Many people have started searching for herbal and alternative medicine as a natural option for treating various conditions. This is due largely to the prohibitive cost of many prescription drugs, and the potential for dangerous side effects that are often associated with these medications.

A lot of people also grew up using home remedies. Their Grandmother or Mother would tell them to do seemingly obscure things (like putting tea on a sunburn), to take care of any number of health related problems.

Herbal remedies have been used for centuries. There is evidence of people using herbal remedies and medicines, dating back as far as 25,000 B.C., and most of the synthetic or prescription drugs on the market today are based on some form of natural plant substance.

Modern day science doesn't recognize the validity of most herbal remedies, though, because very few specific studies have been conducted. Because the large pharmaceutical companies make their money on the patented drugs they create, and natural substances cannot be patented, they are unable to corner the market on specific natural medicines, which makes them far less profitable.

vitamins & herbal supplements

Alternative health practices take a completely different approach than modern medical science usually does. Most prescription medications available today are designed to treat specific symptoms of a disease or condition. They don't want to cure the problem, because they wouldn't be able to continue selling drugs to people if they get better.

The alternative approach is to look at the underlying or root causes of a condition and treat the source with herbal, nutritional and/or other natural therapies.

Popularity: 26% [?]

Several herbs are rich in minerals, vitamins and essential nutrients that can be taken as daily nutritional supplements. It is important to note, however, that when you buy them, make sure that you are buying the real herb, and not a hard tablet containing very little of the herb.

The best herbal nutritional supplements contain the shredded or ground herb, and are found in gel capsules. You can actually open the capsule and make ointments or salves using the ground herb inside.

Kelp is one herb that makes an excellent daily supplement, and is particularly effective for females to use during their menstrual periods. Kelp is rich in potassium, iodine, and iron, which are important during menstruation. It also contains several other essential minerals and vitamins, including magnesium, calcium, and B-complex vitamins.

Because it is a natural source of iodine, Kelp can help to regulate the thyroid gland, resulting in an improved metabolism and increased energy. It is also fairly high in salt, however, so you may want to adjust your dosage, depending on your body's sensitivity to salt.

Chlorophyll, which is considered the "life blood" of plants, contains a vast array of essential nutrients that are quickly and easily assimilated by the body. It can help to regulate the blood sugar levels in your body, and it also regulates the calcium in your blood. Chlorophyll accelerates cell and tissue regrowth and inhibits the growth of bacteria, allowing your body to heal faster.

Chlorophyll eliminates the mucus in your bowel and helps to restore damaged bowel tissue. It also purifies the liver and helps to stimulate bile movement. On top of all of this, Chlorophyll reduces bad breath and body odor as well.

You can purchase Chlorophyll in pill form, or as a tea or liquid extract. Parsley and Alfalfa are two herbs that are high in Chlorophyll.

Popularity: 6% [?]

Natural and herbal remedies can be used to promote healing and provide effective relief from allergies. It is important to note, however, that there are very few standards regarding the proper dosages of herbal remedies, so one should proceed with caution when using them. I highly recommend consulting your doctor and a professional herbalist before starting a herbal supplement program.

Bromelain is an enzyme that is present in pineapple (mainly the stem). It reduces inflammation and improves circulation by blocking pro-inflammatory compounds.

Butterbur (Petasites hybridus), is a member of the daisy family, and was used by the native Americans as an inflammation and headache remedy.

Ginko biloba is used to improve blood flow, and is well known for it's memory enhancing abilities. It also helps to protect the body against damage by free radicals.

Green Tea Extract (Theasinensis) is considered anti-inflammatory, and is high in antioxidants and polyphenols.

Echinacea helps to lessen the allergic response of the body.

Euphrasia (Eyebright) is commonly used for treating nasal discharge, and helps to relieve inflammation from sinus infections, sore throats and colds.

Extract from licorice root is a common ingredient in many modern cough syrups. It is a highly effective expectorant, and has anti-allergic properties.

Selenium helps to stimulate the immune system and protect the body from cellular damage. It is also reported to improve the function of vitamin C.

St. John's Wort is used to provide relief from sinus headaches.

Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioca) reduces inflammation and is said to be as effective as many anti-histamine drugs.

A benzoin tincture, also referred to as balsam, can be inhaled to provide relief from sinus problems, or used as a topical application for the sinus passages.

Vitamins and minerals also play an important role in providing natural allergy relief. Calcium and vitamin C inhibit the production of histamine. Magnesium reduces the severity of allergic reactions, and is also considered a detoxification agent.
In addition, B-complex vitamins help to increase energy.

Popularity: 9% [?]

Many people have turned to natural prostate supplements because they aren't getting all of the vitamins and nutrients needed to help maintain a healthy prostate from their diets. Also, natural prostate supplements, in liquid or capsule form, are easily absorbed and processed by our bodies.

Supplements that are considered beneficial, specifically for prostate health, include kelp, nettles, zinc, green tea, saw palmetto, pygeum, and avena sativa.

Kelp is a type of seaweed that is high in iodine and minerals that help to treat and prevent prostate cancer.

Nettles can be taken in a variety of forms, and contain vitamin C, iron, and several other nutrients that can help to strengthen your prostate.

Zinc helps to strengthen your immune system, is important for reproduction and strong bones, and helps to regulate blood cholesterol and sugar levels.

Although there is no scientific evidence, anecdotal evidence suggests that the catechins found in green tea are beneficial for prostate health.

Saw palmetto has been reported to lower PSA and shrink enlarged prostates.

Pygeum is an herbal remedy has been used for many years in Europe to treat urinary tract and prostate diseases. In several studies, pygeum has been found to be effective for shrinking enlarged prostates.

Avena sativa is high in silicic acid and calcium mucin, and it helps to tone the nervous system.

Dietary recommendations for prostate health include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes (beans, peas and lentils), and fresh fish.

Fish is rich in the essential fatty acids used by your body to produce prostaglandins, which help to maintain a healthy immune system.

Whole grains (rather than refined) eaten in moderation are beneficial for your overall health as well as your prostate.

Try to avoid (or at least reduce) fatty meats, dairy products, salt, refined sugar, hydrogenated oils, and processed foods, and choose organic foods whenever possible.

Prostacet Natural Prostate Supplement

Popularity: 18% [?]

As mentioned in the previous article about herbal weight loss, dieters can face many obstacles when attempting to lose weight, and this article is about using herbal remedies to overcome those obstacles.

Licorice Root is an herbal remedy that helps to regulate and stimulate the adrenal glands, which produce adrenalin in your body. This, in turn, will help to improve your energy levels. It also helps to improve the function of your intestinal tract, a part of your body that is important for helping you to lose weight.

Safflowers or Saffron, are herbs that help to improve digestion, and proper food digestion and elimination can greatly enhance your weight loss efforts. Safflowers help to heal the intestinal walls, soothe your digestional tract, relieve gas, and also function as a mild herbal laxative and diuretic.

Black Walnut is often used to kill and expel parasites in the body. It is also an effective herbal remedy for balancing blood sugar levels, which is known to be beneficial for weight loss efforts. Black Walnut can also provide your muscles and nerves essential nutrients, and is rich in iodine, potassium, and manganese. While you are dieting, these minerals and nutrients will help provide your body with the additional energy it needs.

Gota Kola stimulates blood flow to the brain, which helps to improve memory over time. This stimulation also makes Gota Kola an effective remedy for treating depression, and the negative mental attitude that often results from dieting. It also helps to balance hormones and the nervous system, and to strengthen the heart. This can help to significantly improve your mood, and a positive outlook is an important of any weight loss plan.

When used in combination with Ginseng and Cayenne, Gota Kola is considered an excellent "pick me up" for both energy and mood.

Hawthorn is a natural adrenaline source, which makes it an effective energy boosting remedy as well. Hawthorne also helps to reduce blood pressure, and strengthen and regulate the heart. It's also considered to be an excellent stress reliever.

Finally, because it helps to regulate the thyroid, Kelp is an herbal remedy that can also enhance your weight loss efforts. Problems with losing weight can often be traced back to an improperly functioning thyroid gland, so taking Kelp to help regulate your thyroid can help. Kelp is also high in a variety of minerals and vitamins, which can contribute to increased energy levels and an improvement to overall health and wellness.

Herbal Weight Loss: Part 1

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There are a variety of problems many people experience when attempting to lose weight, and the herbal approach to weight loss is to help control and manage these problems.

A lot of people experience a lack of energy when trying to lose weight, because they choose the wrong diet or they are trying to starve themselves to reach their weight loss goals. This usually results in a depletion of the energy your body needs to function at peak capacity.

When going on the wrong diet, people will often feel hungry all of the time, which is the main reason they fail to reach their weight loss goals. Constant hunger can cause frustration and depression, which leads to becoming irritable, and ultimately giving up your diet plan.

When it seems like they are losing weight too slowly, many people suffer from a weakened or worn down mental attitude. Depriving oneself of some of the basic pleasures in life, like regular meals, often leads to becoming despondent and failure to achieve your weight loss goals.

There are many other negative side effects that can occur when going on a diet. For example, some people find that they retain water, or become constipated when dieting.

Below is a list of some of the herbal remedies that can help you to manage these side effects and help you to achieve the goals you have set.

Hoodia Gordonii has received a great deal of attention recently, because of it's natural ability to help suppress appetite.
Some studies have shown a drastic reduction in caloric intake (as much as 2000 calories per day) by people who used Hoodia, with no negative side effects. There is very little information, however, about other medicinal and health properties Hoodia may have.

Chickweed is another herbal remedy that can drastically reduce your appetite. It is also rich in calcium, potassium, magnesium, and vitamin C, and it can help to remove toxins from your blood. Chickweed is also used to treat a variety of skin problems, like boils, acne, and burns, to name a few.

Dandelion, which is best known for it's liver cleansing properties, is another excellent herbal remedy you can add to your weight loss program. Dandelion is high in a variety of minerals and vitamins, and it can help to increase energy, and help with low blood pressure.

Herbal Weight Loss: Part 2 

Popularity: 24% [?]

There are several herbs that can provide natural herbal energy, while also helping to keep you healthy and fit.

A word of caution, however, before taking these popular, herbal stimulants: it is not advisable to take them if you are also using other stimulants or prescription drugs.

You should also educate yourself about the different herbal stimulants available, and choose the ones that best fit your particular needs.

Siberian Ginseng is an excellent natural source of energy, and has been used for centuries in China for both female and male hormone problems.

Ginseng can help to relieve stress, while also helping to normalize both blood sugar and blood pressure levels. When taken in conjunction with Gota Kola and Cayenne, Ginseng is considered to be an excellent quick source of energy.

Licorice Root is an all purpose herb that that helps to stimulate and regulate the production of adrenalin in the body.

Peppermint is a herbal stimulant which is often used as a caffeine replacement. Peppermint also helps to strengthen the heart muscles and nerves, and it tones and cleanses your entire body.

Cayenne is a natural stimulant that is often taken in conjunction with natural antibiotics and other energy herbs. It is an excellent herb to take for improving circulation, and it helps the veins and arteries to regain elasticity.

Gota Kola is an excellent herbal for improving memory, and when taken in combination with Cayenne, it can help stimulate the circulation of blood to the brain. Gota Kola is reported to improve learning ability when used regularly.

Black Walnut is a herb that is a natural source of potassium, manganese and iodine. It builds and strengthens muscles, nerves and tooth enamel.

Fennel can help to regulate your appetite which is useful for weight loss efforts.

HGH Energizer

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Herbal salves and ointments are often referred to as poultices, the main difference being that poultices are used mainly for treating more severe injuries or problems.

An effective multi-purpose herbal poultice or salve to use for treating scrapes, abrasions, cuts, wounds, swelling, and to provide pain relief for infected sores, broken bones and sprains, is a mixture of comfrey, goldenseal, slippery elm and aloe vera.

Another herbal salve that helps to heal broken bones faster, and can also be used to treat ligament, joint, or gout problems: white oak bark, comfrey, black walnut, mullein, queen of the meadow, marshmallow, lobelia, wormwood, scullcap. Mix these herbs with petroleum jelly, mineral water or aloe vera gel, before applying them.

A herbal salve or poultice will often be effective as long as you use at least one of the key ingredients. For example, goldenseal is used mainly to treat infections, comfrey works to relieve pain, repair cell and skin damage, and to reduce swelling, while aloe vera helps the herbs to penetrate the multiple skin layers. Aloe vera has healing and pain relieving capabilities as well.

Onion, on its own, can be used as an effective poultice for swelling, soreness and bruises.

Popularity: 29% [?]

When the majority of people consider taking herbal remedies, they think of the supplement form of these remedies. Although herbal supplements are the most popular type of remedy for a variety of problems, there is another use for herbs that is unfamiliar to many.

Topical salves, ointments and poultices can also be made using herbs, for external applications that can help to provide pain relief, speed up the healing process, and reduce swelling.

If you decide to make your own herbal salves, you should use only the the highest quality herbs available. The best type of herbs to use are ground flakes or powder inside gel caps.

Pull the capsules apart and shake the herb into a container, or on a plate for mixing. Just add some type of liquid substance to the the powdered herb, stir them together, and you have a herbal salve or ointment that is ready to use.

The liquid you use can vary, depending on what you have available. A good quality petroleum jelly will work fine, as long as it doesn't contain additives that you wouldn't want to be absorbed into your skin. Pure aloe vera gel, if you have it, should be the first choice. Vinegar or mineral oil can can also be used.

One of the most effective herbal salves you can use is a Golden Seal salve. Open up a capsule of Golden Seal root, shake it into a small dish, and mix it with a small amount of petroleum jelly to make a salve you can apply as needed to affected areas.

If you mix Golden Seal with Aloe Vera gel, it well help to stimulate healing even faster. Aloe Vera has the ability to penetrate all of the skins layers, which will carry the healing capability of the golden seal, as well as its own healing power under the skin, to begin healing faster.

You can use this salve as an extremely effective treatment for healing abrasions and cuts rapidly, and usually without leaving scars. It will make your skin turn a greenish yellow color, but it will wash off with soap and water.

Herbal Salves and Ointments: Part 2

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There are essential oils made from plants like bay, lavender, and soybean that are reported to be effective natural hair loss remedies. These concentrated oils are said to improve follicle stimulation and circulation when massaged into the scalp.

Regular exercise also increases blood circulation throughout the entire body, including the scalp. There is theory that increasing the blood flow to the cells in the hair follicles will stimulate hair growth and help to maintain their health.

Herbal cocktails (not to be taken orally) can be made using various herbs, including Nettle, Burdock, Rosemary and Sage. You can boil these herbs together, stain the leaves off, and wash your hair daily using this solution.

Jojoba oil has been used widely in Mexico for many years, and is claimed to be extremely effective for stimulating the growth of new hair, when massaged into the scalp.

Blocking the production of DHT, which is formed when an enzyme in the male body acts upon testosterone, has shown some promise as an effective hair loss treatment for men. DHT is known to be a contributing factor to male pattern baldness, because it believed to be responsible for shrinking the hair follicles.

The hair loss remedy, "Provillus", works by naturally blocking the production of DHT, and providing nutrients to the body that are essential for healthy hair.

Popularity: 42% [?]