Posts Tagged ‘herbs’

Hoodia, The Wonder Drug

Tuesday, August 10th, 2010

Hoodia Gordonii is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Apocynaceae. It is a plant that reaches up to 1 meter in height. It has large purple or tan color flowers with strong smell. It is also called locally xhooba, Ghaap and khoba. It is also known as ‘Queen of the Namib’ and ‘Bushman’s Hat’. Hoodia is found naturally in Southern Africa in the semi-deserts of the countries of Namibia, South Africa, Botswana and Angloa. It is particular to the Namib Desert.

Hoodia is traditionally eaten by the San Bushmen who live in the Kalahari desert. These nomadic people eat the Hoodia stem to suppress their hunger when they are out on long hunting trips. The plant was also used by them for hemorrhoids, severe abdominal cramps, indigestion, tuberculosis, diabetes and hypertension. There are some twenty varieties of Hoodia. Of them, it is only the Hoodia Gordonii variety that suppresses natural appetite. Hoodia plants flowers in about five years after which it can be harvested.

The fact that the San Bushmen used Hoodia was first noted and reported to the outside world by a Dutch anthropologist in 1937. A scientific examination of the plant of its reported benefits however commenced only in 1963 when the national laboratory of South Africa, CSIR (Council for Scientific and Industrial Research) began to study the plant. Along with the scientists of a British company, Phytopharm, they isolated the active ingredient of Hoodia. This ingredient, a steroidal glycoside, was named p57. It soon began to be commercially exploited and sold worldwide through the health food stores. Sold in the capsule and liquid form, much has been written about it in h57 hoodia reviews. Hoodia is marketed as an appetite killer for those who wish to lose weight and control obesity. Hoodia is found to send signals to the brain than makes you feel that you are full.

The extensive harvesting of Hoodia has led Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) to include it in the list in Appendix II. This means that Hoodia stands the risk of it being declared as an endangered species if its trade is not effectively controlled. It was listed in 2008 by the Botanic Gardens Conservation International as being threatened with extinction due to over-extraction. Hoodia is now cultivated in the government controlled farms in the Kalahari Desert. Royalty is also now shared with the San Bushmen.

Almost everything that we need is provided by nature. Thus, we should never abuse nature, instead we take care of it.

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Catuaba Bark Extract: Good Deals And Quality Service.

Wednesday, February 24th, 2010

Erythroxylum catuaba is a vigorous-growing, small tree that produces yellow and orange flowers and small, dark yellow, oval-shaped, inedible fruit. It grows in the northern part of Brazil in Amazonas, Para, Pernambuco, Bahia, Maranhao, and Alagoas.

Moreover, three other (unapproved) botanical names for catuaba are used incorrectly in herbal commerce today: Juniperus brasiliensis (which is thought to refer to “small catuaba”), and Anemopaegma mirandum and Eriotheca candolleana, which are completely different species altogether. Anemopaegma is a huge tree in the Bignonia family, growing to 40 m tall and called catuaba-verdadeira in Brazil. This species of tree is now harvested and exported out of Brazil by inexperienced or unethical harvestors (resulting in the incorporation in herbal products sold in the U.S. today) as just “catuaba.”

Erythroxylum catuaba and Trichilia catigua are the preferred Brazilian herbal medicine species, with the longest documented history of use as “big and little catuaba.” Both types are used interchangeably in Brazilian herbal medicine systems for the same conditions.

Clinical studies on catuaba also have shown results related to its antibacterial and antiviral properties. A 1992 study indicated that an extract of catuaba (Erythoxlyum catuaba) was effective in protecting mice from lethal infections of Escherichia coli and Staphlococcus aureus, in addition to inhibiting HIV significantly.

The Tupi Indians are credited with the discovery of catuaba as an aphrodisiac. Indigenous people have used the herb for many generations and attest to its effectiveness. Although catuaba bark is an effective aphrodisiac increasing sexual desire in both male and female, it is primarily used to enhance erection in males.

Catuapa bark contains alkaloids, tannins, resins, aromatic oils, falconoid and other constituents. Researchers in Japan discovered that catuapa contains powerful antiviral and antibacterial compounds. Rain-Tree.com states that a 1992 study indicated that catuaba extract was effective in protecting mice against E. coli and staph infection as well as significantly inhibiting HIV.

In European herbal medicine catuaba is considered an aphrodisiac and a brain and nerve stimulant. A bark tea is used for sexual weakness, impotence, nervous debility, and exhaustion. Herbalists and health practitioners in the United States use catuaba in much the same way: as a tonic for genital function, as a central nervous system stimulant, for sexual impotence, general exhaustion and fatigue, insomnia related to hypertension, agitation, and poor memory.

According to Michael van Straten, noted British author and researcher of medicinal plants, catuaba is beneficial to men and women as an aphrodisiac, but “it is in the area of male impotence that the most striking results have been reported” and “there is no evidence of side effects, even after long-term use.

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Natural Herbs For Impotence: Lower Stress

Wednesday, February 24th, 2010

Muira puama also called “potency wood”, is a small tree that grows to 5 feet high and is native to the Brazilian Amazon and other parts of the Amazon rainforest. Now-a-days, people are preferring treatment of lower blood pressure naturally instead of using blood pressure medicines.

Muira puama has been used traditionally by tribes in Brazil and the surrounding South American countries. It is a popular, though not well researched, herbal supplement in Europe and North and South Americas.

Murapuama has been used as a herb in Europe for some time and is listed in the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia, a source on herbal medicine from the British Herbal Medicine Association, and is recommended for the treatment of dysentery and impotence.

Muira puama has also been used as a tonic for nervous conditions and depressions. It has been used to promote overall nerve function and to relieve nerve pain. Some Amazonian tribes have used this medicinal herb to treat dysentery and rheumatism. A paste of the bark and/or root oils has also been applied topically to treat beriberi and paralysis.

Although many people are skeptical about sexual stimulants or “herbal viagra” as such, the muira puama herb has been shown by Dr. Jacques Lelu, a world authority on sexual functioning, of the Institute of Sexology in Paris, France, that it is effective in assisting in increasing sexual desire as well as attaining and maintaining an erection.

The action of the muira puama herb is not fully understood but it seems to assist with both the psychological as well as the physical aspect of sexual function.Muira puama is considered a safe herb, whereas another herbal sexual stimulant called yohimbine can induce anxiety, panic attacks, and hallucinations in some individuals, as well as elevated blood pressure, high heart rate, dizziness, headache, and skin flushing.

Muira puama contains: The active constituents are free long-chain fatty acids, sterols, coumarin, alkaloids and essential oils. Chemically, it contains .05% muirapuamine, .4% fat, .5% alkaloids, .6% pholbaphene, .6% alpha-resinic acid, .7% beta resinic acid, .5% of a mixture of esters including behenic acid, lupeol and beta-sitosterol, as well as tannin, volatile oils and fatty acids.

This herbal supplement has also been shown, in animal studies, to improve mental focus and clarity. It may also help improve concentration and short term memory. It is also used to treat hair loss.

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The Benefits Of Cooking With Mediterranean Food Seasoning

Thursday, July 2nd, 2009

As in any type of cooking in Mediterranean cuisine people use seasoning, Mediterranean seasoning actually. Mediterranean cuisine is the food of the areas around the Mediterranean Sea, obviously. The fact is that the Mediterranean cuisine contains foods from varied cultures. Given the geography of the Mediterranean, these nation-states have influenced each other in time and the cooking process evolved into sharing common rules. Flexibility and a broad range of ingredients and many regional varitions characterised the Mediterranean cuisine. The area inclined to favor goats and sheep rearing.

Although presently much of the fish is shipped from the outside since the fisheries of the Mediterranean sea are no longer what they used to be, fish dishes are still very common. In many of the standard Mediterranean dish recipes, seafood is still dominant. It is quite clear that certain kinds of fruits and meats or vegetables, which is the case in Mediterranean cuisine, demand for specific and typical seasoning, and in this case Mediterranean seasoning. Pita bread, barbecue or grilled meats, falafel and hummus are among the Mediterranean foods which usually demand a special seasonings which are found in the area around Mediterranean seasoning evidently.

Talking of Mediterranean seasoning you must know though not necessarily a flavorer, that olive oi is made in the Mediterranean countries like Greece, Turkey, Italy, Portugal and Spain among others. Garlic is a representation of a vital ingredient in the Mediterranean seasoning, which is employed a lot throughout in the Mediterranean cuisine. Adding to the peculiar taste of food are garlic and olive oil which are employed in the Mediterranean seasoning and cuisine in general. Besides, it is unanimously believed that the ingredients in this kind of cooking and in Mediterranean seasoning, and we have in mind particularly the olive oil, are a major contributor to the longevity and good health state of the Mediterranean people.

In case you are interested in making Mediterranean dishes you will certainly need Mediterranean seasoning for them, or you will not get real Mediterranean food. You may easily buy various commodities which are labeled Mediterranean seasoning from stores around the country, notwithstanding, my suggestion is for you to try to prepare your own Mediterranean seasoning because it is not challenging at all.

To receive a good Mediterranean seasoning you only require the right ingredients and a true Mediterranean seasoning recipe, like the one below. I call this combo Mediterranean seasoning. How much you utilise does not matter, all you require to do is to mix the ingredients in the following proportions in a bowl, whisk, and then pour into a shaker. Place it in a container and then put in the refrigerator, there it is when you need to utilize it for a cursory dusting on a grilled meat, or for a marinade:one part cinammon, 1 part coriander, one part cumin, 1 part dried mint, and then 1 part Italian seasoning or oregano; Besides, put 1 part onion powder and one part garlic powder.

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Your Child and Antibiotics

Wednesday, March 18th, 2009

Some children see doctors for every sniffle and cough yet are never really well. Have you ever wondered why that is?

The reason is simple, medications ruin the body’s defense mechanism. That is putting it simply. Steroids, antibiotics and other meds commonly dosed out to children destroy the delicate balance in the intestinal tract that makes it possible to assimilate nutrition and grow and heal.

These small children will see life as a series of doctors visits, yes but more than that. They will never get well. Intermittently they will be well enough and then the next round of sniffles will come and off they may be rushed for more meds. Their reality will be a life of sore throats, runny noses, diarrhea that goes into constipation, inability to enjoy food, allergies, headaches, lethargy, apathy, maybe early onset arthritis, and on the list goes. So what is the answer?

On occasion, medicines are needed but not for every cough and sniffle. Break out the homeopathic remedies, vitamin C, fresh fruit juices and herbal teas. Unless you have a very ill child, a cold or flu will not kill that child. Have faith in the healing intelligence of the body. The body employs a certain Healing Intelligence that far surpasses what we humans can fathom. See the bodies of everyone in your family, especially young children as bodies of champions. Start to flex those healing muscles for the entire family.

Its hard to understand the real reason some parents dont trust the innate healing intelligence of the human body. It is enough said that most people are uneducated in this regard. And lets get real no one wants to see their child sick. Ive raised three and it is a tough call between letting a fever break and calling the doctor; however, a fever is how the body burns out infection. Thats it Internal and Higher Intelligence.

I cannot make that call for you, the one between letting the bodys fever burn out the infection, running to Med -7 or the ER. I can only give you tips about how the body works and tell you what will work and will not work.

Vitamin C, maybe Ginger, Chamomile or Dandelion & Echinacea tea with stevia or honey will soothe and assist the body to do its job. Sometimes recurring symptoms are a cry for love and attention so give it when a child is sick and again when theyre well. Fresh, hand squeezed, or organic bottled juices are the best thing for sick children. Rest is imperative, and if I can go on record, even from computers and televisions at close range. Those transmissions at close range are detrimental to the immune system.

Try to get the fever under control a bit even if youve decided to take the trip to the doctors office. Now that weve covered some warm and cozy alternatives to the habitual running to a doctors office, lets go back to reminders why we want to have the courage to teach children how great their body is designed.

Being balanced in regards to health will support health in your child. To know they get well naturally from very normal cleansing illnesses, colds and flu, will make them strong and confident. They will realize how to access their inner strength. Fortify your home today, before illness appears. Make it an arsenal, so to speak, of healthy feel good remedies that stregthen the body’s immune defenses: echinacea, goldenseal, dandelion, vitamin C (always) herbal teas for children, tuck away organic bottled juice (if you don’t juice yourself) and make homemade soups. Support children to be healthy strong adults.

Every child is different. Some have more energy, others inquisitive, creative, inventive, and then some may be ill. Building the system with fresh fruits and vegetables, getting the mineral and enzyme count up, will help immeasurably. Remember that medication destroys the integrity of the intestinal tract to absorb nutrients and after continued use the child is more depleted and now has candida yeast overgrowth and compromised gut or leaky bowel syndrome. So, if they must be on medication to live, continue your quest for their recovery naturally also.

As every child is unique, every instance is different. If you have a child that needs medications to stay alive then make sure they get probiotics, vitamins and minerals (and I dont mean the one every day thing). See that they stay regular, which means that they have a bowel movement once or twice a day. Make fresh juices for the child, only buy organic, and drop out sugars, soda or anything white or denatured. You can still take charge and watch the miracle as your child begins getting stronger. Your entire family will be a family of champions because of your courage to take conscious control.

I am a Nutritionist and Naturopath but I have taken my children and myself to the doctor, only when necessary and not that often. Being balanced is the key. Doctors are necessary and so is thoughtful self care.

Stay healthy. Ellen Valentine, NC http://www.valentinewellness.com http://www.babynurserybeddingonline.com

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Vitamins and Herbs

Tuesday, March 17th, 2009

It seems that every time we visit the doctor for treatment of a health condition, we’re handed a prescription that creates wallet shock when you go to pay for it. A few of these and you find yourself wondering how you’ll meet other necessary household expenses. In many cases, you can get the same or even better results with a vitamin supplement and herbs, without the side effects of the pharmaceutical product. Using vitamins and herbs appropriately, you can, in many cases, save hundreds of dollars which can be put to better use elsewhere!

It’s true that there are a number of pharmaceutical drugs which will do a better job, depending on the condition. However, there are so many cases in which vitamins and herbs can correct and treat common health conditions, it’s certainly worth taking a look.

Modern science has a pharmaceutical remedy for virtually every health condition. Allopathic physicians are not generally conversant in natural remedies or nutrition. As a result, we’re being steered away from inexpensive natural remedies, which have been used for thousands of years to relieve and correct conditions, from indigestion to menopause. Let’s take a look at just a few of the ways you can put vitamins and herbs to work for you, safely and effectively.

Naturopathic medicine treats health conditions from a holistic perspective. Let’s say you suffer from heartburn and indigestion. Perhaps you’re eating the wrong foods. Do you have a vitamin deficiency causing the problem? Might the solution to your indigestion be as simple as preparing foods with herbs that counter indigestion? Turmeric, scotch broom and ginger tea have been used for centuries to effectively ease indigestion and heartburn. These herbs go a step further, helping to correct the cause, rather than just temporarily allaying the symptoms.

How about cholesterol and cardiac problems? Garlic has been demonstrated to be equally effective in reducing the LDL (bad) levels, while boosting HDL (good) levels, when compared with expensive pharmaceuticals. The common culinary herb, rosemary, is a proven tonic for the heart, as is Motherwort. Hawthorne berry also has a tonic effect on the entire cardiovascular system. Cayenne pepper greatly improves circulation. Beta carotene and vitamin E, taken as supplements, or in foods, are of terrific benefit to heart patients. Omega-3 supplements, found in substantial quantities in cold water fish, are excellent in protecting the heart against disease. There are many other vitamins and herbs that help prevent and in some cases, can even reverse damage.

Nervous tension and anxiety are common health problems these days. Try some vitamins and herbs before you fill expensive prescriptions which typically are potentially addictive. Passion flower, St. John’s wort, valerian and skullcap are all effective natural remedies. Calcium and magnesium supplements, in a balanced ratio, are valuable in treating these conditions.

If you suffer from osteoarthritis, supplements of magnesium may bring considerable relief. Most Americans consume way too much calcium, creating a magnesium deficiency. As with heart conditions, Omega 3 supplements are good medicine for the osteoarthritis patient. Capsaicin cream, available in tubes at the health food shop, may be used topically for potent pain relief at affected sites. It works by reducing perception of pain, triggering endorphins, our brain’s natural response to pain.

There are literally dozens of common health problems that may be effectively treated with a vitamin and herb program. Consulting with qualified nutritionists and herbalists is a good first step. At little expense, you can find relief for your condition and your wallet!

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