Herbs for Headaches

Headaches, regardless of their severity, often result in unwanted discomfort and distress. The pain may be felt in only one, isolated spot, or may be spread out over various areas of your head. Sometimes, they can also be incredibly severe and debilitating, such as in the case of migraine headaches.

It is thought that headaches generally result from irritation of the nerves connected to the muscles of the shoulders, head, and, neck. This could be caused by any number of things including stress, anxiety, hypertension, hypoglycemia, temperature variance, eye strain, sinus problems, and injuries to the head, among others.

Many people simply resort to taking an over-the-counter pain medication for fast and convenient relief, but these medications also could have potential negative effects on your body, in the long run. Natural treatments can often be better, and safer, for treating headaches.

Try one or more of the following herbal remedies for headaches:

• For mild headaches, you can try spreading a paste composed of sandalwood and rose water across your forehead. This can have a pleasant cooling sensation which may relieve some headaches.
• Add a teaspoon of lavender leaves to one cup of hot water, let it cool, and drink the mixture two to three times a day.
• If your headache pain is more severe, try mixing lemon juice with tea to relive the pain.
• Create a mix of henna flowers with vinegar and apply it the forehead.
• Mix rosemary with boiling water, cover your head with a towel, and inhale the vapors. This can sometimes be effective at reducing the severity of a headache.
• Try drinking aloe vera water or taking an aloe vera supplement a couple of times per day to relive headaches due to hyper-acidity.
• Make a mixture of carrot juice and spinach juice and drink it every day.
• Inhaling peppermint steam can also help relieve headaches. As it acts as a mild decongestant, it can relieve headaches caused by sinus problems.
• Create a paste made from dry ginger mixed with water or milk and spread it over the forehead. Ginger can aid in relaxing blood vessels and relieving swelling in the head.

Red Clover May Relieve Depression in Post-Menopausal Women

Post-menopausal women who take red clover extract could suffer from less depression and anxiety, according to a randomized, controlled study from Austria.

Symptoms associated with depression and anxiety were lowered by approximately 80% after three months of taking a supplement which contained 80 milligrams of red clover isoflavones.

However, the researchers have iterated that additional clinical and experimental research is needed before any conclusive results are reached.

If additional research and studies do show a reduction in depression, then this could be a great alternative treatment for many women. Twenty-one percent of women will suffer from depression at some point in their life.

The researchers recruited 109 post-menopausal participants who were older than 40 and randomly put them into two groups. One group received a red clover supplement for ninety days. The other group received a placebo for the same period of time.

Measurements of depression and anxiety symptoms, were obtained by using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Zung's Self Rating Depression Scale (SDS). The HADS measurments found that anxiety was lowered by 76%, and depression was reduced by 78%. The SDS measurements showed depression symptoms to be reduced by 80%.

Participants who were in the placebo group experienced lowered anxiety and depression of approximately 21% according to both the HADS and SDS.

In 2009, data was transmitted to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) which was looking into isoflavones. Twenty researchers studying isoflavones met in Italy to analyze the results of studies conducted over the last twenty years. This group came to the conclusion that emerging studies conducted with isoflavones have demonstrated a “modest but valuable benefit for menopause relief”.

There have also been found to be a number of herbs that are useful for treating menopause symptoms, such as hot flashes and night sweats.

Source: NutraIngredients.com

Research Shows Willow Bark Effective for Treating Lower Back Pain

Despite the fact that Willow Bark has long been used as a traditional remedy, there hasn't been much research done on willow bark as a pain reliever, and suggested doses by various sources often vary by a substantial margin. To investigate effective dosages, a group of German researchers have performed a 4 week clinical trial, which was designed to compare how safe and effective different dosage amounts of willow bark extract were for treating lower back pain.

The results of the study concluded that both high and low dosages of willow bark provided substantially more relief from pain than the placebo, but the higher dosage (240 mg/day) was markedly more effective than both low dosage and the placebo.

The study, which was placebo-controlled, was composed of 210 participants who suffered from chronic lower back pain who were, at the time, having exacerbations of their back pain (a rating of 5 or more out of 10 on a visual pain-approximation scale). The patients were randomly grouped to receive a low dosage of willow bark (120 mg/day), a high dosage (240 mg/day), or a simple placebo. Participants were allowed to take an additional pain reliever (a maximum of 400 mg a day of tramadol) if needed.

91 percent of the participants finished the trial. The primary outcome measured was pain relief, which was defined as the ratio of participants who reported an absence of pain for at least five days during the final week of the study, without using tramadol. Secondary outcomes measured were the ratio of participants who had to use tramadol during the course of the study and the improvement of the participants' symptoms from their baseline.

The study found that almost 40 percent of the patients in the high dosage willow bark group were free from pain during the last week of the study, as compared to about 20 percent of the lower dosage group and only about 6 percent of the group who received a placebo. For participants who received a higher dosage, pain relief became evident after about one week, and a substantially larger number of participants in the placebo group needed to take tramadol at some point during every week of the study.

The rate of mild adverse reactions was low for all three of the groups, some of which could be attributed to patients taking tramadol. One participant in the lower dosage willow bark group had an allergic reaction (swollen eyes and itching) that the researchers think was related to the treatment.

Source: To Your Health.

Are Chia Seeds Effective for Weight Loss?

Chia Pets have made the chia plant famous (or infamous) - the terra-cotta figurines which grow a fuzz of green hair. However, recently chia has obtained a new reputation as an effective weight loss supplement.

Books on dieting and fitness personalities have been promoting chia seeds as a powerful appetite suppressant, and health food suppliers have been selling them by the pound. Chia seeds, which come from the chia plant native to Central America, are definitely full of nutrition: an individual serving, which is approximately an an ounce, contains four grams of protein and eleven grams of fiber, which is widely claimed as the key to weight-loss.

However, there isn't much evidence that chia seeds live up to the claims. In a study conducted in 2009, a team of scientists separated 76 overweight and obese people into 2 groups. The first group ate 25 grams of chia seeds two times a day, while the second group ate a placebo. At the end of twelve weeks, the researchers didn't find a significant difference between the two groups in either their appetite or how much weight they lost.

Another group of researchers which reviewed the evidence regarding chia reached a similar conclusion: There wasn't any indication of an impact on weight loss. The scientists didn't find much evidence which supported any other health claims associated with chia seeds either, such as cardiovascular benefits. They concluded that while chia seeds are generally safe to eat and can be a healthy supplement to most diets, “further rigorous examination” of its effects would be needed.

The conclusion is that little evidence exists that chia seeds substantially contribute to weight loss or appetite control.

Taking Kudzu Might Not Curb Alcohol Use

The findings of a research study have indicated that taking kudzu may not cut alcohol intake. The study was published in the journal Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research. Kudzu is an herbal remedy that has been used for a long time to treat alcoholism, and, in tests, it has been discovered to lower alcohol dependence in animals.

In the study, 12 participants took either kudzu or a placebo for a period of 9 days. While kudzu did result in higher blood alcohol levels in the study participants, it had minimal or no effect on their cognitive, behavioral, and/or physical performance.

Kudzu contains an estrogen type substance known as isoflavones Isoflavones are also located in soy. Previous studies have reported that kudzu could help to bolster cognitive function and reduce vaginal dryness in women who are postmenopausal. It may also be able to be used to treat cluster headaches and guard against metabolic syndrome.

Five Herbs to Aid Digestion

Chronic problems with digestion can be very disruptive and uncomfortable, and they can turn eating into a very unpleasant event. Problems such as heartburn, upset stomach, gas, and diarrhea are experienced by millions each day. Generally, most doctors instantly and readily prescribe a chemical or drug to lower the amount of stomach acid. However, oftentimes these chemicals can actually make your digestive problems worse, rather than relieve them. Physicians tend to agree that most stomach problems are usually caused by a group of associated problems, rather than a single issue.

In years past, roots and other herbs were grown as spices for food because of their helpful digestive properties. Modern digestion problems are so prevalent because of our propensity to eat mostly processed foods - foods which lack necessary nutrients. The wonderful thing is that supplementing your diet with natural herbs has been shown to be effective at relieving most of the digestion problems which affect most people. Following are five of the best natural herbs to aid digestion, and which problems each is most helpful for.

Ginger

Ginger is a powerful healing herb that has been recorded as an effective treatment in some very early medical writings. Among other things, ginger has excellent digestion properties, and has long been used to prevent and treat digestive problems. These days, ginger is mostly used to treat problems like irritable bowel syndrome - this can including helping to alleviate symptoms such as gas, constipation, nausea, vomiting, bloating, and diarrhea..

Fennel

Fennel is another natural spice that has long been utilized for its ability to help ease and prevent upset stomach. Fennel is often used to relieve symptoms such as heartburn, cramping, bloating, and general digestive issues. Many women use this herb in a tea for alleviating morning sickness, and others have used it to help calm the stomach following treatments like chemo and radiation.

Aloe

Aloe is an all-around healing herb that should be on everyone's herbal supplement list. Particularly, if you suffer from digestive problems, you should make aloe one of your required herbs. Aloe contains essential amino acids, enzymes, as well as vitamin C. It has a good ability to naturally soothe the stomach.

Gentian

Gentian is not as well known as the other herbs, but that doesn't mean it's any less effective. Gentian root has been used for many years to bolster digestive function. It works well because of its extreme bitterness - it is one of the bitterest herbs known. This bitterness helps to stimulate digestive fluids and, thereby, bolster the function of the digestive system, helping to prevent upset stomach and other digestive problems.

Peppermint

Peppermint is a wonderful herb that is used for a variety of health benefits, of which digestion is one of the main ones. The easy thing about peppermint is that there are a variety of ways to take the recommended daily dosage. Regarding digestion, peppermint has been linked to relieving symptoms common to irritable bowl syndrome including gas, bloating, nausea, diarrhea, cramping, and constipation.

The herbs on this list have a variety of potential health benefits other than just aiding digest, so taking one of them to treat digestive problems can also help improve your overall health. Taking prescription medications isn't necessarily the best solution to all medical conditions.

For more information on herbs that can aid in digestion, see 30 Digestive Herbs (Mother Earth Living).

Treating Menopause with Herbs

There are a number of natural herbal supplements that can aid women in dealing with the problematic and uncomfortable symptoms associated with menopause. Depression, anxiety, and hot flashes are some of the more common symptoms of menopause, and many women are looking for alternative treatments and therapies to treat these symptoms, including herbal remedies, along with approaches such as using magnetic therapy for treating menopause related symptoms.

A few of the most popular natural herbal supplements used for menopause are:

Black Cohosh

Black cohosh is found in Eastern North America. It has phytochemicals that are believed to help relieve the symptoms associated with menopause. It is thought to contain phytoestrogens, particularly isoflavones, which bind with the estrogen receptors of the body.

The plant estrogens function similarly to natural estrogen, increasing lubrication in the vagina, helping to regulate body temperature, and supporting the strength of bones. Black cohosh may effect the hypothalamus, which helps to regulates temperature and the production of hormones.

In one study, eighty percent of participants who took a black cohosh supplement reported an improvement in their hot flashes, heart palpitations, and night sweats.

Dong Quai

Dong quai, also known as Chinese Angelica, is native to China and is commonly utilized in Eastern medicine and cooking. Also nicknamed the female ginseng, dong quai is regarded as one of the primary herbs for the treatment of menopause symptoms. Dong quai has phytoestrogens which bind with estrogen receptors in the body, causing an increase in estrogen levels. This increase in estrogen then causes a reduction in various menopause symptoms.

Dong quai causes the dilation of blood vessels, thereby increasing blood flow. This can reduce both hot flashes as well as vaginal dryness. Also, it can help regulate estrogen levels, which helps relieve menopause symptoms. It also functions as a mild sedative that can help regulate mood swings and reduce stress related to menopause.

In studies, participants who took dong quai had a twenty-five percent decrease in the severity of menopause symptoms. Dong quai is also believed to guard against a variety of illnesses often connected with menopause, including heart disease.

Maca Root

The Maca root has long been used througout South America, by both indigenous peoples and the Spanish. Usually mixed with food, the maca root was believed to be a powerful aphrodisiac and many still eat it for its sex-promoting properties. The maca root looks very similar to a radish. It is very good at relieving menopausal symptoms.

It doesn't have any plant estrogens but, instead, it acts as an adaptogen, helping the body to balance its present hormone status and promoting the production of hormones.

It is very beneficial to women beginning menopause, as it promotes an increase, followed by a balance of estrogen and progesterone. The increase in the amount of estrogen especially aids in the reduction of hot flashes and vaginal dryness. It also can aid in stimulating the libido, restoring any lost sex drive due to menopause.

Red Clover

Red clover is found throughout Europe and Asia and has also been introduced to North America for grazing. Also known as cow clover, purple clover, and bee-bread, it is curently known as a treatment for menopause symptoms.

Red clover is an excellent source of phytoestrogens, plant estrogens which function similarly to female sex hormones. Phytoestrogens can stimulate and increase in estrogen levels, thereby helping to relieve symptoms caused by menopause.

Studies regarding red clover have suggested that it appears to lessen the menopausal symptoms of hot flashes and mood swings. One study done in the Netherlands found that women who took a red clover supplement had a forty-four percent decrease in hot flashes over an eight week period. Red clover is also believed to guard against osteoporosis, since it has high levels of calcium.

Always keep in mind that herbal supplements can be very potent, so always consult a physician before taking any supplements.

Supplements and Herbs for Depression

In recent years, a number of clinical studies and research have been performed regarding the use of herbal supplements for treating mental health conditions such as anxiety, panic attacks, depression, and other psychological and emotional disorders. Following is a brief summary of some of the most widely studied and utilized supplements which have been used for depression.

St. Johns Wort (Hyperforin and Hypericin)

St. Johns Wort is the most popular natural herbal supplement on the market which is used for mood enhancement. The active phytochemicals in St. John's Wort, called hyperforin and hypericin, are thought to be integral to its anti-depressive effects. An analysis of the numerous clinical studies involving hundreds of participants indicates that St. Johns Wort may be effective in aiding to alleviate depressed mood and smooth out mood fluctuations by helping to maintain the balance of key neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine and GABA.

Valerian Root

Valerian root is well-known for its sedative and calming effects on the central nervous system and is widely utilized as a calming agent to help relieve headaches, feelings of anxiety and difficulty falling asleep.

According to a number of clinical studies, the results from using Valerian for one day to one month are mild sedation and lessened feelings of anxiety and nervousness, as well as better overall sleep quality. The calming effect on the central nervous system is primarily ascribed to the valepotriate and sesquiterpene components of the root.

5-HTP

An early large-scale clinical study regarding the use of 5-HTP for depression was done in 1972. Participants who suffered from both unipolar and bipolar depression took oral dosages of 5HTP from 50 mg to 300 mg each day. Substantial improvement of symptoms was seen in nearly 70% of participants and no substantial side effects were observed. The response rate of most of the participants who took 5-HTP was very fast and improvements were seen in under two weeks.

This study has been backed by additional clinical studies since then that have shown 5-HTP to be an effective alternate treatment for depression.

Rhodiola Rosea (Arctic Root)

Rhodiola rosea is noted for its adaptogenic properties in Russia, Europe, and Scandinavia. Recent research has shown that rhodiola raises the body's resistance level to emotional and physical stress. In a number of pre-clinical studies, Rhodiola was discovered to bolster the healthy function of the neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine and GABA, a function which may be responsible for aiding in the reduction of anxiety, mental fatigue and depression in people who take the herb on a regular basis.

SAM-e

Research indicates that SAM-e crosses the blood-brain barrier and may inhibit the reuptake of serotonin, thereby increasing how much is available to central nervous system. Researchers think that this could be the primary mechanism of action SAM-e utilizes for stabilizing mood. Clinical research has suggested that SAM-e could start working in as little as one week and a review of over twenty clinical trials discovered that SAM-e's effects on mood are statistically significant compared to a placebo.

Bacopa

Bacopa is widely known to have a calming effect and may relieve feelings of nervousness, stress and anxiety. Clinical trials have also suggested that Bacopa may significantly help insomnia, headaches, and mental fatigue.

Bacopa may aid in bolstering retaining new information, logical memory, and other types of cognitive function.

Ginseng

Research has investigated the potential benefits of ginseng. While further research data is still required, a 2002 study monitored participants who ingested daily doses of ginseng over eight weeks. After four weeks of taking ginseng, the study discovered that participant scores improved regarding both social functioning and mental health.

Ginseng may aid in improving cognitive function related to arithmetic, memory, cognitive speed, and accuracy. In a research study regarding children, ginseng used in a combinedtherapy resulted in lowered hyperactive-impulsivity scores in children diagnosed with ADHD.

Kava Kava

Kava Root's calming effects have been compared to standard sedatives because of its unique action on the central nervous system. Kava Kava is absorbed very rapidly by the body, which results in a fast-acting natural sedation, making Kava one of the most widely used herbal supplements.

An analysis of reserach discovered that Kava Kava is more effective than a placebo for reducing symptoms of anxiety and also suggested that Kava Kava was as effective in reducing generalized anxiety as the widely-used prescription medication Buspirone.

For more information, see Herbs and Supplements for Depression (HealthLine).

Herbal Supplements for Losing Weight

More and more people are turning to natural herbal supplements and herbs in order to try to help with losing weight. There are various processes and mechanisms by which these various supplements and herbs are thought to aid weight loss. These include adding increased bulk to your diet, raising metabolic activity and increasing fat burning, eating nutritionally rich foods, and mood enhancement.

For many, stress, overwork, tiredness and a sedentary lifestyle result in gaining weight. In 2002, over 60% of adult Americans were overweight and 25% of this group were obese. Overeating, eating the wrong kinds of foods, and eating out exacerbate the problem, and obesity has quickly become one of the most pressing health problems we now face as a society.

If you want to help your weight loss using herbs and herbal supplements, consider using a balanced preparation that also includes a quality B complex supplement to increae your energy levels.

Natural Herbs Used for Weight Loss

Bitter Orange (Citrus aurantium) - This herb works in a similar manner to ephedra. Both herbs contain beta blockers which have been shown to cause body fat loss, as well as increase metabolic levels in those who combine exercise and caloric restriction to lose weight. Bitter orange should be taken with caution if you suffer from heart disease or have high blood pressure.

Cayenne (Capsicum minimum, Capsicum annuum, C. frutescens) - Thought to help weight loss based on the concept of the heat of the plant matter.

Hoodia gordonii (Hoodia gordonii) - The San Bushmen have traditionally used this herb, which they have named Xhoba, to suppress the appetite when on a long trip. Hoodia has recently become the most popular herb for appetite suppression in the US. The active compound in Hoodia is called P57. There are multiple varieties of Hoodia, but only Hoodia gordonii contains P57. The exact mechanism that P57 uses is still being investigated, however, what is known about it is that it affects the brain to suppress appetite. It also aids weight loss by reducing blood glucose, which reduces the amount of insulin circulating in the blood, which, in turn reduces the amount of fat stored.

Ephedra (Ma huang) (Ephedra sinica) - Numerous clinical studies have reported its weight loss benefits, but there are safety concerns with using this herb.

Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) - Green Tea has caffeine and has been reported to aid weight loss amongs other health benefit claims. Additionally, it is a very rich source of antioxidants.

Guarana ( Paullinia cupana)- This herb has gained a reputation for helping to lose weight via increased metabolism. It is thought to function in a similar manner to caffeine.

Guggul (Commiphora mukul) - Guggul is believed to alter the metabolism, possibly lower cholesterol, and therefore could help weight loss.

Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis) - This herb is from Paraguay, South America and is thought to increase the metabolism.

Spirulina (Blue-Green Algae) - This natural herb is believed to be helpful in a weight-loss diet because its high nutritional density helps to satisfy hunger.

St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) - This herb is known to be a natural mood lifter, and therefore may indirectly aid with losing weight.

Benefits and Properties of Fenugreek

Fenugreek is a an herb which which has been used throughout history in order to help promote good health and wellness. Recent research has found that the active compound 4-hydroxyisoleucine can aid in maintaining healthy glucose levels and in correcting metabolism of sugars. The body’s ability at managing and balancing correct blood sugar levels could be the single most critical variable affecting your overall health and longevity, and the one which is most impacted directly by diet and lifestyle.

However, today’s high-glycemic carbohydrates and sugar-heavy food (combined with low levels of activity) have created a serious obstacle to people being able to maintain their body’s intricate glucose/insulin balance. The resulting stress and deterioration of cells has dire consequences for both the body and mind. As a supplement to your diet, Fenugreek is an excellent tool to help improve blood sugar levels, and therefore, your quality of life.

Fenugreek has an extended history of folk use across Asia and the Middle east as an anti-diabetic, to treat stomach ulcers, to promote lactation, and as an herb to treat a variety of skin conditions. Much of the research on fenugreek has had a focus on its cholesterol-lowering, blood lipid-lowering and anti-diabetic properties. These properties seem to be directly linked to the presence of soluble fibers, primarily galactomannans. Galactomannans have also been shown to have fat-sequestering properties, which causes them to bind to dietary fat and reduce its absorption by the body. Additionally, the anti-diabetic properties of fenugreek have been linked to the presence of a novel, free amino acid, 4 hydroxyisoleucine.

4-hydroxyisoleucine is an amino acid derivative that aids insulin production in the pancreas. Research has shown that supplementing your diet with fenugreek lowers fasting blood sugars and improves after-meal glucose tolerance substantially. 4-hydroxyisoleucine operates by two different mechanisms: It stimulates insulin production for people who want to raise their glucose metabolism and aid in the reduction of glucose resistance and the uptake of glucose, which reduces overall blood glucose levels.

A number of research studies have shown 4-hydroxyisoleucine plays an important role in promoting insulin and in regulating glucose. 4-hydroxyisoleucine promotes the secretion of insulin, thereby reducing the amount which blood glucose is elevated. Elevated blood glucose levels after eating can lead to an increase in the production of body fat.

What are the Benefits of Green Tea Extract?

The benefits of green tea extract have been studied and documented extensively because of their possible role in strengthening the body's immune system, and combating both heart disease and cancer.

Green tea extract is made from the leaves of the tea plant, Cammelia Sinsenis. It is composed of chemicals known as catechins, of which ECGC is the most plentiful. ECGC is thought to have the most therapeutic value.

Reducing LDL Cholesterol

Research has shown that green tea extract reduces the levels of low density lipoproteins (LDLs) in the blood. LDLs are responsible for the accumulation of plaque in arteries that may lead to heart disease.

Promoting Weight Loss 

Studies have shown that green tea increases thermogenesis, the production of body heat, which helps to burn more calories and fat.

Defending Against Cancer

Research suggests green tea's role of neutralizing free radicals, the chemicals that damage cells in the body. Green tea may also limit cell replication, which is a primary attribute of cancer cells.

Promoting Overall Good Health

Green tea contains strong antioxidants which can strengthen the body's immune system and help guard against illness and disease.

In order to ensure that you are receiving the maximum benefits of green tea extract, you should make sure you get a supplement which contains standardized herbal extract of pure green tea. Numerous green tea extract products sold do not use a standardized extract, because it is more expensive to produce. But be aware that these products may not contain sufficient quantities of active ingredient to offer the benefits of green tea.

Some Benefits of Grape Seed Extract

Grape seed extract is one of the most powerful antioxidant supplements you can buy. Antioxidants are chemicals which act to reduce oxidation which occurs within the body. The natural extracts from the plant contains procyanidolic oligomers, also known as PCOs. Researchers have found that PCOs strengthen blood vessels and also help to stimulate and improve blood circulation.

 This antioxidant has been found to be about 20x stronger than Vitamin C and almost 50x stronger than Vitamin E, and is even stronger than Beta Carotene. Grape seed extract functions as an extended antioxidant that can remain in your bloodstream for up to three days.

In the late 90's it was first found that grape seed extract acts as a preventative against skin cancer. It was also found that grape seed extract may help to protect against prostate cancer. It is also widely believed that grape seed extract may serve to aid in slowing the aging process.

In other research studies, grape seed extract was found to possibly reduce the effect of cellulite. It has also been reported that it may help lower cholesterol, which in turn may lower blood pressure levels.

Grape seed extract is usually taken in capsules or tablets. Take it with a full glass of water and, if you have a sensitive stomach, you may take it with or without food.