Herb

This article is dedicated to planning a successful herb garden and knowing which herb garden plants to use. If you have planted herb gardens in previous years this will help to revamp and refresh one already have. If you are planning an inside herb garden, since you control the atmosphere, you can choose whatever you like. My suggestion here would be to select a theme for your herb garden.

Chamomile is one of those herbs that even beginners can grow and it is hardy through much of the United States. Chamomile is also used in a variety of beauty products currently on the market from shampoo to skin cream. On top of this, you get to care and tend for the plants, which, if this is all you do, is enough reason to grow an herb garden. Seeing how the herbs mingle together and enjoying their fragrance are other benefits. Numerous varieties of cultivated plants, including many exotic economic plants, grow here in close proximity grouped according to their uses. Old, but once more interesting, cereal varieties have their own area here.

Sage grows quickly from seed and comes back year after year, even in cold climates. Wilson recommends any well-draining container (make sure it has holes on the bottom) that is safe for growing food. You can use small pots for individual herbs, or plant several together in a 16- to 18-inch container. More information about this national movement can be found at www.localherbs.org , the new website of the Medicinal Herb Consortium (MHC), the national network of farmers who grow Chinese medicinal herbs in the U.S. A March 2008 Acupuncture Today article describes the full context of the new website, which functions as a portal for Oriental Medicine practitioners to place orders for ecologically, domestically grown herbs.

Full sun is the best for herbs, but it has been my experience that most herb gardens will grow in partial shade. If your herbs are planted in partial shade, they may not grow as fast as when planted in full sun, but they will do just fine. Look for these insects on new plant growth and on the undersides of leaves. If found, knock pests off plants with a heavy blast of water or use insecticidal soap. Many are trained to grow upward. A well-designed potager can provide food, cut flowers and herbs for the home with very little maintenance.

Many Herbs are herbaceous; they die back to the ground in winter. Thoughtful pruning is not necessary for these varieties, just chop it off to the ground any old time. Therefore, in annuals and herbaceous varieties, harvesting the foliage consistently before the plant flowers can extend leaf production somewhat if care is taken to cut consistently.

The Milk thistle silymarin liver herb is being reported as one of the best liver protection substances known. Used since ancient times as a liver tonic, it is as useful today as it was then. It is commonly used in Europe for various liver conditions such as hepatitis, and damage from drug and alcohol abuse. Are you feeling a bit “liverish?” Read on for more information.

Your liver is the second largest organ in your body, next to the skin. Weighing around 4lbs, it performs a large number of extremely important roles to keep your body functioning at it`s best. Roles, such as metabolizing foods and fats so that they can be effectively used by the body, detoxification of environmental chemicals and regeneration of itself, if damage occurs.

So, if you are feeling tired, lethargic, irritable sluggish or bilious, maybe milk thistle silymarin liver herb would be of assistance to you. Mind you, you should probably see your doctor first to be sure of your diagnosis.

Let`s face it, without a proper functioning healthy liver you are never going to feel and look full of vitality. Looking after the health of your liver should be a top priority. So how does this ancient herb help you?

It appears that the highly active unique flavonoid called silymarin within the milk thistle herb is responsible for the amazing support it provides to the liver. It promotes new protein formation for the commencement of cell reproduction, regeneration and repair. In other words it has the ability to reverse liver damage and destroy toxins.

Conventional medicine does not treat the cause, only the symptoms. For example, reduce fat intake and cease all alcohol. Drugs prescribed, offer little help and often create a string of side effects such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

If you are like me, you want to look after your liver to prevent any possible health problems, or repair any damage. I take a synergistic blend of expertly formulated nutrients to protect every aspect of my health. Nutrients including the milk thistle silymarin liver herb and others to support my immune system, heart, brain, kidneys, joints and bones, stomach, eyes, hair, skin, disease and more.

If you do decide to take a all in one nutritional supplement, one big tip that I can give you is to always check the qualifications of the company formulator. If they are not highly qualified, it could be that you are wasting your money. Does a world renown scientists sound okay? How about excellent value for money and a money back guarantee?

Now you know about the milk thistle silymarin liver herb. If this article has been of interest to you, please click on the link for a lot more information.

Potatoes what an amazing food. When you’re homesick what do you think of mashed potatoes? When you order a burger what do you order to go with it French fried potatoes. Finally when you go out for a hearty juicy steak what comes along side, a baked potato.

Herb silhouette potato chips are a grown up version of the traditional potato chip. These paper thin potato chips are an attractive gourmet way to serve potatoes. You will be able to see a silhouette of your favorite herb inside each potato chip.

Potatoes, one per person

Fresh herbs of choice

Peel and slice very thin the potatoes. (Yukon Gold is always a good choice of potato.) Grease a baking sheet and lay a single layer of chips on the cookie sheet. Lay one sprig of herb on each chip and lay a second chip on top of the herb. Press down to flatten the herb.

Generously spray a sheet of parchment paper with non-stick cooking spray. Cover the potatoes with the parchment paper and lay a second cookie sheet on top. This will way down the chips.

Bake at 400 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes. Serve warm or cool the potatoes on paper towels.

Many people who take pharmaceutical medication also want to take some herbal remedies. However, there can be difficulties with this as the chemicals in the two preparations can interact – changing the effect of the pharmaceutical drugs and the herbs. If you are taking medical drugs you need to be aware of potential interactions with herbs. Herbs can in many instances provide a safer alternative to pharmaceutical medication (especially when other measures to improve health are also undertaken). However, because of the potential for interactions it is wise to be under the supervision of a health professional as you make changes.

The following is a list of common potential interactions between medical drugs and herbs.

• Anti-hypertensive dugs – used to lower blood pressure.
Grapefruit juice may enhance the effect by reducing their metabolic breakdown. Vitamin B3, magnesium and calcium can also enhance the effect of anti-hypertensives.

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). NSAIDs are known to irritate the gastrointestinal linking and are linked to the development of intestinal ulcers. This means that they, for preference, need to be avoided. However, if you are taking NSAID then avoid anything else that is likely to increase the irritation of the intestinal lining. This includes all alcohol, coffee Arabica and uva-ursi.

• Corticosteroids such as prednisone and cortisone. These drugs are used for their anti-inflammatory effects and in having this effect they are immune suppressing. Using with immune stimulating herbs such as astragalus, echinacea, licorice root, alfalfa sprouts, and zinc lozenges may offset the immunosuppressive effects.

• Cyclosporine – sandimmune (an antibiotic). Grapefruit juice may cause increased cyclosporine levels and St. John’s wort may decrease levels.

• Digoxin – lanoxin (a heart drug). Some herbs are digoxin like and have the same effect as the medical drug. Taking these herbs together with digoxin is like taking an overdose. There herbs include hawthorn berry, foxglove, senticosus and Siberian ginseng. Aloe vera, taken in large doses, can irritate the intestine and cause a purgative effect. If this is severe enough – with the loss of sufficient fluid there can be a decrease in serum potassium levels and problems with the heart beat. Also avoid use with quinine, which may increase digoxin levels. (Quinine is found in tonic water.) Avoid use with the herb licorice root (this is the herb and not the candy), as its diuretic effect can result in low potassium levels and toxicity. Fibers, such as psyllium, decrease digoxin absorption, within two hours of taking medication.

• Diuretics – acetazolamide, thiazides (fluid tablets). There are many herbs that have a diuretic effect. These include artichoke, goldenseal, celery seeds, and dandelion. These herbs will increase the diuretic effect of the medical drugs.

• Hypoglycemic agents – glucotrol, glucophage, diabeta, insulin. (Used to control blood sugar levels). There are herbs that contain hyper or hypoglycemic components. These include: broom, buchu, dandelion, juniper, karela and the minerals chromium, vanadium and magnesium. Some of these improve glucose tolerance.

• Phenobarbital – ancalixir, barbital, solfoton, luminal sodium. Herbs containing thujones and vitamin B6 may lower seizure threshold. Wormwood may potentiate phenobarbital effects.

• Lithium – Butcher’s broom, buchu, dandelion and juniper may enhance the effect of lithium and cause possible toxicity.

• Phenytoin – dilantin, phenytex. Ayurvedic preparation shankapulshipi diminishes anti-epileptic effect.

• Thyroid medication – synthroid. Large quantities of horseradish may depress thyroid function. Kelp contains iodine, which may result in excess thyroid levels when taken with thyroid replacement medications.

• Warfarin, coumadin, sofarin (blood thinners). There are many herbs that act as blood thinners and these taken with the medical drugs can result in increased bleeding. Some of these herbs include cayenne, feverfew, garlic, ginger, white willow bark (aspirin), St John’s wort, alfalfa and ginkgo biloba. Taking over 1000 IU of vitamin E or the papaya enzyme papain may also result in increased bleeding.

High doses of herbs such as dong quai, quinine and devil’s claw may cause decreased blood thinning activity. High doses of vitamin C, A and K may also result in lessened anticoagulant effect.

The list above contains some of the common potential interactions between medical drugs and herbs. There are potentially many more. This does not mean that you shouldn’t use herbs if you are taking medical drugs. You should however understand the potential effects.

Since herbs are plentiful this time of year, why not use them to make a variety of simple herb butters? You can even freeze the butters to enjoy in the cooler fall months ahead. You can buy fresh herbs at the grocery store or farmer’s market, or even grow them yourself in a small herb garden, or in pots on the windowsill.

Use these tasty butters on everything from grilled steaks, fish, and chicken, to cooked vegetables. And don’t forget to slather some on a big chunk of fresh bread. Yum!

To make herb butters, chop the herbs very fine (and pulverize the seeds). Cream the butter. Then blend in the herbs and seasonings. Roll the herb butter into a log, then wrap the log in waxed paper. Store in the refrigerator, or put in the freezer (for up to 6 months).

Try the following herb butter combinations:

BASIC HERBAL BUTTER
2 sticks softened butter
1 Tsp. chopped, fresh green basil
1 Tbsp. chopped, fresh marjoram
1 Tbsp. chopped, fresh chives
1 tspo. chopped, fresh rosemary
1 tsp. fresh lemon juice

PARSLEY HERB BUTTER
1/2 c. softened butter
1 clove garlic, crushed
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp. lemon juice
1/4 tsp. chopped basil
1/4 tsp. oregano
Pepper to taste

ROSEMARY BUTTER
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh rosemary leaves
1 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp. lemon juice
2 sticks softened butter

Variation: To make pretty pats of these butters, spoon softened herb butter into candy molds and freeze. When the butter is frozen, pop it out of the molds. Store the butter pats in the refrigerator.

Uva ursi for pets is making waves as the substance of choice when formulating preparations for the treatment of pet urinary tract infection. It is also said to be effective in the treatment of bladder and kidney stones. Mixing this herb with other herbs to produce a tonic that can be given to pets should be handled with care because an overdose can be quite harmful. That is why the creation of this tonic is best left to homeopathic practitioners and pharmacists.

Uva ursi for pets is a low-growing evergreen shrub that can be seen in various locations around the world. It has been around for centuries, and has been used in the treatment of urinary tract infections in both animals and humans. Uva ursi has antiseptic and analgesic properties that are effective in restoring the proper pH level of the bladder, thereby removing the inflammation and pain that accompanies urinary tract infections. The beauty of this herb is that it can treat the underlying causes of urinary tract infections. Drugs and antibiotics for cat urinary tract infection can only treat the current microbial cause of the infection but does not eliminate the possibility of its recurrence. A regular dose of a supplement that contains uva ursi can reduce the pain and inflammation while creating an environment that makes it less likely for bacteria to grow. Uva ursi for pets is inexpensive, safe and even more effective than its antibiotic counter parts.

There are reports that the use of uva ursi has had some detrimental effects in cats, but these reports usually arise in natural medicine and usually the danger is caused by the incorrect administration or use of the herb. Uva ursi should not be given in its pure form and it cannot be prepared by people with no background in pharmacy or homeopathy. Uva ursi is usually mixed in a standardized formulation in combination with other herbal substances that promote bladder health. This is why pet owners are advised to buy high quality uva ursi laced supplements to guarantee safety and efficacy. It is also said to work best when in granular form.

Other herbs that are used in combination with uva ursi are cantharis and berberis. This combination is gentle for pets so that it can be used daily especially for aged pets who are highly vulnerable to urinary tract infections.

Pet owners will profit the most when ensuring the health of their cats, and they are in the best position to achieve this. The owners are the first to notice if something is amiss. They need to keep informed on what to look out for in terms of urinary health. If their pet refuses to drink too much water, if they seem to be straining too hard to be able to urinate, of they seem to always be missing the spot where they should relieve themselves, then they may be suffering from a urinary tract infection. They should also know that the simplest home remedy is to make them drink plenty of juices or water before making an appointment with your veterinarian.

While uva ursi for pets can certainly help, pet care practices can also be improved to ensure that your cat does not develop a urinary tract infection. Always ensure a steady and clean supply of water. Cats should have a diet consisting of low carbohydrates, as carbohydrates break down into sugars, creating a bladder environment conducive for bacterial overgrowth. The cat’s litter box should be cleaned regularly to prevent the growth of bacteria that can transfer to your pet. Best of all, keep yourself properly informed on developments in pet care to keep abreast of the best way to care for your pet.

The bergamot herb plant is native to America but is now very popular worldwide due to a number of uses in food, scent and alternative medicine. It is also know as Oswego Tea or Bee Balm.

Bergamot is related to the aromatic mint family and it well know for the leave to give citrus or lemon flavour and smell. It can grow to over 1 metre high with a variety of flowers that bloom with colour ranging from a light pink to dark scarlet. Both the leaves and flowers have many uses.

With a savoury and fruity flavour mingled with a fine aroma it proves to be very effective as a stimulant aiding and improving digestion. Bergamot has proven a good remedy in the curing of skin infections.

Internal use of bergamot is used to relieve symptoms of colds, chest or throat problems and also for digestive complaints. Native American Indians made a type of herb tea from bergamot leaves for these particular ailments. The bergamot herb you may be interested to know is not the source used to flavour Earl Grey tea. This comes from the bergamot orange, a different plant that is a Mediterranean citrus fruit.

The bergamot leaves are used externally and found extensively in commercially produced fruit drinks. The very pretty petals are often used for food decorations, namely salads. Both the bergamot leaves and petals are put into baths and is said to revitalise the body.

Aromatherapy and use of essential oil is another side to the Bergamot. Essential oils are used in aromatherapy to relieve anxiety or nervous tension. It also aids the urinary and respiratory systems.

Skin problems, especially those that are linked to stress, typically eczema, psoriasis and acne benefit from bergamot treatment. It is also effective for varicose veins, wounds and seborrhoea.

The properties of bergamot are beneficial to many ailments and compounds and potions have the following properties:

* anti-depressant

* antiseptic

* carminative

* deodorant

* digestive

* expectorant

* insecticide

* sedative

* tonic

The natural source of the antiseptic Thymol mentioned above is the main active ingredient in modern commercial mouthwash formulas.

Finally, the bergamot herb plant can be grown successfully throughout Europe and Asia. It is great as an ornamental plant and grows best in full sun and will enjoy any soil that moist and well drained.

Ganoderma Lucidum can be an effective cancer herbs to assist conventional treatment.

Modern treatment usually attempt to destroy cancer cells through radio therapy or chemo therapy. However while destroying cancer cells, such treatment also destroys many essential cells beneficial to human body such as

* Macrophage
* T-lymphocyte
* Blood producing cells
* White Blood Cells and others

Furthermore, chemo therapy leads to lowering of immunity and weakening of body. So, once treatment is discontinued, the remaining cancer cells might multiply back quickly when the body is weak. This may be fatal.

The integral effects from the consumption of Ganoderma cancer herbs together with modern therapy provide promising results. Beside its own anti cancer properties, this herb can also destroy cancer cell together with conventional therapy.

At the same time, it also fights against the unwanted effects of radiation, reducing damage by radio therapy and chemo therapy to essential cells like Macrophage, T-lymphocyte, blood producing cells, White Blood Cells and others.

Ganoderma Lucidum increases the tolerance level to radio therapy and chemo therapy, improves appetite and strengthens immunity. Some terminally ill cancer patient are so weak that they are not able to withstand these therapies.

After the consumption of Ganoderma cancer herbs, their condition improved and they can complete the course of radio therapy and chemo therapy. Many patients with tumors have also significantly improved after taking Ganoderma Lucidum.

Indeed, Ganoderma cancer herbs play an important role in supporting conventional medication for alternative cancer cure. Its effectiveness in controlling cancer is around 40% to 50%. The main components that give Ganoderma Lucidum its strong anti cancer properties are Organic Germanium and Polysaccharides (especially beta glucan).

Another important natural supplement for alternative cancer cure is Bee Propolis. Researchers found that this natural antibiotic can cut down the DNA of cancer cell, preventing it from multiplying. Other beneficial supplements for cancer include Cordyceps Sinensis herbs and Green Tea extract.

Besides taking natural herbs and supplements for cancer, it’s very important to continue with conventional chemo therapy and radio therapy.

Andrographis paniculata is a commonly used herb in India and China, but it is not that well known here in the West. It is known best for its immune enhancing and antimicrobial properties and it is often called “Indian Echinacea,” but its benefits are wide ranging for a far greater number of conditions. It has many benefits for general immunity during the cold and flu season, and it may have applications for those with chronic infectious diseases, such as Lyme Disease or AIDS. It also may be beneficial for those with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia. These last two conditions may also be triggered by infectious processes.

Stephen Harrod Buhner, who is a well-known and respected herbalist, uses andrographis as a cornerstone of his Healing Lyme Protocol. Lyme Disease is a spirochetal bacterial infection, that is extremely difficult to clear from the body in its tertiary stage. Because diagnosis and testing of this condition is very poor at present, many people never realize they have this debilitating illness until years have passed since they were infected, and the bacteria is well entrenched in their system. The bacteria also forms cysts which allow it to hide from the body’s own immune system. It also creates an overproduction of fibrin, which basically means a person with this disease produces an abnormal amount of scar tissue, and that their blood will be thick, and their blood circulation will be reduced. All of these things make this bacterial illness challenging to treat. Research in other countries has shown that the herb may stimulate fibrinolysis, preventing unhealthy blood clot formation. Andrographis may assist those suffering from Lyme, as a result of possible antimicrobial and immune enhancing activity, and also as a result of its potential ability to break down excess fibrin in the blood.

For those with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia, there may be underlying infectious processes that trigger the symptoms of your condition. The Epstein-Barr Virus has been implicated in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and mycloplasma infections have been implicated in Fibromyalgia. Dr. Garth Nicholsen, a practitioner of orthomolecular medicine, has successfully treated many diseases such as CFS, Fibromyalgia, and Gulf War Syndrome using therapies similar to that used to treat Lyme Disease, which primarily involved long term use of a combination of antibiotics. Some of the bacteria implicated in these conditions included mycoplasma pneumoniae, mycoplasma fermentans, and mycoplasma genitalis.
Andrographis may also have activity against these potential pathogens.

Recent research has shown that the herb improves gall bladder function, increasing bile flow, and has been found to be as effective as milk thistle in protecting the liver.

Several studies have shown that andrographis may increase the body’s resistance to infection by stimulating production of antibodies and macrophages.

Andrographis extracts have also been shown to kill cancer cells, and some studies have implied that it may be as effective as tamoxifen, the commonly used drug for preventing regrowth of breast cancer cells.

Andrographis has been shown to be active against the HIV virus. It appears to prevent the virus from infecting healthy T-cells and it also appears to fight the HIV virus in cells that have already been taken over. It appears to prevent multiplication of the virus.

As you can see, andrographis is an incredible herb that may have wide ranging applications in all sorts of chronic illnesses that often do not have many simple solutions.

Testosterone Increase Info…

A testosterone enhancer is a term used to describe products that have been shown to or are suspected to cause a testosterone increase in healthy men. There are a great many products, usually herbal, on the market that make this claim. Sometimes referred to as boosters, non-prescription testosterone enhancers are classified as dietary supplements and so are not controlled or regulated by the FDA.

The FTC (Federal Trade Commission), however, will investigate fraudulent claims and the company must be able to provide evidence to support those claims.

Eurycoma Longifolia (Longjack) is one product that is said to be a testosterone enhancer. According to one manufacturer, informal studies have shown that this product may increase free testosterone. Notice how they always say “may”. It is not just a sales trick or a way to get around the FTC.

Different herbs affect people in different ways. Prescription drugs also affect people differently. So, it is correct to say that these products “may” cause a testosterone increase, because they could, but they might not. In short, there is no guarantee.

Some manufacturers do provide a satisfaction guarantee, so you can feel somewhat safe trying their products. If they do not work for you, you can return them. If you are experiencing symptoms related to testosterone deficiency, it will probably require some trial and error on your part before you find a testosterone enhancer that works for you, the way that you want it to.

Professional athletes also use herbal products to get a testosterone increase. Tribulus Terrestris is often called a testosterone enhancer.

It has been used in China, India and Greece for hundreds of years, but more recently was evaluated by a team of Bulgarian scientists in an effort to help their Olympic team without using anabolic steroids. The team actually credits their success that year to Tribulus.

Testosterone, produced naturally by the body, is known to increase muscle strength, endurance and stamina.

The question of cost often comes up. Purchasing herbal supplements can be expensive.

Companies that seem to be selling the same product for a much lower price than their competitors may be adding chemicals to their products in order to cut costs. Chemicals are cheaper than herbs, because they can be created synthetically. Buying in bulk is not the best idea, either. Products tend to loose their efficacy sitting on a shelf.

Buy toilet paper in bulk; buy an herbal supplement or a testosterone enhancer on an as needed basis, usually a 30 day supply, to achieve the greatest testosterone increase.