Natural Herbs For The Flu

In a viral infection the virus gets attached to the walls of the mucous membranes in the respiratory tract causing flu symptoms. Natural herbs provide an effective way to combat viral infections. The following herbs are the most popular flu herbs being used by herbalists today.

Cats claw is a multipurpose herb that treats asthma, inflammations of the urinary tract, arthritis, rheumatism, and bone pain. It is a cleanser herb for the kidney. Women used it to recover from childbirth. Also, it was used to cure deep wounds; inflammation and gastric ulcers. It is now used as a cure against viral diseases also. Cats claw is a woody vine that has thorns growing on the vine that look like the claws of a cat. It can reach over 30 m high into the canopy and has small, yellowish-white flowers. Cats claw is found in South America in the Amazon rain forest of Peru.

Pau darco is a herb derived from the inner bark of the Tabebuia Avellanedae/Tabebuia Impetiginosa (Taheebo) tree in South America. Its tea has been used for cancer victims. Lapachol is a chemical derived from pau darco, is active against viral diseases, is effective against the malarial parasite, inhibits herpes simplex, and restricts the virus that causes cold sores. Low doses of pau darco chemicals activate the immune system.

Jergon sacha is found in the Amazon forest, and in the rainforests of Brazil, Suriname, and Guyana, Peru, Colombia, and Ecuador rainforests. The juice of the fresh rhizomes of Jergon sacha is used as an antidote for spider bites, and for wounds of poisonous dart and arrow. The powdered tuberous rhizome of Jergon sacha is used orally to treat asthma, menstrual disorders, and whooping cough. The root powder of Jergon sacha is used for scabies. The decoction made out of the whole plant of Jergon sacha is put in baths for gout. It is also fancied as treatment for HIV/AIDS, cancerous tumors, gastrointestinal problems, hernias, hand tremors, heart palpitations, and enhancement of immune function.

Echinacea is one of the popular flu herbs in activating the immune system. It can be taken before an aliment happens, in anticipation. Ginseng is another one of the popular flu herbs to increase resistance to stress and disease along with improved energy and stamina. Hyssop can be used as a tea to reduce coughs and congestion. Garlic is a well known flu herb that supports the immune system combat infection. Onion has similar properties as Garlic and should be cooked with food during cold attacks. Ginger contains a dozen antiviral compounds, relieves pain, prevents and treats colds, sore throats and inflammation of mucus membranes. Peppermint treats bronchitis, colds and flu and reduces fevers by inducing sweating which cools the body. It works as a decongestant clearing blocked sinuses. Herbs like Lemon Balm tea promotes sweating and eliminates the toxins from the body. Catnip is good for feverish colds and the flu. Fenugreek is another flu herb that is used for sore throats and coughs. Juniper relieves coughs and flu is its steam after it is boiled with water is inhaled.

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Author: Patricia McDougall

Patricia McDougall B.Sc. is a
Chartered Herbalist and graduate of the
Dominion Herbal College, Canada.
Patricia is the Director of
Research and Development for
Amazon Botanicals LLC,
a leading manufacturer of
Amazon herbal preparations.
http://www.amazon-botanicals.com/Flu_herbs_s/37.htm
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What Are “Certified Organic Herbs” ?

Bulk organic herbs are more economical to purchase than buying them in small bottled quantities – and more environmentally friendly to boot! By purchasing your herbs in bulk quantities, you can take advantage of large volume discounts, whether you are a retailer or a consumer of the end product. By purchasing bulk organic herbs in large amounts, you not only save, but ensure that what you need is there whether it’s for customer demand or cooking at home.

What Are “Certified Organic Herbs” ?

As consumer awareness increases about food – how it is grown, how far it travels, etc. – the demand for organic bulk herbs and certified organic spices also rises. Meanwhile, as the cost for many standard food items increases to the same level of locally-grown bulk organic herbs, the price of such organic foodstuffs becomes more competitive. But what exactly does “certified” mean?

Certified organic spices and bulk organic herbs are those raised in an ecologically sustainable way, without the kinds of chemical fertilizers or pesticides that can leach into the plant's leaves, roots, stems, flowers or bark, and leave a toxic residue. In addition, farmers who raise organic bulk herbs avoid the potentially destructive practice of monoculture. For instance, large-scale corporate agricultural operations may focus on the cultivation of only one or two products – for example, limiting a particular region to the production of only one or two Chinese herbs, such as a few varieties of ginseng. This practice causes plants to be less resistant to diseases as well as drain the soil of nutrients.

Farmers who raise organic bulk herbs focus on a healthy diversity of crops. This means a smaller supply (one of the reason that organic bulk herbs have been traditionally more expensive than non-organics), but it also means a healthier crop that is of superior quality. In the U.S. organic certification is handled on the state level by local governmental, non-profit and private agencies that have USDA approval. Since 2002, under the National Organic Program, produce such as bulk bath herbs and certified organic spices can only be labeled as such by adhering to specific requirements.

Herbs and Spices for Every Occasion

Chinese herbs are the basis of medication used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which Western medical science is starting to examine seriously. Of course, many women (and even men) appreciate a good soak in bulk bath herbs, and some of these even have therapeutic properties. Between this and the traditional kitchen uses of bulk herbs, it’s easy to see the wisdom in stocking up and keeping a good supply on hand.

Buy herbs in bulk for the savings, and to insure that you have them on hand when you need them.

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Author: Anne Harvester

How to Get Rid of Ringworms (Using Herbs)

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Ringworm is a common fungal infection that is highly contagious and can spread quickly. If your child gets it, alert his friends' parents to prevent an epidemic. Treatment can take weeks.

Ringworm is a fungal infection. It is contagious and appears on the skin with spots around the edges, red rings and scaling. It is easy to get ringworm, but how to get rid of ringworm is the hardest to do. It is difficult to get rid of ringworm because you will notice its presence when they are already about five days in your system.

Getting rid of ringworm isn't a difficult task at all. It's the itchiness and the pain of a ringworm infection that's difficult to deal with. Ringworm, in fact, has nothing to do with worms at all. If anything, ringworm is more closely related to athlete's foot and jock itch, because it's a type of fungal infection called "Tinea," which is why I've decided to file this article under personal hygiene, along with Athlete's Foot.

Apparently, ringworm is a Dermatophyte. These buggers are part of a several different fungus organisms that affect different parts of the body: skin, body, foot (athlete's foot) and nails. Most of these fungi live in humans and animals except the ringworm of the nails; that only lives in humans. Infection spreads through direct skin to skin contact or indirect contact by the things they touch, such as toys, towels, brushes, combs, bed linens, telephones and shower stalls.

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Coriander (Coriandrum sativum)

The juice of the coriander leaves mixed with some turmeric is generally given to a patient who suffers from ringworm. It is also helpful if the skin becomes excessively dry and develops ringworm, especially in the winter months.

Taking care of your skin starts with cleaning in the area that you suspect ringworm is about to erupt. Use as soap, such as Selsun Blue (shampoo for dandruff) to clean the ringworm. This helps reduce the spread of the fungus. You don’t want it to spread.

When fungus affects the skin of the body or the groin, many antifungal creams can clear the condition in two weeks or so. Examples of such preparations include those that contain clotrimazole (Cruex cream, Desenex cream, Lotrimin cream, lotion, and solution), miconazole (Monistat-Derm cream), ketoconazole (Nizoral cream); and terbinafine (Lamisil cream and solution). These treatments are effective for many cases of foot fungus as well.

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Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum)

The juice of the holy basil leaves are applied locally on the affected regions. The ringworm subsides after continuous application for a few days.

Keep cool, dry, and clean to avoid a ringworm infection. Yes, because it's a fungal infection, ringworm can be avoided by staying clean and dry. Don't wear heavy clothing that doesn't breathe well for very long, and whatever you do, don't forget to wear flip-flops in the shower if you live in a dormatory. Ringworm thrives in warm, humid places, so it's best to avoid them or at least protect yourself if you can't avoid them. Oh, and wash your hands!

Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_558612_17.html

Author: peterhutch