ALOE VERA a herbal plant Properties and Health aspects

 Aloe’s fame as a treatment for burns and scalds goes backto Alexander the Great, who used an island off Somaliafor the sole purpose of obtaining the “amazing woundhealing” plant

PROPERTIES
Aloe vera has bitter, cooling, sweet qualities. It is astringent, and an excellent blood cleanser

Part of Plant Used The leaf, the gel, the juice.

Conditions Treated 

• Aloe vera relieves inflammation,
• Soothes muscle spasm,
• Purifies the blood, and cleanses the liver. 
• Fresh aloe gel scooped or expressed from the
• Spongy leaves of the plant can be spread on the skin toheal burns, scalds, scrapes, sunburn, and wounds.

Form Taken Drink aloe juice for internal conditions,
and apply the gel externally. To soothe wounds, clean the
wound with soap and water. Cut several inches off an older
leaf, slice it lengthwise, and apply the gel to the wound.

Used With Other Herbs? Barberry, cinnamon, cloves,
licorice, St. John’s wort
.
HOW TO USE
• Aloe vera is good for all doshas; it will bring balance equally to kapha, pitta, and vátha.

• Cover the leaves with vegetable oil. Any vegetable oil can be used as the base. Allow the mixture to soakfor 60 days, then strain. Keep the oil in a dark glass container. 

Read More

Kidney stones (calculi) symptoms and Home remedies

Kidney stones (calculi) symptoms and Home remedies

Kidney stones (calculi) may occur .anywhere in the kidneys or ureters and are the result of the crystallization of various substances in the urine, often when the body is dehydrated, causing the urine to be more concentrated. Dehydration alone, however, will not cause the formation
of stones, and there is usually some other factor involved, such as kidney disease, infection, a bodily disturbance, or certain drugs. Most stones are combinations of calcium,magnesium, phosphorus, and oxalate. Collections of small kidney stones are known as “gravel,” while much larger ones are called “staghorn” calculi. The most common types of stones contain various combinations of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, or oxalate. Up to 80 percent of stones are formed mainly of calcium. Kidney stones affect approximately 1 in 1,000 Americans—an estimated 10 percent of U.S. men and
3 percent of U.S. women. Most common in the south-eastern U.S., known as the “stone belt.”
Less common types are due to inherited disorders characterized by excretion of abnormal amounts of
cystine or xanthine. Recurrence of most stones can be prevented by therapy based on analysis of the stones, the urine, and the blood. Kidney stones range in size from less than 2/10in. (5mm.) to over 1in. (2.5cm.) in diameter. They tend to run in families, and four out of every five patients with kidney stones are male, usually between the ages of 20 and 30.Differences in dietary and fluid intake may put certain people at higher risk for kidney stones.

Symptoms
• if a stone is lodged in the ureter it may cause agonizing
pain—ureteric colic—through muscle contractions; the
pain may spread to the lower abdomen and the groin
often there is blood in the urine
• if stones cause blockage of the urinary tract, this can
cause serious damage to kidney function

T R E AT M E N T

Chinese Herbalism

Herbs which may help with correcting Kidney deficiency
include ginseng, water plantain, poria, cinnamon twigs,
and ephedra.
Traditional Home and Folk Remedies
Include 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in your diet
each day.

Fresh lemon juice, drunk in a little hot water every
morning, will help to flush the kidneys and break down
kidney stones.

Herbalism

Herbs that can be used to dissolve the stones include
celery seed, gravel root, parsley, and stone root. Sip a
decoction three times daily.
During an acute attack, try infusions of corn silk,
coughgrass, or yarrow.

Aromatherapy

Oils used to treat kidney stones include fennel, geranium,
juniper, and lemon. These can be added to a light carrier
oil and massaged into the bladder area, or used in the bath.

Homeopathy

Treatment would be constitutional, but the following
remedies may be useful for up to 10 doses:
• Tabacum, for pains shooting to the urethra, causing
nausea and cold sweat.
• Nux vomica, for right-sided pain, causing nausea
and vomiting, an urgent need to empty the bowels,
accompanied by weak urine flow and irritability.
• Berberis, for stitching pain in the lower ribs and hips
when urinating, which worsens if moving about.
• Lycopodium, for pain in the right side which stops at
the bladder, and which is worse between 4 and 8p.m.

Read More

Remedies for ovarian cysts
A cyst is an abnormal sac or cavity that contains liquid
or semi-solid material enclosed by a membrane. Ovarian
cysts most commonly occur in women between the ages
of 35 and 55. Usually they are benign, but they can
sometimes cause problems because of their size. Ovarian
cysts may be caused by slight ovulation disorders, or by

swelling of the lining of the ovary through fluid collection.
The most common ovarian cyst is a follicular cyst that
contains watery fluid. Pseudomucinous cysts contain a
thick mucous fluid and can lead to complications if they
rupture or become infected.

Symptoms

• pain, once the cyst has grown large enough to cause
problems
• abdominal discomfort
• possibly an increase in the size of the abdomen
• breathlessness
• may lead to varicose veins or piles
• repeated or multiple cysts may affect fertility

T R E AT M E N T

Chinese Herbalism
Dodder seeds can balance the reproductive system.
San qi, for general relief of pain.
Tree peony may be useful.

Herbalism

False unicorn root or blue cohosh can help to restore the
function of the reproductive system.
Kelp can be added to ensure normal thyroid function.
Take dandelion root to help the liver metabolize estrogen.
Agnus castus acts to restore estrogen levels.

Aromatherapy
Basil, marjoram, and lavender can be massaged into the
abdomen to ease pain and restore balance.
Clary sage will help to balance hormones.

Homeopathy

Treatment should be constitutional, but the following
remedies may be useful.
Colocynthis, is for small round cysts which cause
boring pain which is improved by pressure.
Apis, for stinging pains, particularly in the right ovary.
Lachesis, for local pain which is worse in the morning,
and occurs mainly in the left ovary.
Ledum, for driving pain through the ovary and womb

Read More

Home remedies for varicose veins

Varicose veins are swollen and twisted veins, most commonly found in the legs but also in the rectum (where they are known as hemorrhoids), the scrotum, and the esophagus. The swelling is caused by a weakness in the valves of the veins, which leads to increased pressure on the vein walls. This can be the result of deep vein thrombosis, obesity, pregnancy, prolonged sitting or standing, constipation, prolapse, or it may be hereditary.

Symptoms

• extremely sore, swollen, and tender veins
• swelling of the legs
• bruising and discoloration
• burning sensation
• aching calves
• irritated and flaky skin
• ulcers
• in severe cases, a vein may rupture and bleed

T R E AT M E N T

Chinese Herbalism
The source of the problem is bad circulation, stagnant
qi, and stagnant Blood, and the following herbs would
be used: angelica, cinnamon twigs, and astragalus; honey
might be used externally.
Traditional Home and Folk Remedies
Raw beetroot should be eaten daily, for its healing and
strengthening action.
A mustard poultice may help to encourage circulation
in the area.

Herbalism
Calendula oil, or marigold tea as a compress can be
applied.
Herbs to repair and tone the veins include hawthorn
berries, horse chestnut, prickly ash and yarrow—all of
which can be infused and drunk.

Aromatherapy
Rosemary oil, blended with a light carrier oil, can be
massaged into the legs.
Essential oils of juniper and lavender can be diluted
and massaged into the surrounding area, or used in the
bath.

Homeopathy
Hamamelis, for bruised, sore veins, and piles.
Carb. veg., for mottled and marbled skin.
Pulsatilla, especially during pregnancy, and if warmth
makes symptoms worse.
Ferr. phos., for pale legs that redden easily, but are
better on walking.

Vitamins and Minerals
Increase your intake of vitamins E and C, and bioflavonoids, which improve blood vessel health.
Increase your intake of dietary fiber, which will
prevent constipation.
Rutin helps to keep the vein walls in good shape.

Read More

Home remedies for dandruff

Dandruff occurs when the fine cells of the outer layer of skin on the scalp are shed at a faster rate than normal,causing the characteristic flakes of dead skin. This is caused by a disorder of the sebaceous glands. If too little sebum is secreted the hair is dry and dandruff appears as white flakes; if too much sebum is produced the hair is greasy, and the dandruff yellow. The flakes are usually most obvious after brushing or combing the hair, which loosens them. Certain types of seborrheic dermatitis are also responsible for dandruff, which will cause inflammation and itchiness in addition to flaking.

T R E AT M E N T

Herbalism
Improve circulation to the scalp. Rosemary is the herb of choice, taken internally as a tea and used as an application. For dry hair, rub rosemary-infused oil into the scalp
before washing.  For greasy hair, add rosemary vinegar or a few drops of rosemary essential oil to the rinsing water.
Take a combination of the herbs burdock, kelp, and heartsease internally to improve the general condition of the scalp.

Aromatherapy

Rosemary, cedarwood, tea tree, or patchouli can be
massaged into the scalp, added to unscented shampoos,
and used in the final rinse when washing your hair.
Dilute lavender oil in a little almond or coconut oil
and massage into the scalp to eliminate dandruff.

Vitamins and Minerals required

Increase your intake of selenium, vitamin E, vitamin C,
B-complex vitamins, and zinc

Read More

Home remedies for common cold

The common cold is an infection of the upper respiratory tract which may be caused by any one of up to 200 strains of virus. These are spread either by inhaling droplets coughed or sneezed by others, or, more probably, by direct handto-hand contact with sufferers. When infection occurs, the walls of the respiratory tract swell and produce excess mucus, giving rise to the typical cold symptoms of stuffy or runny nose, throat discomfort, malaise, and occasional coughing. Colds can produce fevers of up to 102°F (39°C) in infants and children, but such fevers in adults indicate that the infection is probably influenza. The incubation period is from 1–3 days, after which symptoms occur, and most colds run their course in 3–10 days. Infants and elderly people are susceptible to complications such as sinusitis, ear inflammations, and pneumonia.

In conventional medicine, colds are treated with rest and fluids, in addition to antihistamines, decongestants, and cough medicines, as needed. Aspirin is recommended.

Symptoms
• sneezing and runny nose
• mild fever
• headache
• coughing and a burning or sore throat

T R E AT M E N T

Ayurveda

Brown 4 tablespoons of coriander seeds in a frying pan,

then boil with 4 cups of water, with 4 slices of root ginger.

Reduce to 2 cups of liquid, strain, and drink. 

Chinese Herbalism

Plantain seed, peppermint, mulberry, honeysuckle, and

skullcap may be prescribed to address weakness of the

Lung, Cold, and Wind.

Traditional Home and Folk Remedies

Barley water with lemon and honey will encourage

healing and shorten the duration of a cold. 

Cinnamon is an excellent warming herb, and can be

added to food and drinks, or as an oil to a vaporizer, to

treat and prevent colds and flu.

Fresh garlic, eaten daily, will discourage the onset of

a cold. Garlic will also work to reduce fever.

Honey, eaten fresh or added to herbal teas, will

encourage healing and prevent secondary infections

occurring.

Steep lemons in hot water, and a little honey; drink

regularly in the cold season, or during a cold, to restore

yourself and prevent infection. This will also treat coughs.

A mustard poultice on the chest or mustard added to a

foot bath will act as a decongestant.

Herbalism

Ginger promotes perspiration and helps soothe the throat.

The herb echinacea will encourage immune response,

and acts as a natural antibiotic. 

Peppermint helps to reduce the symptoms of a cold.

Ginseng powder, added to any warming herbal tea,

will boost the immune system and help the body to fight

the infection

Aromatherapy

Tea tree and lemon oils help to fight infection. Massage,

in a light carrier oil, into the chest and head, or place in

the bath or a burner. (See pages 148 and 140.)

Lavender oil in the bath will help you sleep, to aid

recovery—particularly good if there is a cough.

Eucalyptus oil can kill bacteria and soothe inflamed

mucous membranes. 

Homeopathy

Aconite, in the first stage of a cold.

Belladonna, for colds with a high temperature and

great thirst.

Mercurius, for colds that begin with a sore throat,

with swollen glands.

Gelsemium, for flu-like symptoms, weakness, and

achiness.

Allium, for streaming nose and eyes where the

discharge makes the nose red raw.

Pulsatilla, for runny nose with thick, yellow or green

mucus. 

Nat. mur., for colds with a crop of cold sores; sneezing

and watery eyes.

Dulcamara, when the nose is stuffed up with catarrh

in rainy or windy weather.

Bryonia, if you feel like a bear with a sore head. 

Vitamins and Minerals

Citrus fruit is rich in vitamin C, which will help the body

to fight infection. 

Zinc is known to reduce the duration of a cold; suck a

zinc lozenge at the first signs

Royal jelly acts as a tonic and an antiviral agent.

Both ginger and coriander are useful in treating colds.

To make a decoction, brown 4 tablespoons of coriander

seeds. Once the seeds are browned, add 4 cups of water and

bring to the boil. Add 4 slices of root ginger and reduce the

liquid to 2 cups and strain. Drink to reduce a fever

Read More

Home remedies for Hangover and Nausea

Drink Plenty of water

Natural home made fruit juices

Hot chicken soup

High protein food and vegetable diet

Banana and ginger provide relief from hangover

Read More