Withania As Alternative Medicine

Withania As Alternative Medicine

Withania is an alternative medicine that has been used for more than 4000 years in Ayurvedic medicine. It is often regarded as the "Ginseng of India".

1. It is used to treat anemia.
2. It is a remedy for arthritis, rheumatism and joint pain.
3. It is effective in treating insomnia and nervous exhaustion.
4. It is a mild tranquiliser to give relief to stress.
5. It is also used as a treatment for cough, asthma, fever, tuberculosis, paralysis and loss memory.
6. It is an energy and immune system booster.

Withania is a very safe herb to use. It is often used in treatments for pregnant women and babies. Withania is an alternative medicine used to help people suffering weight loss as a result of radiotherapy or tumours.

Propolis As Alternative Medicine

Propolis As Alternative Medicine

Propolis is an alternative medicine that has remained popular over a long period of time. It has been used since ancient times in folk medicine. Today it is still extensively used in Argentina. It is a natural substance gathered from trees by honey bees to protect the bee hive from infections.

1. It reduces the chances of cataracts.
2. It promotes heart health.
3. It is a remedy for gastrointestinal infections such as peptic ulcer.
4. It is a preventative for infertility in male.
5. It makes an excellent dressing for wounds.
6. It is a treatment for skin disorders such as acne, sunburn and ulcer.
7. It is a remedy for allergies.
8. It is effective in treating respiratory problems such as bronchitis.
9. It is used to treat gum disease, sore throats, ear problems, headaches, colds and flu.

Propolis is available in tablets, extract, powder and capsules. It is generally non toxic and safe for most adults. However, it is not recommended for use by pregnant or nursing women. Side effects include skin irritations such as eczema, psoriasis, lesions and peeling lips. Do not apply this herb to the area around the eye.

Standard dosage is one teaspoon of powder mixed with food thrice a day or 10 to 20 drops of extract three times a day. Do not use with anti-microbial drugs, anti-coagulants, anti-cancer agents, osteoporosis agents and immune stimulants. It will interact with these drugs and supplements. Propolis is an old alternative medicine used in our modern medicine.

Wild Indigo As Alternative Medicine

Wild Indigo As Alternative Medicine

Wild Indigo is an alternative medicine for the treatment of bacterial infections and an immune system booster. This plant belongs to the legume or pea family. It is seldom used alone and often used along with thuja, myrrh or Echinacea.

1. It is a remedy for typhoid fever and malaria.
2. It is a treatment for digestive tract and intestinal infections.
3. It is used as a treatment for ear and nose inflammation and infections.
4. It is a remedy for throat infections and inflammation such as for laryngitis and tonsillitis.
5. It is used for treating chronic fatigue syndrome.
6. It is a treatment for cold and flu.
7. It is effective for diminishing lymph swellings.
8. It is a topical treatment for inflamed nipples, painless ulcers and inflamed wounds.

Wild indigo is available as powder, tablet or capsule. An infusion is made by steeping half a teaspoon of wild indigo root in 250ml of boiling water for 10-15 minutes. Dosage for tincture is one to two ml three times a day. This herb is safe when used as directed. For lymph disorders it is often combined with burdock, cleavers or poke root. If used for colds and flu it is blended with thuja or Echinacea. Today wild indigo is an alternative medicine used by herbalists along with Echinacea to treat chronic fatigue syndrome.

Catnip As Alternative Medicine

Catnip As Alternative Medicine

Catnip is an alternative medicine that is used to treat various ailments in human and cats. It is a member of the mint family. This herb is also wonderful for babies and children.

1. It is a remedy for gastrointestinal distress such as colic.
2. It is used to calm and induce sleep in children and babies.
3. It is a treatment for insomnia, stress and anxiety.
4. It is a remedy for colds, migraines, tension headache, toothaches and fever,
5. It stimulates sweating.
6. It is a treatment for hyperactivity in children.
7. It is a muscle relaxant to treat spasms.
8. It helps to prevent premature birth and miscarriage.
9. It eases morning sickness.

Catnip is generally taken as a tea or an infusion. It is a safe herb and does not show any contraindications. However, it is not recommended for use by pregnant women. Excessive consumption could lead to diarrhea or vomiting. It is often used together with other herbs such as elder, cayenne, yarrow and saffron. It is more often employed for use on cats. Catnip remains less known as an alternative for human use today.

Reishi As Alternative Medicine

Reishi As Alternative Medicine

Reishi is an alternative medicine that has been used in China and Japan for thousands of years. It belongs to the mushroom family and a very versatile medicine to treat a wide range of health ailments.

1. It lowers blood pressure and cholesterol.
2. It is used to prevent and to treat coronary heart disease.
3. In China it is used to treat chronic hepatitis.
4. It is a treatment and preventative for memory loss.
5. It is used to treat asthma and coughs.
6. It is a remedy for insomnia and fatigue.

Reishi is available as teas, tablets, tinctures and extract. This mushroom is very safe and can be taken over a long period without any side effects. It is best taken with an empty stomach in the morning. Reishi can be used by pregnant or nursing women and children. Very often it is combined with other herbs. Mountain climbers often consumed this medicinal mushroom to combat altitude sickness. Today Reishi is still popular as an alternative medicine for promoting vitality and combating fatigue.

Mullein As Alternative Medicine

Mullein As Alternative Medicine

Mullein has been a valued alternative medicine since ancient times. It is also called great mullein, common mullein, velvet dock, mullein dock and Aaron's-rod. This herb is well known for treating childhood ailments such as chickenpox, tonsillitis and mumps.

1. Mullein oil is an effective remedy for earache.
2. It is a treatment for sore throat, dry coughs and hoarseness.
3. It is used to treat glandular swellings and sprains.
4. It is a remedy for bronchitis, pneumonia, colds and flu.
5. It is excellent for sore joints and aching muscles.
6. It is used to treat asthma and allergies.
7. It is a relaxant to treat stress.

Mullein is commonly taken as a tea or infusion. The leaves can be made into a poultice to treat sprains and swellings. It is often used in combination with other herbs such as thyme, lobelia, sage, chamomile, marjoram, elder, red clover, white horehound and coltsfoot. To treat mumps, chickenpox and measles it is blended with catnip. This herb is used with licorice and uva ursi to give relief to coughs. For earaches soak some mullein flowers in olive oil.

This herb is non toxic even pregnant or nursing women can use it. Side effects are very rare. The only known side effect reported is skin irritation. It is not recommended for people that are on diabetic drugs as this herb will inhibit the effectiveness of the medications. Today mullein remains the best known alternative medicine used by herbalists to treat coughs, colds and sore throat.

Costus As Alternative Medicine

Costus As Alternative Medicine

Costus is an alternative medicine used by the Chinese and Indians for centuries. In China it is one of the 50 fundamental medicinal herbs. It is of the same family as ginger.

1. It is a remedy for gastric disorders such as diarrhea, bloating and stomach ache.
2. It is a treatment for mild skin irritations.
3. It is used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat asthma and coughs.
4. Its roots are used to expel parasites.
5. In Tibet it is a remedy for emotional weakness.
6. In India it is inhaled to clear the bronchial passages.
7. It eases pain associated with rheumatism.

Costus is available as extracts, powders or infusions at Asian markets and specialty stores. Amount to be taken is related to the condition that requires treatment. It is a non toxic herb without any known drug interactions. It can sometimes bring on skin irritation when used externally especially in sensitive individuals. The dried roots of costus are still used as an alternative medicine to give relief to symptoms associated with intestinal disorders.

Bogbean As Alternative Medicine

Bogbean As Alternative Medicine

Bogbean is an alternative medicine best known for treating rheumatism, osteo-arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It is also called by the names of marsh trefoil, buckbean and water shamrock.

1. It is a treatment for anorexia.
2. It is a remedy for digestive disorders such as dysentery, diarrhea and loss of appetite.
3. It is used to treat gout and rheumatism.
4. It is effective in treating skin diseases such as ulcers, rashes and boils.

Bogbean is available as teas, capsules, powder, extract, tablet and whole leaf. It is safe when the standard dosage is taken. An infusion is made by steeping 2 teaspoonfuls of leaves in 250 ml of boiling water for 15 minutes. Bogbean is often combined with other herbs such as white willow, black cohosh, celery seed to treat joint pains. For dyspepsia treatment it is used together with sage or wormwood.

Pregnant or nursing women are advised to refrain from taking bogbean. This herb must not be used by those suffering from colitis, diarrhea or dyspepsia. It is also not recommended for people who are on blood thinning medicines such as aspirin or warfarin. Excessive consumption of this herb could lead to diarrhea and upset stomach.

Today herbalists still use bogbean as an effective alternative medicine for rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatism and loss of appetite.

Wood Betony As Alternative Medicine

Wood Betony As Alternative Medicine

Wood betony is an alternative medicine highly esteemed by the Italians, Spanish and Greeks. The North American Natives have used it for centuries and the Anglo-Saxons considered it to be their most important herb. It is also known as purple betony, bishopswort and betonica.

1. It eases the symptoms of colds and flu.
2. It reduces inflammation associated with sinusitis.
3. It is used to treat coughs and bronchitis.
4. It promotes proper digestion.
5. It is a remedy for diarrhea.
6. It is a sedative to treat anxiety.
7. It is an effective remedy for urinary disorders.
8. It alleviates all face pains and headaches.
9. It is a treatment for oral and throat complaints.

Wood betony is safe when the recommended dosage is taken. The leaves are usually made into an infusion or tea. To make an infusion steep 2 teaspoonfuls of dried flower or leaves in 250ml of boiling water for 15 minutes. This herb is not to be used by pregnant or nursing women. Excessive consumption can result in mild gastrointestinal upset.

During the Middle Ages wood betony was considered a cure all medicinal plant. Wood betony was once highly revered as an alternative medicine and is still widely used today by herbalists.

Motherwort As Alternative Medicine

Motherwort As Alternative Medicine

Motherwort is predominantly an alternative medicine for the female womb problems. It belongs to the mint family and is often called by the name Lion's Ear. This herb is also effective in the treatment of many other health disorders.

1. It is a remedy for epilepsy.
2. It is a treatment for heart complaints such as palpitations, irregular heartbeats and rapid heart rate.
3. It is a sedative for insomnia, anxiety and nervousness.
4. It eases PMS and symptoms of menopause.
5. It lowers high blood pressure.
6. It is a remedy for digestive problems such as cramps, gas and stomach pain.
7. It is a treatment for respiratory passages congestion and shortness of breath.
8. It is used topically to treat shingles and itching.
9. It is used externally to improve eyesight.

Motherwort is available as capsules, tablets, tea, leaves, tincture and extract. An infusion is made by steeping 1 teaspoonful of leaves to 250ml of boiling water for 10 minutes. Pregnant or nursing women and young children must not use this herb. It is also not recommended for use in the case of heavy menstrual bleeding. Some side effects include contact dermatitis, diarrhea, uterine bleeding, stomach irritation and allergic reactions.

This herb has been used for centuries in childbirth related conditions. Today herbalists use motherwort as an alternative medicine for a wider range of conditions.

Tansy As Alternative Medicine

Tansy As Alternative Medicine

Tansy has been used for centuries as an effective alternative medicine for expelling parasites from the intestines. It belongs to the Thistle family and also called gold buttons, bitter buttons, ginger plant and bachelor’s buttons. This wild plant has many other medicinal uses.

1. It is a remedy for prostatitis.
2. It is excellent for removing excessive gas from the stomach and digestive tract.
3. It is effective for treating kidney problems such as water retention.
4. It is a treatment for gallbladder and liver disorders.
5. Its leaves can be used as a wash or poultice for skin disorders such as wounds, swelling, ulcers, scabies and cuts.
6. Its roots are a treatment for gout.
7. In Europe the elderly people used the leaves to treat fever, colds or stomach upset.
8. It is a remedy for amenorrhea or dysmenorrhea.
9. It is a treatment for nausea and stopped menses.

Tansy is available as tea, leaves and roots. It is an herb that is toxic when used in amount other than the recommended dosages and for period longer than 7 days. It should not be used by pregnant or nursing women. This herb is often used with other herbs such as Pennyroyal and Blue Cohosh. For worms infestation it is combined with wormwood, chamomile and senna. To treat prostatitis it is used together with golden seal, agrimony or kava kava. It can also be combined with peppermint or chamomile to give amenorrhea or dysmenorrhea relief. Side effects of toxicity include vomiting, dilated pupils, nausea, rapid pulse, convulsions and even coma. It is sad to say tansy is an alternative medicine that is little used by modern herbalists.

Kola Nut As Alternative Medicine

Kola Nut As Alternative Medicine

Kola nut the seed from the Kola tree has been used as an alternative medicine on the African continent for centuries. It is also known as Cola and is grown commercially worldwide. It was mainly used as an energy booster. However, it also has many other medicinal uses.

1. It is used as an antidote for poison in Jamaica.
2. It suppresses the appetite and an aid to weight loss.
3. It combats physical and mental fatigue.
4. It is an antidepressant to treat anxiety and depression.
5. It is a treatment for asthma and whooping cough.
6. It is a remedy to counter drowsiness.

Kola nut should be used with caution and should not be taken over long period. Long term use could have carcinogenic results. Side effects include anxiety, dizziness or nervousness. It is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women. Anyone who have intestinal or stomach ulcers should avoid using this supplement too. For those who are sensitive to stimulants or caffeine they must not use kola nut. In addition people who suffer from high blood pressure, insomnia, heart disorders or ulcers should avoid using this seed. Today kola nut is still used as an alternative medicine mainly due to its antidepressant properties.

Arrowroot As Alternative Medicine

Arrowroot As Alternative Medicine

Arrowroot is an alternative medicine that has been used by the natives in West Indies for hundreds of years. It is the root from a plant called Maranta. The Arawaks tribe used it to draw out the poison from toxic arrow wounds.

1. It is taken in oral form to treat gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhea.
2. It is also used as a topical treatment for irritated, inflamed or painful skin.

Arrowroot is available at Asian markets, supermarkets and health food stores. It is safe when taken in recommended dosages. Generally it does not cause any interaction with health supplements or drugs. Arrowroot is not just an alternative medicine but also the best form of starch for the stomach.

Buchu As Alternative Medicine

Buchu As Alternative Medicine

Buchu is an ancient alternative medicine used in South Africa by the Khoikhoi natives. It was used to treat cholera and prostate gland infections. This herb was later introduced to Great Britain around 1800.

1. It is a remedy for urinary tract infections such as painful urination.
2. It regulates blood sugar levels.
3. It is used to treat kidney problems such as gallstones.
4. It is a treatment for yeast infections.
5. It is effective in alleviating PMS bloating.
6. It is used for treating prostate incontinence.
7. It eases inflammation and pain associated with gout and rheumatism.

Buchu is available as tea, tincture and capsules. It is considered a safe herb with no toxicity. Buchu vinegar is made by steeping fresh sprigs in white vinegar. This vinegar is great for cleaning wounds. For prostate disorders use the leaves. To treat urinary tract infections take the herb as a tea. For gout or rheumatism pains a poultice or tea is excellent.

Buchu is not recommended for those who suffer from any kidney infections and disorders such as painful urination and blood in urine. Side effects include diarrhea, stomach upset, kidney irritation and menstrual irregularity. It is also not to be taken by pregnant or nursing women.

This herb is a popular ingredient in many herbal diuretic formulas sold. In South Africa buchu remains a common alternative medicine in many households.