Fenugreek As Alternative Medicine

Fenugreek As Alternative Medicine

Fenugreek is used both as a spice and as an alternative medicine. Its leaves are used as medicine and the seeds as a spice. It is one of the oldest herbal plants with a history going back to the times of Ancient Greeks and Egyptians. Fenugreek is also widely used as alternative medicine in India, the Middle East and North Africa.

1. It boosts milk supply in nursing women.
2. It is a remedy for morning sickness.
3. It is a treatment for digestive and gastrointestinal disorders such as gas, diarrhea, peptic ulcers, flatulence and loss of appetite.
4. It lowers blood sugar levels and a remedy for diabetes.
5. It is effective in treating high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
6. It is a remedy for asthma, arthritis, abscesses and cramps.
7. It is a powerful treatment for respiratory problems such as bronchitis, congestion, coughs and mucus in lung.
8. It is used to treat migraines, fever and headaches.
9. It helps to balance the female hormones and eases menstrual disorders such as cramps and period pains.
10. It alleviates menopausal symptoms such as depression and night sweating.
    

Fenugreek is available as capsules, tea, tinctures and powder. This herb must not be taken for more than three months. It is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women and those on thyroid hormone drugs. Fenugreek can interfere with some prescribed drugs. Take this herb two hours before or after any medications. Some of the allergic effects are gas, nausea, breathing difficulty and diarrhea.

Fenugreek has been a favourite herb of the herbalists for centuries. It can also be used as a poultice to treat dandruff. In Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine it is even used to induce childbirth. Today fenugreek remains a very versatile alternative medicine for the treatment of a great variety of ailments.

Sage As Alternative Medicine

Sage As Alternative Medicine

Sage has a long history not only as a spice but also as an alternative medicine. Ancient Romans and Greeks used it to treat a range of ailments. During the Middle Ages it was used to treat epilepsy, liver disorders and fever. For more than 2000 years herbalists used sage to treat all sorts of health complaints such as mental illness and snakebite.

1. It is an effective treatment for laryngitis, sore throats, bleeding gums and tonsillitis.
2. It aids digestion and a treatment for gastrointestinal complaints.
3. It regulates menstruation and gives relief to symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes and night sweat.
4. It is an antiperspirant to reduce excessive sweating.
5. It is an effective remedy for muscle spasms, muscle cramps, stiff joints and backaches.

Sage is available as pills, dried, fresh, powder or extract. To make a tea brew 1 ½ teaspoons dried leaves or ten fresh leaves in a cup of boiling water. Standard dosage in extract liquid form is 1 teaspoon three times a day. Pregnant women must avoid taking sage in concentrated form. Taking sage as an additive in food is safe.

The International Herb Association in 2001 named sage as "Herb of the Year". Today many menopausal women are turning away from hormone replacement therapy and choose sage to gain relief from hot flashes and night sweats. Sage has the longest history of any herb used as alternative medicine and it is readily found in our kitchens.

Gotu Kola As Alternative Medicine

Gotu Kola As Alternative Medicine

In Ayurvedic medicine gotu kola is the alternative medicine for various skin diseases. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2000 years. Gotu kola is used by both Indian and Chinese cultures to treat skin disorders such as tumors, leprosy, eczema, ulcers, sores, psoriasis, syphilis, burns and wounds.

1. It is a brain tonic used to treat senility, epilepsy, premature aging and mental disorders.
2. It is a treatment for high blood pressure.
3. It is an energy booster and helps the body to recover from fatigue.
4. It is a sedative for the treatment of anxiety, stress and insomnia.
5. It purifies the blood and also improves blood circulation.
6. It is effective in treating rheumatism and arthritis.
7. It is a home remedy for diarrhoea and dysentery.
8. It is used to treat menstrual disorders and as birth control by some females.

Gotu kola is available as capsules, tablets, tea, dried leaves, extracts and ointments. It is safe when the recommended dosage is adhered to. Standard dosage in extract form is 180 to 200 mg per day. The dosage in tea form is three cups of tea per day. Make a gotu kola tea by steeping 1 or 2 teaspoon of leaves in 150 ml of boiling water for at least ten minutes. However, this herb is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women and children.

In Australia it is known as the herb for arthritis. In China it is an herb for longevity. Due to its ability to improve circulation, it can benefit the sick or elderly who are bedridden. Herbalists often use gotu kola to combat arsenic and mushroom poisoning. Oil extract from this herb is used to stimulate hair growth for those suffering hair loss and balding. It is amazing how versatile an alternative medicine gotu kola is.

Fennel As Alternative Medicine

Fennel As Alternative Medicine

Since the times of ancient Egypt fennel has been used as an alternative medicine to treat various complaints especially digestive disorders. During Medieval times it was one of the most popular herbs for home remedy. This herb is of the same family as carrots, dill, parsley and coriander.

1. It is a decongestant that helps to loosen phlegm.
2. It is a treatment for skin disorders and conjunctivitis.
3. It stimulates the production of milk in nursing mothers.
4. It aids digestion and gives relief to indigestion, heartburn, spasm, wind, stomachaches and dyspepsia.
5. It helps to break down kidney stones and also eases the pain.
6. It can alleviate nausea, fever and pain.
7. It is used as an ingredient in herbal medicine to balance hormones in menopausal women.
8. Fennel tea bags put over eyelids can soothe inflammation and can improve eye sight.

Fennel is very safe for everyone even infants. It is often used to treat infant colic. Fennel can either be fed to the baby directly or taken by the nursing mother. This herb comes in the form of tinctures, capsules, tea and liquid extract. You can make a cup of fennel tea by steeping a teaspoon of the tea in 150 ml of boiling water for about 20 minutes. Standard dosage is three times a day of this brewed tea. Very often we are not aware that a common vegetable such as fennel is also a very valuable alternative medicine.

Valerian As Alternative Medicine

Valerian As Alternative Medicine

Valerian is an alternative medicine for insomnia that has been used since the times of Greek physician Hippocrates. This herb is derived from the valerian plant’s root. Today valerian is also effective for many other health complaints.

1. It is a powerful remedy for heart palpitations, nervousness, hypertension, migraine and tension headaches.
2. It is a treatment for spastic colitis and gastrointestinal pain.
3. Very often it is used in place of Valium the prescription drug.
4. It is an effective remedy for ADHD attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
5. It is an excellent antibacterial facial wash.
6. It is a tranquilliser to treat stress, anxiety and restlessness.

Valerian is available as tablets, capsules, teas and tinctures. It is safe and non-addictive over short term. This herb is recommended for use of between four to six weeks. Standard dosage is between 270 and 450 mg of valerian extract or 2 to 3 g of dried root. When used to give relief to tension and to aid sleep valerian is combined with lemon balm, skuppcap and passion flower. Nursing and pregnant women and children under 2 years old should avoid this herb. Valerian must not be taken with alcohol or medications for mental health and seizure. This herb can react with muscle relaxants, sedatives, narcotics and antihistamines. Side effects are rare when the dosage is adhered to. Some possible side effects are stomach problems, headache and dizziness.

Today valerian is accepted worldwide as an effective herbal sleeping remedy. In Europe it is used as a treatment for anxiety and sleeping disorders. In United Kingdom and Germany it is approved by the governments as sleep aid. Valerian is a much preferred effective and gentle alternative medicine for insomnia.

Barberry As Alternative Medicine

Barberry As Alternative Medicine

For over 2500 years barberry has been used as an alternative medicine for many ailments. Ancient Egyptians used it together with fennel seed to treat fevers and to prevent plague. The North American Indians used this herb to treat poor appetite and to strengthen the whole body. In China, Middle East, Europe and India barberry was also used for healing.

1. It is a liver cleanser and a remedy for liver disorders.
2. It is a treatment for gallstones and gallbladder inflammation.
3. It is effective for digestive disorders such as gastrointestinal, diarrhea, constipation, dysentery and cholera.
4. It is a useful remedy for skin infections such as Candida and psoriasis
5. It is used to treat urinary tract infections, sore throat, sinusitis, bronchitis and nasal congestion
6. It is a remedy for menstrual irregularities and period pain.
7. It is a treatment for high blood pressure.

You can get barberry as capsules, tablets, tinctures, dried, teas and ointments. This herb is generally safe when no more than 500 mg a day is taken. Barberry is not recommended for nursing and pregnant women. When barberry is given to children, caution must be exercised. For digestive complaints this herb is often used in combination with licorice root, wild yam and dandelion.

Excessive consumption of barberry can cause vomiting, diarrhea, nosebleeds and kidney discomfort. Barberry can interfere with the effectiveness of antibiotics, antihistamines, blood thinning and blood pressure drugs. If you are diabetic refrain from taking this herb. Barberry is a favourite alternative medicine used by herbalists to treat hepatitis.

Thyme As Alternative Medicine

Thyme As Alternative Medicine

Thyme is known by most people as an herb in cooking but not as an alternative medicine. Ancient Greeks, Egyptians and Romans were familiar with the medicinal properties of this versatile herb. The Egyptians used thyme in their embalming and as an antiseptic for cleansing and purification. Its leaves and flowering tops are the parts used as medicine.

1. It is used to expel threadworms, hookworms and roundworms from the body.
2. It is a powerful remedy for digestive problems such as indigestion, colic, diarrhea, dyspepsia, lack of appetite, irritable bowel and gastritis.
3. It gives relief to epilepsy, menstrual and stomach cramps.
4. It is an effective treatment for respiratory tract and lung infections such as laryngitis, bronchitis, tonsillitis and coughs.
5. It is a sedative to calm depression, anxiety, nervousness, melancholy, insomnia and nightmares.
6. It is a powerful remedy for skin disorders such as bruises, thrush, cuts, deep wounds, dandruff, dental decay, athlete's foot, hair loss and tumors.
7. It alleviates nausea, rheumatic aches and headaches.
8. It is a stimulant for the thymus gland.

Thyme is available as tincture, oil, extract, tea, powder and leaves. You can also get this herb from local markets as dried or fresh leaves. It is safe and beneficial for anyone. In Jamaica a woman is given thyme tea after childbirth.

However, thyme oil must be for external use only or it may cause vomiting, dizziness or difficulties in breathing. When thyme is to be used on skin, it must be in a diluted form.

For lung problems and diarrhea an infusion is ideal. An infusion is also most effective as a gargle for sore throat. Mix same proportion of sage, red clover, rosemary with thyme for digestive disorders. To make a tea put two teaspoons of leaves and steep in a cup of boiling water for ten minutes.

Many herbalists consider thyme as a most useful herb. It is often used together with other treatments. In the Middle East there is even an herbal mixture known as Zaatar. Thyme is indeed a very useful alternative medicine that is found in our homes.