Sunday, March 30, 2008

Skullcap As Alternative Medicine

Skullcap As Alternative Medicine

Skullcap is a well known alternative medicine in different cultures of the world. The Native American tribes such as Cherokee and others used it as a medicinal herb for women. Skullcap is also known as scullcap, hoodwart, mad weed, Quaker bonnet and helmet flower.

  1. It is a remedy for nervous conditions such as anxiety, insomnia, hysteria and epilepsy.
  2. It is effective for asthma, hiccups and hangovers.
  3. It is used to treat alcohol, tranquilizers and barbiturates withdrawal.
  4. It is a treatment for menstrual cramps, exhaustion, PMS and convulsions.
  5. It is useful in lowering high blood pressure.
  6. It eases irritable bowel symptoms, spasms and muscle tension.
  7. It is used as a treatment for rabies.
  8. It improves blood circulation and also strengthens the heart muscle.

Skullcap is available as capsules, tablets, tinctures, tea and powder. This herb is usually not taken over long period. It is often used in combination with other herbs such as Chamomile, Passion Flower or Valerian. Pregnant or breastfeeding women are advised not to use this herb. Side effects include stupor, giddiness and seizures if it is taken in excess. Caution should be exercised when using skullcap as an alternative medicine.

Friday, March 28, 2008

Burdock As Alternative Medicine

Burdock As Alternative Medicine

Burdock is one of the foremost herbs used as an alternative medicine for detoxifying by both Chinese and Western herbalists. The root is the part of the plant used for purifying the blood. It is a very powerful herb with many medicinal applications.

  1. It is a tonic for the liver.
  2. It is a remedy for skin disorders such as acne, eczema, ulcers, psoriasis, herpes, dry skin, boils, dermatitis, canker sores, styes, burns, ringworm and abscesses.
  3. It is used to treat rheumatism, gout, lumbago, sciatica and arthritis.
  4. It is a treatment for venereal diseases such as syphilis.
  5. It is a remedy for respiratory infections such as pneumonia.
  6. It is effective for hair loss, dandruff and lice.
  7. It is often used to treat kidney stones and diseases.
  8. It is used in the treatment of colds, fever, headaches and tonsillitis.
  9. It is also used to treat hormone imbalance.
  10. It is a treatment for hemorrhoids.

Burdock is available as tea, capsules and tinctures. It is often used as a compress for external use to treat skin problems. This herb is usually combined with other herbs such as witch hazel, tea tree, calendula, and Echinacea for colds, sore throats and skin disorders. Recommended dosage is 1 to 2 g of root powder 3 times a day.

This herb is safe when taken over a short period. Pregnant or nursing women and young children must avoid taking burdock. People who are on medications for abnormal blood sugar levels should also refrain from taking it. Burdock is a very powerful alternative medicine and it is even sold as a cancer treatment under the name of Essiac herbal mixture.

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Cranesbill As Alternative Medicine

Cranesbill As Alternative Medicine

Cranesbill is a Northern American herb widely used as an alternative medicine by the natives such as the Blackfoot tribe for centuries. It was used to treat hemorrhoids, inflammation and to stop bleeding.

  1. It is an effective remedy for Bright’s disease and diabetes.
  2. It is a treatment for excessive vaginal discharge and heavy menstruation.
  3. It is used to treat digestive disorders such as dysentery, diarrhea, stomach ulcer and gastrointestinal bleeding.
  4. It is a remedy for jaundice and malaria.

Cranesbill is available as tea, capsule and tincture. It is non toxic and can be used to treat diarrhea in children. Pregnant and nursing women must avoid the use of this herb.

It is not recommended to be used more than 2 or 3 weeks at a time. Long term use of the herb can cause liver damage. An infusion can be made by steeping 1 to 2 teaspoons of the root in 1 cup of boiling water for 15 minutes. A standard dose in tincture form is 2 to 4 ml 3 times a day. High dosages may result in stomach pains and cramping.

The root and seeds are often taken orally to treat diarrhea. Many herbalists also use the root to treat tuberculosis. Cranesbill is another alternative medicine that cannot be used over a long period continuously.

Monday, March 24, 2008

Myrrh As Alternative Medicine

Myrrh As Alternative Medicine

Myrrh is a very old alternative medicine used since the times of ancient Egypt. It was mentioned in the Holy Bible as one of the gifts given by the wise men to Jesus as an infant. Myrrh is not as potent as golden seal but very often it is used in place of golden seal.

  1. It a preventative to fight gum diseases such as loose teeth.
  2. It is a remedy for rheumatism and arthritis.
  3. It is a treatment for menstrual complaints and hormone imbalance.
  4. It is an immune system booster.
  5. It can prevent hardening of the arteries.
  6. It can expel slivers, thorns from the skin and parasites from the body.
  7. It is used to treat skin disorders such as wounds, boils and ulcers.
  8. It is a remedy for respiratory diseases such as bronchial infection.
  9. It stimulates blood flow.
  10. It is a treatment for bad breath, gingivitis, pharyngitis and tonsillitis.
  11. It gives relief for stomach distress.

Myrrh is available as capsules or tincture. This herb can be used to treat herpes by combining with honey and coriander. Pregnant and nursing women must not use this herb. In addition for those who are diabetics or with kidney complaints they must avoid using myrrh. It is one of the most effective disinfectants from ancient times. Myrrh is a very potent alternative medicine and it is best to use it in moderation.

Saturday, March 22, 2008

Dong Quai As Alternative Medicine

Dong Quai As Alternative Medicine

Dong Quai is a popular alternative medicine for women in Asia. It is very often called a women's herb. In Chinese medicine it is used to treat gynaecological ailment such as menopausal symptoms, PMS and menstrual irregularity. Its potency is increased when used together with black cohosh.

  1. It is a tonic for blood and a preventative for anemia.
  2. It is used as a treatment for arthritis.
  3. It is used in the treatment of cardiovascular disease such as circulation disorders and high blood pressure.
  4. It is a blood purifier and an aid for liver and kidney health.
  5. It is a laxative to help relieve constipation.
  6. It is a remedy for cramps and insomnia.

Dong quai is available as capsules, tincture, tablets, liquid and soft gels. It provides fast relief for menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes within a short period of two weeks or less. This herb has low toxicity but it is not recommended for children, nursing and pregnant women. It can cause diarrhea in some individuals. People with gastrointestinal problems must refrain from taking dong quai. This herb may interfere with some drugs such as those for thinning blood. Females on any hormone medicines such as estrogen or oral contraceptives are advised not to use dong quai as an alternative medicine.

Thursday, March 20, 2008

Knotgrass As Alternative Medicine

Knotgrass As Alternative Medicine

Knotgrass is one of the oldest alternative medicines for inflammation of joints and arthritis. This herb has been used in Chinese medicine for more than 2000 years as a diuretic. Every part of the plant can be used as medicine.

  1. It is a preventative for kidney stones.
  2. It is a remedy for carpal tunnel syndrome, fibrosis and gout.
  3. It is a treatment for dysentery, haemorrhoids and diarrhea.
  4. It is effective in stopping nosebleeds, reducing heavy menstruation and staunching bleeding wounds.
  5. It is used to expel intestinal worms in Chinese medicine.
  6. It is an effective treatment for gastrointestinal tract and gallbladder inflammations.

Knotgrass can be used internally and externally. It is available as tea and dried form. This herb should be taken for at least six months to get the full benefits. For bruises and stiff joints use it as a poultice. It can also be used topically to treat baldness. The root if taken in large doses can induce vomiting. Knotgrass is a versatile alternative medicine but it is best known for pain relief in joints.

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Rue As Alternative Medicine

Rue As Alternative Medicine

Rue is an alternative medicine to treat eye complaints such as sore eyes and eyestrain. This herb was even mentioned in the Holy Scriptures during the times of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke.

1. It is a remedy for spasms and muscular cramps.

2. It is used to induce abortions.

3. It is a treatment for menstrual complaints.

4. It is a sedative to calm nervousness.

It is available as extract, capsule and tea. Its oil or leaves can be used topically on the skin. However, such application can cause blistering if the skin is exposed to the sun. Pregnant or nursing women must refrain from using this herb. There are some side effects such as vomiting, severe stomach or convulsions with the use of rue oil. It has even been known to cause dermatitis and miscarriage in some individuals. Rue is an alternative medicine that has the potential to be quite dangerous and should be used under strict supervision only.

Sunday, March 16, 2008

Epilobium As Alternative Medicine

Epilobium As Alternative Medicine

Epilobium is mainly an alternative medicine for prostate health. It is often used together with saw palmetto to treat prostate disorders by reducing the production of the male hormone testosterone.

This herb is also used with horsetail or nettle to treat bladder or kidney or urinary tract conditions. It is sold usually in tea or capsule form. Pregnant or nursing women best avoid using epilobium. This herb can reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives, hormone progesterone and hormone replacement therapy. It is also shown to affect the body’s production of the female hormone oestrogen. Epilobium as an alternative medicine is still not very well known by the masses including me.

Friday, March 14, 2008

Eyebright As Alternative Medicine

Eyebright As Alternative Medicine

Eyebright is an alternative medicine best known for the treatment of eye problems. The stem, leaf and flowers all can be used as medicine. This herb is often used by herbalists to treat eye infection, poor vision, eye ulcers, eye strain and sensitivity to light.

  1. It is also a remedy for respiratory disorders such as colds, sinusitis, coughs, flu, hoarseness and bronchitis.
  2. It is effective in treating hay fever, allergies and headaches.
  3. It is a treatment for earaches, middle ear infection and jaundice.

Eyebright is available as capsules, tinctures, extract and teas. It can be taken orally or as an eyewash or compress externally. To treat eye complaints eyebright is often used together with goldenseal. For conjunctivitis related swelling or redness a poultice is commonly used. Do not apply the tincture solution on the eyes as its alcohol content could irritate the eyes and cause itching and swelling.

This herb is not recommended for use by nursing or pregnant women. The tannins in eyebright also affect iron supplements absorption. When using this herb wear sunglasses and avoid bright light. Some of the common side effects include sneezing, itching, stuffy nose, headache, weakness and disturbed vision. However, eyebright is still the herbalists’ favorite alternative medicine for inflamed, tired, sensitive and stinging eyes.

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Horehound As Alternative Medicine

Horehound As Alternative Medicine

Horehound is one of the oldest herbs used as an alternative medicine for coughs. In Indian Ayurvedic medicine it is the remedy for whooping cough and chronic bronchitis. In past history it was often used as a treatment for coughs, hysteria, jaundice and dyspepsia.

  1. It is an effective topical treatment for skin disorders such as wounds, eczema and psoriasis.
  2. It lowers blood pressure.
  3. It is a remedy for asthma and bronchitis.
  4. It is a treatment for digestion disorders such as flatulence, indigestion, dyspepsia, heartburn and loss of appetite.
  5. It is also used to get rid of worms in the intestines.
  6. It regulates menstrual cycle.

Horehound is available as lozenges, cough syrup, tincture and teas. It is safe for use by children. Sometimes it is combined with catnip, rue, hyssop, mallow root or liquorice root to treat coughs and fevers. This herb is not recommended for use by nursing or pregnant women. It may also affect the absorption of health supplements such as iron. People always relate horehound with sore throat lozenges but not as an alternative medicine.

Monday, March 10, 2008

Bearberry As Alternative Medicine

Bearberry As Alternative Medicine

Bearberry or kinnickinnick is an alternative medicine that has been used as a mild diuretic for hundreds of years. The bears love its berries and that is how Bearberry gets its name. In countries such as Poland the leaves are still used for medicinal purposes.

  1. It is a powerful antiseptic to treat urinary tract infections such as vaginitis, prostatitis and urethritis.
  2. It reduces the body’s uric acid.
  3. It inhibits the production of melanin.
  4. It is useful for treating hepatitis.

Bearberry is available as dried leaves, liquid extract, capsules and tea bags. Standard dosage is 2 grams three times a day. An infusion is made by steeping a teaspoonful of dried leaves into a cup of boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes.

This herb is non-toxic but long term use is not advisable. Side effects could arise from the excessive hydroquinone levels. Nausea, delirium, stomach upset and vomiting are some of the common side effects. Pregnant or nursing women and children must refrain from taking this herb. For those who suffer from kidney disease also should avoid it. Bearberry is an alternative medicine that very often interacts with drugs such as digoxin.

Saturday, March 8, 2008

Mallow As Alternative Medicine

Mallow As Alternative Medicine

Since the times of ancient Greece and Rome mallow has been used as an alternative medicine and as a food. Hippocrates used it to treat blood loss and bruises. The Arabs also used its leaves as a poultice to reduce inflammation.

  1. It is a remedy for digestive complaints such as duodenal ulcers, gastroenteritis, peptic ulcers and colitis.
  2. It is effective in treating respiratory disorders such as dry coughs, larynx, bronchitis, colds and tonsils.
  3. It is a sedative for stress and anxiety.
  4. It is an effective topical treatment for boils, wounds, cuts, abscesses, varicose veins and burns.
  5. Its tea gives relief to rectum inflammation and hemorrhoids.

Mallow is generally taken internally in the form of tea, tincture and capsule. Teas can be made from the flowers, roots and leaves. For an infusion steep 2 teaspoonfuls of the dried herb in a cup of boiling water for 10 -15 minutes. Washing with mallow tea can soothe the burning and itching of skin allergies. A poultice of cayenne and mallow is effective for gangrene, eczema, bee stings and blood poisoning. Recommended dosage is one cup of tea three times a day. There are no side effects when not taken in excess.

Mallow is a very useful alternative medicine but most of us only known it to be a food and not a medicinal herb.

Thursday, March 6, 2008

Marjoram As Alternative Medicine

Marjoram As Alternative Medicine

Marjoram has been used by the Greeks and Romans for few thousands years ago as an alternative medicine. This herb is derived from the dried leaves of the herbal plant Origanium hortensis.

  1. It is a sedative for treating insomnia, stress and anxiety.
  2. It is a treatment for digestive complaints such as flatulence, loss of appetite and indigestion.
  3. It is a remedy for respiratory disorders such as sinus, asthma, dry coughs and bronchitis.
  4. It eases headaches, muscle spasms, stiff joints and menstrual cramps.
  5. It is an expectorant effective for removing mucus from the lungs.
  6. It helps to ease the pain of toothaches and earaches.
  7. It promotes menstruation.
  8. The leaf is effective for treating eczema.

Marjoram is available fresh or dried. Its oil is applied to the skin to treat burns, inflammation and bruises. An infusion is often used to give relief in cases of sore throat, coughing, indigestion, stomachache, cold and flu. However, pregnant women must avoid using the oil. Marjoram is a most useful alternative medicine that most of us are not familiar with.

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Neem As Alternative Medicine

Neem As Alternative Medicine

Neem is the alternative medicine derived from the neem tree berry oil. It has been used in Ayurvedic Medicines for centuries. In India it is used for many ailments that include nausea, diabetes, obesity, rheumatism, arthritis, parasites, herpes, allergies and jaundice.

  1. It is an effective treatment for skin disorders such as head lice, psoriasis, acne, thrush, eczema, scabies and athlete's foot.
  2. It is a detoxifier and purifier for blood.
  3. It is a remedy for malaria and fevers.
  4. It is a preventative for dry scalp and dandruff.
  5. It is an herb for eye health.
  6. It is a treatment for gum diseases.
  7. It is used in the treatment of stomach ulcers.
  8. It is a remedy for unhealthy and brittle nails.

All parts of the plant twigs, leaves, roots and bark can be used for medicine. This herb has very low toxicity with no side effects. Neem is available as extract, dried leaves, capsules and powder. It is generally taken orally or applied topically. Very often its leaves are used topically to treat warts and chickenpox. Neem is truly an alternative medicine with endless uses.

Sunday, March 2, 2008

Agrimony As Alternative Medicine

Agrimony As Alternative Medicine

Today agrimony is not used much as an alternative medicine. This herb has a long history for medicinal uses by many cultures and civilizations. The ancient Greeks used it to treat eye problems. The Anglo Saxons used this herb for wounds, snakebites and eye complaints. In traditional Chinese medicine it is a remedy to staunch bleeding.

  1. It is a treatment for bladder infections, bladder leakage and bladder inflammation.
  2. It is used by the Chinese to expel tape worms from the human body.
  3. It is a remedy for digestive disorders such as diarrhea, mucous colitis, indigestion, stomach ulcers, and stomach ache.
  4. It is effective against liver disorders and jaundice.
  5. It is a treatment for hemorrhoids.
  6. It is used to treat profuse menstruation and other internal bleeding.
  7. It is powerful as a relaxant to ease tension and nervousness.
  8. It is used to treat high blood sugar level.
  9. It lowers the uric acid levels in gout and rheumatism sufferers.
  10. It is a topical treatment for skin disorders such as sunburn, insect bites and scrapes.

Agrimony is available as dried leaves, tinctures and extract. An infusion is made by steeping 1 teaspoonful of dried leaves into 250 ml of boiling water and steep for 10 to 15 minutes. The tea can be drunk up to three times a day. Agrimony tea can also be used as vaginal douche, skin wash or mouth wash. Standard dosage is 2000 to 6000 mg a day.

Agrimony is generally safe with few side effects. However, do apply sunscreen if you are taking this herb as it may increase sunlight sensitivity in some people. Pregnant and nursing women must avoid using it. For those with liver or kidney problems they must not take this herb. It is also not recommended for those taking aspirin or drugs for high blood pressure. This herb can also affect the absorption of some supplements such as copper, zinc and iron. Agrimony is an alternative medicine that we do not use much nowadays but it still has its place in history.