Aloe Vera

I am sure that many of you are familiar with aloe vera. And I guess many of you have seen its actual form or structure. But, did you know that aloe vera has a particular role played in the field of science and medicine? Are you then aware that aloe vera is one of those well-known medicinal plants that provide certain health benefits? Well, you should then read on for here are some facts about it.

Historically, there are several names for aloe vera in Africa, where aloe vera is said to have originated. In the area, aloe vera is known as “lily of the desert”, the “plant of immortality”, and the “medicine plant”. It is then believed that its name originally came from the Arabic term “alloeh” which means “bitter” for aloe vera’s bitter liquid that is particularly located in the leaves.

Aloe vera has 500 species growing in climates in the whole cosmos. For the ancient Greeks, Arabs, and Spaniards, aloe vera is commonly used throughout the millennia, and the African hunters until now still rub the plant’s gel on their bodies for the purpose of lessening perspiration and their scent.

The plant is said to be separated into two main products, and these two include the gel and the latex. In terms of the plant’s gel, it is interesting to know that it is the leaf pulp and is a thin clear jelly-like substance that is specifically taken from the parenchymal tissue that composes up the inner parts of the aloe leaf. The gel is composed of carbohydrates polymers, like the glucomannans or pectic acid, and other several organic and inorganic compounds. On the other hand, the aloe vera latex is commonly known as the “aloe juice” and it is bitter yellow exudates from the pericyclic tubules which are found just beneath the outer skin of the aloe leaves. It is both the gel and latex that are used by most aloe vera consumers today.

The aloe vera is believed to have given some health benefits to those who have had applied it. It is considered by some researches that the clear gel has a capability to heal wounds, ulcers, and serious burns by just placing an amount or a protective coating on the affected portions and it speeds up the healing rate.

The aloe vera plant generally composed 96 percent water and the rest of it is composed of active ingredients which involve essential oil, amino acids, minerals, vitamins, enzymes, and glycoproteins. Due to its effectiveness in healing wounds, ulcers, and burns, many people used it including the contemporary healers since the 1930s. In fact, from that time until today, several liquid health treatments coming from aloe vera are made and some of them are blends of aloe juice and other plants and herbs. The aloe vera juice is beneficial for it calms the digestive tract irritations, like the peptic ulcers and colitis.

The aloe vera, being a food supplement, is in fact said to assist in blood and lymphatic circulation, kidney, gall bladder functions and it facilitates digestion. And since it has a moisturizing effect on the skin, the plant is a common remedy for sunburn and skin irritation. So if you want to feel the effect of it, just remove the thin outer skin and process the leaves in a blender, then add 500 units of vitamin C powder to every cup and finally store it in the refrigerator.

Alfalfa

The perennial herb Alfalfa has many medicinal and dietary benefits and uses. Research shows that this herb may lower glucose and cholesterol in the blood and Alfalfa supplements are safe for oral consumption by most people – there are a few cases where symptoms similar to lupus occurs. Alfalfa sprouts and seeds contain the amino acid L-canavanine which appears to cause the symptom (the leaves however do not contain it). Alfalfa plant leaves are extremely rich in nutrients and minerals which include magnesium, potassium, carotene and calcium. Alfalfa is effective for reducing fevers, contributes to healthy blood and contains natural fluoride which helps prevent tooth decay.

The Arabs first used Alfalfa and called it “the father of all foods” and initially used it as horse feed as they believed that it made their horses mighty and swift. Alfalfa has been used as a crop for animals for more than a thousand years as well as herbal medicines. The Chinese have used Alfalfa (as far back as the 6th century) to relieve swelling and fluid retention.

Alfalfa is effective for disorders in the bladder, kidneys and prostrate as well as urinary tract infections while also being a good laxative and diuretic. More recent and significant benefits have been identified – Alfalfa may lower cholesterol levels as it contains substances that adhere to cholesterol thus removing it from the blood and it might play a role in lowering blood sugar levels.

As a food source Alfalfa is great as a vegetable or even in salads and a lot of people say that Alfalfa is important in healthy eating plans. Alfalfa has the highest nutritional value (together with algae and wheat grass), has high dietary fibre content and contains minerals, vitamins and all the necessary digestive enzymes.

Well established Alfalfa consumers say that initially many people will not like its taste (might also create the sense that it is burning the tongue tip) and they recommend that one should persevere as it is definitely an acquired taste. Normally after regular consumption, appetites for heavier foods actually lessen.

A great tea can be made when Alfalfa leaves are left to steep in hot water and is a good source of nitrogen. Plant enthusiasts also use the tea as a foliar spray on plants such as Delphiniums and Irises and Alfalfa is also used as mulch for flower beds.

Bob Cotto spent most of his life as a Sr. Sales & Marketing executive. Two years ago his wife of 43 years, Joanne was told that she had 4th stage cancer. Since then, Bob and Joanne have devoted all of their energy to assisting her in maintaining a high quality of life. Find out more about his efforts at his site 4-Ideal-Health.

Astragalus: An Immune-boosting Herb

An organ toning and balancing herb, astragalus is indigenous to China and is used since ancient times in traditional Chinese medicine. In fact, it has been applied for more than 2,000 years for the purpose of balancing the vital energy or what the Chinese termed as ‘qi’, which is believed to flow though all beings.

Astragalus continues to become an important remedy in the West since its great effects upon the immune system came to light. It is in fact given that astragalus, as a relative of licorice and the pea plant, appears to provide the immune system with a potent boost. Since that discovery, most teas, tablets, and other healing formulations are then produced from astragalus’ flat and yellowish root.

This certain herb is then taken as a tonic and is also thought to enhance vitality and stamina. Through its fundamental constituents such as the glycosides, polysaccharides, choline, betaine, rumatakenin, and beta-sitosterol, the astragalus herb is able to hold a reputation for improving the overall health condition.

Specifically, the polysaccharides of the astragalus have been demonstrated to enhance the phagocystosis of reticulo-endothelial systems, rouse the pituitary-adrenal cortical activity and rebuild the damaged red blood cell formation in the bone marrow. Astragalus, with its constituents, is though to fight off viral and bacterial infections and greatly caused some ailments like colds, flu, bronchitis, and sinus infections.

Astragalus is also known as an herb that rouses the body’s regular manufacture of interferon. With that, the astragalus is then considered as an ideal remedy for those who might be immuno-compromised in any way. Aside from that reputation, this particular herb is also an antioxidant that aids to thwart the cell depletion that is largely caused by unstable oxygen molecules that are known as free radicals. And perhaps, one of the best qualities of astragalus is its versatility or its ability to be safely blended with many other traditional treatments.

In order to make sure of effectiveness, you should choose an astragalus product that is composed of a standardized extract of the herb’s root, with 0.5 percent glucosides, as well as 70 percent of polysaccharides. Astragalus is now offered in various stores and is made available in many forms. Some of the Chinese drug stores offer the dry roots of the astragalus and some of them sell the powder form which is taken from the roots. There are as well other drug stores in China that sell the extract, while the others make the extract as the main ingredient of herbal teas. While some of them applied only the astragalus root, the others use the flowers and leaves.

With the astragalus, the body is believed to develop permissiveness if this immune-stimulating herb is taken over long stretches of period. So, for those who are interested to take this medical herb, just know that for maximum effect, you should alternate the application of astragalus with the other immune-stimulating herbs like the Echinacea, cat’s claw, and pau d’arco.

And if you are undergoing cancer treatment, it is best to consult your doctor before taking the supplement or adding it to your daily supplement routine. And it is interesting to know that some of the Chinese experts recommend taking astragalus for about 9 to 15 grams per day in decoction form.

Artichoke Leaf

Artichoke leaf is such a grand perennial plant that has a variety of important functions. With its purplish flower head, the artichoke leaf is indigenous to southern part of Europe, northern part of Africa, and the Canary Islands. Artichoke leaf also made its way to popularity in parts of Rome and Greece, when most of the people there began to cultivate the plant. And it is now grown commercially in North Africa.

It is the flesh of the spike-tipped petals of the artichoke leaf, which is called “bracts”, as well as the heart of its flower head that are particularly eaten by most Europeans as a delicacy. But outside from such fact, it is greatly artichoke leaf’s large and lobed leaves and their extracts that are widely applied medicinally.

Since the early days, most of the traditional healers used and approved the artichoke leaf as a major treatment for digestive upset, poor liver functioning, and a array of other disorders. The artichoke leaf is then primarily used as a choleretic, which is a substance that fortifies the liver function by means of enhancing the bile production. It is as well known as diuretic, and this centuries-old reputation largely remains for the reason that artichoke leaf really increases urination.

The artichoke leaf is widely applied as a form of sweetener as well as favoring agent in some alcoholic drinks. Its stems, leaves, and roots produce an aromatic and bitter substance which inspires the artichoke leaf’s potential in alcoholic liquors that are intended to enhance a good digestion. Such extremely bitter properties or taste is thought to rouse the production of digestive juices, which is primarily the foundation to which the traditional aperitif is taken before meals in many countries.

Other resources and researches about this perennial plant mentioned that the artichoke leaf indeed has great potentials for medicine. One of the beneficial uses of its supplement appears to have a great impact on the liver. Particularly, in animals, it is noted that the liquid extracts and the leaves of this plant have shown an ability to protect the liver, and there is a great possibility that it will aid the liver cells to regenerate.

The artichoke leaf also acquires a certain reputation for being the best solution for digestive and bowel problems, although research for such area is not yet conclusive. And it also plays a vital role in the process of lowering cholesterol so to help in preventing any disorder.

Although it is only the flower head of such perennial plant is widely made available, there are still some grocery stores that offer the whole artichoke plant for those who wanted to use it for treatment. You may also find artichoke leaf in multi-ingredient liver remedies which are also composed of another liver supporting herb known as milk thistle. And due to its widely known uses, a primary active compound of the artichoke leak which is called “cynarin” is now provided by some stores in standardized extracts. And until now there is still no other known drug or nutrient interactions that are greatly related to artichoke leaf.

Agrimony

What on earth is agrimony? Agrimony is specifically hemp or herb that has different functions. It is know by the names like Sticklewort, Cocklebur, Church Steeples, and Odermenning.

It is believed that the agrimony’s first use dates back to the ancient Egyptians, and the term “agrimony” comes from the Greek word Argemone which means “plants healing to eyes”. In the tradition of the ancient times of agrimony, it is believed that the ancient Greeks usually used agrimony to soothe their eye problems; and the Anglo-Saxons treated their wounds with it.

Agrimony generally involves a certain volatile oil, which maybe taken from the plant itself by means of the process of distillation. It also contains bitter principle, flavonoids, and it yields in addition for about five percent of tannin in order for its function in cottage medicines for the gargles and also for the astringent applicant to lethargic ulcers and wounds. And since it contains tannin for about five percent, many people used agrimony in dressing leather.

For further information, the agrimony is used with its whole herbs for different purposes and it is recommended by some medical experts for the reason that the whole herb produces and agent that ease inflammation and it also produces an agent that contracts organic tissue which then lessen the secretions or the discharges. In line with that claim, the agrimony acts as deobstruant which is an agent that wipes away the obstructions by opening the natural ways or passages of the human body. It is also diuretic, which is an agent that enhances the expulsion of the urine; tonic, which is an agent that revitalizes the organs or the entire organism; and it is vulnerary, that it is applied to heal wounds.

Also included in the major uses of the agrimony are some claims that the herb is a very useful agent for conditioning the blood, especially to those who have anemia, and it is also used for cardiovascular conditions such as enlargement of the heart, stomach and the lungs. It is as well interesting to know that agrimony is also very useful for gastrointestinal conditions such as diarrhea, digestive trouble, indigestion, mucous colitis, overactive irritable bowel, relaxed bowel, sluggish stomach conditions, ulcers, and it promotes assimilation of food.

Aside from those mentioned conditions, agrimony is used generally for genitourinary conditions, inflammatory conditions, liver conditions, respiratory tract conditions, gargles, skin conditions, and other conditions such as appendicitis, fevers, and much more. However, outside from those multiple benefits that anyone can get from the agrimony, it is still necessary to note that agrimony must not be applied in cases of constipation. And the herb must only be used with the recommendation of the healthcare provider.

Lastly, in taking the agrimony, many experts have mostly recommended that every patient who disorders as mentioned above must take the dried herb at 3g per day and for fluid extract, it should taken 2 to 5 ml every day. And today, agrimony is available in any herbal supplies in the form of agrimony extract, dried herb, and agrimony Bach flower remedy.