Herbal and Natural Remedies.

[Delphyne]

Herb of the day:  Linden Tree (Tilia Cordata)

Linden is another plant which has been used for many years.  2000 years ago, Linden was being used by the Greeks and other cultures.

Properties:  Linden is an antispasmodic.  It lowers blood pressure, is calming, sedating, and helps the digestive system.  It is also a cardiotonic, a diuretic, and an expectorant.  It helps ease colds and the flu.  It is also great for headaches, anxiety, insomnia, tension, and urinary tract problems.

It may be found in capsules, as tea (many stores sell Linden tea), and as a tincture.

Cautions:  There are no serious side effects or concerns with Linden.




The Science:

(This information comes from the University of Maryland Medical Center.)

Linden flowers, leaves, wood, and charcoal (obtained from the wood) are the parts used for medicinal purposes. Active ingredients in the linden flowers include flavonoids (which act as antioxidants), volatile oil, and mucilage components (which are soothing and reduce inflammation). The plant also contains tannins that can act as an astringent.
Medicinal Uses and Indications:

Tilia has been studied in only a few test tube and animal trials. It appears to have antispasmodic (reducing muscle contractions), astringent (drying), diuretic, and sedative properties. Note that different parts of Tilia species are used in treating specific conditions and symptoms.


http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/linden-000263.htm

[bhiett]

I like the idea of health remedis but I really can't afford it because madicd doesn't pay for them and I don't have ain income.  But I get migrains a lot and someone else I know told me when I feel it comming on eat black olives (this actually worked on me) It may work for some and not for others but it did for me. I also found that fish oil capsuls help me with high trigliserites and cholestol,  But now for a few yeas I quit and now its back so I need to start them again because I am so tired of taking medication.

I have read about a solution for migraines that has worked for some people: at the first symptoms of a headache, drink a large glass of Gatorade.  It certainly will not hurt you and is more affordable than a lot of herbal remedies.

[Delphyne]

I like the idea of health remedis but I really can't afford it because madicd doesn't pay for them and I don't have ain income.  But I get migrains a lot and someone else I know told me when I feel it comming on eat black olives (this actually worked on me) It may work for some and not for others but it did for me. I also found that fish oil capsuls help me with high trigliserites and cholestol,  But now for a few yeas I quit and now its back so I need to start them again because I am so tired of taking medication.

I have read about a solution for migraines that has worked for some people: at the first symptoms of a headache, drink a large glass of Gatorade.  It certainly will not hurt you and is more affordable than a lot of herbal remedies.

It depends on the cause of the migraine.  Some migraine headaches originate in the stomach  -- Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome often causes migraines.  Another good, free remedy for certain types of migraines is to breathe into a brown paper bag. 


There are many herbs, though, which are not expensive at all.  They can be grown.  Some places also sell them as a tea.  Linden and Passionflower tea bags, in some places are 12 bags for one dollar. 

[Delphyne]

Herb of the day:  White Willow (Salix Alba)

The Greek physician Dioscorides was one of the first people to praise the qualities of White Willow.  White Willow has been used for over 2000 years to treat inflammation, pain, and fevers.  White Willow is a "natural aspirin" -- it contains salicylates, which are the active ingredients in aspirin.  As a matter of fact, the Latin name of White Willow is Salix - which is a root of Salicylate. 

Properties:  Anti-inflammatory, pain relieving, fever reducing.  Antiseptic, astringent, and diuretic.  It is taken internally for pain such as headaches, migraines, menstrual cramps, arthritis, and muscle pain It is also taken for fevers, inflammation, and is taken externally in poultices to treat burns, sores, skin infections, and inflamed joints.

Cautions:  White Willow is strong and should not be given to children under the age of 16.  Do not use in conjuction with aspirin, or the other salicylate plants, which are meadowsweet and wintergreen.  White Willow may cause nausea and vomiting.  If you have an allergy or sensitivity to aspirin, it is advisable to avoid While Willow.


Science:


(Once again, this portion is courtesy of the University of Maryland Medical Center.)


Willow bark is used to ease pain and reduce inflammation. Researchers believe that the chemical salicin, found in willow bark, is responsible for these effects. However, studies have identified several other components of willow bark that have antioxidant, fever reducing, antiseptic, and immune boosting properties. Some studies show willow is as effective as aspirin for reducing pain and inflammation (but not fever), and at a much lower dose. Scientists think that may be due to other compounds in the herb. More research is needed.


http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/willow-bark-000281.htm

[angsilva2000]

very interesting

[sdenimandlace1]

We have used : Pau d'arco  for years as a naurtal antibiotic, WhenI could not afford medicen for my kids.  Grapefuirt seed oil does great things for tooth ache. Tea Tree oil and also be used for lots of differnet thing. I always keep this 3 at the house.

[Delphyne]

We have used : Pau d'arco  for years as a naurtal antibiotic, WhenI could not afford medicen for my kids.  Grapefuirt seed oil does great things for tooth ache. Tea Tree oil and also be used for lots of differnet thing. I always keep this 3 at the house.

Perhaps tomorrow's herb of the day will be Pau d'arco.  I have heard many wonderful things about this plant.

[Nancy5]

I never believed in natural or herbal meds.  I was 100% for drugs, but my sister believed in herbal, natural, and vitamins and minerals.  Five years ago I got cancer and had six months of chemo.  Before I started my chemo she came to my home with a bunch of her "meds" and we fought over my taking this crap.  She insisted I take these and said she would come over every day to make sure I took them.  Starting with chemo I figured it can't hurt and started taking her 13 pills a day.  As the chemo progressed I always felt great, never tired, nauseated, had the metal taste and my white blood count was always good.  My doctor told me he didn't know what I was doing, but to keep doing it.  I am now a believer and thank her so much for being there for me, and showing me another way of healing yourself.

[Delphyne]

I never believed in natural or herbal meds.  I was 100% for drugs, but my sister believed in herbal, natural, and vitamins and minerals.  Five years ago I got cancer and had six months of chemo.  Before I started my chemo she came to my home with a bunch of her "meds" and we fought over my taking this crap.  She insisted I take these and said she would come over every day to make sure I took them.  Starting with chemo I figured it can't hurt and started taking her 13 pills a day.  As the chemo progressed I always felt great, never tired, nauseated, had the metal taste and my white blood count was always good.  My doctor told me he didn't know what I was doing, but to keep doing it.  I am now a believer and thank her so much for being there for me, and showing me another way of healing yourself.

This is one reasons why I post the "science" behind herbs and plants.  People have been using plants to heal far longer than they have been using pills.  And a great deal of our "medications" are based on plants - aspirin, heart medicines, morphine, and so many others come from plants.

Thank you for sharing this.

[paints]

I use apple cider vinegar to help clear my sinuses. 2 tablespoons in a cup of water with honey helps me breathe.
You can also use lemon juice and honey to help a cough.

[Delphyne]

Herb of the day:  Pau d'arco (Tabebuia impetiginosa)  [Try saying that 5 times fast!]



This is a tropical tree native to Central and South America.  This is not surprise as many plants of those regions have been shown to have great medicinal properties.  Passionflower comes this same region.  Pau d'arco has been studied since the 1950s.  It has been used by tribes in these countries to treat fungal infections, viral infections, and cancer.  Today, it is a common therapy in the treatment of AIDS.

Properties: Pau d'arco is an anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-parasitic, anti-inflammatory, and an anti-viral.  Pau d'arco is an excellent treatment for those suffering from cancer.  (A treatment, not a cure.)  It is taken internally to treat allergies, congestion, cysts, herpes, impetigo, scabies, tumors, cancer, venereal diseases, and yeast infections.

Cautions:  No serious side affects are associated with this plant.  Over consumption may cause nausea and dizziness.


The Science:

(This information comes from UC San Diego Medical Center.)


How is pau d’arco thought to treat cancer?

The medicinal value of pau d’arco is thought to reside in certain compounds, called naphthaquinones, in the inner bark. Proponents claim that naphthaquinones enhance the immune system, cleanse the body and stimulate the production of red blood cells, which can increase the amount of oxygen the blood can carry contributing to healing.

[Ittai]

I use from time to time st john, honey and to much to put on here..!!

[Pearlrain129]

Apparently rubbing a sliced fresh orange on your pet can eliminate a flea problem

And when you are congested, fill up a bathtub full of steamy warm water and place a tube sock full of cayenne pepper in the water and soak. It clears your airways right up.

[champak97]

My kid has been fairly healthy until she started school this last fall. After starting school, she has fallen sick numerous times, has seasonal allergies, always has cold and cough symptoms, had viral pneumonia in December, and been to emergency three times because of severe wheezing and breathing difficulties. What is the best cure for wheezing and continuous cough, which is also non-productive most of the time? Delphyne, your posts on herbal and natural remedies is very useful, and I appreciate your enthusiasm.

[Delphyne]

My kid has been fairly healthy until she started school this last fall. After starting school, she has fallen sick numerous times, has seasonal allergies, always has cold and cough symptoms, had viral pneumonia in December, and been to emergency three times because of severe wheezing and breathing difficulties. What is the best cure for wheezing and continuous cough, which is also non-productive most of the time? Delphyne, your posts on herbal and natural remedies is very useful, and I appreciate your enthusiasm.

Has asthma been ruled out?  There are a lot of plants and herbs that may help.  Ginger tea is great for cough and wheezing.  I would also recommend boiling some ginger and having your child breathe in some of the steam for about 5 minutes, 2-3 times a day.

You want to use fresh ginger root which most supermarkets carry.

You may also want to consider picking up some Elder extract.  Elder is great for boosting the immune system and also helps clear the respiratory passages.  What area are you in?  State and county is fine.  I can, hopefully, help you find a store nearby which carries these things.  Although, in some parts of the country medicinal herbs are harder to come by.