Herbal supplements are fast becoming an alternative to achieve a healthy life. Many people use herbal supplements to treat health conditions as well as promote the well being of the user. With this emerging trend, there are a number of herbal supplements available in the market which claims of a good number of health benefits.

Herbal supplement comes from an herb which can be a plant or its plant part like seeds, flowers or leaves, which are used because of its therapeutic properties.

Among its variety is the medicinal herb supplement, which is used to prevent or treat certain diseases. It comes in capsules and pills and others can be used in cooking foods, and some are used as creams and pastes.

Things to consider before using an herbal supplement

With a good number of herbal supplements available, all of which are claiming numerous benefits for your health, it is necessary to consider the following points before purchasing your herbal supplement to meet your needs.

• Inform your health care provider should you wish to use herbal supplement to guarantee safety in your health needs. As such, it is equally important to note the following:
  1. Inquire if the herbal supplement will have other effects if taken with a prescriptive or over the counter medications.
  2. Be extra cautious in taking herbal supplement especially if you are about to undergo a surgery or pregnant or a nursing mom, it might have certain effects in your medications and might have contrary effects and response to your treatment.
  3. Many of these supplements should be taken cautiously because only few of them are not recommended for children and those older than 65, owe to the user’s body content and metabolism processes.

• Be informed that many herbal supplements are not strictly regulated, as such; manufacturers are not duty-bound to guarantee the effectiveness of their product. However, manufacturers should strictly adhere to manufacturing standards to guarantee that it has complied with the necessary regulations concerning quality and to keep contaminants or pesticides away from the supplements.

• It is very important that you read the label to know its contents like vitamins, minerals and other ingredients which will help you. In case you do not understand any of the contents of the supplements, inquire from the pharmacist or your doctor for clarification. It is better to ask than be sorry later.

Herbal supplement may be safe for anybody to use but there are things you need to bear in mind before taking any of them. Should you decide to try and use herbal supplements it is equally important to remember the following:

• Faithfully follow the instructions for taking the supplements. Do not exceed the dosages or take it for longer period than those recommended.
• Take one herbal supplement one at a time and take note of its effects on you. Should there be no result, it is advisable that you discontinue using it.
• Research your herbal supplement provider. Do not purchase products which have record of serious health side effects or those containing prescription drugs or contaminants.
• Be informed with the latest review and regulations issued by the proper governmental agencies regarding the supplements.



In part 1 of this post we looked at herbal remedies for common hair problems that can be used externally to combat common problems such as hair loss, dandruff, dry hair, dull or brittle hair. Now we take a look at what supplements can help us deal with these common problems:

• Silica supplements in capsule or other forms are seen to be very useful for improving hair health. It can help to improve condition of dry, lifeless or brittle hair and thicken the hair shaft as well.
• Saw Palmetto is a berry extract that is also used in a lot of commercial preparations. This is seen to be very helpful in tackling common problems such as slow growth of hair and in promoting regeneration of hair.
• Green tea has several health giving properties and is also known to improve hair condition by reducing DHT production in the body.
• Gingko Biloba helps improve blood circulation in body and hence increases the amount of blood circulated to the hair and the skin as well. Apart from the hair, Gingko is known to be good for improving the memory as well so taking a gingko supplement may help more than just your hair!

Certain natural herbs and formulations can help to get the sort of hair that you may only otherwise dreamt about.

There are several natural remedies that will help cure common hair problems such as hair fall, brittle hair, dry hair, dandruff etc:

• Tea tree oil is known to have anti bacterial properties that will help rid the scalp of the sort of bacteria that could be root cause of dandruff and hair loss. It can be massaged directly into the hair for great results.
• Amla Powder or powdered Indian gooseberry is also known to be excellent for hair. Mixed with an oil base it nourishes the hair to make it softer and glossier and helps prevent premature graying of hair.
• Apple cider vinegar is also known to be very good for improving the health of hair and hair follicles. Rinsing the hair with apple cider vinegar helps promote hair growth and prevent dryness.
• Regular head massage is known to have a number of beneficial effects on hair as well as the scalp. It helps stimulate the hair follicles to produce more abundant and healthier hair and is even known to help the body build up resistance to dandruff and other common hair problems. Additionally a head massage can help to relieve stress and headaches.

Apart from having a balanced diet and an active lifestyle, there are many herbal remedies that can help to keep your cholesterol in check. Most effective herbal remedies for cholesterol are:

Capsicum/ Bell Pepper: Known to contain compounds that help blood flow and to ease blood pressure and cholesterol.

Garlic: This pungent spice has long been known to contain natural cholesterol lowering properties.

It is the sulfur content in it that is known to lower bad cholesterol (Low density lipo-protein or LDL) and increase good cholesterol (High density Lipo-protien or HDL).

Alfalfa: Alfalfa seeds are known to contain saponins that help to prevent plaques that lead to heart attacks and lower cholesterol.

Psyllium: This is useful not only in keeping you regular by naturally bulking up the bowels, but also known to lower cholesterol particularly when taking in conjunction with oat bran.

Red Yeast Rice: In traditional societies, red yeast rice is a food and also has medicinal properties. Studies have shown significant lowering of cholesterol levels among those who took red rice yeast extracts.

LDL levels were seen to decline among those who took the supplement. For those who respond well to this treatment, it could be prescribed on a long term basis.

Fenugreek Seeds: Used on a regular basis in traditional cuisines such as Indian food, these contain alkaloids and protein high in lysine as well as L-tryptophan. This help by lowering the synthesis and absorption of cholesterol. It lowers the bad cholesterol in the blood but not the good cholesterol.

Butcher’s Broom: This quaintly named herb has natural anti-inflammatory properties which reinforce blood vessel walls, and helps to improve circulation to the different parts of the body. This herb can also help to guard against thrombosis, and to keep swelling in check.

Guggul: This is made out of gum, volatile oils and resin and is known to have the ability to lower triglyceride levels.

By raising levels of good cholesterol, this helps to prevent atherosclerosis, which is the formation of plaques in blood vessels which ultimately lead to heart attacks. Those with irritable bowel syndrome and liver disease need to be careful and avoid use however.

Licorice root: This helps to keep regular heart beat and rhythm as well as restore hormonal balance and detoxify the liver. The chemical compounds in the roots of the plants are known to combat high cholesterol.

Hawthorne Berry: This is known to contain bioflavonoids that are heart healthy. They dilate blood vessels, preventing angina and blood vessel degeneration. It helps to restore regular heart beat and normal blood pressure.

Tinnitus is that persistent sound in the ear, a ringing, buzzing, ticking, screaming, hissing, whistling or tingling or whooshing sound that sufferers hear when there is no such external sound actually present.

It can result from extensive exposure to persistent and very loud noises as well as other otologic disorders that are the underlying cause for loss of hearing. Sometimes tinnitus has no discernable cause.

It could be continuous or intermittent and conventional therapy has been seen to be of limited use for this problem. It is thought that alternative therapy for tinnitus could offer hope for sufferers.

• Gingko Biloba can help with degenerative conditions by improving oxygenated blood flow and circulation and may also help with tinnitus.
• Salicylic Acid in its homeopathic formulation is also thought to improve conditions induced by tinnitus.
• Herbal supplement formulated on the principles of phytotherapy can also provide relief from tinnitus symptoms, it is thought.
• Avena Sativa and herbal supplements such as TinnaRex are also thought to help with tinnitus by improving circulation, curing ear infection, and improve hearing by restoring one’s auditory capabilities.

In the modern world, we canot escape the reality that we are faced with a lot of sicknesses that are caused by all sorts of reasons.

Probably it is because of the diet we have, the quality of food we eat, the work hours demanded by our employer, stress, and even depression.

It is no surprise that people have sought healing from herbal remedies, also known as herbal medicines, to help prevent and combat existing ailments that they may have acquired.

Herbal remedies are known to be the obvious supplement to conventional medicine treatments that overflow the market today.

It is also a fact that the ingredients of herbal remedies are some of the major ingredients that conventional medicines use today.

Herbal remedies have actually been around for quite some time. Their first recorded use can date back all the way to the ancient times where kings and emperors have utilized such medical wonders to treat ailments and sicknesses during their time.

Today, herbal remedies are used to prevent and treat sicknesses such as skin disorders, asthma, diabetes, digestive problems, and others.

With today’s trends and awareness, people are beginning to use more herbal remedies since they are a natural alternative to using conventional medicines that have more chemical contents rather than natural.

In effect, people are becoming more aware that the medicines that are prescribed for them could somewhat be harmful in the long run due to its effects in the long term.

In addition, conventional medicines being sold in the market today are based on the use of herbal ingredients that have been used for centuries in the days past.

To understand herbal remedies it would be best to know the root ingredients found in these medicines that are actually good for the body.

These herbal remedies contain ingredients that are extracted from natural plants that have been around since the beginning. Here are some of the basic contents of most of the herbal remedies available in the market today:

1. Gingko Biloba

This is a natural plant that is commonly known to combat free radicals in our body. Free radicals are known to be the active molecules that is responsible for the aging process and causes our organs to deteriorate. It is a good antioxidant that can prove to be very useful and healthy for the body.

2. Ginger

This root is widely accepted as a good supplement for the digestive system. It contains properties that help the gastrointestinal system by eliminating unwanted waste through proper circulation on the system.

3. Papaya

The human body, in order to function, needs an ample amount of protein. The papain enzyme found in papayas help break down proteins that have been consumed by the body, and help with its distribution in the system.

Herbal remedies come in different ways the body can absorb them. The most common is when they are packaged in capsule form. Y

ou may purchase them from stores that offer healthy products and other medical supply stores. Before purchasing any herbal remedies, be sure that it is ok for you to consume them by asking your doctor first.

A lot of asthma medicines are perceived as being bad for you and asthma sufferers are likely on the lookout for safe and natural alternatives to these. There are certain herbal remedies that are seen to benefit asthma patients such as:

Gingko Biloba: This herbal remedy obtained from the gingko plant is seen to help in a number of different ailments, from memory loss to Alzheimer’s.

Now it would seem to help those with asthma as well. A Chinese study saw that among the participants, there was a 15% improvement of the forced expiratory volume after two months of treatment.

Tsumura Saibu-to: This is a mixture of 10 herbs that make up this popular alternative remedy for asthma widely used in Asian countries such as china and Japan. Many have received effective treatment for their asthma using this and have reported improved breathing.

Solanum Xanthocarpum and Solanum Trilobatum: This is a plant native to India and it is the root of the plant that is seen to be especially effective for those with bronchial asthma. There are studies to substantial that this is an effective alternative remedy for asthma.

Herbal medicine has been around since time begun. Our ancestors used herbs, plants, and flowers to treat diseases.

Even today, herbal medicine proved to be a very effective cure against common ailments.

Most of us often rely on over the counter drugs to remedy sickness. These medicines that can be purchased in pharmacies are the ones we often use. However, herbal medicine is still proven to be more beneficial. Here’s why:

1. It is 100% natural

The best thing about herbal medicine is that it is 100% natural. No chemicals, no preservatives, no artificial flavoring are used in herbal medicine. You can apply it directly on wounds, boil and drink it as it is, or even add it in your food.

2. More practical

Why do you have to spend too much on over the counter drugs when herbal medicine can be yours for free? There’s no need to buy anything if you have your own herbal garden at home. You can use it anytime you need it and save yourself a lot of trouble.

3. Safe to use

Herbal medicine is also safe to use. Most of the times we use natural healers like herbs in preparing our food and we feel no side effects at all.

The next time you get sick, try using herbal medicine. It is absolutely natural, more practical and safer to use.

Arnica is a well known herbal remedy for aches and pains and is most often used for homeopathic formulations. Also known as Arica Montana or Leopard’s Bane, this is a cousin of the sunflower that has been known for its medicinal properties for literally ages.

Arnica is a useful panacea for professional athletes for injuries such as sprains and bruises or for overexertion that may cause pain. Before a big game or after it, arnica is a must for a lot of professional athletes.

While it is possible to buy arnica preparations in a gel form, cream base or as a salve or tincture, it is also possible to grow it at home and use it as a homemade remedy.

Soaking the herb in water and then applying to the skin by way of a poultice is a useful home remedy.

Since arnica has anti inflammatory properties, it is of use not only when applied topically but also when taken internally.

So, if you over did things at the gym, or had an extra long golfing session that is now resulting in aches, pains and bruises, arnica can be used. And by taking it both internally as well as topically, one can ensure that it has the best results.

Source: Globe Democrat

As the assortment of medicines flow through the market today, people still rely on Chinese herbs as an alternative source for cures.

The number of illnesses found today is still growing as day to day lives are spent performing duties that are demanded from work or even from home. It is no surprise that sicknesses may even come from generic origins.

Chinese herbs have been known to exist since the time of the ancient Chinese periods. First used as ingredients for food, it eventually became science to cure diseases that have been inflicting the populace during those times.

Even today, Chinese herbs are still in demand, although it is claimed that there is no official medical statement that they can guarantee consistency in curing, thus the term given to it; alternative medicine.

Perhaps Chinese herbs, in its raw form, may seem skeptical to others in the medical field of science, but if carefully examined, are usually major ingredients in manufactured drugs being sold in the market today.

The reason for this is that, in essence, you cannot deny Chinese herbs of its healing capabilities and how it can impact a person’s body.

Both ancient and modern day herbologists know that the extracts from Chinese herbs are very potent and in fact cure almost all ailments known to man.

Here are some of the examples of Chinese herbs most commonly used today:

1. Green Tea

Used since the ancient times, green tea has polyphenols that act as an antioxidant that relieves the body of its wastes and allows for proper body rejuvenation to occur.

2. Ginseng

These very popular ancient Chinese herbs have ginsenocides which stimulate energy from within the body. Its effects help the body cope with extreme sex, increased libido, and body alertness which is very important in daily life. Another interesting trait it has is its ability to keep the body warm.

3. Dang Gui

This herb promotes good blood circulation for the body. It is usually made into a tonic, and is said to promote proper menstrual cycles in females.

4. Cibotium

The use of this herb is one that can be utilized for many ailments. It is usually made into a tonic and is known to relieve back pain, muscle pains, and weak knees alike. It is also good for the kidney.

5. Morinda Root

This herb is said to promote good blood circulation and lowers blood pressure. Its contents also promote for good libido as well. It is said to promote longevity in ones life.

6. Amber

In general, this is said to be hardened sap and is used to cure sleeping disorders such as insomnia.

Most Chinese herbs can usually be found in Chinese areas in your locality. Although it is tough to actually find those who sell the herb in its raw form, you will find that they have already been processed for use and sold in capsules, tablets, or syrups packaged and ready for consumption. Chinese herbs are cheap and very affordable to ones budget.