Garlic - My Favorite Healing Herb

Garlic is a wonderful healing herb and, unlike many of the other herbs, it tastes great and can be incorporated into a variety of meals. Garlic has been used for over 5000 years as a healing herb and has strong antibacterial, and antiviral properties. But it’s health benefits extend well beyond it’s infection fighting properties. It is also reputed to help lower cholesterol and blood pressure as well as help protect against heart disease and stroke.

And the benefits of garlic don't stop there. A recent study has shown that taking a garlic supplement once a day can reduce the risk of getting a cold by 50% and help you gain a speedy recovery if you do happen to catch one. In fact, I tried this out recently when I felt a sore throat coming on – I toasted a piece of bread and added some raw crushed garlic to it. It was a bit pungent but I woke up the next day good as new! Aside from colds, garlic has historically been used as a remedy for infections, athletes foot, worms, respiratory ailments, some cancers of the stomach, colic, ear aches, bladder problems and high blood pressure.

Garlic is jut plain good for you too! it is loaded with vitamins and minerals including Vitamin A, B and C, selenium, potassium, calcium, zinc and magnesium. But in order to reap the benefits, you must prepare it in a certain way. Researcher say it is the allicin that is released when garlic is crushed. If you are trying to serve yourself a garlic herbal remedy by adding garlic to your foods then make sure you crush it a bit ahead of time and don't add until the final 5 minutes of cooking. This will give the allicin enough time to develop and will insure you don't cook all the garlic health out of it.


Cooked garlic will not have as much benefit as raw and whole garlic cloves have little benefit at all. Another way to incorporate garlic into your meals without cooking is to make a garlic bread where you crush the gloves into a paste and toast bread - butter the toasted bread and spread the garlic on it - Yum!


Garlic can have an affect on blood clotting, so don't start taking supplements unless you discuss it with your physician first especially if you are on blood thinning medication or due to have surgery in the near future.

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Oregano Is More Than A Kitchen Herb

Oregano can be used for many things other than just a kitchen herb, and its medicinal uses are well documented in both Chinese and Western medicine. Before looking at the medicinal uses, however, a quick review of the herb itself and the active ingredients, will provide some of the theoretical information needed to understand these uses.
Oregano is also called pot marjoram, and is native to Europe; mainly the Mediterranean areas of Southern Europe, and also to central and southern Asia. It can be grown in most temperate climates and has a place in most herb gardens in the western world. Like many such plants, it is high in flavonoids that are well known for their antioxidant properties. It also possesses antibacterial properties that render the herb useful in the preservation of foods.

Used by the Chinese in the treatment of gastric problems, jaundice, vomiting and fever, oregano also contains the monoterpene phenol known as thymol that has strong antiseptic properties, and its isomer, carvacrol, another antibiotic that acts synergistically with thymol to increase the antibacterial effect of both. The ingredients of oregano oil are very similar to those found in thyme, which is used medicinally for much the same type of conditions as oregano.

Oregano extracts have been used for centuries to treat a variety of conditions such as those above that can be caused by microbial action, and also other conditions relating to the digestive, respiratory and immune systems. The overuse of prescription drugs for fairly common respiratory and digestive problems has resulted in the over-prescription of antibiotics. People tend to rush to their doctors at the first signs of a cough or a sneeze, and in the current litigious society, the physicians are loathe telling their patients the truth: that they are overreacting, and that they do not require antibiotics for their treatment.

Should the patient’s condition worsen the doctors find themselves at the receiving end of a massive claim for damages because the patient has had to take a few more days of work than they should have. Perhaps a slight exaggeration, but there is no doubt whatsoever that certain medications are being prescribed when there is no need, simply so that the physician cannot be accused of making the wrong call and the resultant financial cost that would ensue.

Hence, many respiratory and gastrointestinal problems are becoming more common, because they are becoming increasingly resistant to the common penicillin clones that are normally used to treat them. Natural remedies are becoming more popular because they are now becoming more effective than the more ‘traditional’ pharmaceutical antibiotics. Oregano oil is one of those that contain at least two very effective antibiotic and antimicrobial substances that act synergistically to help cure many bacterial digestive and respiratory problems.

Throat infections, pneumonia and diseases of the trachea and other upper respiratory infections are generally bacterial infections, and doctors and researchers are increasingly seeking more effective drugs to which the bacteria have not developed resistance. Wild oregano is one of these that have been described by ancient civilizations over 5 millennia ago as being suitable cures for heart and lung conditions, and also snake bites and other wounds.

Oregano oil is once again receiving prominence in the search for alternative cures to which bacteria have not become resistant. Thymol and carvacrol can aid digestion and also calm upset stomachs. Oregano combats digestive problems caused by bacteria and also reduces intestinal gas and similar general conditions. Many other plants have similar properties, such as thyme and marjoram, that share similar constituents, and it is likely its effect in suppressing microbial activity that renders oregano so effective in treating these problems.

Oregano extract is available in the form of Oil of Oregano for the treatment of these conditions, or the herb itself can be used in cooking and in salads. It is very aromatic and goes with practically any type of salad.

Its effect on respiratory problems is also likely due to the antibacterial action of the thymol and carvacrol. Oregano oil has also been found effective in treating toothache, earache and relieving the itch of insect bites. It contains a number of minerals, such as manganese, copper, iron, zinc, potassium and calcium, essential in human biochemistry, and vitamins A and C that are strong antioxidants. The effect of oregano in helping to support the immune system through its antioxidant effect is also likely to be a significant factor in its curative properties for so many diseases and infections.

Not only is it effective in killing off some campylobacter and staphylococcus infections, to name only two, but it has also been shown to be a potent agent in killing off the common amoeba Giardia lamblia, that causes flatulence, vomiting, diarrhea and other problems of the digestive tract. This could explain some of its curative effects for many gastrointestinal conditions.

Other uses are for the treatment of yeast, fungus and parasitic infections, such as candida, although you must make sure that in using oregano, you are using it in the right form. The oregano you use must be the oily extract, because dried oregano has few health benefits apart from its mineral content, and the oregano you buy from local store will not be the same.

If you are finding it difficult to throw off a bacterial infection, in spite of prescribed antibiotics, give oregano oil a try. Bacteria, yeasts and fungi do not become resistant to it, and you might be pleasantly surprised with the ease with you have resolved your problem. The same is true of any persistent digestive problem you might have. That could be due to amoeba (if serious), bacteria or parasites, and oregano can deal with each of these. It will not kill off all bacteria or parasites, but you will have a better chance of overcoming the bacteria by using it than if you didn’t try it.

Oregano is definitely more than a kitchen herb, and in fact it probably has more medicinal uses that culinary ones. Although you should seek the advice of your physician if you are pregnant, there are few side effects and it is well worth trying if you are finding it difficult to throw off your condition or infection. Oregano Oil extract is available at your local or internet health food store.

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Black Cohosh Herb

Black Cohosh is a herb native to North America and it has long been used to relieve "women's problems".

It is a member of the buttercup family and is sometimes known as bugbane, squawroot, rattle root or black snakeroot. It grows up to 2.5 metres high and has tall stalks of fluffy white flowers. The gnarled black root is the part of the plant that's used. It's dried, ground to a powder and sold in capsule form.

It all seems too good to be true, but it's been used for centuries and it's one of the main ingredients in Lydia Pinkham's Vegetable Compound, popular as a women's tonic in the USA in the early 20th century, which is still available today.

If you have a medical condition, then speak to your doctor before using Black Cohosh or any supplements. Do not use Black Cohosh whilst pregnant or breastfeeding. Be aware it could interfere with hormonal medicines, particularly the contraceptive pill. If you're taking medication for blood pressure, then, once again consult your doctor before using it, it can reduce blood pressure and it may cause yours to drop too low.

Having taken all that into account, if you're looking for some help to see you through menopause symptoms without resorting to chemical HRT, then Black Cohosh is known to help with hot flushes, sweating and vaginal dryness. It works by reducing the hormone that is produced in the pituitary gland that is thought to be the cause of hot flushes.

Black Cohosh has an anti-spasmodic effect, which means it can help with menstrual cramps. It works by increasing the blood flow to the uterus and reducing the intensity of the contractions. Likewise it may help during labor and after childbirth.

Black Cohosh has anti-inflammatory effects and it can treat nerve related pain such as sciatica or neuralgia.

For menopausal or Pre Menstrual Syndrome (PMS) symptoms, take 40 mg twice a day. For PMS, begin treatment 7 to 10 days before you menstruate. For cramps, take 40 mg 3 or 4 times a day as needed. Consult your doctor regarding the time to take it for labor pains. It can be taken any time of the day, but it may cause stomach upsets, so it's best to take it with food. Allow four to eight weeks to see a benefit for menopausal symptoms. It's safe to take for long periods.

There are no known toxic effects. A very high dose can cause nausea, vomiting, reduced pulse rate and headaches. Stick to the recommended dosages. Find a supplement that contains 2.5% of triterpenes, which is the active ingredient.

Black Cohosh is also used as a compress for sore muscles and aching joints. Boil the root in water for 20 minutes, let it cool and apply to the affected area and cover with a clean cloth for about 20 minutes.

Black Cohosh is a marvel of nature. If you're female, there's some point in your life when it's going to be of use.

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Purslane - A Therapeutic Herb

Introduction

In ancient Greece, Portulaca Oleracea or Purslane Herb was regarded as an important medicinal herb for treatment of fever, female disorders, stomach aches, hemorrhoids, and for the healing of wounds by Hippocrates, the renowned father of medicine. Purslane herb was later considered as a “cold” herb around the 17th century and was an important ingredient in a prescribed fresh salad comprising basil, rocket, cress, and garlic to combat "the common cold."

Purslane is today known as a beneficial juicy herb found as a weed throughout the world. Purslane is commonly used as a potherb or as an ingredient for salads. Purslane has been recently identified as an excellent source of alpha-linolenic acid. Alpha-linolenic is an omega-3 fatty acid, also known as fish oil. This crucial content in Purslane herb plays an important role in human growth, development and preventing diseases. Moreover, this fatty acid cannot be synthesized by humans and therefore has to be ingested.

Modern medical research also claims that Purslane herb is five times richer in omega-3 fatty acids than spinach, and is high in vitamin C also.


Characteristics of Purslane Herb

Overall Appearance:

• This herb is a trailing annual with reddish, fleshy stems whose ends will form roots when they come in contact with the ground. Cultivated Purslane also known as Pusley & Verdolaga grows about 3 inches high and 12 to 18 inches wide.

Leaves

• The fleshy leaves are long, oval or spoon shaped and about 1/2 to 2 inches long.

• Purslane has small, oblong, green leaves, which form clusters. Leaves are usually in clusters of 5 or 6 and are delicate and juicy.

• The leaf has a central fibrous channel or stem extension, without pronounced branching of side channels.

• The leaves have a mild flavor.

Stem

• The stem is round and smooth, and it trails along the ground like a small vine.

• Young plants have a green stem but as the plant matures the stems take on reddish tints. Creeping stems are reddish brown, about 10 inches long, with frequent branching

Flowers

• Flowers are 1/4 inch long and a brilliant yellow in colour with 5 petals, which contain miniscule round black seeds.

Benefits and Uses of Purslane Herb:

Purslane herb presents a wide variety of therapeutic uses and each part of the herb is consumable and beneficial. Here is a compilation of the known benefits and uses of Purslane herb that is widely used the world over:


Key Benefits:

• Purslane is known as an excellent source of vitamins A, C and E and the essential amino acids. Reports describe Purslane as a “power food of the future” because of its high nutritive and antioxidant properties.

• Purslane leaves contain Omega-3 fatty acid which regulate the body’s metabolic activities. Purslane herb is known to have one of the highest known concentrations of Omega-3 fatty acid in any plant.

• The stems of Purslane herb are known to be high in vitamin C.


Therapeutic Uses:

• Purslane is widely used as a potherb in Mediterranean, central European and Asian countries.

• Purslane is also widely used as an ingredient in a green salad. Tender stems and leaves are usually eaten raw, alone or with other greens. They are also cooked or pickled for consumption.

• Purslane is used in various parts of the world to treat burns, headaches, stomach, intestinal and liver ailments, cough, shortness of breath and arthritis.

• Purslane herb has also been used as a purgative, cardiac tonic, emollient, muscle relaxant, and in anti-inflammatory and diuretic treatments.

• Purslane is popularly preserved for winter by pickling Purslane in apple cider vinegar with garlic cloves and peppercorns.

• Purslane appears among a list of herbs considered to help benefit conditions such as osteoporosis and psoriasis.


How to grow Purslane?

Here are some simple tips that may come handy to grow the Purslane herb in ideal conditions:

• April to August is the ideal season to sow the seeds when frost does not pose a threat.

• Press the seeds into the surface of the soil and leave uncovered. Roots can also develop on parts of existing plants that are inserted into the soil. In fairly moist soil, two or three successive plantings can be made.

• Keep the herb well watered always. Thin the seedlings to 10cm apart and when they reach 5-7cm in height cut them back close to the ground. The seeds germinate very quickly.

• Purslane can also be grown in a container. Purslane prefers the sun and sandy soil for growth. One must water these herbs during dry spells and feed lightly once in a while.

• It is important to note that it is ideal to consume Purslane when it is young. The flavor apparently deteriorates as it starts to bloom.

• Purslane grows well at day or night temperatures of 27 or 22oC and when days are long (16 hours).

• Purslane can also be used as rotation crop when gardening as they bring up subsoil minerals and protect against many insects.

• Because of its inherent ability to tolerate different light intensities, temperature ranges and soil types. Purslane is ideal for home gardens and provides a ready supply of greens for the salad.

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Basil The Sweet Herb

Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Basil is my favorite of all the herbs because it is so versatile and easy to grow. Those of you who follow my recipes site will know that I like to grow my own herbs and as basil is normally ready to eat just 6-weeks after planting I naturally use it often.

Basil is an attractive annual, about 18 inches (450 mm) tall with light-green, fairly broad leaves. There are several species of cultivated basil, one having purple leaves, so it is also a decorative plant in your garden.

Basil grows easily from seed planted after all danger of frost has passed. Pinch stems when the plant reaches 18 inches (450 mm) tall to promote bushy, compact growth. Avoid lush growth as it may reduce the flavor.

Green leaves can be picked about 6 weeks following planting. It is best to cut leaves for drying just before flowers open. However, if you can use fresh the taste is far better and it is also an extra vegetable to compliment a healthy diet.

Spicy-scented basil leaves are one of the most popular of all herbs used in cooking. There are two particular ways I like to use basil; the first, and most common, is to mix it with pine nuts and a little garlic, a splash of balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil in a blender to make Pesto. Pesto can be kept for a few days in the refrigerator. Use about 90% basil to 10% pine nuts.

The other way I like using basil is with freshly picked tomatoes, sliced, drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkled with chopped basil. This dish can be served alone as an appetizer or as part of a salad.

The other great thing about basil is that you should grow one basil plant between each tomato plant in your garden. The plants compliment each other and the basil acts as a deterrent to many of the bugs that like tomato. It never fails to amaze me the way nature has a habit of making complimentary plants that together protect each other in growth and them compliment each other on the table.

Top chef's use basil with all tomato dishes, whether cooked or raw. The other thing to remember about using olive oil is that it is an omega 3 oil and very good at promoting "good" cholesterol.

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Ma Huang - Chinese Herb

Ma Huang, the native-Chinese herb used in fat-burning supplements and also known as Ephedra, has been used as a natural treatment for a variety of illnesses spanning the past five thousand years. Early ailments treated by products of the Ma Huang plant include allergies, asthma, and related wheezing, coughing, fevers and colds. Although more prevalent in China, several species of Ma Huang are also found in North America, particularly in Utah.

The Ma Huang plant is an evergreen shrub that grows to an average of 50 cm tall and is native to desert regions in the countries where it can be found. Characterized by its variety of colors, the shrub has tiny leaves that remain green only briefly and tough yet flexible stems. Dependant upon the particular species, Ma Huang shrubs can display colors including green, yellow, red, or brown-gray.

Ma Huang works as a stimulant. Biologically similar to methamphetamines, the substance derived from this plant has an effect similar to Epinephrine, only far stronger. A variety of stories concerning the use of Ma Huang exist in folklore, including its use by guards of Genghis Khan as a way to remain awake while on duty, and the consumption by early Mormons in Utah as a replacement for caffeine-loaded coffee and tea.

Because of the highly powerful stimulant reaction caused by derivatives of Ma Huang, herbal practitioners recommend use of the entire stem rather than extracts. Ephedrine extracted from Ma Huang is known to cause elevations to blood pressure and heart rate, while the effects of consumption of the entire stem are far milder. Beyond use as a stimulant, Ma Huang is also known for its mood elevating properties as well as its potential to speed weight loss by affecting the body’s metabolic rate through appetite suppression.

Ephedra is most popular is modern-day herbal medicine as a dietary supplement used by patients seeking mild to extreme weight loss. Most effective in individuals who already experience lower basal metabolic rates, Ephedra stimulates the body’s fat burning ability while taking away feelings of hunger. The resulting weight loss is often very welcome, but care should be taken to limit the rate of lost weight to a healthy level.

Although usage in moderation can have a positive impact on your health, Ma Huang is not without side effects. Because of its primary purpose as a stimulant, Ma Huang can cause sleeplessness and insomnia, although these symptoms will clear quickly after discontinuing use or adjusting dosage. Anyone suffering from problems related to blood pressure and heart disease should use with great caution, as Ma Huang can lead to dangerously high blood pressure and heart rates. Finally, because of its interaction with the body’s metabolic process, Ma Huang can lead to feelings of nervousness and anxiety and lead to dry mouth, headache and tremors.

The use of Ephedra or Ephedrine was banned by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States in 2004 due to an increase in adverse reactions and even several deaths reportedly caused by its ingestion. Following additional research into both the benefits and detriments of the use of Ma Huang, a Federal District Court overruled the ban in 2005, but set into place a provision that limits dosage to 10 mg or less. As with any drug or dietary supplement, use Ma Huang carefully and upon consultation with your doctor.

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Ganoderma

Let us see if Ganoderma which has been discribed as the "miracle herb" can help you with your health regime.

Ganoderma is a type of mushroom that has been know to the far east for thousands of years for its meraculous medicinal properties.

These mushrooms are regarded as "Spirit Medicine" by the Chinese as they are among the most powerful herbs in Asia.

Chinese medicine has used Ganoderma for over 4000 years and was highly prized as an elixir of immortality.

Research has been done by both Chinese and Western scholars in recent years and with analysis and clinical experiments done by colleges, hospitals and pharmaceutical manufacturers its potency is finally coming to light.

So how can Ganoderma help you?

Well here is a list of what Ganoderma can do for you!

* It an anti-inflammatory

* detixicant

* diuretic

* liver protector

* increases energy levels

* intestine regulator

* increases libido

* helps with sleep disorders

* cardiotonic

* blood pressure

* antitussive

* hemocatheresisis and expectorant

* tranquillizer

* helps protect against tumor activity

Ganoderma is a traditional tonic used to nourish,tonify and supplement the whole body as it removes toxins and disperses accumulation.

It has even been know to help some people with hair regeneration!

Ganoderma has also been know to re-activate the pancreas to secrete insulin in some type 2 diabetes sufferers.

Ganoderma can also function as an insulin. Whereas taking insulin ordinarily will not do this and in fact may accelerate the

aging of the organ. Ganoderma will help retard its ageing with no adverse side affects.


Ganoderma contains a veritable pharmacy of substances which can also help with the immune system by enhancing production of antibodies,T-cell,macrophages which are the bodies most powerful defense against cancer.


Scientific evidence shows that Ganoderma counteracts damage caused to the immune system by radiation therapy including anti-tumor activity. It protects bone marrow cells against free radicals generatged by X-rays.

Ganoderma can be taken long term without any side effects.

So to answer the question "Can it help you?"

Without a doubt I believe it can help you as part of an overall health plan along with diet and exercise.

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Herbal Medicine

Herbal Medicine is the use of botanicals (plants) either alone or in combination to prevent and treat certain ailments and illnesses. Singularly or in combination, the numbers of herbs available is astounding. There are over a half million known herbs that could be used as possible remedies.

Herbal remedies around the globe vary in strength from very mild, gentle remedies that we even use as food, to potential poisons if taken at the wrong dose. The old adage that, "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" could not be more true. This is especially true when it comes to natural remedies.

People native to different geographical locations have long used plants and plant extracts to cure specific maladies.

Sometimes the use of herbs is referred to as "folk" medicine. Folk use of herbal remedies is familiar to all of us in some form or another, because this is how these remedies are learned. Remedies and recipes for herbal teas are handed down from generation to generation and are still remembered and used to this day. Unfortunately, that is what fuels the fire of the scientific community and their disdain. It really is their loss, because generations of experience and knowledge should not be so readily dismissed. In fact, many of our modern medicines have their roots in herbal medicine.

With all our so-called advancements in the medical field, it’s interesting that physicians are still treating "effect" rather than "cause."

Thankfully, the current changes in the world toward traditional remedies is changing for the better.

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