tested for consistency, there’s a possibility of the composition varying considerably, from lot to lot.

Black cohosh is a magic drug, but it’s also a double-edged sword. So, if you wish to use this herb, do so by all means, but don’t forget to take your physician into confidence.

Sources of 5-HTP

To you it might appear that food is the primary source of 5-HTP, since it’s found in infinitesimal amounts in certain foods, like turkey and cheese. However, its real source lies in an African plant called Griffonia simplicifolia. The supplement is extracted from the ingredients in the seeds of this plant. (2)

5-HTP action

5-HTP counters depression by raising the levels of serotonin. The enzyme aromatic-L-amino-acid decarboxylase acts on 5-HTP and decarboxylates it to serotonin. This intermediary role of 5-HTP, in the biosynthesis of serotonin, is a pointer to its effectiveness in treating serotonin-related disorders. It’s believed that a high supply of 5-HTP causes the brain’s serotonin-producing neurons to increase production.

Medical benefits of 5-HTP

5-HTP has been found indispensable in the treatment of the following ailments (1):

a. It helps in alleviating the symptoms of depression and possibly of anxiety and panic disorder. In fact, studies have shown that the effects of 5-HTP is the same in treating mild to moderate depression, as that of the prescription antidepressants.

b. It cures sleep disorders by providing a mild psychoactive effect on REM sleep and has proved a blessing for those suffering from insomnia.

c. It has proved a benefit in curing obesity. Taking 5-HTP supplement provides an enhanced sense of satisfaction to those trying to lose weight, even after eating small portions (2).

d. A study indicates that better results are obtained from 5-HTP than from an SSRI, for those suffering from anxious depressive syndrome.

e. It cures migraine headaches by administering a dosage of 400 to 600 mg daily. Anything less has proven ineffective (2).

f. The discomfort caused by fibromyalgia, a disease characterized by aching, tender muscles, fatigue and disturbed sleep, is effectively countered by 5-HTP (2).

Dosage

5-HTP is generally available in 50mg or 100mg gelatin capsules, which need to be taken on empty stomach before sleep, because of the resulting drowsiness. It can also be taken in daytime but in smaller doses, 1 to 3 times a day (1). Once 5-HTP becomes effective, the dosage may be reduced significantly (2). However, children should only be given this supplement on the recommendations of the physician.

Adverse effects

5-HTP, if taken with other natural or traditional drugs, is known to have an adverse effect on the body. For instance, if taken with carbidopa, a medication used for Parkinson’s disease, it can create skin changes akin to scleroderma. Similarly, taking 5-HTP with prescription antidepressants, like SSRIs, MAO inhibitors, tricyclics, the pain medication tramadol or the migraine drugs of triptan family can again affect adversely.

Side effects

5-HTP has fewer side effects than traditional antidepressants and may include:

a. Nausea.
b. Drowsiness.
c. Constipation and gas.
d. Decreased sex drive.
e. Allergic reactions.

Despite the adverse effects, 5-HTP has immense curative properties that can treat many ailments. However, always consult your physician, before you decide to use this supplement.

References

1. 5-HTP on Wikipedia
2. 5-HTP on Butler.org