Though most teas are made from only the leaves of herbs, Jasmine Green Tea is different. It is made by adding the jasmine flower to the tea. Cultivated widely for its beautiful flowers, jasmine is any of more than 200 species with fragrant white, yellow or red flowers.
Though brought to China from Persia sometime in the third century AD, the jasmine plant never became popular in China until about 1000 AD. Popular versions of jasmine are Xiang Pian, Dragon Phoenix Pearl, and Mo Li Hua Cha. This last one is possibly the most popular scented tea in the world. Yin Hao is considered the finest jasmine tea.
Jasmine green tea is made by starting with a Chinese green tea for a base. Some will use pouchong/oolong or black tea but green is more common. The tea leaves are plucked and processed in April and May and then kept dry until the jasmine flowers bloom in August and September.
Timing is everything when gathering the flowers. They must be fully open and for this reason they are harvested at midnight, or early in the morning. Then the open flowers are placed with the tea so that the scent of the flower can be absorbed into the tea over the next four hours. After this the flowers are removed. This process is repeated from two to seven times over a month. Then the tea is ready for sale. The grade of the tea is determined by how many scentings the tea has gotten over a month. High grade jasmine tea has had up to seven scentings over the month. Low grade has had two to three scentings.
What’s so great about this stuff? Most green teas with jasmine contain a significant amount of polyphenols. These are plant-based substances that have proven to fight cancer, viruses, and have antioxidant properties. By eliminating free radicals the tea helps prevent certain cancers and slow aging. Jasmine reduces blood sugar for diabetics, and also reduces high blood pressure. This helps prevent heart attacks, strokes, thrombosis, and arterial sclerosis.
One of the Jasmine Green Tea health benefits is to improve intestine conditions by blocking the development and growth of bad bacteria and by strengthening good bacteria. It also helps to reduce the risk of blood clots, to prevent allergy and flu, to reduce blood sugar, to keep fluid balance, to boost the immune system, and to provide oral health and fluoride that helps prevent dental cavities.
In addition, jasmine tea gargled is an effective way to fight influenza because of its ability to fight viruses. Jasmine green tea also helps with the consequences of food poisoning, including piccoli (causing gastric ulcers), cholera, and dysentery.
Today, jasmine is known in alternative health care as an effective anti-depressant, including post-natal depression, and menopause problems. Along with raspberry leaf tea, it has been used to help childbirth and milk production. It can help relieve muscle and joint pain, including chronic back pain and is considered a romantic enhancer.
Try using jasmine green tea to lose weight. In one three month study, people who consumed tea with jasmine green tea extract lost more fat than those who consumed regular oolong tea. Perhaps the catechins in the jasmine trigger weight loss by decreasing body fat and by stimulating the body to burn calories.
The tea is easy to make. Just add a half teaspoon of the jasmine mix to a cup of nearly boiling water and allow it to steep two or three times for two minutes. Then drink at least four cups of this a day. A good quality jasmine green tea will work well with fruit and flower salads, or with desserts made with flowers, or soft cheeses with pressed flowers. Jasmine green tea is also served with strongly flavored foods, curries, chicken and fish, and vegetarian dishes, or served alone.
Tagged: green tea with jasmine, jasmine green tea, jasmine green tea benefits, organic jasmine green tea August 16, 2010
This perennial flowerless plant is most commonly called horsetail but is also known as bottle brush, horse willow, Dutch rushes, toadpipe, Corn Horsetail, Atkuyrugu, Quyroughi, and Shavegrass. The value of this herb is found in the hollow, jointed stems. Its history goes back to the Roman physician Galen who recommended its use for kidney and bladder troubles, bleeding ulcers, arthritis, and tuberculosis. The Chinese still use it to treat dysentery, flu, swellings, and hemorrhoids, to cool a fever, and as a remedy for eye inflammations such as conjunctivitis and corneal disorders.
The horsetail constitutes one of the most diuretic species in all the plants. In other words it possesses a great capacity to eliminate water from the body. This is due to the chemical ingredient equisetonin. Horsetail can actually increase urination up to 30%. This fact means it is often used in products for weight loss. Equisetonin and potassium are especially beneficial for this but calcium, magnesium, ascorbic acid and caffeic acid also contribute to this ability.
Horsetail’s diuretic qualities make it effective to help knock out bacterial and inflammatory diseases of the lower urinary tract. It also helps to flush out kidney and bladder stones. The quantity of silica in horsetail makes it effective in speeding up slowly healing wounds and repairing bony tissues. Silica helps the body store more calcium and this means stronger bones or tendons. It is excellent in dealing with osteoporosis.
Horsetail is an excellent herbal source of silicon, magnesium, calcium, iron, chromium, manganese, and potassium. Because of this mineral content horsetail is recommended for anemia and general debility. Try it also in treating lung damage such as tuberculosis or emphysema, as well as prostatitis, enuresis, urinary tract infections and muscle cramps. Horsetail nourishes the body’s connective tissue as well as nails, hair, skin, and bones.
Horsetail is considered a specific remedy in cases of inflammation or benign enlargement of the prostate gland. Its toning and astringent action make it of value in the treatment of incontinence and bed-wetting in children. Recent research in Russia has apparently demonstrated that horsetail is effective in removing lead accumulations in the body.
Gargle horsetail tea as a mouth rinse for sore throat, mouth ulcers, or bleeding gums. Apply a compress to help heal fractures and sprains, sores, wounds, and skin problems. Swallow it to stop bleeding from ulcers or diminish heavy menstrual bleeding.
Externally use 10 grams of the powdered herb in 1 liter of water for compresses. Internally, use the powdered herb for infusions, taken orally in an average daily dose of 6 grams. If you take horsetail internally, drink plenty of water. To make horsetail tea, pour boiling water over 2 to 3 g of the herb, boil for 5 minutes, and then strain after 10 to 15 minutes. It can be consumed several times a day between meals.
A few warnings are in order. Too much horsetail and licorice (and especially alcohol) decrease potassium levels and risk thiamine deficiency and cardiac toxicity. Some advise the following people to stay away from horsetail: breast-feeding patients, pregnant patients, those who are taking a cardiac glycoside, those with impaired heart or kidney function, those with liver problems, and who have a history or potential of thiamine deficiency. The equisetic acid in horsetail is a heart and nerve sedative that could be poisonous in excessive quantities.
Tagged: horsetail, horsetail grass, horsetail herb, horsetail herbs August 4, 2010
When you think of spearmint leaves, you probably think of Wrigley’s gum that has been around since 1893. Indeed, it is flavored with spearmint oil. In fact, about half of all spearmint oil is used to flavor gum, another 45% for toothpastes. We are told that 13,000 sticks of chewing gum contain one pound of mint oil. So it goes a long way!
Officially it is Salvia sclarea, but other common names are spearmint, mint, brown mint, garden mint, Our Lady’s mint, sage of Bethlehem, menthol mint, silver mint, spiremint. There are many different kinds of mint, including catnip, peppermint, apple mint, orange mint, lavender mint. and Scotch spearmint. We are told the US produces 70% of the world’s mint supply, and Washington and Oregon are the leading producers.
Though spearmint is not as popular as peppermint, it does have its own unique flavor. Spearmint plant has a creeping root and unequally serrated and smooth leaves. It is a herbaceous plant with branching, quadrangular, smooth stems, that grow to 2 ft. high. The leaves are the only part of the plant used.
Spearmint is native to the Mediterranean region. Its history goes back thousands of years. In 1568, herbalist John Gerard Writing wrote of ‘spere mynte’, it “rejoiceth the heart…” The Bible mentions mint twice, in Matt. 23:23 and Luke 11:42. Both spoke of religious people tithing the tiniest of leaves. In the Middle Ages spearmint is mentioned as a strewing herb. It was scattered on the floor to get rid of rodents, to give health to those in the house, and to add a beautiful scent. Spearmint made its way to America during the Colonial period. Because mint was not taxed by the English government, it soon became a popular tea substitute during the American Revolution. After the war, spearmint became a significant cash crop in Connecticut. During the American Civil War when imported black tea was hard to get, spearmint’s popularity flourished. It was used to help purify drinking water and as a cleansing tonic. They used spearmint to treat dog bites and wasps and bee stings by mixing salt and mint and applying it directly to the wound.
What makes it effective? Spearmint contains volatile oil, caffeic acid, rosmaric acid, the flavonoid thymonin, carvone, and limonene. The aromatic compounds relieve smooth muscle spasms, increase the production of digestive fluids and enzymes, promote sweating, increase blood circulation, relieve pain, and are antiseptic. It has been used to treat indigestion, morning sickness, flatulence, nausea, menstrual cramps, flu, muscle aches, and vomiting. Spearmint contains astringent compounds that shrink inflamed tissues. Ice cubes of mint tea are great to soothe the pain of canker sores.
Externally the application of a strong decoction of spearmint will heal chapped skin. Spearmint can be inhaled to relieve tension headache and to revive memory. Sugary juices can be diluted with herbal teas such as mint.
Some women face a condition called hirsutism. This is excessive hair growth in areas where hair normally does not grow. Spearmint reduces the level of free testosterone in the blood through its anti-androgenic properties. At the same time it leaves total testosterone and DHEA unaffected. Women with hirsutism should drink a cup of spearmint tea in the morning and evening for the five days of the follicular period (the five days leading up to ovulation) of each menstrual cycle.
The recommended dosage is as follows: To make an infusion mix 2 tsp dried leaf in one cup water. Steep for 10 min. Do not boil. Strain. For a decoction, mix 2 tbsp. dried leaf in one cup water. Steep 10 min. Do not boil. Strain. To make a decoction for bath, mix 3 tbsp. dried leaf in one cup water. There is no known negative safety information available so feel free to enjoy the benefits of spearmint. Safe and useful for children, spearmint provides relief in colic and congestion. The gentle menthol content is warming and relaxing to the esophagus. Spearmint is mildly anesthetizing to the mucous membranes of the stomach. It also eases motion sickness and will help restore the appetite.
Tagged: http://www.bulkherbbenefits.com/spearmint-leaves-benefit-chapped-ski/, spearmint herb, spearmint leaf, spearmint leaves, spearmint plant July 17, 2010
Spirulina is one of hundreds of algae species and is commonly known as blue green algae. Algae, including spirulina, are tiny organisms that usually grow on inland waters throughout the world. It looks like a blue-green scum. Algae is usually divided by color. Some of the different algae are blue-green, green, yellow-green, red, and brown. World-wide there are 8000 species of green algae. Of the three main types of algae, spirulina is the easiest to digest.
Unlike most other herbal plants, spirulina does not have roots, leaves, or stems. Spirulina does contain chlorophyll and carries on photosynthesis. Unlike many other plants, spirulina creates proteins and sugars just as animals do.
Africans living in the Sahara region eat dried spirulina with grains and vegetables. The Aztecs of Mexico were known to eat Spirulina as a staple food, fixing it by drying it and then spreading it on tortillas. Both animals and humans have counted on spirulina as a source of food for centuries.
Described below are some spirulina health benefits. Spirulina is used to treat cataracts, anemia, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, glaucoma, hepatitis, and physical imbalances. It is used to help people with weight loss. Spirulina’s antioxidants enhance the immune system. The algae is highly nutritious and is an excellent source of amino acids, vitamins, protein, chlorophyll, and minerals. In fact, it has twenty-six times the calcium of milk. Spirulina also contains B12, phosphorus, iron, and is easily digested. It is safe, easy to store, and has no side effects. This is why it has been called the “Manna of the future.”
As an immune system builder, spirulina appears to increase production of interferons and interleukins, both anti-inflammatory chemicals. These may decrease or prevent some allergic responses and block the release of histamine during an allergic reaction. This in turn decreases histamine’s effects such as muscle contraction, blood vessel expansion, and stomach acid production.
The afore mentioned antioxidant and immune-enhancing properties in spirulina may help it fight cancer cells. It also helps to release a chemical in the body that attacks tumor cells. Spirulina also appears to block virus cells from entering into host cells. In tests several viruses, including HIV, have apparently been killed or damaged by spirulina.
Spirulina is an exceptionally potent nutrient substance. NASA stated, “The Nutritional value of 1kg spirulina is equivalent to 1,000 kgs of assorted fruits and vegetables.” Spirulina is 85 percent protein, compared with 20 percent in beef. It contains all the essential amino acids and most of the nonessential ones. In addition, as noted above, it is extremely high in vitamins and minerals.
Spirulina is available in tablets, capsules, and powder. One tablespoon of Spirulina powder is about 7,000 mg (7 grams). Follow the directions on the manufacturer’s package that you buy. Doses recommended are from one gram to ten grams a day or about two teaspoons. More is needed for serious illnesses such as hepatitis where four tsp per day are recommended. Consume as much as you desire; it may be used as the primary protein source in the diet. Some make smoothies with spirulina; others just sprinkle it on their food like cinnamon. Spirulina powder can be added to fruit or vegetable juices or to dishes to make it more nutritious. It is tasty in soups, salads, pasta, or mixed with yoghurt. Just remember that it is most effective uncooked.
Tagged: spirulina, spirulina health benefits, spirulina nutrition, spirulina vitamins July 7, 2010
Imagine paying good money to get rid of a treasure chest in your yard! If you have thought of plantain as a nuisance weed, you might very well have done just that! Plantain, or Plantago major, is a weed that commonly grows in the yard in one of 200 varieties. You will recognize it by its broad, rounded cluster of leaves and nubby green spikes rising vertically from the midst.
In time last, plantain was used to heal the bites of “mad dogs, snakes, and venomous creatures.” In North America, Native Americans used plantain in the same way. For example, in colonial America a slave could win his freedom if he taught his master how to use plantain to cure rattlesnake bite. An article written in 1710 listed many plantain leaf benefits. Reading it, one wonders if this was not the medicine man’s secret brew that could heal anything!
How did they apply it? They took a few fresh leaves, crushed or chewed them, and applied them to a bleeding wound. Or they would use it to alleviate the pain and inflammation of bites and stings. Plantain can also be used this way to treat a wide range of skin disorders, including eczema, dandruff, or sunburn. Plantain is like a First Aid ointment growing right in your lawn! The leaf will also relieve the pain of a toothache by chewing on it. A cup of strong plantain tea will calm indigestion. In Europe they have confirmed that plantain is a valid treatment for sore throat, bronchitis, and cold symptoms.
Today, plantain has been acclaimed for its ability to relieve the effects of bee stings, insect and spider bites, and rashes caused by Poison Ivy or Stinging Nettles. Plantain, Jewelweed, and Hound’s Tongue are all called by Dr. Christopher “Nature’s erasers.” “Stand anywhere within sight of Poison Ivy, and look about. You will always see at least one of these plants, placed by the hand of God to come to your aid, if you should need it.” The fiber and mucilage from the seeds of the Plantago species are a primary source of fiber for millions of people worldwide. Plantain will also protect the body against tumors and help resist damage to the liver resulting from chemotherapy drugs.
Many commercial cosmetic creams and lotions list as an active ingredient a substance called allantoin that is found in plantain herbs. It speeds wound healing, kills germs, and stimulates the growth of new skin cells.
Plantain is a must in case of physical injuries because it is a contact healer. As such, along with cayenne, and comfrey, it is essential for emergency situations to stop itching and/or bleeding, kill infection, reduce inflammation, etc.
Try this: make a simple ointment with olive oil, extract of fresh plantain, and a little beeswax. Apply this to skin ailments, including diaper rash. You can rub fresh plantain leaves right onto the skin to treat bug bites, eczema, poison ivy, or other minor skin irritations. Another method is to make a soothing poultice of fresh, mashed leaves and a little cool water. This will sooth sunburn. You can purchase plantain as a liquid extract and in capsule form also. For bronchial symptoms the usual dosage is one teaspoon of liquid extract three times a day, or six grams in capsules per day.
Plantain is both good for you and safe. Though some reaction to excessive amounts has been reported, there are no known reactions to normal use. Just remember to keep it cool or frozen to preserve its value.
Tagged: plantain, plantain herb, plantain leaf, plantain leaves June 29, 2010
Licorice always brings to mind the red or black confection by that name. However, the candy actually contains little or no real licorice. However, the licorice root is rich in value. The name licorice actually comes from two Greek words meaning ‘sweet root.’ It is also called Chinese Licorice, Sweet Licorice, Sweet Wood, Kan-ts’ao, Gan Cao, Kuo-lao, and Yasti Madhu, and others. Used in proper doses, licorice is one of the most powerful herbs available today.
The licorice plant is obtained mainly from the countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. The dried plants can grow to over four feet. The plant has bluish purple and white flowers that resemble the blooms of the sweet pea. The licorice roots are cleaned, ground, and then boiled. The curdled, very strong tasting extract is dried again. This is again, along with natural flavors, dissolved in water and formed in molds.
Licorice has been used medicinally for centuries, even millennia. The ancient Hindus believed it increased sexual vigor when prepared as a beverage with milk and sugar. Licorice has been discovered in the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs, including that of Tutankhamen. In ancient Greece and Rome, licorice was employed as a tonic and also as a remedy for colds, sore throats, and coughs. As much as 3000 year ago the Chinese maintained that licorice root tea would give them strength and endurance. On this side of the ocean, in North American folk medicine, licorice was used as a cough suppressant, laxative, expectorant, and treatment for various cancers. Native Americans also used it to help with the pain in childbirth. Early pharmacists used licorice as a flavoring and sweetening agent in many of their syrups and lozenges. Today, licorice extracts are used in sugar free sweeteners for diabetics and those suffering from hypoglycemia. Recently a licorice sample dating from 756 A.D. was analyzed and found to still be potent. In Pontefract, Great Britain, local residents still celebrate a licorice harvest festival.
Generally, licorice is an immune system stimulant that is antibacterial. It not only has value in itself, but it causes other herbs to reach their full potential as well. Licorice contains glycyrrhizin, a substance that is 50 times sweeter than sugar. Glycyrrhizinic acid is more than just a sweetener though. It also seems to stop the growth of many bacteria and of viruses such as influenza A. It is especially useful for any mucous membrane infection, cancer, radiation treatment, general fatigue, or immune suppression.
Licorice extracts are used extensively in tonics, cough drops and syrups, laxatives, antismoking lozenges, and other preparations. They are also used as flavoring other undesirable tastes in certain medicines. This is good enough reason to have licorice on hand when your children get sick.
Licorice is best known to some for its estrogenic effects, which make is a useful herb for menopause. Its antiulcer activity make it an herb of choice for both stomach and duodenal ulcer problems. Because it stimulates expectoration and heals mucous membrane systems, it has a long history of use for upper respiratory infections. Licorice is used in treating many ailments, including (in alphabetical order) arthritis, asthma, athlete’s foot, baldness, body odor, bursitis, canker sores, chronic fatigue, depression, colds and flu, coughs, dandruff, emphysema, fungal infections, gingivitis and tooth decay, gout, heartburn, HIV, liver problems, Lyme disease, menopause, prostate enlargement, psoriasis, shingles, sore throat, tendonitis, tuberculosis, ulcers, viral infections, and yeast infections.
Besides glycyrrhizin, hundreds of other potentially healing substances have been identified in licorice as well, including compounds called flavonoids and various plant estrogens (phytoestrogens). Along this line, it is used to stimulate and regulate the adrenal glands and the pancreas. These work together because adrenalin helps control insulin. It acts as a natural cortisone or as a hormone that takes the place of cortisone. It helps injured voice muscles and helps voice improvement, either for hoarseness or throat damage. Licorice is a tonic for the intestinal tract. It acts as a mild laxative, and strengthens the heart and circulatory system.
You can partake of licorice in several ways. It makes an excellent tea and tincture. Of course, it can be used in other forms. For instance, you can put ground licorice root in capsules. It can also make other treatments more palatable. Feel free to add it to dishes in small amounts so as to add nutritional value without changing the flavor.
Because licorice is such a powerful herb, a few warnings are in order. The best way to use licorice is in combination with other bulk herbs. Licorice can cause water retention and raised blood pressure, especially with prolonged use. It also can cause an unwanted mild adrenal stimulation. Avoid using larger amounts of licorice internally during pregnancy or nursing. Licorice interacts with many prescription drugs. For this reason, if you are on other medication, consult your doctor before taking licorice.
Those who regularly use Licorice Root receive natural cortisone, relief from hypoglycemia, strengthened circulatory and more health boosting benefits. To find out more about this and other bulk herbs, visit More Than Alive - an online store and trusted resource for family health information.
Tagged: licorice herbal, licorice root, licorice roots, licorice supplement June 13, 2010
Catnip, one of the bulk dried herbs that is a member of the mint family, has the official name Nepeta cataria. Fully grown it is about 2′ tall. The leaves, slightly larger than peppermint, are downy above and below. When its essential oil production reaches its peak, catnip is harvested. The leaves and fragrant flowers are then carefully dried to preserve these oils.
A native of Europe, catnip was imported to US and is now a common weed here. Catnip is also called Catmint, Field Balm, Catswort, Catnep, Menta De Gato. Catnip has been used in herbal remedies since at least the 15th century, the most commonly consumed herbal drink in Europe before the importation of teas from the orient. By the 1890’s, Ojibwe native women were using it by the name Gajugensibug. It was prepared as a tea to bring down fevers.
Its name starting with ‘cat’ is not a coincidence. Catnip actually drives cats wild for a short time. Although many cats eat it, they are more interested in the smell than the taste. A cat will bite, chew, rub against, and roll in catnip. This will release the volatile oil trapped in the leaves. This may go on for several minutes, then suddenly the cat will walk away only to return and do it again two hours later. No one knows exactly why cats act this way, but we do know that the chemical nepetalactone in catnip is the trigger. The reaction is not learned, and, though some cats are totally unaffected by it, even large cats like tigers can be sensitive to it.
For humans, taken as a hot infusion, catnip promotes sweating and is beneficial for colds, flu, fevers, and infectious diseases. It is soothing to the nervous system and calming to the stomach. It aids with flatulence, diarrhea, and colic. It is sometimes used as an enema to cleanse and heal the lower bowel (use in diluted form). Catnip helps to prevent a miscarriage and premature birth and decreases the discomfort of morning sickness. These are just a few of benefits of Catnip.
Catnip is great for treating young children. It safely stimulates the body while it settles the stomach and soothes the nerves. In combination with fennel catnip is a great remedy for colic, gas, teething difficulties, and indigestion in children. It is also a great mucus cleanser.
Some also combine it with garlic because of garlic’s ability to fight infections. Together they make a powerful enema. Catnip can also induce sleep and increase perspiration without increasing body temperature, a perfect combination for someone who has a fever. This sedative action on the nerves makes it generally relaxing.
Essential oils are taken from the flowers and leaves. But the real benefit of this plant is in the Catnip leaf that may be purchased and used dried, cut, and powdered. The most common uses are as a tea, as an extract, or as a sprinkling on food. Of course, some use catnip to make an herbal pillow for their cats.
Catnip is a safe herb that can be taken by most everyone. Catnip should be stored in a dark, dry, and cool place. In fact, refrigeration or freezing if possible extends the life of catnips benefits best. The petalactone in catnip is ultraviolet sensitive and, therefore, it is important to keep it out of the sun. Some caution pregnant women not to use it but others say it is both safe and beneficial for expectant mothers.
Catnip Leaf provides digestion aid, relief from fevers and stomach cramps and more health boosting benefits to those who use it regularly. To find out more about this and other bulk dried herbs, visit More Than Alive - an online store and trusted resource for family health information.
Tagged: catnip herb, catnip herbal, catnip leaf, catnip plant June 8, 2010
A perennial plant, ginseng grows between 7 to 21 inches in height when wild. The plant takes only 5-6 years to grow, yet the roots can stay alive for over 100 years. The root is creamy yellow or white in color, and it branches off sometimes in the shape of a person. Ginseng grows naturally on the slopes of ravines and shady, well drained, mountainous, hardwood forests. The root carries all the nutrition and makes it the most widely used herb in the Orient.
There are three types of ginseng root. Korean or oriental ginseng is the most widely used ginseng in the world. American ginseng grows from Quebec to Minnesota and to the south to Georgia and Oklahoma. Some claim American ginseng has a cooling quality on the body but oriental ginseng a heating effect. Siberian ginseng is a cousin of oriental ginseng, not a true ginseng. The Chinese named it ginseng meaning “Man Plant” for the roots frequently resemble human form.
The goodness of ginseng has been known for thousands of years. Its benefits first center around its being an adaptogen. This means it stabilizes the systems off the body. Ginseng contains 27 ginsenocides. These enable ginseng to balance and counteract the effects of stress. Ginseng can also be used to lower high blood pressure and to raise low blood pressure. Ginseng increases performance and energy levels in people who are constantly exhausted. Those recovering from an illness and those experiencing a heavy work load will benefit from ginseng.
Ginseng root contains vitamins A, B-6 and Zinc. These help in the functioning of the immune system. Ginseng will increase estrogen levels in women and treat symptoms of menopause. It improves memory as well.
A list of things ginseng is used to treat might include colds, coughs, rheumatism, neuralgia, gout, diabetes, anemia insomnia, stress, headache, backache and double vision. Women find it helpful in normalizing menstruation and easing childbirth. Ginseng was used effectively as a mouth wash against Periodontal Disease which is a progressive destruction of the supporting structures of the teeth. Ginseng also counteracts fatigue without caffeine, and improves stamina. Medically, ginseng stimulates the immune system by also spurring the production of the body’s own virus fighting chemicals.
Ginseng has also been effective in treating sexual desire. It does this by promoting sex hormone production. Ginseng is also helpful in the slowing down of the aging process. Ginseng’s real value is as a preventative though some use it in cures. As a preventative, it needs to be taken over a long period of time.
Ingesting ginseng is easy. Start by preparing a tea with root slices brewed slowly in a silver or glass tea pot for one hour. The bitterer it is, the higher the potency. These root slivers can also be added to soups or other cooked dishes. By grinding it, the powder can be used in meals or can be placed under your tongue where the high concentrations of blood vessels allow direct it to the blood system. Also, chew the dried root, soaked in boiling water for five minutes, like a piece of hard candy. The best dosage of ginseng is two or three grams a day. As stated earlier, ginseng is most effective over a long period of time. It may take six months before its benefits are felt.
Ginseng is a safe herb but it is possible to overdose on Korean ginseng, the most potent of the three types. Overdose symptoms might include dizziness, nervousness, mood changes, headache insomnia, and loss of appetite. Some say women shouldn’t take ginseng if they are pregnant or nursing but others say it is safe for everyone. This might depend on the type and quantity taken. Check with your physician in such cases.
Those who regularly use Ginseng Root receive improved energy, lowered blood pressure, stress relief and more health boosting benefits. To find out more about this and other bulk dried herbs, visit More Than Alive - an online store and trusted resource for family health information.
Tagged: buy ginseng roots, ginseng root, ginseng roots, korean ginseng roots May 18, 2010
The official name is Melissa officinalis but it is better known as lemon balm, bee balm, sweet balm, Melissa, and cure-all. Lemon balm is a mint plant originated in the Mediterranean region. This hardy perennial grows into a bush about 24 inches around. You can cut the leaves two or three times during a growing season. When lemon balm’s light green, ridged leaves are rubbed, they give off a strong lemon scent.
Today lemon balm is found growing throughout the world. The leaves, stems, and white flowers of lemon balm have all been used for centuries. The claims for lemon balm from literature as far back as the 1600’s make it sound like the proverbial cure-all miracle medicine.
The tannins and polyphenols in lemon balm have both an antibacterial and a antiviral quality. Therefore it has been used to help treat mumps, strep, and yes, herpes. Creams and ointments using lemon balm have helped to heal cold sores or genital sores induced by herpes. However, lemon balm doesn’t cause unpleasant side effects like vomiting, nausea, and irregular menstruation like prescription drugs might.
Lemon balm both aids healing and provides eugenol, a natural pain reliever. Traditionally, lemon balm has been used in treating nervous disorders such as anxiety or insomnia. Like mint, it sooths the stomach and digestive system. The presence of volatile oils, including citronellal and citrals A and B provide these sedative properties.
Lemon balm has been used to treat an overactive thyroid, especially a condition called Graves’ disease. It both hinders bad antibodies from attaching to the thyroid gland receptors, and blocks some thyroid gland secretions. But note, if you are presently taking a thyroid medication, lemon balm may cause interaction problems with it.
Lemon balm has been shown to help relax spasms affecting the smooth muscles (such as those in the uterus and intestines) in the body. It is therefore sometimes recommended for treatment of painful cramping caused by conditions such as premenstrual syndrome and irritable bowel syndrome. Lemon balm may improve memory and lengthen attention span in patients who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. Yet another case study showed the use of lemon balm in aromatherapy, applying or inhaling fragrances to affect the mood. One person shared they make floor cleaner by mixing three-parts water to one-part white vinegar, then add a few sprigs of crushed lemon balm. The fragrance masks the vinegar smell and the lemon may add some antiseptic qualities.
Lemon balm is available in creams, tablets, capsules, teas, tinctures, and extracts. The typical dosage is 1 teaspoon of lemon balm extract daily, or 1½ teaspoons of tincture. You can also add 1 to 3 teaspoons of the dried lemon balm leaves to a cup of hot water to make a homemade tea. You can also add dried lemon balm leaves to the bath. Use it if you have difficulty sleeping or to reduce stomach problems such as flatulence, or bloating. For children, lemon balm may be used topically on cold sores. The dosage would be the same as the recommendations for this use in adults. For internal use, adjust the recommended adult dose to account for the child’s weight (above based on 150 lb. adult).
Beekeepers have loved lemon balm for centuries. It has the ability to attract and nurture swarms of bees, as well as to provide a remedy for bee stings. Lemon balm may increase the effects of other sedatives so do not take them together without checking with your doctor.
Those who regularly use lemon balm receive fast healing, natural infection fighting, muscle spasm relief and more health boosting benefits. To find out more about this and other bulk dried herbs, visit More Than Alive - an online store and trusted resource for family health information.
Tagged: lemon balm, lemon balm benefits, lemon balm herb May 12, 2010
Like any other sorts of flavoring, garlic powder is a superb extra taste in many cuisines. But can it truly share the exact flavor with real garlic? We will foremost look at what garlic is. Garlic is a type of spice, traditionally used due to the uncommon taste, typically included in a recipe or a few even roast and take in it alone. One can find people stating that once garlic is consumed naturally, it can provide health benefits. However, one just has to endure such garlic breath, which causes other people to suppress. This good spice contains Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Selenium, all great antioxidants for the body.
Garlic in addition includes antibacterial property known as the Allicin, which may be ruined in case garlic is cooked properly. Most people usually substitute garlic to a garlic powder when the previous is not readily available. Often times though, it will not definitely share exactly the same garlic taste when compared to the fresh garlic. Garlic powder is often sweeter than the garden-fresh one.
Garlic powder is mostly a powdery ingredient made from crushed garlic. It is one of the most popular bulk dried herbs utilized as seasoning to most meals though it cannot contain the accurate similar quality of genuine garlic. Some companies may perhaps add manufactured factors to garlic powder to create garlic color or boost on the flavor.
What are the features of making use of garlic powder? Initially, it is usually reduced sodium, so people limiting their sodium consumption do not need to to worry pertaining to it. Some manufacturers can imitate a real garlic flavor in their garlic powder so people would use it as seasoning for a more garlicky taste. Garlic powder is usually added in hamburger patties and soup to make it spicier as well as to eggs of any style. It is effective to give added tang without the added salt.
Garlic powder is connected with garlic salt from many people. They typically use garlic salt rather than garlic powder. Basically, garlic salt originated from garlic powder as it is a variety of salt and garlic powder. It gives similar fundamental factors though with extra salt on the garlic salt. The difference is the fact that while one consumes excessive garlic salt, it really is just like increasing your salt consumption. It will be not recommended to interchange salt with garlic salt as these contain identical level of sodium.
To add new flavor to your dish, it is great to use this or minced garlic for a little seasoning. Garlic powder can be acquired even going to nearby shops and therefore boosts that ideal taste you have been seeking.
Garlic Powder provides great seasoning, natural infection fighting and more health boosting benefits to those who use it regularly. To find out more about this and other bulk dried herbs, visit More Than Alive - an online store and trusted resource for family health information.
Tagged: bulk garlic powder, buy garlic powder, garlic powder, minced garlic May 6, 2010
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