Question:
Can I take any herbal health remedy?
Astragalus - What Is It?
Astragalus is a member of the pea family, and is grown in
northeastern China. Also called Huang qi, the roots of
this plant are the medicinal part.
Artichoke - Therapeutic Uses
There are some studies that show artichoke can reduce
blood fats. Other studies have shown just the opposite,
however. Experiments with animals have shown certain
artichoke properties help to detoxify the liver and
kidneys, and can stimulate bile secretion from the
gallbladder.
Good results when used for indigestion, poor appetite,
and gallbladder troubles.
Also has been used to treat blood clotting, constipation,
gas, high cholesterol/triglicerides, high uric acid,
inflammation, kidney and liver problems, nausea, and
water retention.
Folklore uses include anemia, arthritis, gout, itching,
and even snakebite!
Birch - What Is It?
Birch is a flowering tree that grows in the U.S., Asia, and Europe. It's quite common, and the small, serrated leaves hold a juice that is used to make beers, wine and vinegars.
Choosing Between Brands
1. Whole plant or extract? It depends on which herb
you're buying and what you're going to use it for.
For instance, the root of the herb Echinacea, which is
used to help fight colds, is where the more concentrated
compounds are found. The root is more expensive, however.
If you see a label that states the ingredient is
"echinacea herb" or "horsetail herb", that means
the supplement is made from not only the root, but
also the above ground parts of the plant, and therefore
will be less effective.
2. Always try to find organically grown herbs.
3. The closer to your location that the plant was
grown, the fresher it will be when you get it, usually.
4. Look for "active ingredient", and compare labels.
How many pills will you need to take per day of one
or another? This will affect the cost considerably.
5. Safety sealed bottles, and expiration dates, or
do not purchase it.
6. Look for the company's information such as address,
telephone number, etc.
Parsley As A Breath Freshener
Parsley can be used as a breath freshener. Just chew
on a sprig or two. ---and you thought restaurants only put it on your plate for decoration!
Valerian
Valerian increases the effects of sedatives, prescription
or otherwise.
Borage
Borage tea can be calming and cooling to a body
that has overdone it in the garden. Making a tea of
the fresh leaves, adorned with one or two of the
blue, star-shaped flowers, is a sure pick-me-up.
Aloe - What is it?
Aloe is an African member of the lily family. It's a
succulent, and prefers arid, sandy soil in a sunny, dry atmosphere.
It has very fleshy leaves that hold the gel used to treat
many skin ailments.
Calendula (pot marigold)
Calendula flowers may be added to teas, but most often
are made into salves for burns, scrapes, and skin
conditions.
What Does "Alternative Health Remedies" Mean?
Alternative medicine is a catch-all for many different
areas of therapies.
Naturopathy also covers just about all of the healing arts
outside of western medicines today.
Homeopathy is therapy using small doses of plants and
other substances that can be used medicinally.
Nutritional therapies include low-fat diet, elimination diets, and vegetarianism.
Herbal Medicine is the use of plants as replacements for, and in addition to, pharmaceutical drugs.
Aromatherapy is just that, using the essential oils in plants to enhance relaxation.
Traditional Chinese Medicine involves herbal treatments, acupuncture, and nutrition.
Relaxation therapies include meditation, biofeedback, and hypnotherapy.
Supplementation means using vitamins and minerals, and other compounds to enhance health.
Manipulative therapies are massage, chiropractic, and many other types of manipulation to affect the body.
"Alternative Health Remedies" encompasses all of these areas!
Anise - Therapeutic Uses
Anise grows well throughout North America, but isn't found very often in the wild anymore.
Anise is used to treat bronchitis, colds, coughing,
fever, gallbladder problems, liver problems, and
sore throat.
Anise holds powerful phytochemicals, such as
creosol and alpha-pinene, both of which are very
well documented in western medicine, and used
to break up congestion, ease coughing, and even
as an aid to relieve gas problems.
Please read Anise - Dosage/Safe Use
Artichoke - What Is It?
I'm certain most everyone knows what an artichoke is.
But just in case, it's an herbaceous plant that is known
for it's large, edible, thistle-like flowering heads.
That's about it for artichokes. :)
Adverse Reactions
Everyone reacts to herbs differently. If you
experience any unusual or adverse reactions to any
herbal product you're using, within 8 hours
of taking it, stop using it! Some people
are very sensitive to specific herbal mixtures.
Bayberry - What Is It?
Bayberry grows along the Atlantic coastline and around Lake Erie.
The aromatic leaves have been used for eons to fragrance candles.
The yellow-greenish wax that covers the berries is also used in candlemaking.
Bayberry is also known as candleberry because of this fact.
Arnica - Dosage/Safe Use
Do not apply to broken skin or open wounds, and do NOT take arnica
internally, ever. Use arnica short term only.
Arnica is sold for external use as creams, ointments, gels,
and tinctures. Read all accompanying precautions and
information that comes with any arnica treatment you
purchase!
Anise - What Is It?
Anise grows throughout North America, mostly in gardens.
The feathery leaves can be used as a garnish in salads.
The seed-like, brownish fruit is where the essential oils
are, oils used to make licorice, ouzo, and other licorice
flavored foods.
Ashwaganda - What Is It?
Ashwaganda is a member of the nightshade family.
Native to India, it is now also grown in the U.S.
Many people consider it to be the Indian equivalent to
ginseng, because of it's use as an "all purpose tonic".
Traditional Ayurvedic physicians prescribed it for
everything from hiccups to female problems. Ashwaganda
is known to work as a mild sedative and as an aid for
arthritis (anti-inflammatory).
Bearberry - Therapeutic Uses
Bearberry has been used all over the world to treat urinary tract infections, much like cranberry.
Bearberry is in fact a close relative of cranberry and blueberry, and the dark green leaves are where the remedy lies.
Bearberry is also useful in treating coughing, inflammation, swelling, and kidney problems.
Bearberry works as a urinary antiseptic. It fights bacteria and supports the kidneys.
Please read the Dosage/Safe Use Tip!
Bearberry - What Is It?
Bearberry, also called Uva Ursi and Mountain Box, grows in
the cooler regions of North America, northern Europe, and northern Asia.
The leaf is used medicinally. It's bright red berries ripen in the fall and end up feeding birds and animals throughout the winter time.
Bearberry is used to treat urinary tract infections, mainly, and has been a
recommended treatment for this problem since at least the early 1800's.
Bilberry - What Is It?
Also called Whortleberry and huckleberry, Bilberry grows in forest meadows and the woods of Europe, and is commonly wild-harvested.
The ripe berry itself, bluish-black and sweet, is primarily used, but the leaves are also used to treat health problems.
Bilberry - Dosage/Safe Use
Don't go out and grab large amounts of this fruit to
eat, you'll get diarrhea. Don't eat large amounts of the leaves, either. I get mine in capsule form.
Read labels! Be sure what you're getting is what you want to get. For Bilberry, ascertain that the capsules you're buying have the right amount of active properties, such as 10 milligrams of anthocyanosides.
Take two 475 milligram capsules of bilberry twice daily, or make a tea of 1 to 2 tablespoons of crushed bilberry fruit in one cup of boiling water, steeped for 10 - 15 minutes and strained.
Arnica - What Is It?
Arnica also goes by the names "Leopard's Bane" and "Mountain Tobacco".
Arnica is grown mostly in the mountains of the Western U.S., although it
is native to Europe. The whole plant or just the flowers can be used
in ointments, creams, gels and other styles of preparation to treat inflamation, swelling, and as a pain reliever.
Herb Supplements Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take any herbal health remedy?
How do I start to grow an herb garden?
Can an elderly person take herbal medicines?
How do I start an herb garden from seeds?
Can I use anything to store my infusions in?
How can I make my own infusions?
How can I make my own herbal bath at home?
Can I eat any flowers I happen to find?
How do I make homemade flavored vinegars?
How can I use Basil as an herbal health remedy?
Should I take herbal products if I´m on prescription medicine?
How much of this herbal medicine should I take?
What should I consider buying?
Should I take herbal products if I´m on prescription medicine?
Do I want to keep the Nettles that I have growing in my yard?
How can I keep my blonde hair blonde without using chemical dyes?
What do I do with last year´s herbs?
I´m looking for herb vinegar recipes?
Where is a good recipe for Basil Pesto?
When is the best time of day to harvest?
What is the best way to store parsley?
Why should I pinch my herb plants?
How will borage grow in my herb garden?
How can I use the herbs in my garden as pest control?
Is basil good for anything besides cooking?
I need something to use in place of salt in my diet..
How can I learn more about herbs online?
What herbs grow best in a windowbox?
How do I identify herbs safely?
How can I make my own herbal bath oils?
I´m looking for a classic Italian Seasoning recipe..
What do I do with chamomile teabags?
Where should I store my herbal health products?
How can I make my own taco seasoning at home?
How can I create my own light facial moisturizers?
If I´m on a no salt diet, can I use these recipes?
Is there a natural, organic rinse for darker hair?
What kind of parsley tastes best?
How do I make my own infusions?
Does Borage tea calm the nerves?
I´m pregnant, should I use herbal medicine?
What if I have allergies or I´m sensitive to medicines?
Which herbs can I use to replace salt and lower my salt intake?
Does Basil really add flavor to tomatoes in a garden?
Is there a recipe for a citrus oil?
Where can I find a good mild curry blend?
Can I grow French Tarragon in my herb garden?
How should I harvest my herbs?
Can I grow Cilantro in my herb garden?
Is there a recipe for an herbal blend to make a chili powder?
How can I choose herbal supplements wisely?
How can I add an Asian flavor to my dishes?
Should I use glass or plastic bags to store my herbs?
I´m looking for recipes for basil oil infusions..
Are there any French herbal mixtures I can make at home?
Which type of herb will grow fastest?
Where can I find a recipe to make homemade creams and skin lotions?
Is parsley a good herb to grow in my garden?
What´s a good salt free recipe for steaks?
What´s a good edible flower to use as a garnish?
How can I rid my herb garden of pests without using chemicals?
I´m looking for good ideas to store my herbs for freshest flavor
What kind of foods would help my baldness?
what dietary changes can I do to help my baldness?
What parts of a daylily would I use in cooking?
Should I thin my plants after they start growing?
What can I scrub my sinks with that is healthy?
Is there a recipe I can try that has a Jamaican flavor?
What kinds of flavored oils can I make at home?
How can I make Thai food at home?
Which herbs or flowers make a calming tea?
How do I use Aloe Vera for burns and cuts?
How do I make blackberry vinegar?
What herbs may interact with the drugs I have to take?
Are there any side effects while taking Gingko Biloba?
Is there an herb blend I can make at home for my soup recipes?
What can I use to replace salt in my diet?
Should I take herbal products if I´m on prescription medicine?
How can I help my pet´s skin quality?
Is there a recipe for a no-salt rub for chicken?
Why would I want to create my own ethnic herbal blend recipes?
Is there a good herbal blend for meats and poultry?
Is there something I can make at home to treat very dry skin?
How can I make an herbal milk bath?
I´m looking for more flavor in my low salt diet, what can I use?
How will Borage grow in my herb garden?
How should I use these herbal blends?
Is there an herb mix I can make at home for spaghetti sauce?
How can I make my own Cajun flavoring?
Is it safe to make my own flavored oils and vinegars?
Is there a natural way to treat dry skin?
Should I bother drying parsley for later use?
How can I start growing chives?
Does Basil really add flavor to tomatoes in a garden?
Is there a way to make homemade rose water?
Can I eat the leaves of my borage plants?
Will every edible flower taste great?
What can I do to help my dull skin?
How do I make a sorbet with herbs?
What do I do for a sore throat?
How can I use my calendula blossoms in cooking?
How will thyme grow in my herb garden?
What kind of soil should I use if I´m planting outdoors?
What do I do with all these seeds?
How do I make my own facial toners?
Which herbs go well with red wine vinegar?
Can I really use catnip to make a tea?
How do I harvest borage flowers?
What should I look for when buying natural herbal supplements?
Where can I find a good Mexican beef marinade mix?
How can I make my own chorizo sausage at home?
Will edible blossoms taste just like the rest of the herb?
How can I perk up my iced herbal teas?
How can I make my own safe fertilizer?
How can I make a salt free blend?
What is Ashwaganda, and how can I use it to reduce stress?
I need a popcorn salt recipe that has no salt!
How do I grow basil in my herb garden?
How can I use all the chickweed I´m pulling from my garden?
Why would I want to grow Yarrow in my herb garden?
How do I dry herbs in the oven?
What is a good tea for lung congestion?
What kind of herbal bath is good to use as an energy boost?
What is chicory good for other than coffee?
How can I stimulate hair growth?
When should I pick my lavender?
How can I spice up grilled fish?
Where can I find a good recipe for hot pepper oil?
Should I take single herbs as health aids, or formula pills?
How much astragalus can I take every day as an aid to good health?
How much anise should I take as a natural medicine?
What should I be aware of before taking Ginkgo Biloba?
How long will my dried herbs stay fresh?
Which herbs don´t go well with prescription medicines?
Is Arnica safe to use medicinally?
How can I freeze herbs for later use?
Is it safe for me to make my own garlic oils?
I´d like to try making my own homemade raspberry vinegar..
Is there a recipe for an herbal pillow to induce dreams?
Which herbal garden pests will I most likely have to do battle with?
Can I use chamomile if I´m taking blood thinners?
Should I give my baby herbal medicine?
Where can I find a recipe to make my own Fines Herbes mix?
What can I use to prevent baldness?
Which flowers should I try to grow as edible blossoms?
What´s on the label of my supplements?
Will my age affect how much of an herb I should be taking?
Where can I find a good chicken curry recipe?
Can I easily grow Aloe from seed?
How can I dry herbs for tea making?
If I hate taking pills, how can I take an herbal health supplement?
Which herbs lose a lot of their flavor when dried?
Why would I want to grow Aloe Vera in my garden for medicinal uses?
I´m looking for a recipe for "Quatre Epices" or Four Spices...
How can I use Ashwaganda safely?
I want to make homemade garlic oil...
Is there an herbal treatment I can use to rid my pet of fleas
Is there a pesto that doesn´t use basil and pine nuts?
Should I try taking Bromelain if I´m on prescription drugs?
What am I going to do with all this zucchini?
When should I begin to fertilize my plants?
Can I grow my seedlings indoors?
Which herbs are good for cleansing in an herbal bath?
What should I do to be sure the infusions I make are safe?
What is Astragalus, and how is it used in herbal medicine?
Should I use Belladonna as an herbal supplement?
What is Bilberry and how is it used to treat night blindness?
Are the flowers from chive plants used in cooking?
How can I store fresh picked herbs for short term use?
Which herbs go well in vegetarian dishes?
How is artichoke used as an herbal/natural medicine?
How can an artichoke aid in my good health?
Can I make my own poultry and stuffing seasoning at home?
Is there an Italian flavored oil I can make at home?
Can I make tea from Clover flowers?
How do I make tea using my own herbs?
I´m looking for an herb butter recipe...
How can I safely take Birch as an herbal health aid?
Why would I use a natural fertilizer?
What do edible calendula blossoms look like?
When should I harvest my herbs?
Is there an herb mix I can make at home for breads?
Where can I find an all-purpose recipe for an herb mix?
Where do I find edible flowers?
What can I do for my dry skin?
How can I spice up a rice dish?
I´m looking for a hot curry mix, where can I find it?
Can I safely take ginseng if I´m on antibiotics?
What drug interactions should I watch for if using herbs?
What do I do with dried daylilies?
Does borage have blooms (flowers)?
How should I plant my herbs in the ground from pots?
How can I keep pests from ruining my herb garden?
Should I spray my herbs with water?
How do I use old coffee grounds in my garden?
How do you make iced herbal teas ?
Which herbal bath is good for sore muscles?
Which herbs are good to use in a relaxing bath?
I want to learn to make infused herbal oils at home...
Where can I find a good recipe for rosemary oil?
Can I make roasted garlic oil at home?
Is there a recipe I can make for lemon oil?
Should I grow Anise in my garden for health benefits?
Which herb can be used for water retention/as a diuretic?
Is there something I can make at home to use as a diuretic?
Why would I want to add herbal vinegar to soups?
How can I make use of herbs that are older but still good?
What is Yarrow used for in herbal medicine?
Will sage grow in my herb garden?
Recent Herb Supplements Questions
Q.
Hi,
I have a friend who on a daily basis douses a few crackers with
store bought garlic powder. I have tried explaining to him that
all the good stuff has been processed out of that crap and all
he`s doing is stinking up the office with his bad breath. Could
you please back me up on this with some websites I could
direct him to? By the way, I am a garlic lover and use it on a
daily basis myself.
Thank you,
Hermann
A.
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Q.
If you buy Ma Huang, how would you ingest it..would you make a tea?
Thank you
A.
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Q.
what can i take for my thyroid, i take synthroid and i havent felt better in 3 years i have read up on thyodine is it safe
A.
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Q.
What are the best herbal treatment plans or vitamins that persons with hiv should absolutely try to incorporate into their health regimen?
A.
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Q.
WHat is better to store vitamins in, glass or plastic jars?
A.
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Q.
Are herbs safe to take, is it a waste of money. are their side affects Thank you
A.
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Q.
hi.i am 24 how can i reduce obesity homemade
A.
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Q.
What supplements work best for arthritis? I am starting a detox diet, but I take Bextra for my arthritis and I also take Buspar for my panic attacks. Should I stop taking these medicines and what natural supplements will work?
A.
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Q.
are there any herbs that can be taken to help soften eggs when tryign to conceive?
thank you
A.
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Q.
I was wondering if lutein is safe to take during pregnancy.
A.
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Q.
What is the best herb for fibromyalgia pain? A pharmacist has recommended cimicifuga and belladonna
A.
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Q.
I would like to detox my liver and take an herb for depression. Is it ok to do both at the same time?
A.
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Q.
I have a polyp on my vocal cord. My doctor took a biopsy of it 5 days ago. I have to wait 2 weeks for results. I still cannot talk. Someone told me to drink mint tea. Would that be helpful?
A.
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Q.
I am in my second trimester of pregnancy and am experiencing difficulty with varicosities. I am considering purchasing a supplement that contains the following: vitamin C,horse chestnut, butcher`s broom,gotu kola,bilberry,hawthorne berry,and grapeseed. I had been taking daily 3000mg of vitamin C with bioflavonoids(rutin and hesperitin)along with about 1200 i.u.`s of E,but since I`ve run out I was looking to continue that and add some herbs,perhaps the afore metioned supplement. My question is, are those herbs safe for me to take. And if so, in what dosages? Is there anything else that you might recommend? Thank you.
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Q.
Hi, Can we take all kinds of Supplements without prescrisptions from the Doctor? if to know..what is best for a 50 y.old woman to take to have a healhty life.Well, most i want is how to get more energy, get to look younger and get those skin spot vanish from hands and shoulder and do you know how to cure varicose veiens? thanks
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Q.
What supplements work best for insomnia? Valerian Root?
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Q.
Is there anything that will help with jet lag?
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Q.
My step-father ate a recipe with cilantro last night. A couple hours later couldn`t breathe - was given oxygen - wondering if cilantro can do this - doesn`t often if at all eat herb.
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Q.
Can I help heal ulcer with herbs? (which ones??)
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Q.
is there any herbal treatment for MRSA?
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Q.
Is black cohosh safe to take while breastfeeding a toddler?
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Q.
i was wondering, i used to use secret deodarent (15 year old girl) and it started itching and i got an allergic reation even though i had been using the deoderant for a while. so i stopped and i tried other things but i really need an antipersperant because i do sports and i wanna know if i can go back to secret..its probably not a smart idea but it was working ok until i got an allergic reaction..maybe i used it too much a few times
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