Ginkgo uses including helping eye problems

For thousands of years ginkgo biloba has been used to treat problems with the lungs and heart. However, for the last few decades, ginkgo has made resurgence because of information about how it works in the body. It is used for many important health conditions that are often associated with aging. In fact, there are so many uses for ginkgo that you’ll certainly want to try it for yourself. Ginkgo is often used for a wide variety of symptoms and to prevent a wide spectrum of problems.

If you’re concerned about memory loss and even developing Alzheimer’s disease, ginkgo may be a good solution for you. There’s been a lot of research surrounding the herb and it’s been found to actually help improve the blood flow to the brain. Because it helps to make sure that nutrients and oxygen are delivered to the brain and the rest of the nervous system, it works to help keep this system healthy.

Ginkgo is thought to help improve memory and concentration and even help to prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. Taking it regularly can actually help you to prevent these problems before they become a part of your life.

And because they help with circulation, the chemicals in ginkgo also help to improve the health of the heart. It can help to treat irregular heartbeats, hemorrhoids, varicose veins, and prevent both heart disease and stroke in people who take it regularly.

It can also help with sexual dysfunction because it helps to improve circulation. Circulatory and blood flow problems are often to blame for problems with the reproductive organs.

If you’re looking for a remedy for eye problems such as macular degeneration and cataracts, ginkgo can also help to prevent and treat those by improving circulation in these areas as well.

Ginkgo is great for improving focus and keeping your memory alert and functioning. But you shouldn’t forget about all of the other things it can do for your body. Ginkgo is available in powder and leaf form. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions when taking it to get the dosing just right.

Comfrey Leaf and Healing

Comfrey has a long history of effectiveness as a healer plant. It has the reputation of being able to knit bones together thus accounting for many of the common names (boneset, nipbone, knitbone, and healing herb).

Comfrey leaves are similar to Foxglove leaves, though they have smaller veins not extending into the wings of the leaf-stalk. The leafy stem, 2 to 3 feet high, is stout, angular and hollow, broadly winged at the top and covered with bristly hairs. The lower, radical leaves are very large, up to 10 inches long and covered with rough hairs which make people itch when they touch them. The flowers are either creamy yellow or purple, growing on short stalks. They appear in April or early May.

Comfrey is a contact healer and is best known for tissue healing. In fact, until the early 1800's, it was only used externally as treatment of cuts, burns, skin ulcers, varicose veins, bronchitis, and rheumatism. The leaf has been tea that is gargled or used as a mouthwash to relieve throat infections, hoarseness, and bleeding gums. One reason for its effectiveness is its abundance of calcium and vitamin C and contains carotene (vitamin A), B12, and chlorophyll.

Internally and externally comfrey is used in the treatment of colitis, varicose veins, assorted pulmonary complaints (pleurisy, bronchitis, bronchopneumonia), rheumatism, metritis, diarrhea, and periostitis. It is utilized as a diuretic and bulk laxative and is credited with scar healing. It is also used as a sedative.

Comfrey is effective as a healer because it contains Allantoin. This is able to help grow new flesh and bone cells and accelerate the healing process. It also reduces the inflammation of pulled tendons. An extract can be used for acne and athletes foot. It is also used for certain female problems. Comfrey tea and extract has been used as a douche for yeast infections. Poultices applied to sore and caked breasts, helps the tenderness leave very quickly.

Comfrey leaves and shoots are also used as a vegetable and are often ground up in a blender or some other type of mechanical device to form the basis of "green drinks" which have become increasingly popular among health conscious individuals.

A modern medicinal tincture, employed by homoeopaths, is made from the root with spirits of wine, and 10 drops in a tablespoonful of water are administered several times a day. Internally, the leaves are taken in the form of an infusion, 1 oz. of the leaves to 1 pint of boiling water.

Many claim that comfrey is so safe that anyone can use as much as they want any time. However, a few precautions are in order. Care should be taken when using Comfrey with very deep wounds as its rapid healing power can lead to tissue forming over the wound before it is healed deeper down, possibly leading to abscesses. Make sure that wounds are thoroughly cleaned and protected from infection.

Natural Anti-Depressants - St Johns Wort, Kava Kava And Lemon Balm

Depression is a much bigger and widespread problem than many would believe. It is estimated that more than 1 in 20 Americans will develop depression in the next 12 months but most sufferers attempt to hide the problem from friends, family and physicians. This makes it incredibly difficult to diagnose unless you are specifically looking for the symptoms. Most sufferers find it difficult to diagnose depression and often attribute it to "feeling a bit down". There is a big difference between feeling down and having depression. If you or someone close to you is suffering from depression it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible.

The Safe Use Of Natural Remedies

As well as psychological and medical treatment there are also a number of natural remedies that can help to eliminate or, at least, reduce stress and depression. Introducing these supplements, vitamins or nutrients into your diet it can be possible to avoid prolonged depression. Always check for interactions with any prescription drug you may be taking and, if necessary, consult your physician to ask their opinion of a particular natural remedy and whether you are safe to take it.

St Johns Wort

St Johns Wort is one of the most popular and effective of herbs to help combat depression. It has become increasingly popular over the last few years, as more and more people have been made aware of its effectiveness. St Johns Wort inhibits monoamine oxidase, a chemical within the human body that is known to encourage depression. However, St Johns Wort does much more than this. It can help to restore self-esteem, confidence and regular sleeping patterns making it not only useful for beating depression but restoring physical health as well. It also increases appetite and restores interest in life.

St Johns Wort is available in capsule, tea, tincture and oil form. There are some recorded precautions that need to be taken when considering taking St Johns Wort. Cases of photosensitivity in those with fair skin have been reported so care should be taken in the sun. You should also avoid combining St Johns Wort with cold and flu remedies as well as other prescription based anti depressants. Avoid using St Johns Wort if pregnant or breast-feeding.

Kava Kava

Kava Kava is another excellent product that can help to beat stress and anxiety. It is particularly effective in the battle against physical stress. Kava Kava promotes feelings of calm relaxation without the drowsiness that can be associated with prescription drugs and even other herbal remedies. Depending on the patient, feelings of euphoria and elation may also be experienced but this is experienced in the minority of cases.

Lemon Balm

Due to its calming aroma and effects, lemon balm is also popular as a herbal anti depressant. Lemon balm has been used for centuries as an antibacterial ointment and also as an infusion or a tea to help calm nerves and settle patients. Lemon balm can easily be grown in gardens throughout the world and by tearing the leaves, adding honey and hot water the perfect, natural relaxant can be made.

A Final Word On Natural Remedies

Nature produces many different herbs and more than a fare share of these can help with depression, stress and anxiety. While some care should always be taken regarding drug interactions and the misuse they are generally considered safe for regular consumption and use. If you are in any doubt then consult your physician; something you should definitely do if you are taking any form pf prescription drug.

 

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Lemon Balm Herb Speeds the Healing of Wounds, Relieves Pain and More

Have you ever heard of Melissa officinalis? It is the official name for the herb lemon balm but is also called bee balm, Melissa, sweet balm, and cure-all. Lemon balm is a member of the popular mint family from the Mediterranean region. Its leaves give off a strong lemon scent when rubbed. It's a hardy perennial that grows into a bush about 24 inches round and can be cut two or three times during a growing season. Lemon Balm looks very similar to mint, with light green, ridged leaves.

Though a native to southern Europe, lemon balm is now found growing throughout the world. The lemony smell and pretty white flowers of the lemon balm plant have led to its widespread cultivation in gardens. Its leaves, stems, and flowers have all been used for centuries. Quotes from literature as far back as the 1600's mention lemon balm by name, speaking of its power in exaggerated prose.

The tannins and polyphenols in lemon balm extracts are both antibacterial and antiviral. It has been used to help treat strep, mumps, and most notably, herpes. Creams and ointments that include lemon balm have helped to heal cold sores or genital sores induced by the herpes simplex virus. However, unlike prescription drugs, lemon balm doesn't cause unpleasant side effects like nausea, vomiting, and irregular menstruation. Its antiviral properties may be due to the caffeic acid and rosmarinic acid compounds it contains.

Lemon balm not only helps speed the healing of wounds, but also contains eugenol, a natural pain reliever. Studies have shown that the fragrance of the herb has a sedating effect, which lines up with its traditional use for treatment of nervous disorders such as chronic nervousness, anxiety, and slight insomnia. Lemon balm can be compared with mint in the soothing effect it has on the stomach and the positive effect it has on the digestive system. Its sedative properties is found specifically in some of the chemicals it contains in volatile oils, including citronellal and citrals A and B.

Extract from lemon balm has been administered intravenously to help normalize overactive thyroid function, particularly in those who have a hyperactive condition called Graves' disease. Phytochemicals in the herb are thought to keep the antibodies that cause Graves' disease and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) from attaching to thyroid gland receptors. Lemon balm may also help to block some of the secretion of the thyroid gland and its ability to release hormones in the body. Note: If you are currently on thyroid medication, taking lemon balm may cause interaction problems with your prescribed medications.

Lemon balm has been shown to help relax spasms affecting the smooth muscles (such as those in the uterus and intestines) in the body. It is therefore sometimes recommended for treatment of painful cramping caused by conditions such as premenstrual syndrome and irritable bowel syndrome. It may also improve memory and lengthen attention span in patients who suffer from Alzheimer's disease. Yet another case study showed the use of lemon balm in aromatherapy, applying or inhaling fragrances to affect the mood. One person shared they make floor cleaner by mixing three-parts water to one-part white vinegar, then add a few sprigs of crushed lemon balm. The fragrance masks the vinegar smell and the lemon may add some antiseptic qualities.

You can enjoy the benefits of lemon balm through many means, including creams, tablets, capsules, teas, tinctures, and extracts. The typical dosage is 1 teaspoon of the extract daily, or 1 1/2 teaspoons of tincture. You can also add 1 to 3 teaspoons of the dried lemon balm leaves to a cup of hot water to make a homemade tea. You can also add its dried leaves to the bath. Use it if you have difficulty sleeping or to reduce stomach problems such as flatulence, or bloating. For children, lemon balm may be used topically on cold sores. The dosage would be the same as the recommendations for this use in adults. For internal use, adjust the recommended adult dose to account for the child's weight (above based on 150 lb. adult.

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An Overview - Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms, Causes and Prevention

There is a misconception that arthritis has been causing trouble for hundreds of years but experts say it is actually a rather modern disease. There is, for example, very little evidence of arthritic damage found in human remains before the year 1700 and even in Egyptian mummified remains.

These days, however, arthritis incidents are on the rise, affecting millions of people around the world. In the United States alone, there are more than 40 million Americans who suffer from some form of arthritis and if no measures are taken to control it, the number of people affected by it may continue to rise.

Who Gets Arthritis?

Arthritis is not a gender-specific disease and it can affect people regardless of their race, location or socio-economic level. Anybody can get arthritis but it often appears in adults and older people. Arthritis affects not just humans but animals as well. Dogs in their older years, for example, have an increased risk of canine rheumatoid arthritis while older cats may develop feline arthritis. When this happens, it is often necessary that animals are placed under veterinary care and symptoms treated with medications and therapy.

Symptoms Of Arthritis

There are over 100 different types of arthritis and they are often characterized by swelling, stiffness and pain in the joints. In rheumatoid arthritis, for example, white blood cells can develop rapidly in the synovial membrane found in the cartilage of the joints and result in pain and inflammation, making it difficult to move the joint. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage becomes damaged, which may be replaced by painful bone outgrowths.

Common Types Of Arthritis

The most common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout. Almost all types of arthritis are noninfectious although there are some which may be spread.

Lyme disease, an inflammatory form that can be transmitted by tick bites, is spread through bacterial infection. If it's untreated, it can lead to inflammation of the joints, specifically the knees. This form, like other infectious arthritis types, can be cured with antibiotics.

Preventing Arthritis

Some forms of arthritis, such as gout and infectious arthritis, can be prevented through diet and care. Gout, for example, is often the result of excessive intake of foods containing uric acid, which result in the deposition of crystals in the joints. These crystals cause the pain and inflammation associated with this form of arthritis.

Diet And Arthritis

Maintaining a good diet is doubly beneficial for arthritis because it helps shed extra pounds and eases the pressure off the joints which helps relieve the pain. Avoiding certain foods, such as high-fat meats and organ meats have also shown some promise in relieving inflammation.

Aside from having a healthy diet, using supplements may also help. Vitamins, minerals and other supplements such as fish oils may be helpful in ensuring that the body is healthy. Antioxidants may also be used to encourage cell repair.

Is There A Cure For Arthritis?

Unless what you have is an infectious form, don't expect for a cure because none has been discovered yet. However, it can be treated and symptoms can be managed. Treatment consists of medications and therapy that will reduce the symptoms of arthritis and allow the patient better joint mobility and relieve pain, regardless of which area of the body is affected.

Most medications are in the form of pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs. Depending on the form of arthritis, drugs that retard the disease's progress may also be prescribed.

Treatment For Arthritis

Drugs are often prescribed to help relieve the symptoms often associated with arthritis, especially if they are severe. Physical therapy might also be used in order to improve mobility of the affected area, especially the knees, ankles, hands, neck and fingers.

Mild, low-impact exercises are preferable to heavy exercises because they are easier on the joints. Exercises such as yoga, tai chi and walking are beneficial. Water exercises are also an excellent option. For arthritis of the hands where the thumb and fingers are affected, special exercises may be performed regularly in order to maintain the hand's ability to flex.

An End To Pain?

Ending pain is often the goal of arthritis treatment. However, it doesn't have to be the only thing you should have in mind when dealing with arthritis. Effective treatment often goes beyond just providing relief when pain occurs. It is often a matter of addressing the problem at its roots and not just performing corrective measures when the problems begin. This is why it's important for patients to know that managing arthritis is not just about stopping pain but also preventing it.

 

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