Cholesterol lowering herbsare the way to go, and they are some of the best things you can use for lowering cholesterol naturally. Of all the cholesterol lower supplements, the herbs for high cholesterol and herbal medicine for cholesterol will be the most effective and you will find that there are many cholesterol lowering herbs that you can take for lowering cholesterol naturally. Some of the best herbs for high cholesterol are: -
Alfalfa leaf contains a broad spectrum of nutrients, including considerable quantities of protein, trace mineral and vitamins, dietary fiber and chlorophyll, which serves as an antioxidant in the bloodstream. The deep root system absorbs minerals from the soil resulting in a plant rich in vitamins and minerals and a great source of fiber and protein. Alfalfa leaf is rich in protein and vitamins A, D, E, and K. Alfalfa extract is a good source of chlorophyll and carotene. It is important to insist on certified organic alfalfa, since the plant concentrates cadmium, copper, lead, nickel, and zinc when it is grown in contaminated soils. The leaves contain eight essential amino acids. Alfalfa sprouts are a staple of salads and contain nutrients, but the leaves hold the best healing potential.
Alfalfa is not recommended as primary treatment for any condition, alfalfa is a tonic herb, one that supports health by nourishing the body. Alfalfa is of special interest to women because of its estrogenic activity. Chemicals in alfalfa called saponins can help lower blood cholesterol (by impeding intestinal absorption) without affecting heart-healthy HDL cholesterol.
Preparation Methods & Dosage :Alfalfa can be taken in capsules, teas or eaten as fresh raw sprouts that have been rinsed thoroughly to remove mold. Alfalfa tea is mild and good tasting, and blends well with many other tonic herbs like nettle, mints, and citrus.
Herbalists consider apples to be cleansing and tonic to the liver and kidneys. The best of the medicinal compounds are contained in the apple peel, so buy organic whenever possible and always wash thoroughly.
Apple cider vinegar is such a useful and versatile substance, truly no household should be without it. You can't go wrong with something that is good to eat, prevents hair loss, softens skin, and cleans and disinfects the bathroom to boot. When it is made from whole, crushed apples vinegar contains all the nutrition of apples, with some added enzymes and amino acids formed by fermentation. The mother of all home remedies for arthritisis 2 to 3 tablespoons of ACV mixed with honey every day. This simple remedy has so much anecdotal evidence of its benefit that I can think of no reason for anyone with arthritis not to try it. If nothing else cut down on calories by substituting a fresh vinaigrette salad dressing with herbs for the calorie laden, bottled kind to help increase weight loss. Vinegar is often touted for its alkalizing, effect as a balance to the many acid producing foods we tend to overeat, like meats and grains. There is some disagreement over whether vinegar, which is an acidic substance, makes the body more acidic, which acts to prevent food poisoning by killing harmful bacteria, 1 or whether it indeed has alkalizing, effect on the body. In any case, there is wide agreement that two or three tablespoons of vinegar as a daily tonic works to decrease inflammation, increase metabolism, and may help to alleviate the crippling pain of arthritis.
The entire apple tree is useful in home and herbal medicine. In addition to the fruit of the apple tree, its bark, flowers, and leaves all have healthy properties. Herbalists use the apple tree much like its cousin the rose, for its astringent properties. The inner bark of the apple tree as well as blossoms are an astringent tonic, and can be used as an infusion for sore throats. The wild crab apple tree is considered better than modern cultivators for use in herbal medicine.
Preparation Methods & Dosage :Eat organic apples! To help bulk up watery stools, bake an apple pie with the peel on, or make some homemade apple sauce. Vinegar is used to preserve herbs, and herbs add healthy properties and taste to the vinegar. Strive for two tablespoons of vinegar a day in your diet. Add vinegar to baths and hair rinses. You can use vinegar for most everyday cleaning tasks. It is naturally anti-fungal and leaves the bathroom, windows, and glass ware clean and shiny. The best way to clean fresh produce is a solution of one part vinegar to three parts cold water, which removes 98 percent of the bacteria. Combine vinegar with baking soda, add a few drops of antibacterial essential oils and you can clean just about anything.
Medicinal Uses of Artichoke leaves Teas and extracts made from the leaves of the artichoke plant are a traditional tonic for the liver and gallbladder. Both laboratory and clinical studies strongly suggest artichoke leaf extract to be a good therapeutic option in dyspeptic syndrome. (irritable stomach, nervous gastropathy, flatulence, irritable colon, functional biliary tract disease) 2 In Europe the plant is widely used to treatarteriosclerosis and lower cholesterol. Several studies have hinted at the ability of artichoke extract to lower lipid levels. It works by affecting cholesterol synthesis in the liver at several points in the synthetic pathway and by increasing the elimination of cholesterol.
Asafoetida is useful as a digestive spice that has the additional benefit of lowering cholesterol and reducing gas. The pungent oil can be using to repel insects. Asafoetida was one of the most commonly prescribed herbs in the 19th century in the treatment of hysteria and for many symptoms associated with mood swings and depression,or in ayurvedic terms "Aesafetida is a grounding herb that can therefore balance an overactive, over emotional, turbulent system".
Alfalfa Medicago sativa
Alfalfa leaf contains a broad spectrum of nutrients, including considerable quantities of protein, trace mineral and vitamins, dietary fiber and chlorophyll, which serves as an antioxidant in the bloodstream. The deep root system absorbs minerals from the soil resulting in a plant rich in vitamins and minerals and a great source of fiber and protein. Alfalfa leaf is rich in protein and vitamins A, D, E, and K. Alfalfa extract is a good source of chlorophyll and carotene. It is important to insist on certified organic alfalfa, since the plant concentrates cadmium, copper, lead, nickel, and zinc when it is grown in contaminated soils. The leaves contain eight essential amino acids. Alfalfa sprouts are a staple of salads and contain nutrients, but the leaves hold the best healing potential.
Alfalfa is not recommended as primary treatment for any condition, alfalfa is a tonic herb, one that supports health by nourishing the body. Alfalfa is of special interest to women because of its estrogenic activity. Chemicals in alfalfa called saponins can help lower blood cholesterol (by impeding intestinal absorption) without affecting heart-healthy HDL cholesterol.
Preparation Methods & Dosage :Alfalfa can be taken in capsules, teas or eaten as fresh raw sprouts that have been rinsed thoroughly to remove mold. Alfalfa tea is mild and good tasting, and blends well with many other tonic herbs like nettle, mints, and citrus.
APPLE MALUS DOMESTICA
Avocados are a favorite food because of the high fat content that gives them such a creamy, luscious flavor. This puts some dieters off, it shouldn't. Most of the fat contained in avocados is monounsaturated fat, about 75 percent in a typical avocado. The fruit also has more potassium than bananas and is rich in B vitamins, Vitamin E and Vitamin K. There are some recent studies that confirm avocados role in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels, adding to the long list of reasons to enjoy this luscious, medicinal food.
Avocado oil is dark green, very rich, thick and moisturizing to dry skin. It's many healthy properties explain avocados popularity in homemade skin masks and skin treatments and avocado oil is also great in salad dressings. The high fat content makes this oil a bit unstable so store away from heat and light, refrigeration is recommended.
Avocado oil combined with soy, or avocado soybean unsaponifiables is also available as a supplement. (ASU) supplements have shown benefits for osteoarthritis of the knee, with patients experiencing less pain and stiffness in clinical trials. Two clinical studies found that the combination significantly improved functional disability and pain.3 There is a delayed onset of action, which could frustrate those looking for quick relief. You may be able to reap some of the same benefits by including more avocado and soy in your diet, as well you should, but the supplements do provide a concentrated source.
Preparation Methods & Dosage :Avocado oil is used in skin care and as a salad and vegetable oil. Avocados are one of the most popular home skin treatments.
The old folks really knew a good thing when they saw it. "An apple a day keeps the doctor away"; this humble fruit can help prevent two of the major lifestyle diseases of modern life, diabetes and heart disease. Apples contain malic and tartaric acids, and salts of potassium, sodium, magnesium, and iron. They also contain soluble fiber, which can lower cholesterol, help prevent plaque buildup in your arteries, and slow the uptake of glucose, helping you maintain healthy blood sugar levels.Avocado oil is dark green, very rich, thick and moisturizing to dry skin. It's many healthy properties explain avocados popularity in homemade skin masks and skin treatments and avocado oil is also great in salad dressings. The high fat content makes this oil a bit unstable so store away from heat and light, refrigeration is recommended.
Avocado oil combined with soy, or avocado soybean unsaponifiables is also available as a supplement. (ASU) supplements have shown benefits for osteoarthritis of the knee, with patients experiencing less pain and stiffness in clinical trials. Two clinical studies found that the combination significantly improved functional disability and pain.3 There is a delayed onset of action, which could frustrate those looking for quick relief. You may be able to reap some of the same benefits by including more avocado and soy in your diet, as well you should, but the supplements do provide a concentrated source.
Preparation Methods & Dosage :Avocado oil is used in skin care and as a salad and vegetable oil. Avocados are one of the most popular home skin treatments.
Herbalists consider apples to be cleansing and tonic to the liver and kidneys. The best of the medicinal compounds are contained in the apple peel, so buy organic whenever possible and always wash thoroughly.
Apple cider vinegar is such a useful and versatile substance, truly no household should be without it. You can't go wrong with something that is good to eat, prevents hair loss, softens skin, and cleans and disinfects the bathroom to boot. When it is made from whole, crushed apples vinegar contains all the nutrition of apples, with some added enzymes and amino acids formed by fermentation. The mother of all home remedies for arthritisis 2 to 3 tablespoons of ACV mixed with honey every day. This simple remedy has so much anecdotal evidence of its benefit that I can think of no reason for anyone with arthritis not to try it. If nothing else cut down on calories by substituting a fresh vinaigrette salad dressing with herbs for the calorie laden, bottled kind to help increase weight loss. Vinegar is often touted for its alkalizing, effect as a balance to the many acid producing foods we tend to overeat, like meats and grains. There is some disagreement over whether vinegar, which is an acidic substance, makes the body more acidic, which acts to prevent food poisoning by killing harmful bacteria, 1 or whether it indeed has alkalizing, effect on the body. In any case, there is wide agreement that two or three tablespoons of vinegar as a daily tonic works to decrease inflammation, increase metabolism, and may help to alleviate the crippling pain of arthritis.
The entire apple tree is useful in home and herbal medicine. In addition to the fruit of the apple tree, its bark, flowers, and leaves all have healthy properties. Herbalists use the apple tree much like its cousin the rose, for its astringent properties. The inner bark of the apple tree as well as blossoms are an astringent tonic, and can be used as an infusion for sore throats. The wild crab apple tree is considered better than modern cultivators for use in herbal medicine.
Preparation Methods & Dosage :Eat organic apples! To help bulk up watery stools, bake an apple pie with the peel on, or make some homemade apple sauce. Vinegar is used to preserve herbs, and herbs add healthy properties and taste to the vinegar. Strive for two tablespoons of vinegar a day in your diet. Add vinegar to baths and hair rinses. You can use vinegar for most everyday cleaning tasks. It is naturally anti-fungal and leaves the bathroom, windows, and glass ware clean and shiny. The best way to clean fresh produce is a solution of one part vinegar to three parts cold water, which removes 98 percent of the bacteria. Combine vinegar with baking soda, add a few drops of antibacterial essential oils and you can clean just about anything.
ARTICHOKE CYNARA SCOLYMUS
Medicinal Uses of Artichoke leaves Teas and extracts made from the leaves of the artichoke plant are a traditional tonic for the liver and gallbladder. Both laboratory and clinical studies strongly suggest artichoke leaf extract to be a good therapeutic option in dyspeptic syndrome. (irritable stomach, nervous gastropathy, flatulence, irritable colon, functional biliary tract disease) 2 In Europe the plant is widely used to treatarteriosclerosis and lower cholesterol. Several studies have hinted at the ability of artichoke extract to lower lipid levels. It works by affecting cholesterol synthesis in the liver at several points in the synthetic pathway and by increasing the elimination of cholesterol.
ASAFOETIDA FERULA ASAFOETIDA
Asafoetida is useful as a digestive spice that has the additional benefit of lowering cholesterol and reducing gas. The pungent oil can be using to repel insects. Asafoetida was one of the most commonly prescribed herbs in the 19th century in the treatment of hysteria and for many symptoms associated with mood swings and depression,or in ayurvedic terms "Aesafetida is a grounding herb that can therefore balance an overactive, over emotional, turbulent system".
Preparation Methods & Dosage :Traditionally used as powder or tincture. The pale yellow or orange-yellow essential oil, occasionally used in aromatherapy in place of garlic, is not a substitute. Used in the Ayurvedic formula Unmadnashak Ghrita, cardamom, along with brahmi, gardenia, asafetida, and ghee.
Avocados are a favorite food because of the high fat content that gives them such a creamy, luscious flavor. This puts some dieters off, it shouldn't. Most of the fat contained in avocados is monounsaturated fat, about 75 percent in a typical avocado. The fruit also has more potassium than bananas and is rich in B vitamins, Vitamin E and Vitamin K. There are some recent studies that confirm avocados role in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels, adding to the long list of reasons to enjoy this luscious, medicinal food.
AVOCADO PERSEA AMERICANA
Avocados are a favorite food because of the high fat content that gives them such a creamy, luscious flavor. This puts some dieters off, it shouldn't. Most of the fat contained in avocados is monounsaturated fat, about 75 percent in a typical avocado. The fruit also has more potassium than bananas and is rich in B vitamins, Vitamin E and Vitamin K. There are some recent studies that confirm avocados role in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels, adding to the long list of reasons to enjoy this luscious, medicinal food.
Avocado oil is dark green, very rich, thick and moisturizing to dry skin. It's many healthy properties explain avocados popularity in homemade skin masks and skin treatments and avocado oil is also great in salad dressings. The high fat content makes this oil a bit unstable so store away from heat and light, refrigeration is recommended.
Avocado oil combined with soy, or avocado soybean unsaponifiables is also available as a supplement. (ASU) supplements have shown benefits for osteoarthritis of the knee, with patients experiencing less pain and stiffness in clinical trials. Two clinical studies found that the combination significantly improved functional disability and pain.3 There is a delayed onset of action, which could frustrate those looking for quick relief. You may be able to reap some of the same benefits by including more avocado and soy in your diet, as well you should, but the supplements do provide a concentrated source.
Preparation Methods & Dosage :Avocado oil is used in skin care and as a salad and vegetable oil. Avocados are one of the most popular home skin treatments.
Young barley grass is one of a group of 'green' or super foods, along with wheat grass and blue green algae, that are characterized by their emerald green hues signaling the presence of high concentrations of chlorophyll. Medicinal and dietary benefits such as good cholesterol and blood pressure levels, improved immune response and cancer prevention, are attributed in part to chlorophyll. Barley grass is a very nutrient dense food, providing a high concentration of minerals, vitamins and amino acids per serving, much closer nutritionally to dark, green, leafy vegetables than the grains they will become as they grow. A single tablespoon contains a day's supply of beta-carotene, betaine, biotin, boron, copper, iron, lutein, magnesium, niacin, riboflavin, and thiamine. It also contains nutritionally significant amounts of alpha-linoleic acid, oryzanol, potasium, selenium, zinc, and the tocopherols that make up vitamin E. 3 Green super foods have suffered from an over abundance of hype, however, they are an excellent addition to your diet.
Bilberry is one of the most trusted herbal medicines for eye health. Bilberry fruits contain chemicals called anthocyanosides that support good circulation in the small capillaries around the eyes.
Bilberry has beneficial effects on many disorders from poor vision and diabetes to high cholesterol and blood pressure. Because capillary damage is the primary factor in a number of eye diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataracts, bilberry extracts are often promoted as a source of protection. This great tasting berry also finds a place in the home herbalist's medicine cabinet as a simple and effective remedy for reducing bruises from black eyes.
Bilberries, along with black cherries, blueberries, and strawberries have proven their ability to reduce levels of uric acid. Those suffering from gout should be getting at least two servings a day of these berry gout fighters. During the winter when fresh berries are not available, used dried bilberries in tea, and frozen blueberries as desserts.
Preparation Methods & Dosage :Use 1 teaspoon crushed, dried berries to each teaspoon of water. Bilberry is a great tasting tea, and blends well with spices like cinnamon, or with other berries
Avocado oil combined with soy, or avocado soybean unsaponifiables is also available as a supplement. (ASU) supplements have shown benefits for osteoarthritis of the knee, with patients experiencing less pain and stiffness in clinical trials. Two clinical studies found that the combination significantly improved functional disability and pain.3 There is a delayed onset of action, which could frustrate those looking for quick relief. You may be able to reap some of the same benefits by including more avocado and soy in your diet, as well you should, but the supplements do provide a concentrated source.
Preparation Methods & Dosage :Avocado oil is used in skin care and as a salad and vegetable oil. Avocados are one of the most popular home skin treatments.
BARLEY GRASS
Young barley grass is one of a group of 'green' or super foods, along with wheat grass and blue green algae, that are characterized by their emerald green hues signaling the presence of high concentrations of chlorophyll. Medicinal and dietary benefits such as good cholesterol and blood pressure levels, improved immune response and cancer prevention, are attributed in part to chlorophyll. Barley grass is a very nutrient dense food, providing a high concentration of minerals, vitamins and amino acids per serving, much closer nutritionally to dark, green, leafy vegetables than the grains they will become as they grow. A single tablespoon contains a day's supply of beta-carotene, betaine, biotin, boron, copper, iron, lutein, magnesium, niacin, riboflavin, and thiamine. It also contains nutritionally significant amounts of alpha-linoleic acid, oryzanol, potasium, selenium, zinc, and the tocopherols that make up vitamin E. 3 Green super foods have suffered from an over abundance of hype, however, they are an excellent addition to your diet.
BILBERRY VACCINIUM MYRTILLUS
Bilberry is one of the most trusted herbal medicines for eye health. Bilberry fruits contain chemicals called anthocyanosides that support good circulation in the small capillaries around the eyes.
Bilberry has beneficial effects on many disorders from poor vision and diabetes to high cholesterol and blood pressure. Because capillary damage is the primary factor in a number of eye diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataracts, bilberry extracts are often promoted as a source of protection. This great tasting berry also finds a place in the home herbalist's medicine cabinet as a simple and effective remedy for reducing bruises from black eyes.
Bilberries, along with black cherries, blueberries, and strawberries have proven their ability to reduce levels of uric acid. Those suffering from gout should be getting at least two servings a day of these berry gout fighters. During the winter when fresh berries are not available, used dried bilberries in tea, and frozen blueberries as desserts.
Preparation Methods & Dosage :Use 1 teaspoon crushed, dried berries to each teaspoon of water. Bilberry is a great tasting tea, and blends well with spices like cinnamon, or with other berries
CACAO THEOBROMA
Cacao Theobroma, "food of the gods" : Chocolate is made from the fermented, roasted and ground beans taken from the pods of the tropical cacao tree. There is plenty of accumulating good news for those of us who are chocolate lovers. Dark chocolate that contains a high percentage of cacao has been shown to have positive effects on mood, high blood pressure, and heart health, improving circulation and having no adverse effects on cholesterol.
There are over 350 known chemicals found in chocolate, including stimulants like caffeine, theobromine, phenylethylamine and anandamide. Theobromine, the alkaloid contained in the beans, resembles caffeine in its action, but its effect on the central nervous system is less powerful and does not have the sleep disturbing effects of caffeine. Research published in the the FASEB Journal in February 2005 makes a strong case that dark chocolate can be a powerful cough suppressant. The theobromine content of dark chocolate may actually be a more effective cough medicine than traditional or over-the counter cold and cough remedies.cough medicine making it a safe nighttime calmer for children.
Phenylethylamine (PEA) is partly responsible for the "high" that you get from eating chocolate. PEA facilitates the release of dopamine a naturally occurring chemical into your body. The neurotransmitter anandamide, also found in chocolate is responsible for the prolonged pleasurable sensation of the previous mentioned PEA. This positive feeling can help support your diet goals along with cardiovascular exercise and reduced calorie intake. Whatever the reason recent studies show that adults who eat chocolate on a regular basis are actually thinner that those who don't and that modest, regular chocolate consumption might be calorie-neutral. The key to using chocolate is to learn to enjoy it without mixing it with loads of sugar. The darker the chocolate, the more health benefits ( and less sugar) it contains.
Chocolate enjoys an reputation as an aphrodisiac, which may explain the tradition of chocolates and Valentines day. It's interesting to note that most researchers claim that women prefer chocolate over sex. Cocoa Butter is an aromatic solid butter pressed from the roasted seeds of the cacao tree that brings a supple, luxurious feel to dry skin.
Preparation Methods & Dosage :Cacao beans can be used whole, broken into nibs, or ground into powder. Cacao can be added to herbal teas and homemade hot chocolate. The less processed the cacao beans, the more healthy benefits are retained. Products sold as cacao, rather than cocoa generally are more likely to have undergone less processing. The aromatic cacao butter that is extracted from the raw cacao during processing makes a great body butter. Cacao butter is usually combined with other oils in creams and body lotions to soften it.
COCONUT COCOS NUCIFERA (OIL)
Coconut Oil Diet:There are numerous claims that adding coconut oil to your diet increases energy, balances hormones, and stimulates the thyroid gland. The cholesterol-lowering properties of coconut oil are linked directly to this ability to stimulate thyroid function. Coconut oil raises your metabolic rate, helping to release energy and promote weight loss. Researchers believe that coconut oil is different from other saturated fats because it is composed of medium-chain fatty acids.
Healthy Cooking: Coconut oil can be used to fry foods, make a healthier mayonnaise, or used in baked goods. When you make pastries, substitute 50% coconut oil for whatever fat is recommended. There is no mistaking the wonderful benefits of coconut oil, however there is some controversy on how coconut oil effects a heart healthy diet. Try coconut oil for yourself, with an open mind, to see what effects it has for you.
Beauty Secrets of Coconut Oil: Coconut oil works wonders for dry and damaged skin, cuts, bruises, and speeds the healing while it fights infection. Coconut oil forms a protective barrier to hold in moisture while penetrating into the deeper layers of the skin to helping to keep connective tissues strong and supple. Coconut oil is readily absorbed into the skin, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Coconut oil with a few drops of bergamot essential oil makes a wonderful chapped lip and cold sore treatment in the winter. Keep a small jar handy and apply liberally. It aids in exfoliating the outer layer of dead skin cells, making the skin smoother. Coconut oil is used to treat dry and damaged hair and is a lathering ingredient for natural shampoos and soaps. Apply warm coconut oil to damp hair and keep covered for 15 minutes. Shampoo and enjoy luxuriant shiny hair
Preparation Methods & Dosage :Coconut oil is used in food preparation or taken as a diet supplement, in tablespoon full doses. Coconut oil is used to treat dry and damaged hair and as a lathering ingredient for natural shampoos and soaps. Solid at room temperature, coconut oil can be used as the solid oil portion in many home remedies.
DANDELION TARAXACUM OFFICINALE
Acne and skin care Like burdock, dandelion root helps the body dispose of unwanted skin bacteria. It also stimulates digestion and supports the liver - the major organ that helps rid the body of toxins and excess hormones, including the androgens that trigger acne breakouts. As a specific herb for the liver, it also benefits the female reproductive system by helping to regulate and normalize hormone production.
Dandelion root contains bitter principles that have a tonic effect on the liver and digestive system. It is gentle laxative and a natural diuretic that is rich in natural potassium, which enriches the body's supply. This detoxifying, diuretic action also earns dandelion a place in many herbal weight loss formulations. In recent studies, Taraxacum officinalis was shown to have a positive effect on weight management. Dandelion root also contains sugars and starches easily assimilated by diabetics, and can be incorporated into a diet meant to help control blood sugar levels.
“Along with a bitter principle it contains substances that act like enzymes, stimulating the function of large glands above all the liver and kidneys. In addition these constituents stimulate cell metabolism as a whole, which is evident not only in the kidneys and liver but in other organic regions including the connective tissues. This may be responsible for the beneficial effect dandelion has on rheumatic conditions.
Dandelion is one of the most familiar spring cleansing herbs, a folk tradition that is deemed by many to be outdated. Yet when we take a closer look at the humble dandelion the scientific basis that validated this custom becomes clear. Like other spring herbs such as nettles, chickweed and salad brunet, dandelion is rich in vitamins and minerals.
Preparation Methods & Dosage : Dandelion Tea
Drink dandelion root tea to eliminate the toxins that cause skin breakouts and acne. A cup of dandelion tea in the morning to increase regularity. It is a natural diuretic, and gentle laxative that doesn't rob the body of potassium. Use 1 teaspoon of dried and chopped root to each cup of water. Bring to a boil over a low heat. Steep for 10 minutes.
Drink dandelion root tea to eliminate the toxins that cause skin breakouts and acne. A cup of dandelion tea in the morning to increase regularity. It is a natural diuretic, and gentle laxative that doesn't rob the body of potassium. Use 1 teaspoon of dried and chopped root to each cup of water. Bring to a boil over a low heat. Steep for 10 minutes.
GARLIC ALLIUM SATIVUM
allicin, a most impressive broad-spectrum antimicrobial as well as over thirty other medicinal compounds. Garlic and onions have long been used to treat bronchitis, allergies and asthma by helping to open the lungs and ease breathing. The ingredients responsible include mustard oils and quercetin. Garlic belongs to the allium genus which includes onions, shallots, leeks, scallions, and chives. This group of herbs are important in improving the digestibility of meats and other heavy foods and well as adding other healthy antioxidant and antimicrobial properties to your home cooking.
Garlic as a medicinal food has an impressive range of benefits. Garlic and its cousin onion contain substances that discourage platelets from sticking together and prevent blood clots, helping to naturally thin the blood. They also lower total cholesterol and triglycerides, another type of blood fat, all the while increasing HDL, "good cholesterol" Garlic may also lower blood-sugar levels in people with diabetes. Garlic may exert its effects in part by stimulating beta-cell insulin secretion. While garlic has had some mixed results in trials set to measure its effects on lowering blood sugar, diabetics may still wish to consciously add more fresh garlic to food, or even consider supplementation with garlic powder due to its protective health benefits and absence of major side effects.The major drawback to garlic continues to be the risk of stomach upset with higher doses, along with the usual risk of compounding the effects of prescription blood thinners.
Meta studies have shown a protective relationship between consumption of high consumption of raw or cooked garlic and the relative risk of both colorectal and stomach . (The same correlation was not found for users of garlic supplements.)Though the exact numbers are hard to determine, it is yet one more reason to get in the habit of cooking with fresh garlic, onions and including all the amazing allium genus plant foods in your daily diet.
Preparation Methods & Dosage :Garlic can and should be used liberally in food, either powdered or freshly chopped. Two cloves or more a day are considered a medicinal dose. Eating 2 to 3 fresh garlic cloves a day has many health benefits including diabetes, arthritis and heart health. To make it more palatable, mash the garlic cloves with a spoonful of honey A simple garlic based broth may be more effective than chicken soup! Garlic and it's close relatives (chives, leeks and onions) can be applied directly to burns in a poultice. Or cut an onion in half and squeeze the juice on the burn. Garlic infused oils can be used topically or in cooking. Crushed garlic is a good addition to any homemade insecticide spray. Garlic cloves, placed in the ground around plants will deter slugs. Garlic is a natural pesticide against mosquito larvae.
GINGER ZINGIBER OFFICINALE
Health benefits of Ginger: Ginger can be used safely to treat a wide range of health problems, from simple nauseato arthritis. (Weed) The aspect I most appreciate about ginger is what a good supporting player it is in herbal formulas. Ginger combines well with many herbs, improving taste and potency. Ginger speeds up the delivery of healthy plant chemicals into the bloodstream. Ginger is also a blood thinner, which may help reduce angina episodes by lowering cholesterol. The increase in blood flow helps relieve abdominal cramps and open the pelvis to bring on menstruation.
Ginger in Chinese herbal medicine: Ginger may be one of the most important plants used in herbal medicine, it is certainly one of the most used. The cultivation of this plant extends so far back in human history that specific origins are hard to trace, however, ginger is mentioned in the eldest medical texts from both India and China. Ginger is one of the most prescribed herbs in TCM, Sheng-jiang (fresh ginger) is used in the treatment of colds for it's ability to eliminate toxins and raise body heat.
Sesame seeds and sesame seed oil are used for food and skin care and have a rich tradition of medicinal use. Sesame seeds are used in Chinese medicine as a treatment for hair loss, and as a liver tonic, according to pharmacognosist Albert Leung, Ph.D. Both ginger root and sesame are invigorating to the scalp and can stimulate hair growth. For a ginger oil treatment, grate fresh ginger root and mix it with sesame oil. Massage the ginger oil into your scalp and leave it on for about 10 minutes. Rinse and shampoo your hair.
GINGER ROOT TEA
Make the firm, smooth skinned roots of fresh ginger root a household staple, and keep plenty of ginger on hand for both herbal medicine and healthy cooking. Drink ginger tea as a delicious daily tonic to enjoy its many benefits on your health and well being.
Preparation Methods & Dosage :Ginger root tea is a light golden color, and the taste is spicy, hot, and sweet. The fresh root makes a slightly sweet tea, dried ginger is slightly hotter and drier. Ginger is one of my favorite teas, as a single ingredient and as an addition to other herbal blends. You should drink ginger tea daily for a healthy tonic. Hot ginger tea served with lemon and honey is a delicious way to control nausea of all types- especially effective in curbing motion sickness, morning sickness, and postoperative and chemotherapy-induced nausea. Ginger also improves digestion, which can prevent stomach upsets from occuring. The fresh grated ginger root, readily available at most food stores, is a great addition to herbal teas, adding a spicy, hot zest to your favorite dishes. The essential oil is marvelous in massage blends and aroma lamps. Ginger combines well with turmeric, which is also anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving.
GRAPES
Grapes contain powerful antioxidants in all forms: whole grapes, red wine made from grape skins, and grape seed oil and extracts. Grapes contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds that relieve pain and protect the heart. This tasty fruit is one of the best examples of the blurry line between food and medicine.
Grape skins contain the powerful antioxidant compound resveratrol, which has been shown in studies to protect against the effects of a high fat diet, lowering cholesterol that could lead to heart disease. 57 This effect may explain the "French Paradox", the French habit of taking a glass of red wine with dinner seems to negate the bad effects of a diet rich in saturated fats. Reservatrol has also been shown to inhibit tumor initiation in studies leading many experts to believe consumption of red wine could be a factor in lowering cancer rates.
Can a supplement containing only resveratrol replace all the healthy benefits of a glass of wine? There are many other important compounds in grape skins including anthocyanins, which protect the body's connective tissue from degradation during inflammatory illness and improve circulatory health. OPC's, condensed tannins, are also present in red wine and green tea and are thought to be responsible for many of the cardiovascular benefits associated with drinking these beverages. OPC's are the same compounds extracted from grape seeds and pine bark, and marketed under the brand name Pycnogenol ©. 58 Grapes also give us important trace minerals - calcium,chromium, magnesium, niacin, potassium and zinc. Supplements like resveratrol and grapeseed extracts can be very worthwhile, but do not fully replace the broad spectrum of benefits from the many, many medicinal compounds present in the whole fruit.
Grapeseed oil is used as a carrier oil in aromatherapy and has a nice balance of oleic, linoleic, palmitic and stearic acids. It is emollient and toning to all skin types.
Preparation Methods & Dosage :Grapes are amazingly versatile; the fruit and it's skin, seeds and leaves are all put to good use. Grapes can be eaten as a fresh fruit, dried into raisins or made into grape wine and vinegars. Grape leaves are stuffed with spicy meats and vegetables and served as appetizers. Grapeseed oil is pressed from the seeds and makes a fine carrier oil for aromatherapy and skin care and a tasty oil for salads. Grape seeds are also the source of Pycnogenol supplements. Resveratrol, another popular supplement is extracted from the skin of the grape.
JIAOGULAN
Jiaogulan is a member of the cucumber family that is native to Asia, and has been used as a medicinal folk tea in Southern China for many years. Research (mostly from China and Japan), has confirmed some of the therapeutic qualities of jiaogulan tea. Jiaogulan (Jiao Gu Lan)is an adaptogen and antioxidant whose chemical constituents (saponins) have properties similar to that of ginseng. The herb tea is valued for it's antioxidant protection, cardiovascular benefits. It reduces the negative effects of stress, has a normalizing effect on blood pressure, and thins the blood. Daily use of the tea may even help increase the metabolism of fats, and be used in successfulweight loss programs. Daily use of the tea may not guarantee an immortal lifespan, but this tasty brew is great for your heart.
MOTHERWORT
Chinese motherwort, known as yi-mu-cao, and the common European motherwort serve as excellent examples of plants used for parallel purposes by divergent cultures, whose uses are confirmed by modern research. This fascinating but still little-appreciated member of the mint family deserves greater attention in the West. In TCM motherwort was used to promote longevity and strengthen the heart, just as western herbal medicine considers motherwort to be one of the best heart tonics. Motherwort is used to promote blood circulation, lower cholesterol, slow a too rapid heart rate, and relieve stress on the heart muscle. (Duke,James, Ph.D.) It also is diuretic, and reduces swelling, helping to lower blood pressure. These medicinal actions are confirmed by science to be linked to the bitter glycosides as well as other phytochemicals that motherwort contains. (Foster, Steven and Yue "Herbal Emissaries") Motherwort ia approved for use in nervous cardiac disorders and as adjuvant for thyroid hyperfunction by the German Commision E. Commission E Monographs
Motherwort is also one of the best tonic herbs for women. Motherwort is especially valuable in a wide range of female disorders (hence the name), allaying nervous irritability and inducing quiet and passivity of the whole nervous system. I find motherwort a good remedy for those times when you feel a generalized anxiety without any clear cut cause. The herb regulates the menses, and is a strong emmenagogue, helping to stimulate delayed periods and is an excellent remedy for menstrual cramps especially those accompanied by scanty menses. The combination of motherwort with scullcap and/or valerian can help to relieve pain and stress associated with childbirth.
Preparation Methods & Dosage :Motherwort is available in capsule and extract form, but is most useful taken as a tea. The somewhat bitter taste can be mellowed by adding spices or sweeter tasting herbs. Frequently combined with hawthorn for heart tonics.
OATS (AVENA SATIVA)
The humble oat epitomizes the concept of food as your best medicine. Oatmeal is very inexpensive, easy to prepare, and has equally important nutritional and health benefits.
Whole oats contain beta-glucans which help to lower cholesterol levels naturally. 1 The complex carbohydrates give your body a long lasting energy boost, and stimulate the immune system. Oats also contain a daily dose of B vitamins to fight stress. The old saying "Sowing your wild oats", refers to the long held view that oats help support a healthy libido. The presence of steroidal saponins, and beta sitosterol in raw oats could indeed have an effect on balancing hormonal levels, which is a rather fun reason to encourage your loved one to eat this rather unexciting, but extremely healthy food.
The dried milky tops, called oatstraw, make a soothing herbal tea used as a nervous system tonic. For cases of mild to moderate anxiety combine oatstraw with chamomile or lemon balm in tea and tincture formulas. Oatstraw is often used for children and those who are debilitated from exhaustion or mild depression. 4
Oatmeal extract, the liquid left from cooking whole oats, is one of the most soothing and effective treatments for dry skin and sunburns, and can help heal damage from more serious skin conditions such as serious eczema and psoriasis. 5 A simple poultice made from a muslin bag filled with oatmeal and chamomile flowers is one the most healing things you can use for damaged skin. There are many perfectly fine, natural skin products that contain oatmeal extracts but in this case homemade is fresher, works better and costs much less.
Preparation Methods & Dosage :Eat rolled oats in least processed forms to get the full cholesterol-lowering benefits. The dried milky tops make a soothing herbal tea. Oat extracts are often used as an additive in skin care products, you can easily make your own by using the liquid from cooking rolled oats. Avena glycerites and tinctures are best made from the fresh plant, and are available for purchase for us city folk.
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The seeds of the Plantago ovata contain copious amounts of mucilage that are able to treat diarrhea, constipation and act as a safe and effective weight loss aid. Psyllium seed can be used to treat: “Chronic constipation; disorders in which easy bowel movements with a loose stool are desirable, e.g., in patients with anal fissures, hemorrhoids, following anal/rectal surgery; during pregnancy; as a secondary medication in the treatment of various kinds of diarrhea and in the treatment of irritable bowel.”Commission E Monographs
Psyllium seed has been used since ancient times, with no ill effects. These seeds and their husks are a great source of natural, water soluble fiber which is lacking in many American diets. The seed has less fiber than the husk but a wide range of nutrients the husks do not, making products that contain both more beneficial. Although it is primarily used to treat constipation, research shows that psyllium seed reduces high cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Credit mother nature for devising a substance that can treat both constipation and diarrhea. The seeds soak up fluids, adding bulk to the stool and inhibiting diarrhea. The same absorption of fluids softens the stool, and the larger volume helps pass it through the colon. This easier action makes this herb a good choice for those suffering from hemorrhoids, inflammatory bowel disease or diverticulitis. By bulking the stool, the seeds also relieve pain caused by ulcerative colitis. Unless you have a desire for sugar, artificial flavors and higher prices, try natural psyllium before turning to one of the name brand products such as Metamucil or Fiberall, or any number of commercial laxative
Credit mother nature for devising a substance that can treat both constipation and diarrhea. The seeds soak up fluids, adding bulk to the stool and inhibiting diarrhea. The same absorption of fluids softens the stool, and the larger volume helps pass it through the colon. This easier action makes this herb a good choice for those suffering from hemorrhoids, inflammatory bowel disease or diverticulitis. By bulking the stool, the seeds also relieve pain caused by ulcerative colitis. Unless you have a desire for sugar, artificial flavors and higher prices, try natural psyllium before turning to one of the name brand products such as Metamucil or Fiberall, or any number of commercial laxative
SESAME SESAMUM INDICUM
Sesame seeds and sesame seed oil are used for food and skin care and have a rich tradition of medicinal use. Sesame seeds are used in Chinese medicine as a treatment for hair loss, and as a liver tonic, Both ginger root and sesame are invigorating to the scalp and can stimulate hair growth. For a ginger oil treatment, grate fresh ginger root and mix it with sesame oil. Massage the ginger oil into your scalp and leave it on for about 10 minutes. Rinse and shampoo your hair.
The sesamin in the seeds has recently been discovered help treat high blood pressure and cholesterol. Sesame seeds also relieve constipation caused by inactivity.
Sesame oil is great for stir fry dishes and Asian cuisines. The oil has rich golden color, with a bold, nutty flavor. Sesame oil is naturally active in vitamins A and E and essential proteins and is a stable carrier oil for aromatherapy and home cosmetic use.
Preparation Methods & Dosage :Whole seed, often dry toasted or steamed just prior to use. Tahini is a paste made of ground sesame seeds which is used in many Near and Far East recipes.
TEA (CAMELLIA SINENSIS)
About:Chinese legend dates green tea back to 2737 BC. Green tea is currently being studied for its beneficial uses, and as a treatment for a number of different conditions and illnesses. Most of the western world drinks black tea while much of Asia, the Middle East and northern Africa drinks green tea. All teas come from the same plant, Camellia sinensis, the different coloring is due to different processing of the teas.
The health benefits of green tea are mainly credited to the catechin polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin gallate, or (EGCG). Plant polyphenols are powerful anti-oxidants and have numerous benefits that include inhibiting cancers and tumor formation, lowering LDL cholesterol levels, and inhibiting the abnormal formation of blood clots that can cause heart attacks and strokes. HC#051238-456 The anti-oxidants and other beneficial compounds in tea may also be linked to lower rates of type 2 diabetes in those who drink 3 to 4 cups per day.
The calm, steady energy that seems to flow from sipping tea may be traced to L-theanine, an amino acid component of tea that has been shown in numerous studies to help reduce levels of stress and anxiety.
Many studies indicate that green tea has positive effects in metabolic syndrome and weight loss. The importance of caffeine was also highlighted in these studies, green tea catechins taken alone had no significant effects. This underscores again the importance of using the whole herb in its simplest forme beneficial effects on body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, total antioxidant status (TAS), lipid profiles, and glucose concentrations in studies on obese but otherwise healthy individuals. The only worrying side effect noted in the studies was a drop in iron levels; many of the polyphenolics in green tea can function as iron chelators, which may prevent absorption of iron. Even with this caveat, supplementation with green tea extracts may be one of the safest and healthiest choices for those trying to lose weight., drinking tea as part of a healthy weight loss plan is more likely to help you achieve your goals. Tea can be especially beneficial when you drink it in lieu of unhealthy diet sodas and high fructose fruit drinks, however to get the full health benefits of green tea you should be consuming on average a minimum of 3 cups a day.n141 Green tea extracts containing 208 mg EGCG have been shown to hav
Preparation Methods & Dosage :Drinking 4 cups of tea per day provides a beneficial dosage of the plants phytonutrients. Combining green tea with curcumin from ginger or turmeric can increase the anti-tumor properties of each.
Slim-Fizz is a special appetite suppressant that contains the ground-breaking fibre Glucomannan, which is an organic soluble fibre derived from high quality fresh Konjac.
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