Chinese Herbs for Diabetes

In Chinese Medicine, diabetes is considered to be a condition of disharmony in the body called Wasting and Thirsting Syndrome. Diabetics can often experience symptoms of severe thirst and hunger while losing weight. The ancient Chinese noticed these tendencies, and identified the condition according to its external symptoms, in spite of the fact that they could not determine a person’s blood sugar levels at the time. There are many Chinese herbs that have been traditionally used for Wasting and Thirsting Syndrome. The beneficial effects of these herbs for diabetics are now being borne out by modern research being done in China.

One Chinese herb that shows promise in the treatment of diabetes in called mai men dong or ophiopogon. Research done in China has demonstrated that it can potentially stimulate regeneration of cells in the Islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. The cells in this part of the pancreas are responsible for the proper production of insulin, and therefore the proper processing of blood sugar in the body. Stimulating regeneration of these cells can potentially reverse diabetes in adult-onset diabetics.

Another Chinese herb that shows promise for people with high blood sugar is tian hua fen or trichosanthis. Tian hua fen has been shown to reduce blood sugar levels in Chinese research studies. It is very commonly used in herbal formulas for diabetics. Other commonly used herbs include astragalus and Chinese wild yam.

An Asian vegetable which is also used as an herb, called bittermelon, or momordica charantia, has also been shown to lower blood sugar levels in diabetics in studies done in China and in Thailand. This vegetable also may have antibacterial and antiviral properties. In Asia, it is being considered as a potential treatment for AIDS, HIV, and hepatitis C.

There are also other Chinese herbs that can be useful for the many symptoms associated with diabetes. The Chinese herbal formula Ming Mu Di Huang Wan is used in China for the vision problems that diabetics often experience. Other herbs can be used to improve blood circulation and stimulate healing. This can be very beneficial since diabetics often heal more slowly from cuts, wounds, and other injuries and also because they tend to have poorer circulation. Many of these herbs may be beneficial for diabetic neuropathy. Diabetics often have nerve pain or uncomfortable nerve sensations that can be alleviated with the use of herbs. Acupuncture can be beneficial for this as well.

As you can see, although the ancient Chinese could not easily monitor blood sugar levels in diabetics, many of the herbal treatments they used for people who exhibited the symptoms of this condition are being shown to be effective in modern research trials in other countries.

If you are diabetic and you are taking medication to control your blood sugar levels, it is best to have your blood sugar monitored while taking these herbs, and have your doctor adjust the dosage of your medications accordingly, so your blood sugar doesn’t drop too drastically. It is likely that you will eventually be able to taper off of the herbs and medication, until you can control your disease primarily through diet and exercise.


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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Farah_Khan

History of the Thai Herbal Compress

For centuries the Thai people have been using dried herbs to treat many different aliments in the body. One of the best types of treatments for muscle and soft tissue pain is used in the form of a herbal compress. For centuries this ball was typically used on soldiers returning from battle to get immediate responses to inflammation from wounds and injuries. It was also used for treating soreness and pain from tired, achy muscles and joints.

Now, they are used in many forms around the world. In north America we typically see them being used for personal use as home remedies for treatment of small wounds, inflamed joints or even menstrual cramps.

For years spas in Europe and more recently in North America, have been using the power of the herbal compress to lure clients into an ancient world of the past, surrounding them with rich enticing aromas and deep moist heat that alleviate stress from everyday living.

Massage clinics have also started treating clients with the herbal compress, using them in Thai massage treatments. This is great for the removal of toxins during inflammation, improving muscle tone tension, and easing aches and pains from many conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia and soft tissue injuries.

In Thailand the typical compress is created using traditional herbs commonly grown in Thailand. These herbs have both medicinal and aesthetic uses and are absorbed into the body through the skin and nose. Of course the herbs themselves can be ingested as well but when used in a compress there is no need for ingestion. All three methods allow the medicinal properties of the herbs to have profound effects in body.

A poultice is similar to the compress but is usually used as a home remedy. To make a poultice for home, one would need the herb or substance of choice, say oatmeal, place it on a square of material, wrap it up, heat it, and place it on the area for relief. Some poultices can be used for extended periods, for example the Castor oil wrap. These types of wraps can be left on over night and kept in the fridge or freezer for future use.

Prepackaged compress balls are great for use in spas or clinics. They can be purchased in a multitude of recipes but the basic Thai compress can treat a variety of conditions. Typically, they are steamed and applied to the client either on the skin directly or through the clothes.

Some spas use the compress in their heated body treatments that involve massage techniques, and oil. In clinics, the massage therapist would press the heated compress into the muscle belly and over the joints allowing the heat and the herbs to be absorbed deeply into the tissue. When being steamed the pouch reveals an intense and pleasing aroma that is inhaled through the nose while breathing deeply during the treatment.

This ancient treatment tool has come a long way. The herbal compress is becoming a staple in homes and professional settings around the world. It's has many uses and the affects are amazing!


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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Lana_Cummings

How To Use Natural Herbs For Healing

With cold and flu season coming up, many of us would benefit from using a vapor bath to help open the sinuses and facial pores. To start, place the herbal mixture you have chosen into a pot of boiling water and let it steep (covered) for about 10 minutes.

Make a tent with a towel over your face and neck and put your face down over the uncovered pot. Be careful; you certainly don't want to get scalded! If the steam is too hot, you can wait a short time and try again or add some cold water. Breathe deeply and enjoy!

Adding herbs to your bath water can be therapeutic. Make sure the bath is warm enough to be comfortable (somewhere around 90 degrees is recommended). You can choose sea salt, herbs, or a combination of the two. If you would like to add herbs, one way to introduce them to the water is to hang tea bags under the spout as the water fills up the tub. Herbs can also be added to water for a refreshing foot bath.

When using herbs, it is important to educate yourself about the different properties associated with different kinds, to ensure that you will get the benefit you are seeking from whatever herb or combination you choose. Check that the herbs you choose are pesticide free. Be sure that you are using natural products in a safe manner; some of them are safe to be used on the skin but will cause illness (or worse) if ingested. In the beginning, it would be prudent to experiment with just one herb at a time. If you have an adverse reaction, you will at least know which type of herb you are allergic to.

When starting out, a good choice is to work with the Aloe Vera plant. Known as the "healing plant", the juice from the leaves of the Aloe Vera can be applied to any kind of skin condition. It is especially useful to take the sting out of burns including sunburns.

These hardy plants can be grown at home by even the brownest thumb. They are very easy to use: simply peel off one of the leaves from the base of the plant and tear or cut it open. It's the "juice" inside that you will want to apply to your skin. The most convenient way to accomplish this is to simply squeeze it directly onto the skin irritation. No special preparation is required and the stinging will stop very quickly. The properties contained in Aloe Vera also help the skin heal quickly.

As you get to know more about herbs, you will be able to add to your repertoire of applications for them. Perhaps you will start your own herb garden!


www.health-nature-wellness.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Gregg_Hall

Organic Herb Gardening

Organic herb gardening is especially for them, who does not have right amount of time to spend in growing garden. Well, many grow organic herb gardening because they are new in gardening field. Organic herb gardening is good experience for those people, who wants to start with. Let's suppose, you do not have enough space or area, then it would be advisable to grow organic herb garden. It does not require more space then, a one room. Well, it is famous and popular amongst people, hobby of growing organic herb garden. It is much simpler and most easy to follow, as children can also get involved in it and can grow good organic herb garden.

aturally growing herb gardening. Having hobby of growing herb garden is calculated as an organic method. It will help you out to grow your favorite herbs in your garden, which will result in good recipes. It will ultimately result in good flavors.

It is not at all expensive to grow organic herb garden. You will find your local garden having all required herbs grown available with you itself. You can easily start growing organic herb garden and you will find all required supplies present with you. It is too easy and simple work of growing herbs. At same time, it is too satisfying especially for the home hobby gardener. There is nothing so rewarding and satisfying to get your own herb. You just need to go out and pluck out your own fresh herbs, which can add flavor to your favorite dishes. Through organic herb gardening, it is necessary to plant, which is used at right appropriate time on your requirement.

Now, question arises what are different herbs grown. Herbs play too important and vital character in any dish. It adds much more value to your dish. Well, herbs are not only calculated as aesthetic but it will also add wonderful fragrance in your gardens. There are many different varieties in herbs, which can be grown. Okay, let's start with particular type of cooking like Thai or Italian.

Well, the herbs added in these foods are known as culinary herbs. Why don't you do investigate and get different type of herbs, which can be grown in your garden. You will start using your home grown herbs from your own place or herb garden. Then, you will realize, a vast difference in flavor as well as fragrance of food.


www.herbgardeningonline.info
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com Robert_Grazian