|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Understanding Herbology
The use of herbs as early forms of medicine or healing aid dates back centuries, as far back as the Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, East Indian, Chinese, and many South American Cultures. Herbs are generally safe and like warm sunshine, natural and beneficial to mind, body and spirit, not to mention affordable compared to prescription medicine. Herbs can be listed in three main categories, food, medicinal, and poisonous.
Confusion Is Only Illusion
Herb can be pronounced with the "h" (H-E-R-B) or without it (E-R-B). Either pronunciation is correct. You'll notice that I have "an" in front of the "herb" word when appropriate. I do this for readers that wish to leave the "h" in herb silent and simply pronounce it as "erb".
The Big Three
Food herbs: Supports the positive aspects of the body, cleanses its system and maintains holistic balance. Food herbs can be consumed in great amounts without fear of losing its benefits.
Medicinal herbs: They are used for a short period of time to fight infections, flu and similar ailments when the need occurs. The time limit is used, because prolong use (overuse), may take away its medicinal benefits.
Poisonous herbs: I know what you're thinking, why use poisonous herbs at all, because this category of herbs poses no real threat. Like any type of powerful remedy, if they are misused in anyway, they have the potential to foster the decrease of health or even death. Another reason why poisonous herbs are used, is because they promote short term specific benefits.
Therapeutic Synergy
Therapeutic plants are fascinating entities unto themselves. They contain phytochemical properties that were created millions of years ago. These same phytochemical properties have been dancing hand in hand with evolution up to our present time. Providing us and many other animals that consume them, with both healing and health benefits that take our hand and lead us into their therapeutic dance festival.
An herb may contain thousands of phytochemical properties, all existing and working in unison towards the plants own health and existence. The total collection of those phytochemicals within a plant, are usually working together in a synergistic way to provide the therapeutic benefits that we need.
Synthetic Copies
The drug manufacturers may copy some of the benefits of herbs by distilling it down to just a few of its original phytochemicals in order to create a chemical rival for profit. Most often, the chemical counterpart may have a tremendous amount of side effects, because it no longer resembles the original design, created by millions of years of plant evolution. Some herbs have no synthetic counterparts whatsoever. Most herbs unlike there prescription brothers, are non evasive to the human body. Meaning, they cause very little to zero side effects, depending on what and how much dosage you're using.
Sensibility Is Key
It would be wise to consult your health care professional before undertaking any therapeutic herbal program. Some herbs have a tendency to increase the effects of prescription drugs and others simply to neutralize the drug's potency. In the worse case scenario, herbs when taken with medical drugs will cause some serious harm and side effects.
Most herbal supplements already have a recommended dosage on the label, but it would still be wise to work with your physician or health care professional, since they may be in a position to know what herbs and drugs cannot be taken together.
Gabriel Foster is the editor for http://www.gabrielfoster.com, the online magazine for both vegetarians and natural health enthusiasts.
Wall Street Journal Blogs
Reuters - 3 hours ago
... said on Thursday it would be difficult to meet US President-elect Barack Obama's goal to double alternative energy production over the next three years. ...
Exxon CEO doubts Obama's alternative energy goal Reuters India
Exxon favors carbon tax over cap and trade for CO2 curbs MarketWatch
Exxon CEO calls for carbon tax over cap-and-trade Forbes
WELT ONLINE - CNNMoney.comall 39 news articles
CNN - 5 hours ago
Several alternative treatments have been shown to be safe and effective for kids, experts say. "We would both end up miserable," says Kruse-Field. ...
Wall Street Journal - 17 hours ago
By GUY CHAZAN As Europe counts the cost of Russia's latest gas shut-off, there are signs it could give a boost to alternative sources of gas that currently ...
Video: Ukraine leaves Europe without gas - Gazprom RussiaToday
Europe late with alternative to Russian gas TREND Information
Gas war may boost alternative routes to Europe guardian.co.uk
Canada.com - International Herald Tribuneall 6,876 news articles
CNET News
CNET News, CA - 21 hours ago
After hinting at a "digital stereo" product in The New York Times last week, Cisco unveiled the details of its Wireless Home Audio System today, ...
CNET News
CNET News, CA - 19 hours ago
In an effort to trump the existing Nintendo Wii remote controller, Nyko is introducing what the company is calling the most advanced Wii remote yet. ...
Nyko brings Wand Wii remote, Charge Station EX and Kama Charge kit ... engadget
all 9 news articles
Times Online
France24, France - 5 hours ago
President-elect Barack Obama pledged Thursday to double US production of alternative energy in three years, as part of a raft of stimulus proposals to drag ...
Video: Obama to Bring Accountability to Spending Plan AssociatedPress
Obama's green energy plans build hopes, skepticism Reuters
Obama Outlines Recovery and Reinvestment Plan GlobeSt. com
InvestmentNews - Wall Street Journal Blogsall 11,729 news articles
Albany Times Union
Columbia Daily Tribune, MO - 1 hour ago
By DAVE MATTER In our country, if you don’t like the hand you’re dealt in this game called life, you always have this option: Sue the pants off someone. ...
Shanoff's Wake-Up Call: Who's No. 1, Too? SportingNews.com
BCS brings undisputed uncertainty USA Today
Who really will be No. 1? David Teel Daily Press
all 1,110 news articles
Scientific American
New York Times, United States - Jan 6, 2009
Pratt, which has tested alternate fuels in its engines, and others in the aviation industry assert that they will pursue alternatives even in a period of ...
Aviation industry strives to find alternative fuels SmartBrief
Continental ratchets up race to develop alternative fuel for planes GulfNews
Continental First US Airline to Test Biofuels SmarterTravel.com
Scientific American - Bloombergall 256 news articles
Economist
Boston Globe, United States - Jan 7, 2009
"Where should I put my money right now? I don't feel comfortable investing in stocks, and I've heard that Treasury bonds are paying next to nothing. ...
Bonds may be a shield, but they're still risky Gail MarksJarvis Chicago Tribune
Get Out Now! Barron's
Corporate debt's allure Boston Globe
all 253 news articles
MSNBC - Jan 7, 2009
Since the 1960s, Fuel System Solutions' transportation subsidiary, BRC, based in Cherasco, Italy, has been a major provider of alternative fuel systems ...
The Maharishi Ayurveda Approach to Allergies
Allergies: The Ayurvedic AnswerIn a healthy body, the allergic response serves to protect against invasion by harmful agents. Secretions and inflammation help our immune cells get into... Read More
Holistic Lifestyle
Sometimes living that wonderful and beneficial holistic life can sometimes seem daunting. However! The moment you resign yourself to it, you wonder why you were even thinking... Read More
A 100% Drug Free Hemorrhoids Solution!
Did you know every year 25 Million people in the USA are suffering from Hemorrhoids by age 50?Health Information Website: http://mdchoice.com/Pt/consumer/hemr.asp#howcommonHypnotherapy can provide hemorrhoid sufferers with the... Read More
Will This Years Flu Paralyze The US And Canada?
According to the Associated Press on August 26th, the US and Canada may have to close schools, restrict travel and ration scarce medications if a powerful new... Read More
Constipation Remedy Using Apples and Other Juices
Here are two constipation remedies that you can use for a mild case of constipation and for a chronic case of constipation.Apple and Pear JuiceIf you have... Read More
The Macrobiotic Approach To Health And Wellness
It may be an ordinary dance studio during the week, but on Sunday mornings this little room in Toronto's west end is transformed by the smells of... Read More
Make Your Own HGH - While You Sleep!
Human Growth Hormone (HGH) has long been viewed as a remedy for aging and the diseases associated with the aging process. Research published in the AMA Journal... Read More
The Stammering/Stuttering Speech Course
The five day speech course for stuttering/stammering.The first two days of the course are used to learn all of the rules of fluent speech.The first day is... Read More
Dangers of Dehydration - And The Importance of Kidney Cleansing
The human body is composed of 75 percent water and 25 percent solid matter. To provide nourishment, eliminate waste and regulate all the functions in the body,... Read More
Alternative Medicine and Therapies ? What, Why and How of it
Alternative Therapies and alternative medicine has been gaining ground along with conventional treatments. Alternative therapies have been practiced for thousand of years especially in the east commonly... Read More
Natural Remedies and Prevention of Constipation
Constipation is a problem that affects many Americans every day. Constipation is mainly due to poor eating habits, insufficient exercise, not getting enough fiber and not drinking... Read More
Just The Tea FAQs: Health Benefits (Part I)
Hands up all those who can't get through the day without their shots of coffee... ah, that's most of us then! Call it an espresso, cappuccino or... Read More
Natural Prevention & Treatment For The Flu: What Your Doctor May Not Know
Flu can affect 10 to 30 percent of the U.S. population each winter. The flu virus can linger in the air for as long as three hours.... Read More
Green Tea for Health: Your Heart Will Thank You
I began drinking green tea about five years ago after I had my cholesterol checked. I am not overweight and do not eat a lot of saturated... Read More
Frequency Specific Microcurrent Offers New Hope For People With Chronic Pain and Fibromyalgia
Approximately 10 million Americans suffer from a condition known as fibromyalgia syndrome. This condition is characterized by widespread muscle pain, extreme fatigue and chronic non-restorative sleep disturbances... Read More
The Origins of Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy, which involves the use of essential oils to treat various ailments, has been used by healers for thousands of years. Although its origins are difficult to... Read More
5 Simple Steps For Ridding Yourself Of Back Pain
Millions of people suffer from back pain unnecessarily when there is actually a very simple solution, according to Jesse Cannone , certified personal trainer and back pain... Read More
An Introduction to Bach Flower Essences Part I ? The Twelve Healers
What are Bach Flower Essences?Pioneered by Dr. Edward Bach in the 1930's, a flower essence is a liquid preparation imprinted with the etheric pattern of a particular... Read More
Alzheimer?s Home Testing Manual Now Available Online
If you're concerned about the condition of an older family member or loved one, you are likely asking yourself: "I know there's something wrong. Could it be... Read More
What Happens During a Pain Relief Visualization Session
A visualization session is an hour-long conversation with your subconscious about what visualization statements you may be able to use to help relieve your pain. Here's how... Read More
Have you Fed Your Good Bugs Today?
Most consumers have heard of probiotics and know that they are foods containing live, beneficial bacteria. Foods such as yogurt, buttermilk, miso or kefir are the most... Read More
A Constipation Home Remedy - Cayenne
Cayenne is a constipation home remedy that is effective in producing peristalsis in your colon and aids digestion. It can be used regularly at every meal and... Read More
Reflexology & Meridian Therapy
Reflexology & Meridian Therapy are combined healing arts that utilize stimulation of the feet, hands, ears, and meridian lines to correspond with respective body parts and organs.... Read More
Three Steps to Get Rid of Hemorrhoids
Constipation, Hemorrhoids or Piles, and inactivity go hand in hand. If you have been constipated for quite a while, chances are you have hemorrhoids. If you are... Read More
Alternative Fibromyalgia Therapies
Fibromyalgia is a mysterious disease that is effecting more and more people, as increasing numbers of patients are being diagnosed with this disorder. What is fibromyalgia, and... Read More
Alternative Medicine, Complementary, Integrative, Wellness, Holistic ? What Do They All Mean?
Alternative medicine has grown in so many ways in North America. More people are visiting alternative medical practitioners than Western medical doctors. People spend more money on... Read More
Setting Up Your Office For Health
If you work and are spending one third to one half of your day in an office setting then your surroundings there are as important as those... Read More
Emu Oil: Wonder Cure or Snake Oil?
In my search for at-home spa treatments and home herbal remedies, which I really enjoy playing around with, I came across a product called Emu Oil.The next... Read More
Quit Smoking
Consider this:Already since 1972, over 60 million people in the USA alone have successfully quit smoking!At one stage over 60% of the adult population was addicted to... Read More
Pendulum Dowsing: Easy To Learn Techniques
Pendulum Dowsing is a very fun and simple way to begin to measure energy fields. Since we all live in a world that is comprised of energy,... Read More
Health Benefits of Hemp Oil
Hemp oil has long been recognised as one of the most versatile and beneficial substances known to man. Derived from hemp seeds (a member of the achene... Read More
Basilic : A Priceless Uplifter
"The smell of basil is good for the heart, it taketh away sorrowfulness, which commeth of melancholy and maketh a man merry and glad". (John Gerard)History of... Read More
Aromatherapy
Although the word aromatherapy has not been around forever, the use of plants, herbs, fruits and flowers for healing have been centuries long. Aromatherapy is still being... Read More
Which to Use When: Ice or Heat?
Knee pain after running? Wake up with a backache? Twist an ankle?When aches, pain, strains or swelling take place due to an injury or chronic condition, what... Read More
Teas From Plants Around You and Their Benefits
All teas unless specified are brewed with 1 teaspoon dry material or 2 teaspoons fresh material to 1 cup of water. Always steep. This means pouring hot... Read More
Treating Arthritis - Naturally
There are actually three common types of arthritis. These are Osteoarthritis which is the most common, affecting around 16 million Americans with an average age of 45.... Read More
The Causes Of Stuttering In Childhood
Stuttering is a problem that affects approximately one in every hundred people. It is mainly men who stutter, seven out of ten people who stutter are male.There... Read More
Far Infrared Sauna Technology Comes of Age
What exactly is infrared, or radiant heat? No need to worry - it has nothing to do with either ultraviolet radiation (which gives you a sunburn and... Read More
Benefits of Wheatgrass Juice - What, How, and Why!
Since the late 1960's, wheatgrass has become frequently discussed in health and medical circles as one of natures greatest gifts. Classified as one of the most abundant... Read More
How to Stop Hair Pulling With Hypnosis
Stress caused by the day-to-day issues of home life and work can bring people to their breaking point. Many people struggle with the feeling of wanting to... Read More
Understanding Hypnosis
If you want to use hypnosis for therapeutic reasons, there are three personal assets you will need. They are: imagination, concentration, and a genuine motivation to be... Read More
Toddler Stuttering
Some parents have the shock of hearing their young child start to stutter as a toddler. I am somebody who runs a speech centre in Birmingham, England,... Read More
Quiet Discoveries Lead to Fast Sinus Relief
It's amazing what you can find when you start your search a little outside the bulls eye. While clicking through Magnetic Resonance Imaging research online, my colleagues... Read More
Superb Skin Disorder Relief found in Common Diaper Rash Ointment
"Accidental" discoveries are made each day. Common substances can sometimes be utilized for other purposes in which they were initially intended. One of these common substances, also... Read More
Natural Pain Management!
Life in today's hectic society is going more and more in the direction of fast foods, sugar in all sorts of foods you would never think should... Read More
Toxins Make You Fat and Shorten Your Life
When your body is toxic, toxins hide and embed themselves in your body fat. This causes your cells and organs to become sluggish and lose efficiency. The... Read More
Chelation and Clathration
Chelating is the process of removing toxic materials, metals and minerals from the body by use of certain chelating agents. These are substances that bond with the... Read More
Everything Old Is New Again: Rebuilding Your Vision
Glasses, contacts, or surgery. These are the usual choices offered to those of us with bad vision. Orlin Sorensen, though, needed an alternative. A commercial airline pilot... Read More
What AreThe Symptoms Of A Sinus Headache?
Problems with sinuses, give rise to headaches, so you have to know the symptoms of a sinus headache in order to know if you actually have one.... Read More
The Whys and Habits of Anxiety & Panic Disorder
Just about everyone asks themselves why? Why did I get this?And chances are, you probably already have a fair idea of what possibly triggered it.I know for... Read More
Back Pain, Joint Pain, Knee Pain, Arthritis and a Host of Other Pain Ailments You Never Have To Suff
"The smallest pain in our little finger gives us more concern than the destruction of millions of our fellow beings." William Hazlitt [1778-1830. British Essayist]If "The smallest... Read More
A Constipation Remedy Using Potassium and Prunes
Potassium and prunes are a natural constipation remedy that you can quickly use to help you get constipation relief.Potassium is needed in your colon walls to insure... Read More