Natural Herbal Beauty

The efficacy of Kava kava doesn’t originate from a single active substance but — as with all medicinal herbs — from the combined effect of several ingredients, in this case kavalactones, that results in a synergistic physiological effect. Some of the compounds may be of secondary importance when taken individually, but are nonetheless required for the whole range of Kava kava’s psychoactive effects. (more…)

Natural therapists agree with the orthodox medical profession that this is a very complex disease, although possibly we see it as complex for different reasons. It will not deal separately with the many different forms of cancer, such as melanoma, carcinoma, leukaemia, multiple myeloma and lymphoma. Of all diseases, cancer is one which must be treated in a most holistic fashion, and our treatment does not usually vary a great deal according to the type of cancer, but rather according to the individual. (more…)

We generally think of lemons and limes as being very acidic and may conclude that they are best avoided when suffering from an upset stomach. (more…)

In Chinese medicine, ginseng is the number one tonic and healer. For centuries in the East, top grade roots have been valued more highly than gold and imbued with almost magical properties. (more…)

Prescription drugs work because they have dramatic effects on the metabolism. Herbs tend to have a milder effect on the body’s physiology, but a herb might just potentiate the drug’s effect, making it too potent, which could lead to side effects or interactions. Certain herbs may be therapeutic on their own, but possibly result in toxicity when used with a prescription drug. (more…)

Fiery ginger has been used as a culinary spice and medicine since antiquity. It is one of the best natural remedies for nausea and vomiting and a tonic for the digestive system. (more…)

These plants each treat a different aspect of this condition. Roman chamomile and lemon balm are relaxing and anti-inflammatory; chamomile can also reduce allergic reactions. Agrimony is a general digestive tonic, while marigold is healing and anti-fungal. (more…)

Family: Cupressaceae.

Part used: Usually berries and needles, but the bark, wood, and root are all active.

Collection: Gather needles, bark, roots, or heartwood at any time. First- year berries, which are green, should be gathered after the first frost, second-year berries, which are bluish-purple, at any time. The berries are ripe when they turn bluish-purple.

Actions: Antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiseptic, antifungal, carminative, anticatarrhal.

Active against: Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Shigella dysenteriae, Streptococcus spp., Escherichja coli, Candida albicans, Salmonella spp. (more…)

Part used: The honey syrup itself.

Collection: In the fall from beehives.

Actions: Antibiotic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, _expectorant, antiallergenic, laxative, antianemic, tonic, antifungal, immune stimulant, cell regenerator.

Active against: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus spp., enterococcus, Helicobacter pylori. (more…)

The flower remedies are a wonderful adjunct to all other forms of treatment, be it orthodox, homoeopathic, herbal or whatever. They work on the mental/spiritual level and will not interfere with any other means of healing the body — in fact, they enhance other forms of treatment. (more…)

Symptoms

Constipation or diarrhea shortly after meals, over a period of several months, usually accompanied by abdominal cramps or bloating and increased intestinal gas.

Bowel movements different in frequency or consistency from your normal pattem.

Treatment Options

Various herbal and dietary remedies may be effective in preventing or soothing the discomfort of diarrhea and constipation. Relaxation techniques may be particularly effective in coping with stress- related aspects of the problem. (more…)

Symptoms

• Swollen, red gums that may bleed easily.

• Localized pain, loose teeth, and bad breath, which suggest periodontitis, an inflammation of the periodontal ligament; x-rays may reveal some bone loss in the jaw area.
• Extremely painful, inflamed gums coated with a grayish white mucus; sometimes accompanied by a mild fever, malaise, bad breath, excess saliva, and painful swallowing. These are signs of Vincent’s angina, also known as trench mouth. (more…)

Symptoms

Patches of red, itchy skin, usually followed by small blisters, which fill with a clear fluid and eventually break open.

Severe cases can develop into swollen, extremely painful areas filled with fluid.

The rash rarely appears on the soles of the feet or palms of the hands. (more…)

Cultivation

Tarragon is a perennial plant and dies down in the winter, sending up new growth in spring.

Conditions: Tarragon likes light, well-drained and moderately rich soil, sun or partial shade. All it needs is a yearly dressing of compost, one spadeful per plant, which should be dug in during the dormant period in winter. In autumn cut the plant back to 5 cm and cover with a layer of grass and leaves to protect the leaves from winter frost. As it tends to lose its flavour as it gets older, try to have some new cuttings ready at all times. (more…)

Cultivation

Thyme is a perennial plant.

Conditions: Thyme likes a sunny exposure and a dry, light soil that is well drained.

Propagation: By cuttings or from seeds. Plant seedlings or cuttings of T. vulgaris 30 cm apart and dig the bed deeply as the plants have long roots. Lightly compost the bed before planting out. T. serpyllum is easily propagated by cuttings and rooted pieces. (more…)

Watercress can be an annual or sometimes a biennial in favourable conditions.

Conditions: Likes partial shade and damp, swampy conditions. It does well in soils with a high lime content. (more…)

CULTIVATION

Winter savory is a hardy perennial plant that forms an excellent ground cover.

Conditions: Winter savory likes a light, well-drained soil and full sun.

Propagation: Cuttings or seeds. Cuttings may be taken at any time of year except the coldest months. It germinates fairly successfully from fresh seeds, but germination is slow. Plant out seedlings 30 cm apart and water well in first few weeks; thereafter once a week. Dig in a little compost round the roots from time to time. In summer it is a mass of tiny white flowers. (more…)

Treatment Options

Alternative therapies can be very useful in the treatment of many common skin problems. They can also help combat the pain, nausea, fatigue, and headaches that frequently accompany conventional treatment of advanced skin cancer. However, the only acceptable treatment for cancer is conventional medical care. If you think you have skin cancer, see a doctor without delay. (more…)

Symptoms

Physical symptoms may include headache, fatigue, insomnia, digestive changes, neck pain or backache, loss of appetite, or overeating.

Psychological symptoms may include tension or anxiety, anger, reclusiveness, pessimism, resentment, increased irritability, feelings of cynicism, and inability to concentrate or perform at usual levels.

Call Your Doctor If

You have prolonged or acute symptoms. Excessive stress puts you at risk of other serious disorders, including immune problems, digestive disorders, diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, migraine headaches, and possibly cancer.

You have symptoms of stress and any of the following: unusual patterns of sleep, appetite, and moods; physical movement that is unusually agitated or abnormally slow. You may have clinical depression. (more…)

Herbal Formula for ECZEMA

Include the following in the diet: sprouts (especially mung beans and alfalfa), apricots, dried beans, lentils, fresh grated beetroot, Brazil nuts, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, cabbage, mealier, mealie-meal, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, guava, horseradish, lemons, lettuce, mustard greens, oranges, parsley, peaches, pecan nuts, green peppers, sweet potatoes, honey, soya beans, spinach, tomatoes and watercress.

Make a standard brew tea using Salad Burnet, Calendula (leaves and flowers), Lavender or Nettle. Drink daily. (more…)