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Medicinal Herbs are plants or parts of a plant used for its flavor, scent, medicinal or potential therapeutic properties. Herb parts include flowers, leaves, bark, fruit, seeds, stems, and roots. Medicinal Herbs have a variety of uses including culinary, medicinal, as alternative herbal remedies, or in some cases even spiritual usage. Native herbal medicine products are dietary supplements that people take to improve their health. General usage differs between culinary herbs and medicinal herbs. A medicinal herb may be a shrub or other woody plant, whereas a culinary herb is a non-woody plant, typically using the leaves. Medicinal Herbs or native herbal remedies have been used for a long time for claimed health benefits. They are sold as tablets, capsules, powders, herbal teas, extracts and fresh or dried plants. However, some herbs can cause health problems, some alternative herbal remedies are not effective and some may interact with other drugs you are taking. Medicinal Herbs are used in Dietary supplements: Dietary supplement is a product that contains vitamins, minerals, native herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and/or other ingredients intended to supplement the diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has special labeling requirements for dietary supplements and treats them as foods, not drugs. To use an herb or an herbal product as safely as possible:
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
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Milk thistle is believed to have protective effects on the
liver and improve its function. It is typically used as an herbal remedy to
treat liver cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis (liver inflammation), and
gallbladder disorders. Treatment claims also include:
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Medicinal Herbs: Why should I use herbal products?
The decision to use native herbal remedies, medicinal herbs or alternative herbal remedies to improve your health is, as with all health decisions, a personal one. There are, however, many good reasons to consider herbal products to complement your own health care methods. One of the best reason, however, may be the fact that herbs and herbal products, continue to provide real health benefits while maintaining a remarkable safety profile. Readily available natural substances were the first medicines used by humans. Primitive and ancient civilizations as well as contemporary cultures throughout the world have always relied on herbs to provide the benefits that have been observed with their use. In fact, the World Health Organization has estimated that 80 percent of the world's population continues to use traditional therapies, a major part of which are derived from plants, as their primary health care tools.(3) In our own time and culture, most herbs are available in the form of "herbal supplements."(4) These products are found in the form of herbal teas, tablets, capsules, liquid extracts, and others. We now have ready access to products that bring the herbal traditions from all over the world in a variety of convenient forms. In addition, scientific inquiries continue to develop our knowledge of the benefits of plants, and often validate the observations made over the past centuries.
Medicinal
Herbs are they safe? Should I use medicinal herbs?Plants that enjoy broad culinary and therapeutic usage are generally safe. We can flavor our food with any number of native herbs to make a meal more flavorful. We can appreciate a delicious cup of peppermint leaf or ginger root herbal tea, or benefit from the soothing properties of marshmallow root or the bark of slippery elm. We can take an herbal supplement containing dandelion root or saw palmetto berries, or any number of the other herbs. Although allergies and reactions have been recorded for a few herbs that are widely used in foods and supplements, such individual concerns are also seen with many foods, and do not diminish the safety profile of the many herbs that are generally recognized as safe. On the other hand, and as everyone knows, there are any number of plants that are highly toxic, even deadly.
Alternative Herbal Remedies for Cats & Dogs
List of Medicinal Herbs at a glance:
Alloe Vera, the medicinal herb as an alternative herbal remedy and natural treatment for various skin conditions.
- alloe, burn plant, lily of the desert, elephant's gall : Latin Names--Alloe vera, Alloe barbadensis Top
Native Remedy for the Skin
Pure-Heal Gel
Astragalus, the medicinal herb as an alternative herbal remedy and natural treatment to enhance the immune system.
- Used as native herbal remedies in China, astragalus has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. A whole medical system that originated in China. It is based on the concept that disease results from disruption in the flow of qi and imbalance in the forces of yin and yang. Practices such as herbs, meditation, massage, and acupuncture seek to aid healing by restoring the yin-yang balance and the flow of qi.. In the United States, the herb gained popularity in the 1980s. TopCommon Name--astragalus, bei qi (In traditional Chinese medicine, the vital energy or life force proposed to regulate a person's spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical health and to be influenced by the opposing forces of yin and yang.), huang qi, ogi, hwanggi, milk vetch
Latin Name--Astragalus membranaceus, Astragalus mongholicusNative Remedy for adrenal disease
AdrenoBoostTo improve functioning of the adrenal glands. To help treat adrenal disease and protect the healthy adrenal glands from the damaging effects of stress and the modern lifestyle. As a restorative remedy for increasing stamina and performance in people who are run-down by stress. To improve circulation, boost vitality and as an overall systemic invigorator To regulate blood pressure, blood sugar and boost the immune system especially after illness.
Bilberry, the medicinal herb as an alternative herbal remedy and natural treatment for diarrhea and scurvy.
- Bilberry is a relative of the blueberry, and its fruit is commonly used to make pies and jams. Bilberry grows in North America, Europe, and northern Asia.Common Names--European blueberry, whortleberry, huckleberry Top
Latin Names--Vaccinium myrtillus
Native Remedy for Diabetes
Triple Complex Diabetonic
Ensure systemic balance of biochemic tissue salts
Optimize health at the cellular level
Restore health and vitality
Maintain healthy blood sugar levels
Promote healthy pancreatic functioning
Treat a variety of symptoms without side effects
Optimize the body's receptiveness to other remedies by improving systemic functioning and metabolism
Historically, bilberry fruit was used to treat diarrhea, scurvy, and other conditions.
Bitter Orange,
the medicinal herb
as an alternative herbal remedy
and natural
treatment for nausea and indigestion.
-
The
bitter orange tree is native to eastern Africa and tropical Asia. Today,
it is grown throughout the Mediterranean region and elsewhere, including
California and Florida. Bitter orange oil is used in foods, cosmetics, and
aromatherapy products. Bitter orange oil from
the tree's leaves is called petitgrain, and oil from the flowers is called
neroli.
Top Common Names--bitter orange, Seville orange, sour
orange, Zhi shi
Native Remedy for Menopause
Hot flashes
Insomnia
Moodiness
Restlessness and irritability
Latin Names--Citrus aurantium
The dried fruit and peel (and sometimes flowers and leaves) are taken by
mouth in extracts, tablets, and capsules. Bitter orange oil can be applied
to the skin.
MellowPause - Natural treatment for Menopause
Black Cohosh, the medicinal herb as an
alternative herbal remedy
and natural treatment
for rheumatism and arthritis.
Black cohosh is a plant native to North America and is used
as one of the native herbal remedies. Top Common Names--black cohosh, black snakeroot, macrotys,
bugbane, bugwort, rattleroot, rattleweed
Chamomile,
the medicinal herb
as an alternative herbal remedy
and natural
treatment for skin conditions and for mouth
ulcers.
-
Two
types of chamomile are used
for health conditions: German chamomile and Roman chamomile. While the
two kinds are thought to have similar effects on the body, the German
variety is more commonly used in the United States and is the focus of
this fact sheet.
Common Names--chamomile, German chamomile Support the body's natural ability to
concentrate, assimilate information and regulate emotion Help maintain a normal, healthy
attitude during over-stimulation Naturally facilitate calmness and
reasonable clarity of mind Promote relaxation and balanced mood
Encourage the healthy flow of oxygen
to the brain
Cat's Claw,
the medicinal herb Common Names--cat's claw, uña de gato
Native Remedy for Arthritis and joints As a natural alternative to prescription
anti-inflammatory drugs For relief from painful joint conditions, neck
pain or lower back ache To assist with any form of arthritis,
fibrositis, myalgia or rheumatism For relief from any degenerative
musculoskeletal condition To treat painful knees or 'small joint
disease' (e.g. wrists, fingers, ankles and toes) To prevent and relieve the symptoms of gout
Chasteberry,
the medicinal herb
as an alternative herbal remedy
and natural
treatment for menstrual problems. Common Names--chasteberry, chaste-tree berry, vitex,
monk's pepper
Native Remedy for endometriosis Address the underlying cause of Endometriosis Decrease pelvic inflammation associated with Endometriosis
Strengthen liver functioning and protect against environmental pollutants
Reduce menstrual pain and cramps Regulate the menstrual cycle Prevent diminished fertility in women with Endometriosis
Cranberry,
the medicinal herb
as an alternative herbal remedy
and natural
treatment for diabetes and liver problems.
Native Remedy for UTI Soothe urinary tract using systemic flushing
Promote bladder health Lessen common bloating and assist the natural
water balance in the body Support natural urine flow Promote routine equilibrium of pH (acidity or
alkaline) in the bladder Common Names--cranberry, American cranberry, bog
cranberry
Dandelion,
the medicinal herb
Native Remedy for detoxification Assist in the body's natural elimination of
toxins Support realistic and healthy Weight
Management Programs Promote healthy energy levels and stamina
Promote healthy skin from system cleansing
Reduce feelings of common fatigue Support healthy liver functioning Promote the production of bile and the routine
breakdown of dietary fats Support a healthy immune system Common Names--lion's tooth, blowball
Echinacea,
the medicinal herb
as an alternative herbal remedy
and natural treatment
for acne or boils. Common Names--echinacea, purple coneflower,
coneflower, American coneflower
Native Remedy for ear infections As a natural alternative to antibiotic
treatment of ear infections To treat bacterial, viral and fungal
infections of the ear As a companion to Ear-OK ear drops for a
complete solution To reduce inflammation, pain and throbbing in
the ears To prevent recurrence of chronic ear
infections To boost immune system functioning
Ephedra,
the medicinal herb
as an alternative herbal remedy
and natural treatment
for asthma. Common Names--ephedra, Chinese ephedra, ma huang
Native Remedy for fatigue Promote healthy energy levels and stamina
Encourage overall systemic health and support
the immune system Promote healthy systemic adequacy for physical
performance and endurance Reduce feelings of common listlessness
associated with routine tiredness Assist in the prevention of burnout
European Elder,
the medicinal herb
as an alternative herbal remedy
and natural treatment
for constipation
ComfiCoff - Naturally eases throat and chest discomfort Ease throat and chest discomfort and
irritation Soothe an irritable tickly throat Help to keep chests free of phlegm
and congestion Promote relaxation and peaceful sleep
Promote a healthy immune system Common Names--European elder, black elder, elder,
elderberry, elder flower, sambucus
Evening Primrose,
the medicinal herb
as an alternative herbal remedy
and natural treatment
for rheumatoid arthritis. Common Names--evening primrose oil, EPO
Fenugreek,
the medicinal herb
as an alternative herbal remedy
and natural treatment
for inducing childbirth. Naturally promote a healthy growing appetite
for fussy or picky eaters Promote healthy energy levels and stamina
Support a healthy constitution and promote
digestive system harmony Support the resilience of the ever growing
immune system Lessen moodiness and promote feelings of
well-being Common Names--fenugreek, fenugreek
seed
Feverfew,
the medicinal herb
as an alternative herbal remedy
and natural treatment
for insect bite, labor during birth. Common Names--feverfew, bachelor's buttons, featherfew
Flaxseed and Flaxseed Oil,
the medicinal herb
as an alternative herbal remedy
and natural treatment
for arthritis. Common Names--flaxseed,
linseed
Latin Names--Actaea racemosa, Cimicifuga racemosa
The underground stems and roots of black cohosh are commonly used fresh or
dried to make strong herbal teas (infusions), capsules, solid extracts used in
pills, or liquid extracts (tinctures).
Latin Names--Matricaria recutita, Chamomilla recutita
The flowering tops of the chamomile plant are used to make herbal teas, liquid
extracts, capsules, or tablets. The herb can also be applied to the skin as
a cream or an ointment, or used as a mouth rinse.
Latin Names--Uncaria tomentosa, Uncaria guianensis
JointEase Plus - Natural Remedy For Arthritis and Joints
The inner bark of cat's claw is used to make liquid extracts, capsules, and
herbal teas. Preparations of cat's claw can also be applied to the skin.
Latin Name--Vitex agnus-castus
Endo - eX
The dried ripe chasteberry is used to prepare liquid extracts or solid
extracts that are put into capsules and tablets.
Use UTI-Clear to:
Latin Name--Vaccinium macrocarpon
The berries are used to produce beverages and many other food
products, as well as dietary supplements in the form of extracts,
herbal teas, and capsules or tablets.
Detox Drops
Latin Name--Taraxacum officinale
The leaves and roots of the dandelion, or the whole plant, are used
fresh or dried in herbal teas, capsules, or extracts. Dandelion leaves are
used in salads or as a cooked green, and the flowers are used to make
wine.
There is no compelling scientific evidence for using dandelion as a
treatment for any medical condition
This helps to ensure safe and coordinated care.
Latin Names--Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea
pallida
Ear-Heal Drops - Natural antibiotic alternative specifically formulated for ear infections
The aboveground parts of the plant and roots of echinacea are used fresh or
dried to make herbal teas, squeezed (expressed) juice, extracts, or preparations
for external use.
Latin Name--Ephedra sinica
Fatigue Fighter - Natural Remedy for Chronic Fatigue Helps Boost Energy.
The dried stems and leaves of the plant are used to create capsules,
tablets, extracts, tinctures, and herbal teas.
Using ephedra may worsen many health conditions such as cardiovascular
disease, kidney disease, sleep disorders, and diabetes.
Latin Names--Sambucus nigra
The dried flowers (elder flower) and the cooked blue/black berries
(elderberry) of the European elder tree are used in herbal teas, liquid
extracts, and capsules.
Latin Name--Oenothera biennis
Other conditions for which evening primrose oil is used
include cancer and diabetes.
Evening primrose oil is extracted from the seeds of the
evening primrose. The oil is usually put into capsules for
use.
Latin Names--Trigonella foenum-graecum
The dried seeds are ground and taken by mouth or
used to form a paste that is applied to the skin.
Tell your health care providers about any
complementary and alternative practices you use.
Give them a full picture of what you do to
manage your health. This will help ensure
coordinated and safe care.
Latin Names--Tanacetum parthenium, Chrysanthemum parthenium
Latin Names--Linum usitatissimum
Whole or crushed flaxseed can be mixed with water or juice and taken by
mouth. Flaxseed is also available in powder form. Flaxseed oil is available
in liquid and capsule form. Flaxseed contains lignans (phytoestrogens, or
plant estrogens), while flaxseed oil preparations lack lignans.
Garlic, the medicinal herb as an alternative herbal remedy and natural treatment for high cholesterol.
- Garlic is the edible bulb from a plant in the lily family. It has been used as both a medicine and a spice for thousands of years. TopRelieve pain, itching and discomfort of the ears
Treat bacterial, viral and fungal ear infections
Reduce inflammation and painful throbbing in the ears
Soften wax plugs that have blocked the ear canal
Prevent recurrence of chronic ear infections
Ginger,
the medicinal herb
as an alternative herbal remedy
and natural treatment
for nausea and diarrhea. -
Ginger is
a tropical plant that has green-purple flowers and an aromatic
underground stem (called a rhizome). It is commonly used for cooking
and medicinal purposes. Top Relieve nausea and vomiting in children
Support digestive processes Calm your restless child Promote a healthy digestive system
Ginkgo,
the medicinal herb
as an alternative herbal remedy
and natural treatment
for asthma, fatigue, tinnitus.
Common Names--ginkgo, ginkgo biloba, fossil tree, maidenhair tree,
Japanese silver apricot, baiguo, bai guo ye, kew tree, yinhsing (yin-hsing)
Latin Name--Ginkgo biloba Top
Extracts are usually taken from the ginkgo leaf and are used to make
tablets, capsules, or herbal teas. Occasionally, ginkgo extracts are used in skin
products.
Ginseng (Asian), the medicinal herb as an alternative herbal remedy and natural treatment to boost the immune system, and erectile dysfunction.
- Asian ginseng is native to China and Korea and has been used in various systems of medicine for many centuries. Asian ginseng is one of several types of true ginseng (another is American ginseng, Panax quinquefolius). An herb called Siberian ginseng or eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosPromote healthy and regular ovulation without the risks of multiple births
Support normal hormone levels involved in fertility
Encourage structural integrity of the fallopian tubes
Promote ovarian health
Support healthy uterine functioning
Encourage regular menstrual cycles
Promote a healthy libido and encourage sexual pleasure
Help relieve the common symptoms associated with the menstrual cycle
Support overall systemic health
Common Names--Asian ginseng, ginseng, Chinese ginseng, Korean ginseng, Asiatic ginseng Top
Latin Name--Panax ginseng
Goldenseal, the medicinal herb as an alternative herbal remedy and natural treatment for ulcers, skin diseases and gonorrhea.
- Goldenseal is a plant that grows wild in parts of the United States but has become endangered by over harvesting. With natural supplies dwindling, goldenseal is now grown commercially across the United States, especially in the Blue Ridge Mountains. TopCommon Names--goldenseal, yellow root
Latin Name--Hydrastis canadensis
Grape Seed Extract, the medicinal herb as an alternative herbal remedy and natural treatment for high blood pressure, high cholesterol and poor circulation.
- The grape seeds used to produce this extract are generally obtained from wine manufacturers. TopGreen Tea, the medicinal herb as an alternative herbal remedy and natural treatment for improving mental alertness.
- All types of herbal tea (green, black, and oolong) are produced from the Camellia sinensis plant using different methods. Fresh leaves from the Camellia sinensis plant are steamed to produce green herbal tea. TopCommon Names--green tea, Chinese tea, Japanese tea
Latin Names--Camellia sinensis
Hawthorn, the medicinal herb as an alternative herbal remedy and natural treatment for heart disease.
- Hawthorn is a spiny, flowering shrub or small tree of the rose family. The species of hawthorn discussed here are native to northern European regions and grow throughout the world and is used as one of the native herbal remedies. TopCommon Names--hawthorn, English hawthorn, harthorne, haw, hawthorne
Latin Names--Crataegus laevigata (also known as Crataegus oxyacantha), Crataegus monogyna
Hoodia,
the medicinal herb
as an alternative herbal remedy and natural
treatment to reduce hunger and thirst.
-
Hoodia
is a flowering, cactus-like plant native to the Kalahari Desert
in southern Africa
and is used as one of the native herbal remedies. Its harvest is protected by conservation
laws. Top Common Names--hoodia, Kalahari cactus, Xhoba
Latin Names--Hoodia gordonii
There is no reliable scientific evidence to support hoodia's use.
No studies of the herb in people have been published.
Horse Chestnut, the medicinal herb as an alternative herbal remedy and natural treatment for varicose veins.
- Horse chestnut trees are native to the Balkan Peninsula (for example, Greece and Bulgaria), but grow throughout the northern hemisphere and is used as one of the native herbal remedies. Although horse chestnut is sometimes called buckeye, it should not be confused with the Ohio or California buckeye trees, which are related but not the same species. TopCommon Names--horse chestnut, buckeye, Spanish chestnut
Latin Names--Aesculus hippocastanum
Kava, the medicinal herb as an alternative herbal remedy and natural treatment for asthma and UTI.
- Kava is native to the islands of the South Pacific and is a member of the pepper family and is used as one of the native herbal remedies. TopCommon Names--kava kava, awa, kava pepper
Latin Names--Piper methysticum
Lavender, the medicinal herb as an alternative herbal remedy and natural treatment for insomnia and depression
- Lavender is native to the Mediterranean region. It was used in ancient Egypt as part of the process for mummifying bodies. Lavender's use as a bath additive originated in Persia, Greece, and Rome. The herb's name comes from the Latin lavare, which means "to wash." TopCommon Names--lavender, English lavender, garden lavender
Latin Names--Lavandula angustifolia
Licorice Root, the medicinal herb as an alternative herbal remedy and natural treatment for stomach ulcers.
- Most licorice is grown in Greece, Turkey, and Asia. Licorice contains a compound called glycyrrhizin (or glycyrrhizic acid). TopCommon Names--licorice root, licorice, liquorice, sweet root, gan zao (Chinese licorice)
Latin Name--Glycyrrhiza glabra, Glycyrrhiza uralensis (Chinese licorice)
Milk Thistle, the medicinal herb as an alternative herbal remedy and natural treatment for liver cirrhosis.
- Milk thistle is a plant that is native to the Mediterranean region and is used as one of the native herbal remedies. It has been used for thousands of years as a remedy for a variety of ailments, especially liver problems. TopCommon Names--milk thistle, Mary thistle, holy thistle. Milk thistle is sometimes called silymarin, which is actually a mixture of the herb's active components, including silybinin (also called silibinin or silybin).
Latin Name--Silybum marianum
Mistletoe, the medicinal herb as an alternative herbal remedy and natural treatment for headaches.
- European mistletoe is a semiparasitic plant that grows on several types of trees in temperate regions worldwide. Where the term "mistletoe" is used in this fact sheet, it refers to European mistletoe. (European mistletoe is different from American mistletoe, which is used as a holiday decoration.) TopCommon Names--European mistletoe, mistletoe
Latin Name--Viscum album L
Common Names--peppermint oil
Latin Names--Mentha x piperita
Red Clover, the medicinal herb as an alternative herbal remedy and natural treatment for breast pains and menstrual symptoms.
- Like peas and beans, red clover belongs to the family of plants called legumes. Red clover contains phytoestrogens--compounds similar to the female hormone estrogen. Trifolium pratense (red clover) has anti-inflammatory, diuretic and antispasmodic properties and is also well known as a cleansing herb for skin complaints, including eczema and psoriasis. Its ability to improve lymph functioning and reduce lymphatic swellings helps to purify and detox the system.Common Names--red clover, cow clover, meadow clover, wild clover
Latin Name--Trifolium pratense
Saw Palmetto, the medicinal herb
as an alternative herbal remedy and natural treatment for urinary symptoms and bladder disorders. - Saw palmetto grows in the southern United States. TopCommon Names--saw palmetto, American dwarf palm tree, cabbage palm
Latin Names--Serenoa repens, Sabal serrulata
St. John's Wort, the medicinal herb
as an alternative herbal remedy and natural treatment for depression and sleep disorders - St. John's wort is a plant with yellow flowers. TopCommon Names--St. John's wort, hypericum, Klamath weed, goat weed
Latin Name--Hypericum perforatum
Turmeric, the medicinal herb as an alternative herbal remedy and natural treatment for skin eczema
- Known for its warm, bitter taste and golden color, turmeric is commonly used in fabric dyes and foods such as curry powders, mustards, and cheeses. It should not be confused with Javanese turmeric. TopCommon Names--turmeric, turmeric root, Indian saffron
Latin Names--Curcuma longa
Valerian, the medicinal herb
as an alternative herbal remedy and natural treatment for depression - Valerian is a plant native to Europe and Asia; it is also found in North America and is used as one of the native herbal remedies. TopCommon Names--valerian, all-heal, garden heliotrope
Latin Names--Valeriana officinalis
Common Names--yohimbe, yohimbe bark
Latin Names--Pausinystalia yohimbe
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Traditional
Chinese Medicine A whole medical system that originated in China. It is based on the concept that disease results from disruption in the flow of qi and imbalance in the forces of yin and yang. Practices such as herbs, meditation, massage, and acupuncture seek to aid healing by restoring the yin-yang balance and the flow of qi.
Ayurvedic medicine
Aromatherapy
Herbal Medicine, Heals Naturally and Maintains good
health!
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MindSoothe can help with the following symptoms:
- Depressed mood
- Low self esteem
- Excessive tearfulness
- Disturbed sleep patterns (insomnia or hypersomnia)
- Disturbed appetite (either loss of appetite or binge eating)
- Loss of libido
- Fatigue and loss of interest and motivation
- Irritability and anger
- Anxiety and Panic attacks
- Obsessive thoughts and other symptoms of OCD
MindSoothe is formulated for adults, for children between the ages of 3 and 15 years please see our MindSoothe Jr.formula.
Diagnosis of childhood depression
Childhood Depression is not always as easily diagnosed as adult depression and
can be masked. Children who are depressed do not always look sad and 'down' all
the time, but may have other persistent symptoms that indicate that there is a
problem.
If you suspect that your child may be suffering from depression, it is always
best to consult a psychologist for diagnosis and to determine the underlying
causes of the depression. Children and especially teenagers who talk about
suicide should always be taken seriously.
While this is sometimes a way to get attention or may be something the child
learned about at school, it could be serious and it is always better to be safe
and have your child properly assessed.
Never discontinue prescription medication without first consulting your doctor
or a health care professional who is experienced in natural medicine.
For this reason, complementary and holistic medicine always emphasizes liver health as one of the most vital components in overall systemic health. Amongst other important functions, the liver is responsible for eliminating and detoxifying the poisons that enter our blood stream.
The liver is very important in the digestion of food and produces bile which is essential in the breakdown of fats, thereby preventing obesity – one of the biggest contributors to bad health. It also regulates blood sugar and stores any excess sugar in a useful “quick-release” form for when it is needed. The liver clears the blood of old red blood cells, bacteria and other infectious organisms as well as ingested toxins including alcohol. It is responsible for producing a large number of different proteins including hormones and blood clotting factors and is the organ which stores Vitamin A, D, E and K.
SemenRx is an all-natural supplement designed to increase sperm count, and improve sperm quality and motility. It features a blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that have demonstrated to enhance male fertility and improve overall reproductive health.
Herbs in history - Courtesy of
Wikipedia
In the written record, the study of herbs dates back over 5,000 years to the
Sumerians, who described well-established medicinal uses for such plants as
laurel, caraway, and thyme. The first known Chinese herb book (or herbal),
dating from about 2700 B.C., lists 365 medicinal plants and their uses -
including ma-Huang, the shrub that introduced the drug ephedrine to modern
medicine. The Egyptians of 1000 B.C. are known to have used garlic, opium,
castor oil, coriander, mint, indigo, and other herbs for medicine and the Old
Testament also mentions herb use and cultivation, including mandrake, vetch,
caraway, wheat, barley, and rye.
Like their predecessors, the ancient Greeks and Romans made medicinal use of
plants. Greek and Roman medicinal practices, as preserved in the writings of
Hippocrates and - especially - Galen, provided the patterns for later western
medicine. Hippocrates advocated the use of a few simple herbal drugs - along
with fresh air, rest, and proper diet. Galen, on the other had, recommended
large doses of more or less complicated drug mixtures - including plant, animal,
and mineral ingredients. The Greek physician compiled the first European
treatise on the properties and uses of medicinal plants, De Materia Medica. In
the first century AD, Dioscorides wrote a compendium of more that 500 plants
that remained an authoritative reference into the seventeenth century. Similarly
important for herbalists and botanists of later centuries was the Greek book
that founded the science of botany, Theophrastus’ Historia Plantarum, written in
the fourth century B.C.
The uses of plants for medicine and other purposes changed little during the
Middle Ages. The early Christian church discouraged the formal practice of
medicine, preferring faith healing; but many Greek and Roman writings on
medicine, as on other subjects, were preserved by diligent hand copying of
manuscripts in monasteries. The monasteries thus tended to become local centers
of medical knowledge, and their herb gardens provided the raw materials for
simple treatment of common disorders. At the same time, folk medicine in the
home and village continues uninterrupted, supporting numerous wandering and
settled herbalists. Among these were the “wise-women,” who prescribed
alternative herbal
remedies often along with spells and enchantments. It was not until the later
Middle Ages that women who were knowledgeable in herb lore became the targets of
the witch hysteria. One of the most famous women in the herbal tradition was
Saint Hildegard of Bingen. A twelfth century Benedictine nun, she wrote a
medical text called Causes and Cures.
Medical schools began to return in the eleventh century, teaching Galen’s
system. At the time, the Arabic world was more advanced in science than Europe.
As a trading culture, the Arabs had access to plant material from distant places
such as China and India. Herbals, medical texts and translations of the classics
of antiquity filtered in from east to west. Alongside the university system,
folk medicine continued to thrive. Plants were burdened with a mass of both
pagan and Christian superstition that often was more important than their actual
properties. The continuing importance of herbs for the centuries following the
Middle Ages is indicated by the hundreds of herbals published after the
invention of printing in the fifteenth century. Theophrastus’ Historia Plantarum
was on of the first books to be printed, and Dioscorides’ De Materia Medica was
not far behind.
The fifteenth, sixteenth, and seventeenth centuries were the great age of
herbals, many of them available for the first time in English and other
languages rather than Latin or Greek. The first herbal to be published in
English was the anonymous Grete Herball of 1526. The two best-known herbals in
English wereThe Herball or General History of Plants (1597) by John Gerard and
The English Physician Enlarged (1653) by Nicholas Culpeper. Gerard’s text was
basically a pirated translation of a book by the Belgian herbalist Dodoens and
his illustrations came from a German botanical work. The original edition
contained many errors due to faulty matching of the two parts. Culpeper’s blend
of traditional medicine with astrology, magic, and folklore was ridiculed by the
physicians of his day yet his book - like Gerard’s and other herbals - enjoyed
phenomenal popularity. The Age of Exploration and the Columian Exchange
introduced new medicinal plants to Europe. The Badianus Manuscript was an
illustrated Aztec herbal translated into Latin in the 16th century.
But the seventeenth century also saw the beginning of a slow erosion of the
pre-eminent position held by plants as sources of therapeutic effects. The
introduction by the physician. Paracelsus of active chemical drugs (like
arsenic, copper sulfate, iron, mercury, and sulfur), followed by the rapid
development of chemistry and the other physical sciences in the eighteenth and
nineteenth centuries, led increasingly to the dominance of chemotherapy -
chemical medicine - as the orthodox system of the twentieth century.
Hayward Herbal and Flower Garden, California Herbs and Spices