chamomile

catnip, chamomile

• A cup of hot tea brewed from catnip willensure a good night’s sleep for everyone who suffers from nervousness or hyperactivity, although I would not give it to children. To brew catnip tea, at a teaspoon of fresh or dried catnip to 1.5 cups of water that boiled and was taken from the stove.  Let steep for about 20 minutes.  You can add honey if you wish.
• You can also brew a nice chamomile tea to help yourself calm down.  Add 2 tsp of fresh or dried flower in 1 pint of water for about 40 minutes and drink 1-2 cups per day.  For a lasting effect, do this for 2 weeks.

banana, basil, black or green tea

• a poultice of ripe banana peel, applied to the back of the neck and to the forehead, will relieve even severe headaches or migraines.
• incredible relief from headaches can be achieved with a solution of dried basil and Witch Hazel Tincture 2 fl. Oz., used as a compress and applied to forehead and temples:  Refrigerate the Witch Hazel Tincture. Heat 1 cup of water, add a level tsp of ground dried basil and let steep for about 10 minutes. Strain, and let cool.  When cool, add 2 tbsp of the cold Witch Hazel Tincture, and use this solution for your compresses.
• Since both black and green teas contain caffeine, a very strong cup of tea – 2 teabags of black tea added to 1 cup of boiling water and let steep for 20 minutes, then drunk while still warm – will help you recover from severe headaches and migraines quickly because the caffeine calms the pain by restricting the blood vessels in you head.
• For a caffeine free alternative, an intensive chamomile tea treatment also helps you to get rid of migraines and severe headaches, but it will take longer.  For about 2 weeks, drink a lot of this relaxing tea:  Steep 2 tbsps of flowers ( fresh or dried) in 1 pint of boiling water for about 40 minutes, then strain.  You can sweeten is with maple syrup.  Drink 1-2 cups at a time.

Well, I guess “not drinking beer” is the first “natural cure for summer ailments” and many other ailments too, but other than that flaw, I think this article is interesting and informative. Enjoy.

Via: The Daily Times

ADVICE FROM THE DOCTOR By Dr. Victor Gong • August 13, 2008 Thinking of summer joys: Sun tans, sand castles, beer and crabs on the boardwalk. You may also recall the health calamities of sunburn, mosquito bites and ear infections. Fortunately, you can minimize the season’s downside with natural treatments. You probably have most of them in your kitchen or medicine cabinet; the others are easy to find in health-food stores.

Bee stings. Slice an onion in half (it doesn’t matter what kind), and rub it over the bite. Onions contain an enzyme that breaks down prostaglandins, compounds that cause pain and inflammation.

Insect bites. Don’t scratch, try baking soda. Mix one tablespoon of baking soda with enough water to make a paste and apply it to the bites. Keep mosquitoes and other hungry pests away by dabbing lemon-scented citronella oil on your skin and clothing.

Motion sickness. Ginger, taken as tea or in capsules, relieves nausea in kids and adults. Unlike over-the-counter drugs for motion sickness, it doesn’t cause drowsiness. To make the tea, slice a two-inch piece of fresh ginger root. In a large covered pot, bring a quart of water to a boil. Add the ginger; simmer for l5 minutes. Sweeten the tea with sugar or honey, if desired. Drink one cup about a half-hour before you set off on your trip. Take the rest with you in a water bottle in case you need it. Prefer pills? Take two, 250-milligram ginger capsules before you leave, then two capsules every four hours if queasiness persists.

Athlete’s foot. The fungus that causes this condition thrives when feet are warm and sweaty. Kill the culprit and soothe the itch with tea-tree oil, derived from the leaves of a tree that grows only in Australia. Some people are allergic to this, so test your sensitivity. Put a drop of the oil on your forearm; if there’s no redness or inflammation after a few minutes, it’s safe to apply a small amount of the oil to the affected areas twice a day. Don’t use it if your skin is severely broken.

Poison ivy. Relax in an oatmeal bath. You can buy Aveeno, a special colloidal oatmeal, at the drugstore, but the rolled oats you have in your kitchen work just as well. One cup of uncooked oats in a pair of panty hose; knot the top. Add this to a bathtub filled with warm water; soak in the tub for 20 minutes.

Sunburn. Help skin heal with aloe vera. The best products contain l00 percent aloe; buy a gel or a cream with it at the top of the ingredient list. Mix it with the oil from a vitamin-E capsule, which eases inflammation and promotes healing. Don’t use anything on a blistering sunburn; it might make things worse.

Indigestion. If that hot dog you ate at the baseball game didn’t agree with you, drink one cup of chamomile or fennel tea to calm your stomach. Chamomile tea bags are widely available. To make fennel tea, steep one-half teaspoon of crushed funnel seed in one cup of boiled water for l0 minutes.

Swimmer’s ear. Prevent this painful bacterial infection by wearing earplugs when swimming. But if your ears do get wet, don’t fret. Place a few drops of diluted vinegar (one-part vinegar to one-part rubbing alcohol) in each ear. Keep your head tilted for a few seconds so the solution stays in the ear canal.

apple cider vinegar, chamomile, onion

• Apple cider vinegar is a great conditioner. Just rinse your hair with it after washing, using a spray bottle. If you rinse the hair afterwards, you won’t even smell like a pickle until the hair is dry.
• The following chamomile tea works great as a hair conditioner, especially for blond hair, making is shinier, and easier to comb too. The same tea makes for a wonderful face wash too, so don’t worry if ti runs over your face while you condition your hair with it: Bring a pint of water to a boil, remove from heat. Add 2 tsp of dried chamomile flowers and let steep for about 45 minutes. Strain. Use when luke warm to cold.
• Another great conditioner is a tea made from onion skin. This tea will also enhance the color of your hair and even soften some of the gray hair if used weekly: Collect the dry outside skin of golden or brown onions (not the moist inner skins) until you have about 2.5 cups of lightly packed skins. Put them in a pan and cover them with 1 quart of boiling water. Cover and let steep for 50 minutes, strain using a sieve. After shampooing your hair and rinsing, towel dry it and then rinse again with the onion tea several times. Finally, rinse again with water.

Via: Sleep Apnea Cures

Herbs are a form of medication themselves, and mixing them with prescribed medications without proper knowledge of their effects is extremely dangerous. Under no circumstance, should a patient take a sleeping aid as a way to thwart sleep apnea. Herbs, however, contain components that can trigger side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, herbs should be taken with care, under the supervision of a health care provider qualified in the field of botanical medicine.

Lets review some herbs that might help with sleep apnea;

Valerian Root

Valerian Root is a natural remedy that has been used for many years to induce sleep and calm the nerves. Natural Factors Valerian contains a 300 mg potency and is recommended for those who difficulty falling to sleep due to stress or anxiety. Valerian has sedative qualities and is listed on the FDA’s list of generally safe products. However, its effects can be dangerously increased if it is used with pharmaceutical sedatives.

Valerian is non-addictive and only rarely causes side effects, such as mild stomach upset in a small number of people. Valerian root supplements can be used in the amount of 300-400 mg taken about 30 minutes before going to bed.

Nonetheless Valerian exhibits additive effects similar to kava when taken in combination with barbiturates and benzodiazepines. Valerian Root has been shown to be effective in promoting sleep induction and sleep quality. It must be used regularly for 2-3 weeks in order to have its effect.

PassionFlower

Passionflower may increase the effects of OTC sedatives as well as those sold by prescription. [Passionflower has been used traditionally for its calming effects, and is said to have sedative and pain relieving activity. It has also been used for menstrual pain, diarrhea and dysentery. Passionflower preparations are made from fresh or dried flowers and other above-ground parts of the plant. Both whole and cut raw plant materials are used.

Passionflower is listed in many national pharmacopoeia as a drug plant. Passionflower extracts are about 80 times weaker than Syrian Rue but seam to produce less nausea and fewer undesirable side effects. Passionflower is best described as a plant that is used for nervous disorders and works by mildly depressing the central nervous system causing relaxation. The major advantage is, unlike many pharmaceuticals, that passionflower is non-habit-forming.

Passion Flower is a woody vine with intricate blue, purple, red, or white flowers. Several species, which act as sedatives and anxiolytics, are consumed as a tea or herbal supplement. Passion flower is not recommended for use during pregnancy . Consult your doctor before using this product.

Lemon Balm Tea

Lemon balm tea is another fast-acting stimulant which will enable you to relax and produce a calm and sedated sleep. Don’t be frightened by the word stimulant. Lemon balm is a classic herb with lemon flavored leaves, and is often grown in the garden for its fragrant flowers. It has been used since the Renaissance to reduce stress and anxiety and promote sleep.

Chamomile

The word “chamomile” is derived from the Greek “chamos” (ground) and “melos” (apple), referring to chamomile’s low growth habit and apple scented blossoms. Chamomile and its constituent substances have been the topics of many scientific studies and the medical effects are considered to be a result the various components which have both similar and partially different effects. Chamomile is best known as a muscle relaxant and antispasmodic. Chamomile helps to relieve nausea, heartburn, and stress-related flatulence. Chamomile combines very well with lemon balm (fresh or dried) for an excellent tea.

Teas which contains chamomile are usually sleep inducive and may keep the trachea open. Teas can be wonderful homeopathy overnight remedies for people who have difficulty sleeping. The homeopathy overnight tea that most people are most familiar with is precisely Chamomile. Chamomile Tea, is an old-fashioned but extremely efficacious remedy for hysterical and nervous affections in women. It has a wonderfully soothing, sedative and absolutely harmless effect. Chamomile is known as both a pretty flower and an ancient healer.

Chamomile Flower is also a common ingredient in shampoos and perfumes. Chamomile skin care from CamoCare contains antioxidants that may help fight free radicals that damage skin. CamoCare chamomile skin care contains high levels of levomenol, flavonoids and essential oils to help soothe and restore dry, cracked skin.

John’s Wort

John’s Wort have the potential to make you sleepier during the day. John’s wort also works for treating sleep disorders, particularly insomnia. It can be an ingredient in other sleep aid medication or taken alone in a concentrated pill form.

Lavender

Lavender is one of the natural herbs which work as a gentle strengthening tonic for the nervous system. A few drops of lavender oil added to bath before going to sleep helps the person to have relaxing sleep. Lavender has performed well in several studies, including usage for geriatric and cancer patients.

In conclusion, persons with obstructive sleep apnea often have daytime sleepiness with loss of concentration and memory impairment. An additional concern is the potential for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality resulting from hypoxemia. To take one cup of natural herbs tea one to three times a day it is advisable. However, remember that products only work if taken in the correct dose. Taking a dose that is too high can increase the chance of side effects and adverse outcomes.

Via: Daily Herald

A cup of tea at breakfast or over lunch is one of life’s simple indulgences. It’s even more special – and not much more difficult – if you grow the herbs yourself.

Many of the best tea herbs are easy to grow, beautiful, and naturally resistant to pests. Even if you don’t have garden space, many delightful tea herbs will grow in containers on a porch or windowsill.

“By growing my own tea, I have total freedom to pick the herbs to suit my mood or revitalize my palette,” says avid herb grower Jekka McVicar, author of “The Complete Herb Book.”

Mint is a must, and many herbs in the mint family such as lemon balm make teas of a different flavor. Other choices include lavender, rose hips and ginger. Daisy-like chamomiles can also cheer up any garden and the flowers make a soothing tea.

Once you’ve chosen your herbs, it’s as easy to harvest, dry, store and brew.

Read here, how

Via: Otago Daily Times Online

Simon Singh and Edzard Ernst
Trick or Treatment: The Undeniable Facts about Alternative Medicine
Review by Ted Nye

Simon Singh and Edzard Ernst explore the merits of alternative medicines.

If responsibility for the production of this book could be laid at the door of any one person, it would probably be HRH the Prince of Wales – the writers virtually say as much.

It would appear that HRH is sympathetic to the claims of Complementary/Alternative Medicine (CAM) but, quite reasonably, says that as millions of pounds are spent annually on the product it would be good to know if people were getting value for money.

The writers rise to the challenge in this careful review of the many claims made for CAM, either in the forms of diagnostic gadgetry or physical procedures, such as acupuncture and chiropractic, or medicinals, such as homoeopathy or herbal remedies.

The authors point out that the claims of any method of treatment can, and should, be tested using rigorously designed trials, placebo-controlled and double-blinded so that neither patient nor therapist know which treatment is being used until the completion of the trial.

New, mainstream, pharmaceuticals must go through the process before being approved by the drug regulating agencies.

Promoters of snake-oil for almost any common condition you could name bypass the process.

However, the claims of homoeopathy, based on an early inspiration by a German physician named Hahnemann in the late 18th century, have been tested.

Complete Review

Via: Best Syndication

If you’ve been having trouble sleeping at night and you are looking for natural sleep aids to help with you insomnia, here’s a list of some of the most popular natural sleep remedies. I hope they will help you to get to sleep at night and finally get all the rest that you need.

Melatonin

Melatonin is probably the most well known natural sleep aid. Melatonin is one of your natural hormones and it is produced when your body converts Seratonin into Melatonin and it helps make you drowsy.

It is especially helpful for shift workers and other people who have had their regular sleep cycles disturbed due to the unusual hours that they are now keeping. So if you work second or third shift and you find it difficult to get to sleep, you may want to try taking some Melatonin about a half hour before bedtime.

Valerian Root

Valerian Root (Valeriana officinalis) is an herb that flowers near the end of spring. It has a long history of use as a sleep aid and it is available over the counter in many European countries. It is not a sleep aid that will have an immediate effect on most people as it takes time to work. It may take as long as a month of regular use to achieve its full effect. But it is well known for producing a calming and deep sense of relaxation which should be able to help you sleep much more easily. You can take valerian root in a capsule form, or as a tea or tincture. Generally, you should limit your use to no more than three months.

Chamomile

Chamomile (Matricaria camomilla) is another flowering herb. Usually the dried flowers and leaves are used to make a tea which you would drink before bedtime. Unlike Valerian, chamomile has an immediate effect and is usually helpful for occasional insomnia. It is also very easy to find as most supermarkets stock chamomile teas in their tea and coffee aisle. In addition to drinking chamomile tea about a half hour before you are ready to go to bed, you can also try putting some chamomile sachets inside your pillow case or under your pillow.

Calcium & Magnesium

Calcium and Magnesium are two vitamin supplements that taken together should help improve your ability to stay asleep at night, though they may not necessarily help you fall asleep. But if you find yourself frequently waking during the night, then you might want to consider it. Many people don’t have enough of either mineral in their regular diet so a calc-mag supplement is a good idea anyway and usually you can find them in a combined supplement.

Just keep in mind that if you’ve recently been suffering from chronic insomnia symptoms, it may be wise to visit your doctor to make sure there isn’t an underlying cause that needs to be dealt with. Also, natural herbal remedies are as likely to cause side effects and other symptoms as chemically derived pharmaceuticals so it is a good idea to see your doctor in any case before using any herbal remedy on a regular basis.

If, like me, you would prefer a method without side effects and in which you don’t have to take any drugs or herbs, Sleep Tracks is an excellent insomnia aid. It uses brainwave audio technology to help you fall asleep in the short term, it is a complete sleep training course designed to permanently cure your insomnia. You also don’t have to worry about allergies or the potential side effects of herbal supplements.

For more tips for dealing with your insomnia naturally, be sure to visit my site on natural sleep remedies.

Via: Salt Lake Tribune

Grow these herbs to create a soothing homemade tea
By Maria Noel Groves
The Associated Press
Article Launched: 06/11/2008 04:50:58 PM MDT

Creating your own herbal tea can be a cinch with the right herbs. Here are some options for your garden:

ANISE HYSSOP
Agastache foeniculum, Mint Family
Anise hyssop brightens many home gardens with its long-lasting purple spikes. The leaves and flowers taste like licorice and can be snipped into salad as easily as they can be turned into sweet tea. Also consider root beer-flavored sunset hyssop (A. rupestris) and bright pink bubble gum mint (A. cana), says Tammi Hartung, herbalist and author of “Growing 101 Herbs that Heal.” These beauties attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees.

Read More

Via: MailTribune.com

Cultivating a tea garden makes a very fresh brew
AP
Staff and wire reports
June 11, 2008

A cup of tea at breakfast or over lunch is one of life’s simple indulgences. It’s even more special — and not much more difficult — if you grow the herbs yourself.

“Tea is one of my favorite ways to use herbs,” says Ellen Scannell, a master gardener and food preserver certified by Oregon State University.

Many of the best tea herbs are easy to grow, beautiful and naturally resistant to pests. Even if you don’t have garden space, many delightful tea herbs will grow in containers on a porch or windowsill.

“Mint is the classic one,” Scannell says.

Consider mint species with other subtle flavors including apple, pineapple, chocolate, orange, ginger and lemon. Scannell also favors lemon verbena. Daisy-like chamomiles can cheer up any garden and make a soothing tea.

Once you’ve chosen your herbs, it’s easy to harvest, dry, store and brew.

Here is how:

green beans/ chamomile, horseradish, potato,

• Against acne, washing the face three times a day with the pod tea of green beans helps very well. If acne becomes chronic, or to cure eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, poison ivy rash, blackheads, herpes, cold sores and the like, add 3 tbsp of dried chamomile flowers to the tea after it has been removed from the stove. Cover and let steep until the tea is cool, strain, bottle. Every three hours the face should be washed with the tea, and a cup of it should also be drunk each day.
• To relieve the itching of eczema, dabbing the skin with horseradish and milk will be helpful: Soak 1 tbsp freshly grated horseradish root in 1 cup of buttermilk for 30 minutes, then strain. After dabbing the skin with it, wait 15 minutes before washing it off. If there are leftovers, refrigerate the mixture for later usage.
• Potato plaster reduces inflammations caused by contusions, sprains, burns, fractures, hemorrhoids, abscesses, arthritis, neuralgia and eczema: Peel and grate ordinary potatoes, mix half of them with an equal amount of green vegetable leaves (either spinach, radish or cabbage). The vegetable leaves should be coarsely pureed in t a food blender before mixing with the potatoes. To this wet mass add 10% white flower, then mix everything thoroughly by hand in a big bowl. Add just enough ice water (never warm water) to give the paste a wet, somewhat even and thick consistency. Apply plaster directly on the skin. For sensitive skin, rub the affected area with olive oil before applying the plaster. Put a clean cloth over the plaster and secure with a linen bandage. When the plaster dries out, apply warm water on the dry mass until it becomes moist again. Let the plaster sit in place for about 3.5 hours, while reclining. Remove plaster and rinse skin with warm water.

chamomile, sage

• Drinking 3-4 cups of chamomile tea (for children: 1-2 cups) daily during hay fever season alleviates allergic attacks.
• Besides, inhaling the the warm vapors of chamomile tea by covering the head with a heavy bath towel and holding the face above a pan with freshly brewed chamomile tea for about 15 minutes will give relief.
• Allergic itching might be relieved and cured by bathing the affected area in a solution of sage. Steep a handful of freshly cut and slightly crushed sage leaves in 1 pint of water for an hour, strain. The bath the affected parts. While still wet, sprinkle whole wheat flour (not white) over the entire area. Relief is said to come within 10 minutes.