Most of us want fast results when we are sick and miserable. Typically people buy non-prescription drugs over the counter because they don’t know there are other treatments available. For many health conditions using herbal remedies derived from plants is a healthy alternative. It is best to plan ahead and learn which herbal remedies may work for a specific health condition.

The following list of common herbs is an example of possible health benefits for treating some ailments. Herbal remedies are prepared in many forms such as teas, herbal extracts (tinctures), capsules or loose/dried in a bag.

Chamomile

This herb is popular as a tea and can calm nerves, relieve stomach distress, prevent ulcers, and help fight infection. Chamomile may be used to relieve morning sickness during pregnancy, to treat gastritis and ulcerative colitis, and may be used to speed healing of skin ulcers, wounds, or burns.

Dong Quia

Dong quai has been used in Asia for thousands of years as a tonic for the female reproductive system. It also balances and strengthens the female organs and regulates their functions.

Feverfew

Several studies confirm feverfew’s value in preventing migraines. Feverfew may be used as an anti-inflammatory for relief of arthritis, to relieve some types of menstrual problems, and as a digestive aid.

Garlic

More than 1,000 scientific studies have shown health benefits of garlic. Garlic has been used as protection against colds and flu. In addition, garlic may help lower cholesterol, prevent blood clots, reduce blood pressure and protect against bacterial and fungal infections. Studies have shown that garlic may have a positive role in the prevention of coronary heart disease, thrombosis and arteriosclerosis.

Ginger

Ginger has been used for centuries to control nausea and for reducing inflammation.

Goldenseal

Goldenseal is found in popular herbal blends for relieving intestinal and gallbladder inflammation. It also has been used to soothe inflamed or infected mucous membranes. Goldenseal may be used to reduce colds, flu and other respiratory infections especially at the beginning of infection. Goldenseal has both anti-infective and immune-system stimulating properties that may shorten the course of the illness.

Licorice

Licorice is an important herb for treating a host of ailments. It may help as an anti-inflammatory and to soothe stomach upset and control coughs. Licorice Root has properties similar to cortisone and estrogen. It stimulates the adrenal glands and may help the body cope with stress.

Peppermint

Peppermint oil calms the stomach, the intestinal tract, and the nervous system. It can also reduce the inflammation of nasal passages and relieve muscle pains.

SAFETY

Herbal remedies may be safer and have fewer side effects than prescription medicines. Always read the label and use only the recommended dosage. Do not take any herbs during pregnancy — check with your doctor first. If you are currently taking any prescription medicines always check with your doctor before using herbal remedies or before starting any health supplement program.

Herbs are a healthy alternative for treating many health conditions. Read and save articles like this in a small notebook and create your own research library with health benefits of each herb. There are many resources available online that outline specific health conditions and recommend herbs.

Herbs can be purchased online or at local health food stores. In addition, for treating specific health conditions, you may want to work with a naturopath or an acupuncturist.

Copyright %26copy; 2006 Wayne McDonald. All rights reserved.

Following is an outline of benefits of garlic including using garlic as an herbal remedy to prevent %26 manage various ills including diabetes, cholesterol %26 high blood pressure. In addition are recommendations to maximize the benefits garlic %26 reduce safety concerns. Garlic has been termed an herbal “wonder drug” for good reason. Revered for centuries, from Ancient Egypt, China, Greece, Rome to American Colonists, it remains a first line of defense for modern herbalists. Moreover, scientific studies have proven garlic’s effects on a variety of ills %26 on general health. Health benefits of garlic * Infections: Garlic is effective against infections. It destroys tuberculosis bacterium, salmonella which causes food poisoning, bladder infections %26 flu virus. * Allergy: Garlic contains compounds which fight off allergy. * Athlete’s Foot: Garlic also kills fungi that causes athlete’s foot %26 yeast infections. * Headaches %26 Migraines: Garlic can also help ease headaches %26 migraines due to its anti-clotting properties. * Asthma: Studies show that daily consumption of garlic may ease asthma. * Ulcers: Garlic also eases ulcers which are caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori. Two garlic cloves a day seems sufficient. * Toothache can be relieved by placing a bruised garlic clove on infected tooth %26 gum area. * Garlic works on several cardiovascular risk factors in a way that no pharmaceutical can match. * Cholesterol: Many studies show that garlic reduces cholesterol. Garlic improves cholesterol readings by 7 - 12 decrease, there is a corresponding 2. * High blood pressure: Several studies also confirm garlic’s ability to lower blood pressure. Essentially, garlic acts as a blood thinner without the side effects of prescription blood thinners. * Moreover, garlic’s anticlotting properties are as powerful as aspirin. This can also prevent heart attacks. More impressively, garlic may even help manage advanced heart disease. * Garlic’s antioxidant properties help prevent cell damage which is linked to cancer. Garlic was deemed more effective at preventing cancer than other fruits %26 vegetables making it the herbal “king.” * Diabetes - Garlic’s ability to reduce blood sugar makes it a good herb for diabetes. * Garlic also eliminates heavy metals lodged in the body including lead. Metal poisoning is extremely harmful especially to kids so add garlic to kid friendly foods like pizza %26 sauces. * Leprosy is also improved by garlic when it is part of a skin ointment. * AIDS patients have also seen immune function improve by consuming just a clove a day, a very exciting preliminary finding. * Garlic relieves altitude sickness. Therapeutic dosages to maximize garlic benefits * Use garlic juice on skin infections. * For antibacterial effects, consume 6 - 12 cloves per day , for a short period of time. * Garlic, 3 - 10 cloves per day help reduce blood pressure, cholesterol %26 blood clots. * Take active supplements as directed or make tinctures. For tincture, crush a cup of garlic in a quart of brandy. Shake daily for 2 weeks then take 2 - 3 tbls daily. * Unless you dislike the flavor of garlic, it is quite easy to make dishes that include a clove of raw or slightly cooked garlic, crushed or diced. Use garlic in sauces, salads, meats, chicken, seafood, crushed on bread with olive oil drizzled atop instead of butter. Safety Garlic is very safe but if you are taking anticlotting drugs or vitamins (like vitamin E) consult with your doctor before taking garlic medicinally. Salvator Giustra is a NYC Teaching Fellow, health researcher, clinical psychotherapist, computer scientist. He currently runs three websites that advance the idea that good health is based on simple, traditional, commonsense knowledge which research tends to support repeatedly. http://www.herbalremediesworld.com/ http://www.healthyexerciseworld.com/ “>http://www.healthy-water-best-filters.com/”>Benefits of Garlic - The “Wonder Drug” Following is an outline of benefits of garlic including using garlic as an herbal remedy to prevent %26 manage various ills including diabetes, cholesterol %26 high blood pressure. In addition are recommendations to maximize the benefits garlic %26 reduce safety concerns. Garlic has been termed an herbal “wonder drug” for good reason. Revered for centuries, from Ancient Egypt, China, Greece, Rome to American Colonists, it remains a first line of defense for modern herbalists. Moreover, scientific studies have proven garlic’s effects on a variety of ills %26 on general health. Health benefits of garlic * Infections: Garlic is effective against infections. It destroys tuberculosis bacterium, salmonella which causes food poisoning, bladder infections %26 flu virus. * Allergy: Garlic contains compounds which fight off allergy. * Athlete’s Foot: Garlic also kills fungi that causes athlete’s foot %26 yeast infections. * Headaches %26 Migraines: Garlic can also help ease headaches %26 migraines due to its anti-clotting properties. * Asthma: Studies show that daily consumption of garlic may ease asthma. * Ulcers: Garlic also eases ulcers which are caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori. Two garlic cloves a day seems sufficient. * Toothache can be relieved by placing a bruised garlic clove on infected tooth %26 gum area. * Garlic works on several cardiovascular risk factors in a way that no pharmaceutical can match. * Cholesterol: Many studies show that garlic reduces cholesterol. Garlic improves cholesterol readings by 7 - 12 decrease, there is a corresponding 2. * High blood pressure: Several studies also confirm garlic’s ability to lower blood pressure. Essentially, garlic acts as a blood thinner without the side effects of prescription blood thinners. * Moreover, garlic’s anticlotting properties are as powerful as aspirin. This can also prevent heart attacks. More impressively, garlic may even help manage advanced heart disease. * Garlic’s antioxidant properties help prevent cell damage which is linked to cancer. Garlic was deemed more effective at preventing cancer than other fruits %26 vegetables making it the herbal “king.” * Diabetes - Garlic’s ability to reduce blood sugar makes it a good herb for diabetes. * Garlic also eliminates heavy metals lodged in the body including lead. Metal poisoning is extremely harmful especially to kids so add garlic to kid friendly foods like pizza %26 sauces. * Leprosy is also improved by garlic when it is part of a skin ointment. * AIDS patients have also seen immune function improve by consuming just a clove a day, a very exciting preliminary finding. * Garlic relieves altitude sickness. Therapeutic dosages to maximize garlic benefits * Use garlic juice on skin infections. * For antibacterial effects, consume 6 - 12 cloves per day , for a short period of time. * Garlic, 3 - 10 cloves per day help reduce blood pressure, cholesterol %26 blood clots. * Take active supplements as directed or make tinctures. For tincture, crush a cup of garlic in a quart of brandy. Shake daily for 2 weeks then take 2 - 3 tbls daily. * Unless you dislike the flavor of garlic, it is quite easy to make dishes that include a clove of raw or slightly cooked garlic, crushed or diced. Use garlic in sauces, salads, meats, chicken, seafood, crushed on bread with olive oil drizzled atop instead of butter. Safety Garlic is very safe but if you are taking anticlotting drugs or vitamins (like vitamin E) consult with your doctor before taking garlic medicinally. Salvator Giustra is a NYC Teaching Fellow, health researcher, clinical psychotherapist, computer scientist. He currently runs three websites that advance the idea that good health is based on simple, traditional, commonsense knowledge which research tends to support repeatedly. http://www.herbalremediesworld.com/ http://www.healthyexerciseworld.com/ http://www.healthy-water-best-filters.com/