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The Aloe plant (scientific name Aloe vera) is a succulent originally from Africa. In the 16th century, Aloe Vera reached the West Indies, where farmers began the job of massive propagation. In modern times, it is one of the most available herbal remedies. It can easily be grown as an indoor plant, thus giving you the joy of its presence along with its curative properties. The character of Aloe Vera plant parts have been described in many ways. Its leaves are often described as hot, bitter and moist. Its gel is described as salty, bitter, cool and moist. Some products made from Aloe may not be suitable for pregnant or nursing women.

Because of its usefulness in treating many conditions, Aloe Vera is now propagated and used worldwide. Many herbal remedies contain extracts as an ingredient. Extracts and synthetic chemicals based on those found naturally in this plant are also included in many conventional lotions, shampoos, and soaps. Aloe Vera has been known to promote bile flow, heal wounds, stop bleeding, expel worms, and reduce blood sugar and cholesterol levels. This succulent has also been known for its purgative, laxative, rejuvenating and anti-aging properties.

Testament of attributes comes to us across time and from all points on the globe. It is believed that related species of the Aloe Vera were used by tribal people as an antidote to the poisons used in arrows, and also to help the wound heal itself. We know that the Greeks and Romans made a gel from this plant to treat battle wounds. This succulent is also widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. In India, the gel from this plant has a longstanding reputation for its use as a cooling tonic. In traditional Indian Ayruveda medicine, Aloe Vera gel is used as a tonic for excess pitta (fire element).

The most common way to prepare the Aloe Vera plant is to use the gel. The gel is thick and mucilaginous. Many herbalists recommend that it be used as a first-aid cure for wounds, burns, and sunburn. This gel can help heal extremely dry skin, and is used in many commercial lotions. It can also be used to treat fungal infections such as ringworm. Gel extracts of the Aloe Vera plant have been successfully used to treat mouth ulcers. Steam inhalation of the gel has also been known to treat bronchial congestion. Recent research has also shown that Aloe Vera gel may be helpful in treating breast and liver cancers, as well as HIV.

The leaves of Aloe Vera, although much less commonly used, can also be helpful for several conditions. The purgative properties of the leaves have been taken advantage of for centuries. Yellow juice collected from the bottom of the leaves can also be prepared and used to treat chronic and stubborn constipation. It is also believed that the leaves of the Aloe Vera plant can be used to stimulate bile flow and to aid digestion. A tincture made from this succulent’s leaves can be taken as an appetite stimulant.

here are several practical applications for different parts of the Aloe Vera plant. The gel can be applied directly to burns, wounds, fungal infections, insect bites, and areas of dry skin. If you decide to grow Aloe Vera, you will have it on hand whenever you need to use it. You can simply split a leaf open and apply the gel directly. You can also collect the gel from several split leaves to make an ointment.

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Scott Meyers is a staff writer for It’s Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more information on Herbal Remedies.

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Tags: aloe vera, cholesterol, constipation, Herbal Remedies, laxative, Traditional Chinese Medicine

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Sage has long been highly regarded for its perceived ability to bestow longevity. As one of the most popular of the memory-enhancing herbs, it has often been credited with restoring failing memory to the elderly. There are many different varieties of sage. The most popular forms of sage include Green sage (Salvia officinalis), Greek sage (Salvia fruticosa) and Purple sage (Salvia officinalis). Most herbalists tend to prefer Purple sage, although a combination of Greek sage and Green sage also find favor with some practitioners.

Regardless of the variety of sage, the roots and leaves are usually the parts of the plant used to make remedies. The leaves of the sage plant are traditionally harvested throughout the summer months. Gargles and mouthwashes derived from sage leaves are known to be particularly healing for mouth and throat conditions. A mouthwash can be used to treat gum disease, mouth ulcers, sore throats, and to soothe tonsillitis. You will need to make certain that the gargle or mouthwash is a weak infusion, so that it will not aggravate any pre-existing mouth conditions.

The leaves of the sage plant are also known for their estrogenic and drying properties. This makes the sage leaves particularly helpful for conditions related to menopause, as well as during periods of weaning. Many herbalists use fresh sage leaves to create a bitter digestive stimulant.

In France, sage is quite popular in a cream that treats a variety of skin problems. Sage can also be used in a hair rinse to treat dry hair or to restore hair color to graying hair. Sage is also helpful in treating dandruff, and is much less harmful to the body than commercial dandruff treatments. To create a healing infusion of sage leaves in water, use approximately 20 grams of leaves to ¼ cup water. This tonic can also be used as a liver stimulant, and to improve digestive functioning.

The root of the sage plant is also widely used in a variety of herbal remedies. It has been used to help heal the liver, and also assist in mitigating hot flashes and other menstrual problems. In traditional Chinese medicine, the root is known as dan shen, and is used to create a number of tonics. One of the most popular Chinese tonics is used for “moving blood”, or relieving stagnation. For example, these tonics are used to treat angina pectoris, which Chinese herbalists feel is caused by blood stagnation. The root of the sage plant is also often used for its cooling and sedative properties.

The sage plant has several different applications. Its extracts are often used to treat scrapes, skin sores, and insect bites. This plant can also be used to remedy menopausal night sweats and to reduce lactation during the weaning process. Sage is also commonly used to create tinctures that can aid digestive functions. Mouthwashes and gargles work well on a variety of mouth and throat ailments. Be sure to have Sage in your herbal medicine cabinet.

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Scott Meyers is a staff writer for It’s Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more information on Herbal Remedies.

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Tags: digestive stimulant, gum disease, Herbal Remedies, Menopause, sage, skin problems, sore throats, Traditional Chinese Medicine

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Honeysuckle is one of the oldest medicinal herbs in known history. Sometimes referred to as woodbine, European honeysuckle was once used widely to treat urinary complaints, asthma, and during childbirth. In traditional Chinese medicine, honeysuckle has been used medicinally for millenia. The first known reference to the honeysuckle plant as a medicinal plant is in the Tan Ben Cao that was written in A.D. 659. In traditional Chinese medicine, honeysuckle is considered one of the most important herbs for releasing poisons from the body and clearing heat from the body.

There are three main parts of the honeysuckle plant that are used medicinally: the flowers, the flower buds, and the stems.

The flowers are traditionally used to make syrup that has been used as an expectorant for bad coughs, asthma, and as a diuretic. The syrup from honeysuckle flowers is still used to make medicinal syrup. The flowers of the honeysuckle plant should be harvested in the summer time.

The flower buds of the honeysuckle plant are also used to make herbal remedies. In traditional Chinese medicine, the flower buds are very important. They are called jin yin hua and are used widely to treat feverish conditions. They are especially used to treat conditions that are thought to be caused by the summer heat. They are also thought to clear toxins from the body, and the “fire poisons” that may linger in the body. In traditional Chinese medicine, fire poisons are thought to be responsible for many conditions, including boils and dysentery.

Honeysuckle flower buds are also thought to help alleviate the symptoms of some kinds of diarrhea. In traditional Chinese medicine, the honeysuckle flower buds are warmed and slightly stir-fried to treat diarrhea. Flower buds should also be harvested in the summer.

The stems of the honeysuckle plant are also used, especially in traditional Chinese medicine. These are alternately called jin yin teng and ren dong teng (stems and branches) and they are especially used in acupuncture medicine. They are thought to be able to remove heat from certain acupuncture meridians by stimulating the flow of energy, or qi.

The stems and branches are also used in Chinese medicine to treat feverish colds and dysentery. They are also used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, and are often combined with other herbs to create a cooling remedy.

There are several applications that are created by using the honeysuckle plant. The flowers can be infused to create a hot tea that can operate as an expectorant. Honeysuckle is often combined with other herbs, including cowslip and mulberry to create a healing tea that is used to treat coughs and mild symptoms of asthma.

Again, honeysuckle flowers can be made into syrup that can be used to treat coughs. The honeysuckle flower buds can be made into a decoction that is used to treat feverish colds and sore throats. Honeysuckle flower buds can be used to make a tincture that is used by herbalists to treat gastroenteritis and diarrhea.

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Scott Meyers is a staff writer for It’s Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more information on Herbal Remedies.

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Tags: diarrhea, diuretic, dysentery, expectorant, Herbal Remedies, honey, honeysuckle, toxins, Traditional Chinese Medicine

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Jasmine has long been loved for its wonderful scent. This climbing plant blooms with one of the most aromatic flowers in the garden.

The jasmine plant was first introduced in Europe in the 16th century where it quickly gained immense popularity because of its scent. French perfumers especially took an interest this lovely climbing plant.

In addition to its scent, the jasmine plant also has healing properties. It is also used as a well-known cleansing remedy. In China, Jasmine tea has been a long-standing healing favorite. The taste of the jasmine plant is alternately described as astringent, pungent, bitter, and slightly cooling.

The jasmine plant contains alkaloids, including linalool. Jasmine also contains salicylic acid, which is the active component of aspirin.

The jasmine plant has many actions attributed to it. Its flowers have been known as an aphrodisiac, an astringent, a bitter but relaxing nervine, an analgesic, a sedative, and a plant which helps encourage milk flow. The essential oil derived from the jasmine plant is thought to operate as an antidepressant, an antiseptic, an antispasmodic, an aphrodisiac, a sedative, and a uterine tonic.

There are two main components that are used from the jasmine plants: its flowers, and its essential oil. The jasmine plant flowers have been used in Ayurvedic medicine for hundreds of years. In Ayurvedic medicine, the jasmine flowers are known as jati, and it is regarded as a sattvic tonic, which encourages the principles of light, harmony, and increased perception, all principles that are associated with sattvic, which is one of the three qualities of health in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. The sattvic element of the jasmine flower is also thought to emphasize the nature of love and compassion. The jasmine flowers are also thought to work as a mild aphrodisiac for women. Jati is also used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine to reduce fevers and to fortify the immune system.

The flowers of the jasmine plant are also used to make an aromatic tea. The Chinese have been using Arabian jasmine since at least AD 300 to scent teas. The flowers of the Arabian jasmine plant are known in China as mo li, and they are highly regarded in China as a scenting agent. In traditional Chinese medicine and practice, the Arabian jasmine flowers were placed alongside heat-dried green tea so that the green tea would absorb the scent of the jasmine flowers. These days, commercial tea makers simply mix the jasmine flower petals with the regular tea.

Jasmine tea infusions are recommended for treating infections, urinary inflammation and fevers, much as aspirin is used to reduce pain and fevers. The jasmine flowers can be combined nicely with lemon balm or skullcap to create a calming, relaxing tea. A wash made from infused jasmine tea flowers can also be used to bathe scrapes and cuts. Jasmine flower compresses can also be made to treat heat stroke, headaches, or anxiety. Massage oil can also be created by diluting jasmine oil with almond oil an applying to the skin.

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Scott Meyers is a staff writer for It’s Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more information on Herbal Remedies.

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Tags: fever, headache, Herbal Remedies, immune system, jasmine, lemon balm, skullcap, Traditional Chinese Medicine

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Thai medicine, which is comprised of diet, medicinal treatment and manipulation techniques, is very effective in treating sickness and disease. Thai massage, like traditional Chinese medicine, focuses on treating the whole person by correcting the imbalance of the body’s energy flow.

Thai massage is made up of four techniques including a therapy similar to shiatsu. The focus is to stimulate energy channels, referred to as “Sen” in Thailand and meridians in ancient Chinese medicine. Shiatsu and Thai massage are very similar, however the main difference is that Thai massage uses pressure along energy channels in both directions, whereas shiatsu only moves in one direction.

Reflexology, another technique used in Thai massage therapy, is based on the belief that applying pressure to reflexes on the feet and hands can effectively treat the entire body. By stimulating nerves on specific areas of the feet and hands, reflexology stimulates blood flow and eliminates toxin buildup in the corresponding organs and systems of the body. Reflexology is a beneficial tool for promoting relaxation and stress relief, but it is also an effective tool for improving circulation; relieving pain, and as an immune and nervous system stimulator. In fact, many people with illnesses such as allergies; chronic sinus problems; acid reflux; migraines; PMS; menopause; insomnia; chronic fatigue, fertility problems and even arthritis have been helped tremendously by reflexology treatments.

The third technique used in ancient Thai massage is blood stopping. I know, it sounds a little weird, but according to theory, cutting off a major source of circulation for up to one minute will result in increased pressure at first. This will make the heart slow down contractions in order to bring down the blood pressure. Then, when the pressure on the artery is released, a fresh supply of blood is rushed to the area, allowing for revitalization and relaxation.

And lastly, Thai massage involves passive stretching exercises. If you are not familiar with passive stretching, this means that the therapist does all of the work. It is done in short intervals, gradually working up to a full range of motion. By stretching and extending your range of motion you ultimately increase blood flow throughout the body.

Far Eastern cultures have been using alternative treatments for thousands of years. Furthermore, in most places of the world, natural medicine is the first line of defense against sickness and disease. Even the most technically advanced countries such as China and Japan, appreciate the effectiveness and simplicity of natural medicine. In fact, we could stand to take some of their knowledge to heart these days. In our society today, one that relies heavily on chemically laden prescription drugs, psychotherapy and surgical procedures to “heal” the sick, there has never been a better time to look into such alternatives. Where conventional medicine has failed, natural medicine can make a real difference. If you are new to alternative medicine, reflexology treatment is a good place to start. It is extremely beneficial; often results are felt after just one treatment. Furthermore, if you opt to learn it yourself, it is free medicine!

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Scott Meyers is a staff writer for It’s Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more information on Massage Therapy.

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Tags: blood pressure, chronic fatigue, Fertility, Massage Therapy, Menopause, Reflexology, stress, thai massage therapy, Traditional Chinese Medicine

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Ginkgo Biloba is one of the most popular herbal remedies in use today. Like many other herbs, our ancestors have known of and taken advantage of its healing properties for centuries. Doctors recommend caution when taking Ginkgo Biloba, as it is extremely potent. Symptoms of overuse include skin disorders, headaches, and other issues. Taken with respect for dosing guidelines, and awareness, Ginkgo Biloba can vastly enhance your alternative healing medicine cabinet.

The Ginkgo Biloba tree is the sole survivor of an entire genus of related trees, and therefore truly in a class all by itself. Fossil records indicate this tree flourished before and during the dinosaur era. Unlike the dinosaurs, and many other life forms, Ginkgo Biloba survived virtually unchanged. Aside from being an incredible survivor, the nature of this tree runs contrary to almost every other plant on Earth. To begin, it is a deciduous conifer; meaning its leaves fall off every year, unlike a pine tree. The Ginkgo tree also comes in female and male genders; with the later having motile sperm. In modern times, there are only a few samples of wild Ginkgo Biloba reported to be left in the Shandong province of China. Not only are some of these trees reputed to be over 3,000 years old, they sport aerial roots that took hundreds of years to develop.

The Ginkgo Biloba tree was first introduced in Europe in the early 18 th century where it gained immense popularity as an ornamental tree. In the 1980s, researchers discovered the potent effect extracts from this tree have on the cardiovascular system.

Almost every part of the Ginkgo Biloba has medicinal properties. The leaves are known to contain flavones glycosides, lactones, sitosterol, bioflavones, and anthocyanins. The main therapeutic function is the relaxation of blood vessels and stimulation of the circulatory system. Hence, the observation that Ginkgo improves mental function, as it improves blood flow in the brain. Continued research on this front holds promise for isolating a compound that will reduce, or perhaps even alleviate the symptoms of dementia that often accompanies Alzheimer’s disease. Fluid extract from fresh Ginkgo Biloba leaves are already widely sold in Europe to treat cerebral arteriosclerosis in the elderly.

Recent research has demonstrated that ginkgolide, a compound found in the leaves, is as effective as many standard pharmaceutical drugs currently used to treat irregular heartbeats. Tinctures made from fresh Ginkgo Biloba leaves are combined with other herbs such as periwinkle and linden to treat a number of circulatory problems. Many herbalists also combine the leaves of Ginkgo Biloba with king’s clover to treat venous disorders.

Other uses for the Ginkgo Biloba leave include the treatment of varicose veins, leg ulcers, inflammations, and hemorrhoids. For these ailments, herbalists make an infusion that can be turned into a wash.

The Ginkgo Biloba seeds are also rich in minerals, fatty acids, and bioflavones. The seeds are especially popular in traditional Chinese medicine, and are called bai gou. They are believed to act on the lung and kidneys and are used to treat the symptoms of asthmatic disorders, and all chest problems that produce thick phlegm. The seeds of the Ginkgo Biloba are also believed to have a toning effect on the urinary system, and are useful in the treatment of excessive urination, or incontinence.

The Ginkgo Biloba tree has become firmly established in the repertoire of all herbalists. Researchers today are confirming a wealth of healing properties for the cardiovascular system. With careful attention to dosing guidelines, the Ginkgo Biloba can be safe, effective, and reliable in treating various illnesses.

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Scott Meyers is a staff writer for It’s Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more information on Herbal Remedies.

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Tags: ginkgo, ginkgo biloba, glycosides, Herbal Remedies, Traditional Chinese Medicine

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Dandelion is considered to be one of the newest additions to the list of reputable herbal remedies. There has always been some curiosity about how the dandelion got its name. According to legend, the dandelion got its name from a surgeon in the 15th century who thought that the shape of the leaves resembled a lion’s teeth. Dandelion is used differently in different parts of the world. In the West it is customary to separate the leaves and the root of the plant. However, in traditional Chinese medicine, it is customary to keep the plant intact when preparing herbal remedies.

While dandelions are often one of the first flowers to herald the arrival of spring, humans have recognized the potential of other herbs before turning to the dandelion, if at all. As an example, there is no written indication of anyone using this herb in the western hemisphere before it was noted in the Ortus Sanitatis of 1485. In traditional Chinese medicine, dandelion was virtually ignored until the 7th century.

The taste of dandelion has been described as cool, sweet, and sometimes bitter. It can aid a number of organs, including the heart. Dandelion leaves are some of the healthiest edible greens. If you have a lawn, dandelions are bound to grow there. Thus they are not just a healthy, organic alternative to supermarket greens, they are also very economical! If you use chemical means to rid your lawn of dandelions, just think of the money you will save by tossing these greens in a soup pot or salad bowl instead.

Dandelion leaves are known to contain bitter glycosides, vitamins A, B, C, D, and several minerals, including salt, iron, and potassium. The leaves also contain carotenoids, terpenoids, choline, and potassium salts. A juice created from dandelion leaves has been known to be an effective diuretic. Simply puree the leaves and take the juice whenever needed. Dandelion leaves are also believed to be good for bolstering the liver, and to aid digestion. Dandelion leaves can also be infused to create a tea that helps treat toxic conditions such as eczema, acne and gout.

The root of the dandelion plant is also often used for medicinal purposes. Roots contain tannins, volatile oils, triterpenes, sterols, bitter glycosides, asparagus, and insulin. Many traditional herbalists favor dandelion as a liver stimulant. The root is also often used as a gentle, nourishing, cleansing tonic. It has been used to treat a wide range of disorders including gallstones, joint inflammations, and chronic constipation. Dandelion root is also easily made into at tincture to treat gout, acne, and eczema.

Dandelion extracts can be found in a number of herbal remedies, and can also be prepared many different ways. Dandelion leaves can be consumed raw or cooked. Teas and tinctures made from various parts of this plant are both easy to make and affordable during the plant’s growing season.

Dandelion is considered to be one of the newest additions to the list of reputable herbal remedies. There has always been some curiosity about how the dandelion got its name. According to legend, the dandelion got its name from a surgeon in the 15th century who thought that the shape of the leaves resembled a lion’s teeth. Dandelion is used differently in different parts of the world. In the West it is customary to separate the leaves and the root of the plant. However, in traditional Chinese medicine, it is customary to keep the plant intact when preparing herbal remedies.

While dandelions are often one of the first flowers to herald the arrival of spring, humans have recognized the potential of other herbs before turning to the dandelion, if at all. As an example, there is no written indication of anyone using this herb in the western hemisphere before it was noted in the Ortus Sanitatis of 1485. In traditional Chinese medicine, dandelion was virtually ignored until the 7th century.

The taste of dandelion has been described as cool, sweet, and sometimes bitter. It can aid a number of organs, including the heart. Dandelion leaves are some of the healthiest edible greens. If you have a lawn, dandelions are bound to grow there. Thus they are not just a healthy, organic alternative to supermarket greens, they are also very economical! If you use chemical means to rid your lawn of dandelions, just think of the money you will save by tossing these greens in a soup pot or salad bowl instead.

Dandelion leaves are known to contain bitter glycosides, vitamins A, B, C, D, and several minerals, including salt, iron, and potassium. The leaves also contain carotenoids, terpenoids, choline, and potassium salts. A juice created from dandelion leaves has been known to be an effective diuretic. Simply puree the leaves and take the juice whenever needed. Dandelion leaves are also believed to be good for bolstering the liver, and to aid digestion. Dandelion leaves can also be infused to create a tea that helps treat toxic conditions such as eczema, acne and gout.

The root of the dandelion plant is also often used for medicinal purposes. Roots contain tannins, volatile oils, triterpenes, sterols, bitter glycosides, asparagus, and insulin. Many traditional herbalists favor dandelion as a liver stimulant. The root is also often used as a gentle, nourishing, cleansing tonic. It has been used to treat a wide range of disorders including gallstones, joint inflammations, and chronic constipation. Dandelion root is also easily made into at tincture to treat gout, acne, and eczema.

Dandelion extracts can be found in a number of herbal remedies, and can also be prepared many different ways. Dandelion leaves can be consumed raw or cooked. Teas and tinctures made from various parts of this plant are both easy to make and affordable during the plant’s growing season.

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Scott Meyers is a staff writer for It’s Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more information on Herbal Remedies.

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Tags: dandelion, glycosides, Herbal Remedies, Traditional Chinese Medicine

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The Burdock plant has long been used in herbal remedies to treat a variety of ailments.

Burdock has traditionally been thought of as a good plant for creating cleansing remedies. Burdock has also traditionally been used as a blood purifier. In the past it has often been combined with dandelion and burdock wine to create a healing tonic for indigestion. In China, the seeds of the Burdock plant are known as niu bang zi, and it is used to get rid of fevers and evil spirits. It is also used in Chinese medicine to lower blood sugar levels.

The Burdock plant is well known of its hooked burrs, which are notorious for attaching themselves to clothing. This aspect of the Burdock plant is registered in its Latin scientific name, Arctium lappa, which is derived from the Greek lappa, which means to seize.

Three parts of the Burdock plant is used to create herbal remedies: the root, the seeds, and the leaves. The root of the Burdock plant is often used by the Japanese to treat a variety of ailments. They think of the Burdock root as a vegetable, which they call godo. Western herbalists too also consider the root of the Burdock plant to be the most important. In the West, herbalists use the Burdock plant root as a cleansing and eliminative remedy. It is often used in cases where a buildup of toxins is suspected. Symptoms of toxin buildup include skin problems, digestive ailments, arthritic pains, or overall sluggishness. Burdock root can be used externally to treat infections and skin sores. The Burdock root is most commonly harvested in the fall.

Another commonly used part of the Burdock plant is the seeds. The seeds of the Burdock plant are used in several healing remedies of many healing traditions. For instance, the American Eclectic School of Healing has traditionally integrated the Burdock seeds as a diuretic or to create healing skin tonics. In traditional Chinese medicine, the seeds are often used to treat common colds that are characterized by an unproductive cough and sore throat. The seeds of the Burdock plant are traditionally harvested in late summer.

The leaves of the Burdock plant are also harvested to create several herbal remedies. In general, the leaves of the Burdock plant are thought to be less effective than other parts, especially the root. The leaves of the Burdock plant are most commonly used to create a healing tonic for common stomach complaints, including indigestion and overall digestive weakness. The leaves of the Burdock plant are harvested before or during their flowering.

To create an herbal remedy using the Burdock plant, one easy way is to infuse the Burdock plant leaves to create a hot tea to treat indigestion. Burdock tea is used to treat indigestion by being taken in half-cup doses before meals. Burdock tea can also be taken as a mild digestive stimulant. Another herbal remedy from the Burdock plant is a poultice from the root of the plant, which can be applied to skin sores and leg ulcers.

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Scott Meyers is a staff writer for It’s Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more information on Herbal Remedies.

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Tags: burdock, Herbal Remedies, toxins, Traditional Chinese Medicine

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Women have a much harder time with depression symptoms than their male counterparts. Depression hits women for more reasons and during times when they cannot always do something about it. That includes when they are pregnant. A pregnant woman, whose hormones levels are going off in all directions, cannot take antidepressants. It could have a detrimental effect on the baby that is growing inside of them. Depression is something that way too many people fight daily. If there is another way to treat depression without the use of unending antidepressants, antipsychotics, and mood enhancers many people will choose that alternative. One alternative method presented to people for depression has been acupuncture.

There are many non-believers in the scientific and medical fields. They do not see how acupuncture can do anything to help those who suffer from depression. Studies are turning up with very different results. Studies have shown that since acupuncture in itself is a relaxing treatment it leads the way in alternative medicine in helping people deal with depression. One study showed sixty six percent of those women treated, after a routine of several weeks of acupuncture sessions, felt better and functioned better after treatment. Follow up visits showed that these women dealt better with their daily lives and the people in it.

Other studies were conducted specifically on women suffering from major depressive episodes. These studies showed that sixty four percent of them had relief from the symptoms with acupuncture instead of taking medication or counseling. These are very encouraging results for patients who are tired of using medication and are looking for an alternative. Many people look for a more natural method to try to ease their symptoms and help improve their ability to lead a more normalized existence. Many people have been surprised at what a good alternative acupuncture has turned out to be.

Depression is not just the day to day problem of a person suffering a chemical imbalance. It can also be a problem suffered by women who are pregnant. Many women who suffer from depression have children. Being pregnant with the rampant hormonal changes can cause a bout of depression for someone who normally does not suffer from this serious condition. Studies conducted on pregnant women showed almost the same results as the other study above. Sixty nine percent of the women responded to the treatment successfully. This was after only twelve sessions. The women in this study did not have a return of symptoms by as late as ten weeks after delivery. This means that women who suffer from depression during pregnancy have an alternative that was not open to them before. They can be treated with acupuncture and feel better without fearing any adverse effects on the health of their unborn child.

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Scott Meyers is a staff writer for It’s Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more information on Traditional Chinese Medicine.

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Tags: acupuncture, Depression, Traditional Chinese Medicine

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Unlike western medicine, acupuncture has its origins in more than merely medical theories. There is much more to acupuncture than the teachings of science professors who explain why acupuncture points work the way they do. There is a whole philosophy to traditional Chinese medicine that goes beyond the scientific and explains why and how the body functions the way it does. The essence of this explanation centers on what is called Qi. (Pronounced by westerners as chee) This Chinese philosophy teaches that Qi is the body’s essence. Qi is the body’s energy. When this becomes unbalanced or the flow somehow gets blocked or disturbed, is when a person becomes ill.

When a person becomes ill there various ways to correct it. Some of which are chinese medicine uses herbal treatments, exercise patterns such as martial arts training, diet change, and acupuncture

Following with the philosophy of Qi, is yin and yang. When talking about a person’s body yin and yang represent blood and Qi. The body takes its energy from the food, fluids, and the air it breathes. The body further gets energy from the environment through meditation and various forms of exercise. If the body’s Qi becomes out of balance then it is unable to properly absorb the things it needs for energy. When the body is out of balance it has trouble dealing with temperature, fighting disease, and tiredness.

According to Chinese philosophy there are five separate purposes that Qi serves. To begin, there is the defense of the body. The job of Qi here is to protect the body from illness. Qi supposed to protect the body from allowing germs and illness to enter through the body’s defensive system. The next function is transformation. Qi is supposed to take those things the body consumes and transform them into the nutrition that the body requires. In this way it nourishes the body. By the process of transformation it makes more Qi and blood for the body. The next one is warmth. Qi is thought to be more yang than yin so it is naturally warm to begin with. But if something blocks the natural energy of the body the warmth will be affected as well. One of the most important jobs of Qi is to keep the body warm. The philosophy of Chinese medicine says that the blood congeals when it gets cold and so the flow is no longer good enough. Qi must also take care of the body’s organs. Keeping them in the proper places and ensuring they function properly. It is believed that if this job is not done it can cause incontinence or prolapse during pregnancy. The final function is movement. Every part of the body that must move is controlled by Qi.

Therefore, acupuncture can be used to correct disturbed or blocked energy flow and help keep the body in balance.

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Scott Meyers is a staff writer for It’s Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more information on Traditional Chinese Medicine.

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Tags: acupuncture, herbal treatments, nutrition, Traditional Chinese Medicine, yin and yang

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