Striving4Zen

Before you reach into your medicine cabinet to take care of a headache, stuffy nose, or upset stomach, you might want to consider treating your everyday ailments with natural remedies.

They take a little longer to work than their conventional counterparts, but may prove more effective, according to Body + Soul magazine Senior Editor Terri Trespicio.

She looked into Mother Nature's medicine cabinet on "The Early Show Saturday Edition," noting the surprising healing power of herbal remedies. They could be just what the doctor ordered.

PAIN RELIEF

Mild headaches: Tiger balm. Chinese ointment contains menthol and can ease pain when rubbed into neck or temples.

Arthritis pain: Turmeric, fish oil. All show promise in helping ease pain. Talk to your healthcare professional for dosage.

COLD CURES

Elderberry syrup: Research suggests it can fight the flu and may ease symptoms of cold.

Garlic: What you eat matters! Get plenty of raw or lightly cooked garlic, which contains antiviral compounds. Add thyme to soups and salad dressing.

COUGH

Eucalyptus oil in a pot of boiling water can help loosen phlegm. Just tent a towel over your head and breathe deeply.

Licorice root and marshmallow root can also help calm a cough - look for teas containing these herbs and sip throughout the day. For example, a tea called Organic Throat Coat combines several herbs.

CONSTIPATION

High fiber foods: Eat plenty of fruits, veggies, whole grains and beans. Sprinkle some ground flaxseed on cereal or in smoothies. Also, drink plenty of room-temperature water.

Triphala: Herbal supplement from the Ayurvedic tradition that can get things moving. Take supplement as noted on bottle.

ALLERGY

Quercetin: This flavonoid compound, found in apples and onions, can also help fight allergy symptoms. It's preventive, though, so allow 6-8 weeks to build it up in your system. Typical dose: 400 mg twice a day between meals.

Stinging nettle: In tincture, teas or freeze-dried capsules. Consume half teaspoon of tincture three times a day, a month before allergy season. Drink 2-3 cups of nettle tea, or follow directions on capsule bottle.

Source

Labels: alternative treatments, arthritis, garlic, herbs, holistic healing, Holistic Health, natural therapy, nettles, quercetin, tiger balm

• Butterbur. The herb butterbur (Petasites hybridus), which comes from a European shrub, shows potential for relieving seasonal allergy symptoms. In one Swiss study, butterbur was just as effective as the antihistamine Allegra for reducing symptoms of allergic rhinitis.
• Quercetin. This flavonoid, which is found naturally in onions, apples, and black tea, has anti-inflammatory properties and has been shown in research to block histamines.
• Stinging nettle. The roots and leaves of the stinging nettle plant (Urtica dioica) have been used to treat everything from joint pain to prostate problems. Although some people use freeze-dried stinging nettle leaves to treat allergy symptoms, there isn’t much research to show that it works.
• Nasal irrigation. Nasal irrigation with a combination of warm water, about a quarter-teaspoon of salt, and a quarter-teaspoon of baking soda may help clear out mucus and open sinus passages. You can administer the solution through a squeeze bottle or a neti pot -- a device that looks like a small teapot.

Just because a treatment says “natural” doesn’t mean that it is safe. Some herbal remedies can cause side effects or can react with medications you’re taking. Talk to your doctor before you start taking any herb or supplement.

SOURCE

Labels: allergies, butterbur, herbs, holistic healing, nasal irrigation, natural therapy, neti pot, nettles

9. Dandelion
By tonifying the liver (which produces hormones), dandelion root eases a variety of women's imbalances. Often combined with burdock and milk thistle.

10. Vitex
With a normalizing effect on women's hormones, vitex treats conditions like menstrual irregularity, PMS, and infertility.

11. Licorice
A renowned herb, licorice balances cycles and restores energy. Avoid large quantities if you have hypertension or kidney issues, or if you take heart medicine.

12. Ginger
With warming, stomach-soothing properties, this rhizome eases menstrual cramps and morning sickness.

13. Dong Quai
Often called "female ginseng," this traditional Chinese herb builds strong blood and tones the uterus.

14. Nettle
Rich in vitamins and minerals, nettle nourishes the reproductive system, making it a great tonic for many concerns.

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Labels: dandelion, dong quai, ginger, licorice, liver, milk thistle, nettles, vitex

If your tresses could use a little bodifying boost, this simple formula is for you: it will add strength, luster, and incredible fullness to your hair.
Only one herbal ingredient does the trick, and a few drops of optional essential oil adds fragrance, shine, and silkiness.
Nettles are a wonderful herbal ally, not only for fuller, more beautiful hair, but as a calcium-rich tonic that benefits the entire system. (See the Drinkable Nettle Infusion recipe below).
Dried nettles and nettle tincture are easy to buy. Just order online at Blessed Herbs or Mountain Rose Herbs.

Here are two variations on the Big Body formula. The second one couldn’t be easier!

Big Body Hair Rinse
INGREDIENTS
2-4 tablespoons dried nettles
1 cup purified or distilled water
3-5 drops lavender essential oil (optional)
1. Combine herbs and water in a stainless steel or glass pan. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer, covered, for half an hour. Remove from heat and let cool, then strain out the liquid and discard the spent herbs.
2. After shampooing, gently towel-blot your hair, then wrap a towel around your neck. Leaning over a sink or basin, apply the rinse with a spout bottle. For extra potency, pour over a basin so the rinse won’t drain away, then pour the collected liquid through the hair to use every drop. Do not rinse out. Blot hair dry with a towel.

Even Easier Big Body Formula
INGREDIENTS
30 drops nettle tincture
1 cup water
This formula does not require boiling or fussing. Simply mix the ingredients and apply to hair as above.

Drinkable Nettle Infusion
Place a generous handful of dried nettles in a clean quart jar and fill jar with boiling water. Allow to steep for at least 4 hours (8 is better). Strain, sweeten with honey if desired, and drink this strong infusion throughout the day.

Labels: DIY, hair, natural products, nettles