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An Interesting Herb Fact
The Healing Beauty of Borage
The borage flower (Borago officinalis) is well known for its lovely blue color. The flowers have been used since Elizabethan times for both decoration and for its healing beauty. Recent modern research has shown that the plant may actually stimulate the adrenal glands, encouraging the production of adrenaline, that famous 'fight or flight' hormone that is responsible for getting our bodies geared up during the most stressful times in our lives. Herbalists describe the character of the borage...
Common Herbal Remedies using Aloe Vera
The plant Aloe (scientific name Aloe vera) is originally from tropical Africa, but it can now be found all over the world. It is a very common ingredient in many herbal remedies. It is believed that related species were traditionally used as an antidote to treat poison arrow wounds. We know that the Greeks and Romans traditionally used the Aloe vera plant, making a gel to treat battle wounds. Aloe vera was also commonly used during the Middle Ages, where it was a popular purgative. Aloe vera is also widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. In India too the Aloe Vera plant is widely used as highly regarded cooling tonic in gel form. In the 16th century, Aloe Vera reached the West Indies, where it also began to be widely cultivated. The character of Aloe Vera has 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. The actions of Aloe Vera are described as purgative and healing. Aloe Vera has been known to promote bile flow, heal wounds, stop bleeding, expel worms, reduces blood sugar and cholesterol levels. It has also been known for its rejuvenating and anti-aging properties.
The most common way to prepare the Aloe Vera plant is as a gel. The gel is thick and mucilaginous, and many herbalists recommend that it be used as a first-aid cure for wounds, burns, and sunburn. Aloe Vera gel can also help heal extremely dry skin, and it can be used to treat fungal infections such as ringworm. Gel extracts of the Aloe Vera plant have been successfully used to treat mouth ulcers. Recent research has also shown that Aloe Vera gel may be helpful in treating breast and liver cancers, as well as HIV. In traditional Indian Ayruveda medicine, Aloe Vera gel is used as a tonic for excess pitta (fire element).
The leaves of Aloe Vera, although much less commonly used, can also be helpful for several conditions. The leaves of the Aloe Vera plant are believed to be a strong purgative. They can be prepared and used to treat chronic and stubborn constipation. It is also believed that the leaves of the Aloe Vera plant leaves can be used to stimulate bile flow and to aid digestions. They can also be used to treat poor appetite.
One of the best things about the Aloe Vera plant is that they can be grown easily indoors as a houseplant in most temperate climates. There are several practical applications for the Aloe Vera plant. The Aloe Vera gel can be applied directly to burns, wounds, fungal infections, insect bites, and areas of dry skin. You can simply split the Aloe Vera leaf and apply the gel directly. You can also collect the gel from several split leaves of the Aloe Vera plant to make an ointment. The gel of Aloe Vera can also be inhaled as a steam inhalation to treat bronchial congestion. A tincture can also be made from its leaves and taken as an appetite stimulant. |
08/08/2010
Experts: Improved access to standard health care could erode use of folk medicine
McALLEN — People visit Margarita Calvo every day seeking cures for myriad maladies. Talismans, candles and statuettes clutter her modest south Alamo home. The smell of incense wafts through the air, and hand-painted, wooden boards outside advertise the woman’s "miraculous gift."
Experts: Improved access to standard health care could erode use of folk medicine
08/09/2010
What’s the Frequency, Kevin? Infomercial King Recycles ‘The Secret’
Infomercial king Kevin Trudeau returns to the airwaves selling a New Age idea recycled from the hit book "The Secret."
What’s the Frequency, Kevin? Infomercial King Recycles ‘The Secret’
08/07/2010
Finding could further HIV treatment
A Queen's University study has discovered valuable information to advance treatment for inflammatory diseases and viral infections such as HIV.[...]
Finding could further HIV treatment
08/13/2010
Insomnia in Pregnancy: A Common Issue
Insomnia in pregnancy is a common concern for mothers-to-be. While a woman may know and understand that she needs to get enough sleep to be healthy for herself and her unborn child, she may have trouble sleeping early in pregnancy and in the last weeks before the baby arrives. First Trimester During the early stages of pregnancy, a woman’s body is going through a number of changes. Not only have ...
Insomnia in Pregnancy: A Common Issue
09/02/2010
New teahouse provides relaxing atmosphere
Students have a new option for everything from hangover cures to midterm stress in the recently opened Wanderer’s Teahouse and Café.
New teahouse provides relaxing atmosphere
09/01/2010
MS LifeLines® Reaches Milestone of Servicing One Million In-Bound Calls
EMD Serono, Inc. and Pfizer Inc. announced today that MS LifeLines, an educational and support service which includes a call center, has achieved a milestone in servicing one million in-bound calls since its inception in 2002. Â MS LifeLines is sponsored by EMD Serono, Inc. an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, and Pfizer Inc. Â The service is available to the multiple sclerosis ...
MS LifeLines® Reaches Milestone of Servicing One Million In-Bound Calls
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