Posts filed under 'Herbal Recipes'
Herbs for swollen feet improve circulation and eliminate water retention, two common causes of edema, or foot swelling. Herbs can be used as tinctures, teas, and in energizing foot soaks.
Edema
Edema, or swelling, occurs when water builds up under the fatty tissue directly under the skin. If you notice foot swelling, press your finger into the swollen area for a second. When the depression remains after you remove your finger, chances are it’s simple edema.
Causes of edema include common problems, such as too much salt in the diet, improperly fitting shoes, or monthly hormonal changes. However, edema can also be caused by more serious ailments. It’s important to see your doctor if you notice edema in your feet and ankles, as this can be an early warning sign of heart, circulatory, and kidney problems. Your doctor can rule out serious problems and consult with you on your treatment for swollen feet.
Some Herbs for Swollen Feet
Parsley
Yes, that green garnish on your plate next to the steak is actually a useful medicinal herb. Parsley (Petroselinum crispus) acts as a powerful diuretic. Parsley also contains minerals, vitamins and chlorophyll, all vital for good health and nutrition. You can grow your own parsley with a simple pot of soil, seeds, and bright sunlight. Incorporate fresh parsley into salads or meals for an easy way to consume this useful herb.
Dandelion
You may think of dandelions as annoying weeds ruining a perfect lawn, but herbalists see dandelions in a different light. The lowly dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) provides excellent relief for water retention. The natural diuretic action flushes excess water from the body, relieving swollen feet caused by fluid retention. Used since ancient times by Arabian, Persian and European healers, dandelion is also an excellent liver and kidney tonic. Dandelion may be taken as a tea, tincture, or in capsule form.
Ginkgo
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries. Ginkgo improves circulation, which in turn reduces water retention to the feet and legs. Always consult an herbalist or natural health practitioner if you have underlying circulatory problems before taking ginkgo.
Ginkgo is perhaps one of the most-studied herbs in the natural pharmacopeia. Even the Mayo Clinic, one of the most respected medical authorities in the United Sates, gives Ginkgo a grade of “A” in relieving circulatory problems associated with painful legs.
Peppermint
Rounding out the top three herbs for swollen feet is peppermint (Mentha piperita). If you love the refreshing scent of peppermint, enjoy this herb in a footbath to relieve tired, swollen feet. Peppermint energizes, refreshes, and makes a welcome addition to treatments for edema.
July 24th, 2010
There are a number of medicinal uses of oregano (Origanum vulgare) that may surprise you. A powerful anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agent, oregano also has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-parasitic properties. It’s typically taken as a supplement or used as an essential oil.
Antioxidant Properties of Oregano
Oregano contains thymol and rosmarinic acid that work on the body to minimize the destructive effects of free radicals. According to researchers at the USDA’s Beltsville Agricultural Research Center in Maryland, a tablespoon of fresh oregano contains as much antioxidant power as a medium sized apple.
There is a lot of current medical interest in the ability of free radicals to help repair damage to the body on a cellular level and combat cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, macular degeneration and help slow geriatric muscle deterioration.
Anti-Fungal Properties of Oregano
Historically used as a food preservative, oregano has some impressive credentials as an anti-fungal. Fungal infections can be nasty customers and even fatal in some circumstances. Oregano has been used as both an internal and external preparation in treating fungal infections and has been tested successfully in inhibiting the growth of yeasts like Candida albicans.
Antibiotic Properties of Oregano
Oregano might just be the little herb that can. A phenol in oregano, carvacrol is generating interest for its powerful ability to kill bacteria. Preliminary tests conducted at Georgetown University suggest that oregano’s antibacterial muscle may rival that of streptomycin and penicillin.
Other Medicinal Uses of Oregano
If you plan on keeping oregano in your medicine cabinet, there are some other uses for this herb that you should know about. Oregano can be used as a digestive aid because it encourages salivation. It can soothe bee stings and treat venomous spider and snakebites. Oregano is also an efficient pain reliever.
Cautions when Using Oregano
Although herbs and spices may appear benign because they are used in cooking, concentrated doses can lead to problems. Oregano has many medicinal applications that can help you get and stay well, but consult your doctor before making any changes or additions to the medications you are taking. Oregano can cause skin irritations in some people, and should be avoided if you are pregnant or nursing.
Oregano Fast Facts
* Oregano contains: iron, vitamin E, vitamin C, copper, magnesium, calcium, vitamin B6, niacin, thiamine and riboflavin.
* A native to the Mediterranean, Oregano is a perennial in the mint family. It is widely used as a seasoning in Italian dishes, including pizza sauce.
* Steep two tablespoons of fresh oregano in eight ounces of water for five minutes to create a refreshing antioxidant tea.
* Oregano is sometimes taken as a supplement to help avoid colds and flu.
* Oregano can be used to treat head lice.
* Oregano is a welcome addition to a long list of antioxidant rich herbs like garlic, thyme, peppermint and sage.
To derive the maximum benefit from supplements, use them within the first six months of purchase or less. Store supplements in a cool, dark place, and keep them away from moisture.
May 24th, 2009
For many years, green tea has been associated with positive health benefits. In a recent study by researchers at Purdue University, the nature of these benefits was identified. The researchers found that epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg), a compound found in the tea, inhibited the growth of cancer cells. A study from the University of Tokyo has shown that EGCg binds to CD4 cells, prventing HIV from binding to and destroying the cell in the process. Experts feel that the substances found in green tea, specifically EGCg, could lead to the devlopment of new HIV medications.
How Much Green Tea Do We Need?
Green tea leaves are potent in EGCg. The study suggests that consumption of four to five cups of green tea may slow cancer. However, the studies of green tea and it’s binding to CD4 used concentrations many times higher than those that could be acheived by drinking green tea. However, understanding the mechanism by which EGCg binds to the CD4 cell could point scientists in new directions when researching new drugs and treatment targets.
Do Other Types of Tea Have the Same Benefits?
All tea comes from the same botanical source. Compared to other types of tea, green tea is processed differently. In green tea, the leaves are not allowed to oxidize but instead are steamed. This process allows the natural ingredients in the leaves to be preserved. Other types of tea were not nearly as successful as green tea in inhibiting the cancerous cells or HIV. In the end, green tea was approximately ten times more potent than the other types.
The scientists want to expand on these studies and determine the exact mechanism of EGCg. At this point, the scientists are beginning to understand the initial inhibitive effects of EGCg but further research is warranted to pin down the exact mechanisms and to put that mechanism to work fighting HIV.
December 8th, 2008
It is said that a beautiful face is a mute recommendation. We can check the validity of this statement even in our normal day to day life where beauty always tends to get more importance. A thing of beauty, truly is, a joy forever. A beautiful face has the power to win the hearts of millions as well as create history, remember Cleopatra, Helen. They were aware of the importance of their beauty and the necessity of giving it care and nourishment. There are numerous ornamental depictions of their skin care magic potions in the history. It is said that Cleopatra used to bathe in a special pool which was specially filled with milk and different types of herbs. There are many examples that can be taken from the pages of history to prove that men have tried exotic natural recipes to protect human beauty from the threats of body toxins and external pollution along with stress and wrong lifestyle. And herbs play the key role in taking care of our skin for increasing the longevity of our beauty. There is no better substitute for daily skin care than using herbal recipes.
Herbal skin care cleanses the impurities, rejuvenates by providing nourishment, relaxes the facial muscles by messaging with herbal oils, and hydrates the skin. These recipes also help to fight skin problems like stress marks and wrinkles, acne & pimple problems, dark patches etc. Ultimately you achieve an elegant, glowing, problem free skin ensuring a long lasting beauty.
However, the point to be noted is that all beauty recipes are not meant for all types of skins. Therefore in order to derive maximum benefit we must identify our skin type before giving any type of care or nourishment to it. We must identify our skin type based on five basic skin types;
1. Oily skin: This type of skin is acne and pimple prone, easily tanned, slippery texture and appears shiny with large clogged pores. It is because of the excessive production of sebum by the oil glands. There are drawbacks of oily skin, still, the skin remains younger looking, smooth and supple for a longer period of time compared to other skin types.
2. Dry skin: It is just opposite of what oily skin is, appearing dry and dull because of very less or no production of sebum due to inactive oil gland. Dry skin tends to get wrinkled before time so it is important to moisture and hydrate dry skin regularly.
3. Normal skin: In this type of skin, oil glands produce a balanced amount of sebum. The normal skin is neither too oily, nor too dry, so it looks vibrant and moist all the time. It does not require special care; however, daily cleansing, toning and moisturizing will keep this type of skin beautiful for a longer period of time.
4. Combination skin: This type of skin is characterized by T-zone area, which is oily and other parts of the facial skin is dry or normal. The T-zone area includes oily forehead, nose and chin. This type of combination skin calls for two types of treatment for the two different skin types.
5. Sensitive skin: Any skin type can turn into sensitive skin, be it normal, oily dry or combination. This type of skin should be treated as skin condition and should be taken care of, to protect it from over stimulation and environmental pollution. This type of skin reacts against synthetic cosmetics, cosmetic containing alcohol and artificial colors, fragrance oils, etc. Herbal recipes are boon to this type of skin, as it can benefit greatly from the natural skin treatment.
Beauty Recipes for different types of skin:
Grapefruit and Citrus Mask for Oily Skin
Ingredients:
½ grapefruit
½ lemon juice
½ cored apple
1-2 egg whites
30 to 40 seedless grapes
Take the ingredients together in a blender and mix. Apply evenly on face and neck and leave for twenty minutes. Thoroughly rinse off with lukewarm water.
Grapefruit cleans the pores while lemon juice acts as an astringent. The egg whites tighten the facial skin. This face pack clarifies the face and controls extra oil. Use this pack at least once a week.
Yoghurt Mask for Dry Skin
Ingredients:
Plain Yoghurt
Apply yoghurt on your face evenly, and set it smoothly all over for twenty minutes. This pack is a simple way of supplying a lot of moisture to your dry skin. Rinse it off with lukewarm water.
Peach Mask for Normal Skin
Ingredients:
1 peach of medium size
1 tablespoon honey
Oatmeal
Peach needs to be cooked until it is soft. Mash it to smoothen it up with a fork, add honey and oatmeal. The end result will be a thick paste. Apply it evenly over face and neck. Leave for 15 minutes and rinse off with cold water. Experience a soft, elegant and clear skin after using the face pack.
Oatmeal Mask for Sensitive Skin
Ingredients
2 tablespoon oatmeal
½ cup fresh milk
Crush the oatmeal in a blender, and stir it in milk and cook it to soft mush. Apply it all over the face and neck. Let it dry slightly then rinse it off with cold water. This will clean the dead cells and nourish the sensitive skin
September 12th, 2008