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An Interesting Herb Fact
Echinacea: Cure to the Common Cold?
Perhaps the most famous herbal remedies these days are made from the Echinacea flower. Native Americans have traditionally used Echinacea to treat colds, fevers, snakebites, and stubborn wounds. It is believed that the early settlers adopted the Echinacea plant early on as a popular home remedy to treat colds and influenza. The plant was a popular choice with the 19th century Eclectics. In recent years, Echinacea has grown immensely in popularity for its antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial...
The Healing Scent of Jasmine: Herbal Remedies Created from Jasmine
Jasmine has long been loved for its wonderful scent. This climbing plant blooms with one of the most aromatic flowers in the garden. The jasmine plant was first introduced in Europe in the 16th century and it quickly gained immense popularity because of its scent. French perfumers especially took an interest this lovely climbing plant. However, the jasmine plant also has healing properties. The scented oil that is extracted from the plant has been used in Ayurvedic medicine as a tonic for hundreds of years. It is also used as a well-known cleansing remedy. In China, Jasmine tea has been a long-standing healing favorite. The taste of the jasmine plant is alternately described as astringent, pungent, bitter, and slightly cooling. The jasmine plant contains alkaloids, including linalool, as well as salicylic acid. The jasmine plant has many actions attributed to it. Its flowers have been known as an aphrodisiac, an astringent, a bitter but relaxing nervine, an analgesic, a sedative, and a plant which helps encourage milk flow. The essential oil derived from the jasmine plant is thought to operate as an antidepressant, an antiseptic, an antispasmodic, an aphrodisiac, a sedative, and a uterine tonic.
There are two main components that are used from the jasmine plants: its flowers, and its essential oil. The jasmine plant flowers have been used in Ayurvedic medicine for hundreds of years. In Ayurvedic medicine, the jasmine flowers are known as jati, and it is regarded as a sattvic tonic, which encourages the principles of light, harmony, and increased perception, all principles that are associated with sattvic, which is one of the three qualities of health in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. The sattvic element of the jasmine flower is also thought to emphasize the nature of love and compassion. The jasmine flowers are also thought to work as a mild aphrodisiac for women. Jati is also used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine to reduce fevers and to fortify the immune system.
The flowers of the jasmine plant are also used to make an aromatic tea. The Chinese have been using Arabian jasmine since at least AD 300 to scent teas. The flowers of the Arabian jasmine plant are known in China as mo li, and they are highly regarded in China as a scenting agent. In traditional Chinese medicine and practice, the Arabian jasmine flowers were placed alongside heat-dried green tea so that the green tea would absorb the scent of the jasmine flowers. These days, commercial tea makers simply mix the jasmine flower petals with the regular tea.
Jasmine tea infusions are recommended for treating infections, urinary inflammation and fevers. The jasmine flowers can be combined nicely with lemon balm or skullcap to create a calming, relaxing tea. A wash made from infused jasmine tea flowers can also be used to bathe scrapes and cuts. Jasmine flower compresses can also be made to treat heat stroke, headaches, or anxiety. Massage oil can also be created by diluting jasmine oil with almond oil an applying to the skin. |
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
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
09/02/2010
‘Tawa-Tawa,’ ‘Pancit-Pancitan’...major, major herbal cures
THERE is a plant believed to be a cure or a great help to prevent the fatal effects of dengue. What a weird and funny name for a mere weed that can possibly offer to the world a cure against this dreaded disease. It’s called Tawa-Tawa or Gatas Gatas. No laughing matter, this.
‘Tawa-Tawa,’ ‘Pancit-Pancitan’...major, major herbal cures
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
08/13/2010
Alternative Treatments for Insomnia Are Replacing Drugs
If you are among the 20-30 percent of the population who suffers from insomnia there is a host of natural remedies that can help you. Missing out on some shut eye can put your health at risk. Sleep deprivation can lead to anxiety, depression, concentration problems and a lack of energy. You may also be at increased risk for lifestyle diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure and ...
Alternative Treatments for Insomnia Are Replacing Drugs
08/13/2010
Alternative Treatments for Insomnia Are Replacing Drugs
If you are among the 20-30 percent of the population who suffers from insomnia there is a host of natural remedies that can help you. Missing out on some shut eye can put your health at risk. Sleep deprivation can lead to anxiety, depression, concentration problems and a lack of energy. You may also be at increased risk for lifestyle diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure and ...
Alternative Treatments for Insomnia Are Replacing Drugs
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