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.