Search For Herbal Descriptions In Alphabetical Order

Elder

In history, the elder plant is awash with folklore, romance, and superstition. Shakespeare used the plant as a symbol of grief and referred to it as “the stinking Elder” in Cymbeline. And in another one of his works, Love’s Labour Lost, he propagated the medieval belief that “Judas was hanged on an Elder.” Why people should identify the Elder with the traitor Apostle is puzzling but its constant reference in literature as Judas’ gallows subsequently caused superstition, magic, and fancies to hover over it.

Yet despite history’s treatment of the tree, it has from its earliest days managed to claim firmly on the popular affections of the people. Herbalists regarded it highly because of its many uses.

Health Benefits

The Elder, Sambucus nigra (Black Elder) is a medicinal chest by itself. Its uses are manifold and important. For years, it has been used for a whole range of things from dye-making, insect repellent, poultices, ointments, wines, jellies. Even the wood of the Elder tree was used to make musical instruments.

All parts of the tree can be used for medicinal purposes. The roots are the only exceptions. The Elder’s roots can induce vomiting and it has been found that some species of Sambucus are highly poisonous.

The flowers, whose smell some people detest, contain the flavonoids, rutin and quercertin which have anti-catarrhal properties. These same blooms of the Elder tree can also be used to cure inflammations due to swellings, bruises, sprains, and wounds. Aside from that, they have their beauty purposes too. The flowers have been known to whiten and soften the skin when used as a wash. As a tea, they are used as a laxative and have been known to promote perspiration and expectoration.

The Elder leaves are purgative with expectorant, diuretic, and diaphoric actions. Extracts derived from the Elder tree do not taste good so if you’re looking for a sweet-tasting herbal drink, you won’t find one made from Elder. Wine, however, now that’s possible.

You probably heard of Elderberry wine. Warm, smooth, and palatable. The berries of the tree are probably more on food uses than on the medicinal. However, the wine made from Elderberries may promote perspiration. Some people have used it as an alternative to laxative with its many aperient, diuretic, and emetic properties.

The bark of the tree is a strong purgative. It’s also an effective diuretic.

Dosage and Side Effects

The Elder tree has a few side effects that you need to watch out for. The roots, stems, leaves, and unripe berries may contain poisonous substances. These substances may induce nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. For a safe, internal use of elderberry, limit yourself to using the dried flowers or syrups made from ripe berries.

The general dosage of children is 1 teaspoon-1 tablespoon of black elderberry extract syrup. For adults, 2 teaspoons-2 tablespoons can be taken twice daily. Taken as a tea, use ½-1 teaspoon of dried flowers steeped in 1 cup boiling water for ten to fifteen minutes may be drunk three times per day.

Herbal Allergy Relief

Allergy is one of the common conditions that affect a great number of people these days. From any parts of the world, many people are afflicted by some forms of allergies, either minor or serious allergies. So to battle this worse condition, the herbal industry designed some forms of herbal allergy relief including some helpful formulas that will aid the peoples’ immune system to fight with the onset of allergy.

Notably, due to the massive causes of allergy that afflicted mankind, there are now hundreds of herbal allergy reliefs distributed in the market. Some of those come in the form of herbal supplements and some even come in the form of herb itself. Aside from that many people even formulated their own herbal allergy relief in their homes and so many people even self-medicate themselves with either self-prepared or bought herbal allergy relief.

In this article, I will mainly present two of the most trusted and widely visited sites on the web that offer some herbal allergy relief in the form of supplements, including herbal allergy relief formulas.

One of the great portals on the web that provide herbal allergy relief supplements and formulas is HerbalFitness.com. This site has recently provides their seasonal allergy and hay fever relief. It is maintained that the herbs contained in this certain formula are renowned to reinforce the body’s immune responses. Aside from that, this hay fever and herbal allergy relief is proven to soothe the over reaction of the immune system. Besides, it also soothes and lubricates the tissues in the lungs, dilates and bronchial tubes, and it is high in calcium. Calcium is included in this herbal allergy relief formula since calcium helps to fight allergies that are associated with calcium deficiency. So by taking this hay fever and herbal allergy relief, the red itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing, and some other symptoms of allergies will be relieved. However, one should know that taking more than the suggested dosage for this herbal allergy relief may lead to heart attack, stroke, seizure and even death. So, one should be wary about that.

The other remarkable home of herbal allergy relief is Viable-Herbal.com, which recently provides their botanical formulation that is intended for the symptomatic relief of hay fever and other forms of allergies. In particular, this herbal allergy relief formulation is greatly intended for those forms of allergies that surface as acute inflammation of the nasal, ocular, upper respiratory and throat membranes, which are often accompanied with sneezing, prolific watery secretion, and profuse flow of mucous.

All of the mentioned samples of herbal allergy relief are offered with some combinations of many herbs that are all proven to provide a great relief to those who are affected with allergy. And virtually, most the herbs contained in those formulations are demonstrated to aid distress caused by cough, infection, and inflammation.

Creatine

Creatine is basically one of the most well-known and valuable supplement used in bodybuilding that is now offered on the market. Many bodybuilders have greatly used it for some purposes and reasons. But what is creatine?

Creatine was first discovered by a French scientist in 1832, however it was only until the year 1923 that the scientists have discovered that over 95 percent of the creatine supplement is accumulated in the muscle tissue. Its bodybuilding effects were first mentioned in the report of The Journal of Biological Chemistry in 1926, but the real use of creatine for the purpose of enhancing performance was in the 1992 Olympic Games held in Barcelona, Spain.

Generally, creatine is usually produced by the body. Such is used to supply energy to our muscles. Creatine is specifically produced in the pancreas, liver, as well as in kidneys, and it is greatly carried to the body’s muscles by the bloodstream. Once creatine gets into the muscles, it is then transformed into phosphoscreatine or the creatine phosphate. They now become a strongly powerful metabolite that is usually used to reinforce the muscles’ ultimate energy source, which is the ATP or adenosine triphosphate.

In contrast to the drugs or steroids, the creatine is about 100 percent natural and is happens naturally in several foods. Foods like tuna, salmon, herring, and beef are naturally rich in this supplement. However, one of the most notable sources of this supplement is the creatine monohydrate, which contains more creatine per weight of material then any other source. This is possibly the reason that most of he bodybuilding stores sold this type of supplement for bodybuilding purposes.

From some scientific studies, it has been found out that creatine has the potential for enhancing the lean muscle weight in just two weeks. Aside from that, it has also a potential for enhancing the performance especially in high intensity exercise, which then increase the energy levels and speed up the recovery rates. It is not at all surprising that many athletes who use it have acquired great energy and great performance than those who do not take it.

Interestingly, the supplement’s ability to increase the level of energy that is reserved in the muscles is said to have come from its muscle protein synthesizing action, while it minimizes the breakdown of protein. It is noted that this action happens since creatine has the superb effect of super-hydrating muscle cells with water. Along with that, the supplement also increases the growth of muscles making the muscle fiber bigger and mightier. And another unexpected value of this supplement is the fact that it accelerates fat loss, and builds lean body mass.

Several studies have shown that this bodybuilding supplement is safe and effective. It has never been demonstrated as harmfully toxic. So those who are ready and interested to acquire a great level of energy and build more muscle faster should try creatine supplements for best results. Even those who wish to have a lean and toned body are also advised to take this bodybuilding supplement. And especially those who are involved in an intense physical activity, thus experiencing a certain kind of fatigue and stress should try to take this for more incredible results.

Glutathione

Glutathione is a substance that is made up of three amino acids existing in almost every cell of the body. The amino acids include cysteine, glutamic acid, and glycine. However, before it can work effectively in the body, glutathione must be generate within the cell from its precursors.

The immune system is the body’s prime source of defense against illnesses and diseases. The presence of glutathione helps maintain the normal function of the immune system, thus promoting the body’s overall health. Scientific evidence was found stating the significant role of glutathione in the multiplication of lymphocytes, the cells that mediate specific immunity. Because of this, glutathione therefore contributes to the development of an effective immune response against diseases. The substance has been used in connection with the colon cancer.

As a result of their normal functioning, the cells of the immune system, such as the lymphocytes, produce many oxiradicals. These substances cause the cells to need higher concentrations of antioxidants. With glutathione, an antioxidant, in abundance, this need can be fulfilled.

How Glutathione is synthesized

The body manufactures glutathione in a variety of ways. Typically, the body needs the three amino acids to manufacture the substance. But in the event that these amino acids are depleted, the body can use the food we take in order to manufacture the substance needed to manufacture these three amino acids which are in turn used to manufacture glutathione. This is the natural method for the body to create glutathione. The site of glutathione synthesis is the liver.

The body’s natural antioxidant is cysteine which is the precursor of glutathione. The substance helps in the regulation of the antioxidant redox state and allows the body to recycle its store of antioxidants, including vitamin A, C,E, and co-enzyme Q10.

About 80 to 90% of substances that leaves the stomach and intestines passes through the liver. These substances contain important nutrients which the liver can metabolize into vital forms that can be used by the body.

Substances such as alcohol, caffeine, medications, and nicotine are processed by the liver using glutathione to remove them from the blood. For years now, scientists have been interested with the role of glutathione in alcohol metabolism.

How to Increase Glutathione Levels in the Body

Increasing the level of glutathione in the cells of the body can be done in only a few ways. First is it to take in nutrients through foods. Second is to use a whey protein designed to present to the cells the required amino acids in the exact sequence to create glutathione.

The first way is the natural way of producing glutathione in the body. Your body can manufacture the substance with the correct nutrients available through food intake.

Barley is rich in amino acids. Barley, the right type of barley that is, can and will produce the needed substance to create the three amino acids that make up glutathione within the cells. Other great sources of this substance are fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables, fish, and meat. Asparagus, avocado, and walnuts are particularly rich dietary sources of this substance.

Vitamin C and flavonoids

Vitamin C and flavonoids are often associated with each other. This is because flavonoids which refer to some 4,000 antioxidant compounds that is the cause for the color and a number of health benefits of fruits, vegetables and herbs helps in the absorption of vitamin C in the body. In short, flavonoids make vitamin C even more effective. Essential flavonoids include quercetin, rutin, genistin, grape seed extract and naringen.

It is also more practical to use the combination supplement since you won’t have to buy many pills. And the combination of vitamin C and flavonoids have cured numerous ailments such as sprains and strains to cancer prevention.

The benefits that you can derive from vitamin C and flavonoids are varied. Vitamin C helps in the following:

- Vitamin C is vital for the synthesis of collagen in connective tissue, neurotransmitters, steroid hormones, carnitine, conversion of cholesterol to bile acids and increases iron availability. It is also an antioxidant and protect the body against pollutants.

- Vitamin C is a biological reducing agent that aids in preventing degenerative diseases such as cancers, cataracts and cardiovascular diseases.

- It also supports healthy cell development, proper calcium absorption, normal tissue growth and repair, aids in prevention of blood clot and bruising and strengthens capillary walls.

- Vitamin C is important for healthy gums, protects against infection and clear up infections, improve immune system, decrease cholesterol levels and high blood pressure and prevents arteriosclerosis.

Flavonoids on the other hand have the following health-promoting benefits:

- Flavonoids increases the action of vitamin C. That is why taking vitamin C and flavonoids together are highly recommended.

- It is effective as pain reliever, lessens the symptoms of : prolonged bleeding, low serum calcium and oral herpes.

- It is vital in preserving structures of capillaries, have antibacterial effect and supports circulation. It aids in the production of bile, reducing blood cholesterol levels and in preventing and treating cataracts.

- It increases the absorption of vitamin C.

- Vitamin C and flavonoids help maintain the thin walls of capillaries to prevent bleeding and bruising.

- Flavonoids are associated with antibacterial effect, promotes circulation and fights allergies and others.

When either vitamin C or flavonoids nutrient are used in high dosage, caution must be exercised. In using vitamin C and flavonoids as treatment, refer to the following recommended dosages:

To treat ADHD, take 1,000 mg of vitamin C and flavonoids of 500 mg every morning.

To treat acute bronchitis, take 1,000 mg vitamin C and flavonoids of 500 mg twice daily.

To treat chronic bronchitis, take 1,000 mg vitamin C and flavonoids of 500 mg once a day.

To prevent cancer, take 1,000 mg vitamin C and flavonoids of 500 mg twice daily.

To treat canker sores, take 500-1,000 mg of vitamin C and flavonoids of 25-500 mg three times daily.

To treat cold sores, take 1,000 mg vitamin C and flavonoids of 500 mg three times daily.

To treat earache, take 1,000 mg vitamin C and flavonoids of 500 mg three times daily until infection clears.

To treat gum disease, take 1,000 mg vitamin C and flavonoids of 500 mg once a day.

To treat hemorrhoids, take 750-1,000 mg vitamin C and flavonoids of 250-500 mg three times daily.

To treat impotence, take 1,000 mg vitamin C and flavonoids of 500 mg once a day.

To treat rosacea, take 1,000 mg vitamin C and flavonoids of 500-650 mg twice daily.

To treat shingles, take 1,000 mg vitamin C and flavonoids of 500 mg three times daily if acute.

To treat sinusitis, take 1,000 mg vitamin C and flavonoids of 500 mg three times daily.

To treat strains and sprains, take 1,000 mg vitamin C and flavonoids of 500 mg three times daily.

To treat varicose veins, take 1,000 mg vitamin C and flavonoids of 500 mg twice daily.

Milk Thistle

Milk thistle, or Silybum marianum, is described as an annual, winter annual, and biennial herb that belongs to the Asteraceae family. The main stem of the milk thistle is stout and ridged. The branches spread out, giving the plant an overall size of two to six feet tall. The most distinguishing characteristic of this plant is the white patches, or marbling found on the veins in sharp contrast the dark green background of the leaf blade.

The milk thistle has deeply lobed, broad leaves about 20 inches long and 10 inches wide. The leaf margins are yellow and tipped with woody spines. Each stem of the plant ends with a solitary flower, about two inches in diameter, with purple petals.

Milk thistle is considered detrimental to rangeland or pastures. This is because the plant is considered toxic to livestock with its high concentrations of accumulated nitrate. However, despite today’s concern for its apparent toxicity, one cannot displace the fact that as early as 23-79 A.D., the milk thistle was considered a medicinal plant.

Health Benefits

For thousands of years, the milk thistle plant has been used in Europe for purifying and protecting the liver. The early Christians dedicated the milk thistle to Mary, calling it Marian thistle. Science later on adopted this concept by bestowing upon it the name, Silybum marianus.

In the 19th century, the milk thistle acquired a reputation for curing varicose veins. Eclectics, physicians who used traditional means to treat diseases, used extracts from the plant to relieve varicose veins, menstrual difficulty, and congestion in the liver, spleen, and kidneys. Herbalists also attributed properties of this plant as a stimulant. They used it to increase breast-milk production and secretion of bile.

One interesting concept in traditional medicine during these times was the association of bile and other bodily fluids with different personality types. Since milk thistle is linked with bile secretion, herbalists believed that the plant could be used to treat depression, which was, according to them, a disorder associated with “black bile.”

Today, the milk thistle is no longer seen as a remedy for depression or melancholy. This is partly because people no longer associate bile with moods and science has established this claim to be hollow. However, hundreds of medical studies have been able to substantiate the fact that the milk thistle indeed has properties that could protect and heal the liver.

As a cure for liver problems, milk thistle is believed to be a “cleanser.” About 95% of substances that we take into our body pass through the liver first before they are excreted through the intestinal passages. For this reason, the liver is the last stop for everything, including nutrients and waste products. By helping the liver get rid of the waste products, milk thistle aids in keeping the organ healthy and protecting it from bodily harm.

Milk thistle helps maintain the levels of glutathione in the liver. Glutathione is an amino acid-like compound that plays a critical role in neutralizing toxins. Scientific studies have consistently shown that milk thistle can help prevent the reduction of glutathione levels and sometimes even increase them by as much as 35%.

Buying Information

When considering milk thistle products, do not go for teas. Milk thistle as a tea is not effective and won’t improve any medical condition. This is because teas made from this herb contain only small amounts of silymarin, which dissolves poorly in water. Likewise, milk thistle leaves have no therapeutic value so avoid products containing this part of the herb.

Antioxidants

What are antioxidants? How antioxidants work? How much is enough? Questions like these are just so common for those who are experts in this field of study. The answer to those questions greatly varies for there is greatly vast information about antioxidants. To know some of those, read on.

Antioxidants are particularly nutrients that are located in the human body and in plants, like the fruits and vegetables. These nutrients are vital in the proper functioning of our body and so they help in maintaining health by slowing the destructive aging of cellular molecules. The antioxidants then act as cell protectors.

As the cells function normally in the body, they absolutely produce damaged molecules which are called free radicals. These free radicals are largely wobbly and steal components from the other cellular molecules like fat, protein, or DNA, which caused the spreading of the damage.

Since these damages will largely cause some other damages on the system, the antioxidants help prevent the widespread of the cellular destruction by means of willingly giving components to stabilize free radicals. Essentially, the antioxidants return to the surface level of the cell to steady rather than to cause some damages on the other cellular components. However, if those free radicals are left unchecked, they can cause heart damage, cancer, cataracts, and a weak immune system.

In addition, the antioxidants are important in improving the immune responses and vaccine recognition in dogs and cats. Many experts have considered that such may be especially serious for young animals that are being vaccinated while their immune system is still improving. And aside from that, antioxidants are significant that they can reverse the reduction in immune-cell function for the senior dogs and cats. It is then noted that a mix of many antioxidants in average amounts may be more likely to be effective than high levels of one antioxidant.

The antioxidants, as nutrients that are found in the body and in plants, come in different types. These include vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and particular compounds that are known as carotenoids like the lutein and beta-carotene.

These nutrients are much beneficial in preventing heart disease for it prevents the spreading of the free radicals. In particular, vitamin E which is a common kind of antioxidants may protect against cardiovascular diseases by means of defending against the LDL oxidation and the artery-clogging plague development. Numerous studies also considered antioxidants to be helpful in lowering the risk of cancer. It is noted that the vitamin C intake will lower the rates of cancer, specifically the cancer of the mouth, larynx and esophagus.

The good sources for antioxidants are composed largely of fruits and vegetables. The highest concentration is said to be found in the most deeply and brightly pigmented vegetables and fruits like the spinach, carrots, red bells, and tomatoes.

However, even though antioxidants are considered a vital component for good health, still no one knows if the nutrients should be taken and how much is enough. Also, there is a very little information about the long term consequences of mega-doses antioxidants. Taking the chemicals without the aid of the experts or without the absolute comprehension of their effects may just damage such balance.

Coriander Seed

Coriander seed is derived from an annual herb known as Coriandrum sativum and it is actually the typical term that is used to refer to the tiny ribbed brown fruit of this herb. For many centuries, the bright and delicate green leaves of this herb are applied as a form of culinary herb, hence coriander seed is also known as cilantro or Chinese parsley.

The coriander seed is basically indigenous to the Mediterranean Europe and West Africa. Now, it is widely cultivated in many countries especially those with temperate climates. In the ancient times and till now, the coriander seed is commonly applied as a flavoring especially to a variety of commercial foods, specifically frozen dairy desserts, beverages, puddings, and candies. And it is reported that the pleasing aromatic oil of the coriander seed is a typical ingredient applied in lotions, perfumes, as well as in creams.

But coriander seed is more than just a flavoring and a spice used in cooking. It has several medicinal benefits and it greatly promotes natural healing. Historically, in the ancient Greece, later in Great Britain, Rome, China, and India, the coriander seed is greatly used by some healers. It is particularly applied in traditional medicine for treating gastrointestinal disorders.

The coriander seed is also used in the traditional healing practice in India known as Ayurvedic medicine as it is mixed with the cardamom seed and caraway. In fact, some of the traditional European healers and herbalists prepared it along with caraway, fennel, and anise seeds.

The coriander’s oil which usually taken from the coriander seed has also been applied through the ages. The Egyptians particularly believed that it gives immorality and it was essential for enhancing a man’s sperm count. However, the coriander seed is now applied by the modern herbalists to treat stomachaches as well as to enhance the digestion. The coriander seed is also used in the recent times for the purpose of reducing stress for the people to be able to express their thoughts.

There are also some reports which noted that the coriander seed’s oil, as it contains geranial, vitamin C, linalool, and potassium, greatly helps in the proper functioning of the digestive system, and circulatory system. It is also good for the skin condition. Even those who have migraine headaches used this herb in a form of tea a couple of times every day for the reason that this herb has the potential for relieving the pain.

But even though there has a long story of the coriander seed’s folk applications and functions, still no exact research has been conducted to provide some concrete proofs for its effects in humans. But still many of the laboratory and animal studies along with the anecdotal evidence suggest that it has some effects as a mild digestive aid as it provides relief to flatulence, soothes upset stomach, and revive appetite. In addition, coriander seed has some properties for fighting fungal and bacterial infections, and it is reported to be diuretic.

Today, due to its multiple anecdotal and laboratory-based benefits to humans and its being rich in vitamins and minerals, the coriander seed now comes in the form of oil, liquid, fresh herb, dried herb or tea. The coriander seed is largely made available in the different health food stores.

Flavonoids

You’ve probably heard of antioxidants before. Antioxidants act as cell protectors. The air we breathe contains Oxygen which is an essential element of life. However, Oxygen can also be damaging to our body. It creates by-products, called free radicals, which can be damaging during normal cellular metabolism. If left unchecked, free radicals may cause anything from heart damage, cataracts, and even cancer because they can weaken our body’s immune system. To counteract these free radicals before they can do damage to the cell, antioxidants bind with them.

Antioxidants come in several forms – Vitamin C, Vitamin E, carotenoids, and flavonoids. Next to Vitamin C, flavonoids are the most important antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables. But what exactly are flavonoids?

Flavonoids: An Introduction

In organic chemistry, flavonoids are described as polyphenolic compounds possessing 15 carbon atoms; two benzene rings joined by linear three carbon chain. So flavonoids are carbon-based elements. That means they’re organic. No wonder flavonoids constitute one of the most characteristic classes of compound sin higher plants. You can easily recognize many flavonoids as flower pigments in most angiosperm families or flowering plants. However, flavonoids do not only occur in flowers, but in all parts of the plant, namely, the fruit, stem, seeds, leaves, and even roots.

How are Flavonoids Good for You?

More and more researchers are beginning to probe into the once-hidden depths of foods and they’re discovering that vitamins and minerals aren’t all there is to it. Flavonoids, they discovered, or bioflavonoids as some like to refer to them, are perhaps one of the largest group of “other” nutrients Researchers have identified more than 4,000 of these organic substances in plants.

Like carotenes, flavonoids are plant pigments. They are the substances that give plants their various colors. And like carotenes, many flavonoids are antioxidants and they help protect plants from damaging free radicals. One distinct difference is that flavonoids are water soluble while carotenes are oil soluble.

Flavonoids and the French Paradox

If you still haven’t figured out how flavonoids can do for your health, then take the “French Paradox” as a clue. The paradox of the French is that they eat almost four times more butter and three times more lard than Americans do. This means that compared to Americans, the French have higher cholesterol levels and blood pressures. Yet, the French are 2.5 times less likely to die of coronary heart disease than the average American. Now why is that?

Many people have suggested that the answer lies in the French liberal consumption of red wine, a substance rich in beneficial antioxidants such as flavonoids that protect against coronary heart disease and apparently lowers down cholesterol levels. In addition, flavonoids in French red wine can also prevent abnormal blood clots, thus reducing the risk of heart angina or atherosclerosis. In fact, at least eight medical studies have found that a glass or two of wine daily protects against heart disease.

Flavonoids for Long Life

Ever wonder why Asians have apparently longer lifespan than Westerns? Most attribute it to the Asian’s propensity to drink tea. The Chinese especially are fond of herbal teas, such as the common green tea and black tea. Apparently, these two teas contains about 25-30 per cent flavonoids, including quercetin and gallic esters. Like those in grapes and other fruits and vegetables, they also protect against heart disease.

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