A native Mediterranean shrub from Southern Europe, Chaste Tree berry also known as “monk’s pepper” with a botanical name of Vitex agnus castus from the Verbenaceae family of plants is a large flowering shrub with an aromatic smell reaches a height of about twenty feet tall. The flowers habitually bloom in the course of late summer or early fall with flowers ranging from lilac to blue and white.
The name Chaste berry tree originated from a belief that the plant promoted chastity because monks from the Middle Ages use this tree to lower sexual desire as well as wards away from evil. Just like various other herbal plants, chaste berry tree offers consumers plenty of health benefits which are effective if taken for a couple of months or a year depending on person’s choice.
Chaste tree berry has been confirmed to have effects on the pituitary gland which generates the female sex hormones estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. This can lead to the reducing of prolactin release, bringing about the reduction of milk production. Through a clinical practice, the results revealed that chaste berry has settled down the particular abnormal menstrual cycle as well as the hormone levels of prolactin and progesterone. For this reason, this was used as a treatment to situations related to too much prolactin within the body. Because it can stabilize hormone levels, this can also be helpful pertaining to premenopausal women having abnormally short cycles, people that have heavy monthly period bleeding or perhaps after the discontinuation of contraceptive pills.
Some other helpful benefit would be the reduction of symptoms related to premenstrual syndrome caused by excessive prolactin levels. Reports have also shown that a female who uses this herb regularly feels less breast tenderness and pressure, bloating, as well as fatigue. Chaste tree berry even offers anti androgenic, a result which usually means that this herb is utilized to treat acne in men and women as well as it also reduces an overactive sexual desire. Chaste berry trees are also used in the herbal treatment of women with mild corpus luteum which is the reason behind their infertility. Some studies also have shown that this herb aids in combating breast cancer, controls libido, decrease appetite, reduce flatulence, as well as enhances sleep.
Every one of us must remember that the value of herbal products such as Chaste Tree berry powder must always be the best, so that the optimum benefits of trying out these remedies would be obtained compared to those artificial medicines that we buy in the drug store. Furthermore, there are several points that one should consider prior to trying out a herbal cure. These points include persons who will definitely take the herbs, his or her motive, the age of the item being tried as well as the degree of efficiency and kind of herb.
It comes in numerous types similar to tablets, powders, liquids and also tea nonetheless it gives the same amount of effectiveness to take care of the above issues. Chaste tree berry, a medicinal plant consists of all crucial elements that are certainly a remedy to a person’s problem. It is better to know more about this plant through continuous research in order to discover more benefits of this valuable plant.
Those who regularly use Chaste Tree Berry receive inexpensive hormone stabilizing and 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: chaste tree berries, chaste tree berry, chaste tree berry vitex March 15, 2010
The gifted practitioners of this age of modern medicine have developed and used Bentonite clay. Montmorillonite or Pascallite are among the different names you might hear if you point out Bentonite clay. This wonder clay is from a combination of water and volcanic ash.
The use of Bentonite clay in curing a lot of health problems began with the Native Americans who used it by creating masks to cleanse skin pores out of it. It may even serve as a form of beauty regimen for many as it helps maintain the skin’s natural smoothness. A lot of techniques and types of clay have been marketed all through out the world for some time now and many people may get the chance to choose from those who which can be store bought or those that can be made by themselves in the comforts of their homes. What variety you are using is not really the concern. You would just have to make sure that the product is suitable to your skin and the ingredients won’t irritate it.
Surprisingly, it has been found out that ingesting bentonite clay can be used for detoxification. The chemicals that have been trapped in your body for a long time can easily be cleansed through this technique. We all know that cleaning our body inside and out has been very popular among those who are conscious with to protect their health, so they have added the advantages of clay utilization especially when it has been proven by most people in Africa, South America and Australia.
Two kinds of clay is available today and it would be clear for you to understand if we gave you a brief description of what they are. The swelling type and the non swelling type. You may know the swelling type as “sodium bentonite” which is usually used for work in the industrial setting such as sealing disposal systems, drilling mud and other uses that may include the presence of hazardous chemicals. The United States is one of the countries that is abundant with the swelling type of clay
The non-swelling type would be known as “Calcium Bentonite.” Detoxification and cleansing has been known to make use of this type of clay as well as other medicinal practices in the mountains of the United States. You would also find that China is one of the main producers of the product.
Three forms of Bentonite can be found in the market today: capsules, gelatin and powdered. It’s really a big help to the development of the treatment of health issues and continuous cleansing of the body, regardless of the packaging it may be in.
It is suggested that the intake of Bentonite should be in its liquid form and give at least an hour before taking in anything else just to make sure that it is effectively working. It works as some sort of vitamin supplement that would generally help you take care of your well-being. It is also understood that you might not get used to the taste at first and you might want to mix it up with other sauces, or syrup just to get in line with the regular dosage that you need. Usually, you would need to have 4 tablespoons of the stuff.
Destructive pollutants that are stored in the body that may affect our body’s health, as well as some bacteria or viruses can finally be cleansed away through Bentonite clay.
Those who regularly use Bentonite Clay receive both inexpensive detoxification and effective skin cleansing 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: bentonite clay, bentonite clay detox, bentonite clay mask, calcium bentonite clay March 10, 2010
Cayenne Pepper is an ordinary seasoning used by some people for additional flavor in their meal. But out of its ordinary function comes an extraordinary finding in making our body healthy and immune. Experts agreed that cayenne pepper has health benefits once taken in the body. And so, it is considered as a “miracle herb”. It eases pain in the body as well as bringing our body temperature, cholesterol and blood sugar level to the ground. It also keeps our heart in good condition as well as fight cancer cells in the body.
What are the health benefits of cayenne pepper? Cayenne pepper, also known as red chili pepper, grows in tropical and subtropical places. Its heat is produced by an element called capsaicin that acts as a stimulant to our chemoreceptor nerve endings as well as mucous membranes. Capsaicin eliminates the substance causing us to feel pain when there is imbalance in our system. It acts as a pain reliever since it removes the substance causing pain before it sends pain signals to the brain.
Aside from alleviating pain, cayenne pepper powder can lower our body temperature. Ironic isn’t it? But in spite of it being a spice, it can spark off one part of our brain that is in control of cooling our body. Thus, cayenne pepper powder is a good remedy for fever.
As mentioned, cayenne pepper powder lowers our cholesterol level as well as our blood sugar. This is quite interesting since a number of people are guilty of excess fat and too much sweet intakes. Cayenne pepper cleans our bloodstream from undesirable elements in our body, including fat. It aids in the processing of fat and these are sent out through a normal bowel movement. Cayenne pepper also makes our blood sugar stable. It not only makes us look healthy, but it also makes us look good. With a low cholesterol and blood sugar level, our body can easily control hunger, maintains energy level and burn off fat.
Interestingly, cayenne pepper is proven to kill cancer cells in the body. Cancer cells self destruct through the process called apoptosis when in presence of cayenne pepper. Clinical studies show that the element capsaicin eliminates leukemic, pancreatic and prostate cancer cells in the body.
In conclusion, cayenne pepper powder can spice up not only our meals but also our body’s resistance, keeping it healthy and less prone to bad health. Remember, a dose of cayenne keeps the body going.
Those who regularly use Cayenne Pepper Powder receive both inexpensive health boosting and effective medical 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: bulk cayenne pepper, cayenne pepper, cayenne pepper powder, ground cayenne pepper March 4, 2010
Believe it or not activated charcoal has many useful applications. It is most commonly used in cases of accidental ingestion of a poisonous substance. Many people have activated charcoal to thank for saving their lives after ingesting a number of household cleaners or medications.
Activated charcoal is a powerfully adsorbent element. This adsorption process describes the way in which molecules or atoms move from a bulk phase, like gas, liquid or solid, onto a liquid or solid surface. The dangerous substance clings to the activated charcoal. This charcoal will not be digested and instead removes toxins inside the gastrointestinal tract during a bowel movement. Activated charcoal is an extremely effective way of stopping dangerous toxins from being absorbed into your system.
It has several other benefits and common uses. Adding to its already known anti-poison first-aid remedy, it as recently been grown in popularity for many non-emergency reasons. It has shown promise in eliminating fungi, viruses and even bacteria from the body. This simple product has the capability to absorb gases in the lower intestine which can help relieve someone of severe gas pains and flatulence.
What about all those stings and bug bites your kids get? Mix activated charcoal powder with some water to produce a gum than can be spread on stings and bites to help with the discomfort. In addition, current research is showing that charcoal may provide many more potential health benefits like helping lower cholesterol and improving general cardiovascular health.
There are obviously a lot of benefits to be had from activated charcoal, but before you run out and buy some bulk activated charcoal you should remember a few things. Activated charcoal has the potential to dehydrate, so drinking a lot of water with it is advised. Also, it should not be taken in combination with other medications as its absorption factors may render them ineffective.
Other side effects that should be looked out for are; pain or swelling of the stomach, constipation and vomiting. If you experience any of these it will probably be because you failed to stay hydrated. Consuming dairy will also limit the benefits of activated charcoal. So while you are taking it, try to steer clear of taking dairy products at the same time.
Tagged: activated carbon charcoal, activated charcoal, bulk activated charcoal, buy activated charcoal February 17, 2010
The Chinese use it to treat kidney stones, the ancient Greeks bladder and kidney conditions. It has been called Buffalo Herb, Lucerne, and Purple Medic, but is best known as alfalfa, Arabic for ‘father of all foods.’ So what about this plentiful weed would give it such a prestigious name?
First, alfalfa is rich in vitamins A (eye health), E (heart and cardiovascular health), U (treats peptic ulcers), B6 (stimulates protein and fat metabolism), K (blood clotting and liver functions), and D (regulates the use of calcium and phosphorus in the body). Second, alfalfa contains many valuable minerals such as calcium and phosphorus (bone and teeth health), iron (needed in hemoglobin), manganese (lowers blood sugar levels), potassium (muscle tone and nerves), chlorides (regulates fat, sugar and starch metabolism), sodium (regulates fluid balance), and silicon magnesium (stimulates brain function).
Alfalfa also contains eight essential enzymes: Amylase (acts on starches), Coagulase (clots blood), Emulsin (acts upon sugar), Invertase (converts cane sugar to dextrose), Lipase (fat splitting), Pectinase (forms vegetable jelly), Peroxidate (oxidizing effect of the blood), and Protase (digests proteins). These in turn help in digesting all four classes of food: proteins, fats, starches and sugars. Alfalfa is also rich in protein and fiber.
Alfalfa helps lower cholesterol by attracting it to itself before the cholesterol can stick to vessel walls. The chlorophyll, enzymes, minerals, and vitamins all aid digestion and help stimulate appetites. As a mild diuretic and laxative, it may improve appetite and relieve some causes of swelling. The chlorophyll in alfalfa helps fight bad bacteria. Alfalfa may help reduce blood sugar and cholesterol levels which can benefit heart health. It is used in the treatment of urinary tract infections, as well as problems with the prostate, kidney, and bladder. Alfalfa has anti-inflammatory qualities and thus can relieve pain associated with arthritis and bursitis.
Alfalfa’s richness is especially beneficial to health needs related to child birth. It will relieve morning sickness, anemia, heartburn, and constipation. The vitamin K both reduces postpartum bleeding and increase the K level in the baby. Alfalfa will also reduce swelling, balance blood sugar levels, and increase and sustain lactation. Menopausal women have found alfalfa reduces hot flashes as well.
Alfalfa may be taken in liquid, tablet, or capsule form, as well as ingesting the raw leaves in food or as a tea. One caution: because if its potential blood thinning effect, alfalfa is not recommended for people with lupus. An herb with such potential for beneficial health surely deserves a try, wouldn’t you say?
Bulk Alfalfa provides tremendous health benefits to those who add it regularly to their diet. 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: alfalfa, alfalfa benefits, alfalfa health benefits, benefits of alfalfa, bulk alfalfa February 12, 2010
“Cayenne is possibly the single most wonderful, beneficial plant to grow and have on hand (the granulated form) in case of emergencies.” That is quite a claim for this spicy pepper. Besides its ability to flavor foods, what is the medicinal value of cayenne?
Cayenne is so effective as an astringent that some recommend the powder form be kept in first aid kits. “Miracle” stories abound in which hemorrhaging is stopped when the wound is sprinkled with cayenne powder. Others report that it aids clotting even when drunk as a tea.
Cayenne has also been used as a natural painkiller, a treatment for stomach cramps, and temporary relief of joint pain. Gargling cayenne tea can sooth a sore throat, but it is recommended for those who don’t like its spiciness, to follow it with a little sugar. Cayenne acts as a catalyst, carrying all other herbs and supplements quickly to the place in the body where they are needed and increasing their effectiveness. It is also high in vitamins A, C, B complex, calcium, and potassium and useful in the treatment of colds, sinus problems, and respiratory ailments. Other uses found across the web include treating high blood pressure, chest pain, migraines, athlete’s foot, and sinus problems. It is an effective blood thinner (so don’t take cayenne before surgery). Some even claim it puts them a good mood.
Cayenne is also effective in stimulating blood flow. “Now the healing power of nature is in the blood and to accelerate the healing power of nature I am convinced that there is nothing that will do this like cayenne pepper; you will find it applicable in all cases of sickness.” Thus cayenne is used in treating frostbite, gangrene, and other circulatory problems. One rural doctor reported remarkable results with heart attack victim’s survival rate when he gave each one cayenne tea, one teaspoon in a cup of hot water. Try using cayenne tea in conjunction with CPR in the event of a heart attack. Further, chronic poor circulation can be countered with a drink of cayenne tea three times a day.
Cayenne may be taken as capsules but be sure the pepper is not irradiated (exposed to radiation to destroy harmful bacteria). Two ‘cayenne potions’ presented on the web include fresh lemon, cayenne, and pure water (with a little maple syrup); and, apple cider vinegar, molasses and cayenne. For quickest results, however, cayenne should be taken as a tea or as a spice in foods. Either way the cayenne will boost the digestive system since much of cayenne’s healing starts to occur in the mouth. A person suffering from one of the above maladies, should treat himself to a cup of cayenne tea, and see if he doesn’t notice its medicinal powers start to work.
Cayenne Pepper Powder provides tremendous health benefits to those who add it regularly to their diet. To find out more about this and other bulk herbs, visit More Than Alive.
Tagged: bulk cayenne pepper, cayenne pepper, cayenne pepper powder, ground cayenne pepper February 5, 2010
Nettle is the herb for masochists! In the past the sharp leaves were beat against the skin, a process called urtication. This painful practice drove the beneficial chemicals of the leaf into the skin for the treatment of arthritis and skin disease. Nettle contains natural antihistamines and anti-inflammatories and these were driven into the skin with this self-flagellation. Fortunately, today you get nettle’s gain without pain.
Stinging nettle is a perennial. It grows from 2 to 7 feet high and the leaves are serrated and pointed. The small, greenish flowers appear in clusters starting in July.
There are many helpful chemicals in nettle: vitamin C and vitamin A, abundant chlorophyll, bio-available minerals, including silicon, calcium, and potassium chloride, dietary fiber and protein.
The antihistamines in nettle make it an excellent treatment for hay fever. Nettle is also used to loosen congestion and open the bronchial airways in people with asthma or allergies. In addition it is used to treat inflammatory skin conditions.
Nettle helps people with arthritis by reducing the dosage of drugs and thus their side effects. Nettle also contains large amounts of silicon and boron that ease symptoms of bursitis, arthritis, and tendonitis. Nettle is able to treat urinary tract infections and increase the production of urine. It is a mild laxative, and can increase the efficiency of kidney and liver function. As a bitter herb, nettle purifies the blood and is thus used to treat ulcers, asthma, bronchitis, hemorrhoids, jaundice, nephritis, and spasmodic dysmenorrhea.
Nettle’s use makes quite an impressive list: dysentery, diarrhea, hemorrhages, gravel, febrile affections, chronic diseases of the colon, nephritic complaints, eczematous affections, eczema of the face, neck and ears, and chronic cystitis. Externally it has been effective in treating burns, scalds, bleeding wounds, nettle rash (yes, you can use nettle to treat nettle pain), nosebleed, and urticaria.
Nettle is a key ingredient in herbal treatment of BPH, a urination discomfort in men in which the prostate enlarges and hinders this function. It does this by keeping the body from converting testosterone into 5-alpha-reductase, an enzyme that causes the prostate gland to begin growing again after 40. It does not decrease enlargement of the prostate but increases the flow through the urethra. Taking nettle in combination with either saw palmetto or pygeum bark extract is, in some men, as effective as the drug finasteride. Nettle is also used in hair tonics because of its purported ability to stimulate hair growth.
As a natural diuretic, nettle helps the body eliminate uric acid and bacteria that cause urinary tract infections and kidney stones. It may also help lower blood pressure and relieve premenstrual bloating. Whether or not a pregnant woman should take nettle is an area of disagreement. One side says nettle could cause uterine contractions and promote a miscarriage. The other side says, when used moderately, this is not a danger. The safety of this practice may be related to when the nettle is harvested. Harvesting it before flowering appears to be the safest.
Why not try growing nettle yourself, or harvesting it from a nearby field? It can also be purchased in capsules, tablets, and tinctures. The dried leaf is used for tea. Dried root products for treating prostate problems, are often combined with saw palmetto. Some enjoy using nettle powder as a seasoning. To store nettle leaves, be sure they are in a dark, dry, and cool place.
Due to its diuretic action, prolonged use of nettle can cause an electrolyte imbalance. Also, people who take nettle on a regular basis should make sure they get enough potassium in their diet. For more on nettle leaves, visit More Than Alive, a website dedicated to promoting bulk dried herbs and their benefits to human health.
Tagged: bph, nettle leaf, nettle leaf benefits, nettle leaf uses, prostate problems, stinging nettle leaf January 28, 2010
You try to do everything possible to keep yourself in good health and feeling well, because your health is important to you. Knowing which herbs, vitamins, minerals, and supplements are best for you is confusing because there are so many options available. The passion flower herb is one of the best herbs for the body. This herb is like a nutritious food, providing the body with protein, potassium, niacin, Vitamin A, phosphorous, magnesium, and chromium. Many people drink it in a tea form to help them sleep better. This herb is beneficial not only for getting a better night’s sleep, but for relieving anxiety and also lowering blood pressure. You do not need to worry about taking too much, since it is a food-type herb. Use passion flower as much as your body needs it.
This amazing herb derived from a beautiful flower benefits those who have drug addictions. Since it aids in drug addiction issues it is even more beneficial than choosing to take other drugs to combat drugs. Drugs included in this are any drugs that are addictive, alcohol, and even nicotine from cigarette smoking. The passion flower herb benefits those who are trying to quit smoking as it helps to alleviate the symptoms of withdrawal making it easier to quit and less stressful. It is hard enough to give up an addiction or bad habit without having to experience the withdrawal that many times can halt any progress a person makes with quitting. That includes taking drugs, abusing alcohol, and smoking.
The passion flower herb is an overall good-for-you food that offers many benefits to your health as well as helping with many ailments. It provides a sense of peace and relaxation in a safe way, verses using prescription or illegal drugs, and regulates and balances your body. Most people really want to have better health. This herb is valuable in promoting better sleep habits, more restful sleep, and in helping your body to relax, giving you a more productive life. The passion flower’s benefits continue when used to treat several medical conditions where a sedative is required. You will feel better and healthier as you use this special herb whenever you please.
Bulk herbs like Passion Flower are not wonder drugs. They are natural ways to deal with complex needs in the human body. Too often today, the medical community dismisses the use of herbs and natural remedies as being ‘unscientific.’ It’s your body and your health. It would be well worth your looking into the benefits of dealing with your health needs naturally. We recommend More Than Alive, an online store for bulk herbs and a trusted resource where you can get great tips about many herbs.
Tagged: passion flower, passion flower herb, passion flower plant, passion flower vine, passion flowers January 22, 2010