Monday, June 29, 2009

Colon Cleanses

There is a lot of hype and hoopla going around about colon cleanse. It's important to get the truth about colon cleansing and find one that cleanses you colon without cleaning out your pocket book. Here's an article by Michael R. Taft that may help clear up some of the confusion.

Many people are confused by the conflicting information that is out there about colon cleansing. The main concern is whether or not colon cleansing is safe or not. In no uncertain terms not only is colon cleansing safe it is vitally important that you cleanse your colon.

The colon almost never stops working it is like a machine that runs twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. It is an incredibly efficient organ, but over time it can be clogged by food that could not be used or excreted from the body. As it clogs up it is less efficient and this has an impact on the entire body.


The colon absorbs nutrients and vitamins from the food that has been broken down by the stomach. It absorbs everything the body needs and excretes the rest in feces. Over time some food clings to the walls of the colon. There is now a barrier between the digested food and the wall of the colon. This means that nutrients are no longer able to be absorbed by the body.

Removing this barrier will allow the colon to function properly again. There are many herbal based supplements that are extremely efficient in removing this plaque like build up. They are all natural and sold in many health food stores as well as at online retailers.

The best of these systems are comprised of all natural herbal ingredients and are very fairly priced. They work by scrubbing the interior wall of the colon and forcing the debris out of the body.

The fact that colon cleansing is safe is not in dispute by any reputable person. Hundreds of thousands of people have colon cleansed with no ill effects being reported. In fact unless you are pregnant or have a pre-existing medical condition there is no documented reason not to undergo a colon cleansing program.

By: Michelle R. Taft

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Visit the colon cleanser review forum at www.ColonCleansingForum.com today.

Also, learn more about Colonix side effects.


Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Ginseng

Ginseng is an ancient remedy steeped in folklore and myth, but many of the claims that have been made throughout history have proven to be true.

Ginseng helps the body better utilize oxygen and speeds up recovery for those who are convalescing. It helps the adrenal glands conserve their stores of vitamin C and aids in the production of RNA and red and white blood cells. It also aids in stabilizing blood sugar and blood pressure.

Ginseng energizes those suffering from fatigue and helps calm those prone to nervous stress. It strengthens virtually all the internal organs thereby improving overall health and bolstering immunity.

Ginseng can help improve physical energy and mental alertness. It is used to improve concentration and also has been used in meditation. It appears to be an aphrodisiac for both men and women and may be useful in correcting erectile dysfunction in men.

It is used in facial creams to prevent wrinkles.

During the heat of the summer many people find their energy levels dropping because of the heat. American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) is a better choice to take in the summer because it is more cooling than Asian Ginsent (Panax ginseng).


Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Mullein

MULLEIN: Latin Name: Verbascum thapsus
Mullein has numerous alternate names including Velvet Dock, Witch's Candle, Hags Taper, Jupiter's Staff, Our Lady's Flannel, Beggar's Blanket, Candlewick, Girl Scouts Toilet Paper, Lungwort.

Though some of them may be a bit humorous, they are very descriptive of the many uses for mullein.

Medicinally, mullein leaves are used primarily for sinus infections, asthma, hay fever and other respiratory ailments. Some people praise it as a remedy for chronic hay fever and sinusitis that lead to bronchitis, and say they have successfully replaced their prescription medications with it.

Flowers can be infused in oil with garlic for a topical treatment of ear infections. Oil infused with mullein flowers has been used for treatment of frostbite, ringworm, hemorrhoids, and bruises.

When using the leaves as a tea be sure to strain it through a very fine filter as the tiny hairs on the leaves can be irritating to the throat.

As with any herbal remedy, be sure to contact your health practitioner before adding mullein to any prescription regimen.


Thursday, June 11, 2009

Echinacea

Echinacea, the beautiful purple cone flower is a colorful addition to your flower beds, but it's medicinal properties are well known. Echinacea has been in use by the Native Americans for untold time, and it entered the formal medical world in the late 1800 where it was used until the late 1920's when antibiotics were introduced. Native Americans used its root for everything from fighting colds and flu to infections to cancer. The wild type, Echinacea angustifolia, was the most popularly used, but it's become scarce in the wild due to over-harvesting. Echinacea purpurea is the species used most in Europe and is the plant the German E Commission did all it's tests with. This species' flowers and other aerial parts are used more than the root and it is cultivated, so there's no worry about it becoming extinct.

Echinacea is still the most prescribed herb in Europe, but its use is mostly confined to fighting colds and flu, overlooking its many other benefits. The root may be chewed to alleviate tooth ache. It can be made into a salve to treat eczema, psoriasis, infectious wounds and much more.

Echinacea stimulates the production of T cells, macrophage activity and interferon production making the cells less susceptible to viral takeover.



Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Skullcap

Skullcap is one of the most versatile pain relieving herbs I can think of. Often called the "there, there" herb in reference to it's calming quieting effect on the nerves, it's like a mother calming her frantic child. Skullcap calms the emothions, quiets overexcitability and improves motor ability and impairment of the senses. It helps stimulate the brain to produce more endorphins and enhances awareness and calmness.

When used as a pain reliever it works at the site of the pain, rather than dulling the brain and causing the sleepiness or "brain fog" that some pain relievers can cause.

I have known women who used skullcap instead of valerian to help with mood swings, to calm down in cases where anger was inexplainable and extreme.

Skullcap is a great aid in relieving acute pain. If you choose to "tough it out" when you have acute pain, many times, depending on the cause of the acute pain, it can become chronic pain.

Skullcap can be taken as a tea, tincture or capsules. I always prefer tea as it seems to work faster, but capsules are handy to carry with you "just in case". It can be used in cases of anxiety resulting from emotional trauma, or the many symptoms that result from the stress in daily living.



Saturday, June 6, 2009

Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis)

The root of Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis)is most commonly used for female problems including menopause and the hot flashes and mood swings that accompany it. It is often taken by women coming off birth control pills in order to establish regular menstrual cycles. Given after birth to help prevent postpartum bleeding and to build strength.

It has been tested in a small group of people to treat psoriasis and was found effective in about 66% of that small group.

It improves circulation and helps beautify the skin and foster feelings of compassion.

As with any herb, if you are on prescription or OTC medications, consult your healthcare provider for drug/herb interactions. Herbs are powerful medicines and can interact adversely with other medications.

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Red Clover

Red clover is a wonderful, gentle blood purifier. In cases where the lymph nodes are swollen, a cup of tea made with one nice fat blossom and a cup of water is usually all it takes to get the lymph moving again and cleanse the system.

Red clover is also an alterative. It can help improve general health. Alteratives increase blood flow to tissues, detoxify, restore body functions, aid assimilation of nutrients, stimulate metabolism and promote excretion of waste. It's also beneficial for calming coughs and reducing skin inflammations.

My red clover is in bloom now. It's time to harvest these nice plump little globes. Sometimes I have a hard time getting them to dry without turning black when the weather is humid, but that's not really a problem. I can just loosely pack them in a jar and cover them with either 100 proof vodka or Apple Cider Vinegar. Cover them tightly and place them out of the light. Shake once or twice a day for six weeks, strain and bottle. They're ready to use. You can take 35 to 70 drops of the vodka tincture in a little water, or up to a tablespoon of the vinegar in water, or mix the vinegar with oil for a vinaigrette dressing.


Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Asparagus

Asparagus is a delicious, nutritious, vegetable high in vitamin K, potassium, tryptophan and other vitamins and minerals. It is a nourishing blood-building tonic that helps reduce arthritic conditions, kidney stones, and build the reproductive system.

To prepare Asparagus, snap off the tough woody ends. Don't cut them, just bend the stalk. It will snap above the woody section. Put the ends in a pot and gently simmer 15 minutes to make a delicious soup stock, or a nourishing tea. Steam the asparagus lightly and serve plain or with a little butter and salt and pepper.

The small stems are wonderful with eggs either in an omelet or mixed with boiled eggs. The nice fat stalks can be roasted by lightly coating with olive oil, salt and pepper and roasting in a 400 degree oven for 15 or 20 minutes.

Enjoy the asparagus now while it's in season. The best way to be sure your nutrition is balanced and you get the broad range of nutrients you need for good health is to take advantage of the fruits and vegetable that are in season at any given time.