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An Interesting Herb Fact
The Skin Healing Properties of the Pot Marigold Plant
The lovely golden flowers of the pot marigold plant are not just nice to look at-they also contain many healing properties. These golden flowers have long been a favorite of many traditional herbalists. One herbal diary dating back to the 12th century recommends that simply gazing upon the beautiful pot marigold flowers can help clear the head, improve one's eyesight, and encourage one's soul to feel cheerful again. It was once also highly prized as a treatment of smallpox and measles. These...
Valerian Herb: Nature's Tranquilizer
The Valerian herb has rightly earned the reputation as nature's tranquilizer. Indeed, this popular herb is known to calm the nerves without any of the side effects that prescription drugs have to offer. The smell of Valerian is known to be strong, distinctive and unpleasant, but this seems a rather small price to pay for the effects of this popular herb. The herb was nicknamed phu by the Greek physician Galen, but its official scientific name is Valeriana officinalis. Valerian is one of the best researched of the modern herbs. It has chemicals called valepotriates that are developed in valerian extracts. These chemicals appear to have a depressive activity on the nervous system.
Valerian has been described as pungent, bitter, dry and cool. The plants constituents are volatile oils (including isovalerianic acid and borneol), alkaloids, inridoids, and alkaloids. The herb has several actions. It is a known tranquilizer, antispasmodic, a diuretic, expectorant, a carminative, a mild anodyne, and it is known for its ability to lower the blood pressure. The most commonly used part of the Valerian plant is the root. The root is well known for its ability to control nervous tension. It is highly regarded as an herbal remedy to treat anxiety and insomnia. The root is also well known for its ability to strengthen the heart and has been known to reduce high blood pressure. The Valerian root is also well known for its ability to aid in the healing of wounds and ulcers. The plant is also applied topically to control the symptoms associated with muscle cramps. Valerian can also be used as an expectorant. It has been known to help tickling coughs. The Valerian plant is most commonly harvested in the fall.
There are several other ways to prepare the valerian root. For instance, it can be prepared into a maceration to treat insomnia or symptoms of anxiety. Simply soak two tablespoons of chopped, fresh herb in a cup of cold water for roughly eight to ten hours. Many herbalists combine other herbs with this concoction. A good choice is peppermint, which can be added to the water to make the taste of the concoction more palatable. Valerian can also be infused to make a hot tea that can be taken to treat the symptoms of insomnia and anxiety.
The Valerian herb can also be used to create a strong and potent tincture. The tincture can be taken to treat anxiety and insomnia. It is recommended that doses of Valerian tinctures are started low. A good dose to start with is 1-2 ml. Some people are known to develop headaches after using Valerian. You can avoid this by starting with a low dose. Doses of the Valerian plant can gradually be increased, if so desired.
Valerian can also be made into a compress. Simply soak a clean pad in a tincture and place over the skin to relieve muscle cramps. A wash can also be created to treat chronic ulcers and wounds, and it can be used to draw out splinters. |
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’
08/09/2010
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’
08/13/2010
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
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
08/13/2010
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
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