Today's Natural Cure: Herbs

This article is from  naturalnews.com

Five must-have herbs for healing your body and mind

(NaturalNews) Mental health and physical health are so closely intertwined that properly addressing the ailments identified in one often requires also addressing potentially unidentified ailments in the other. In many cases, the most effective way to restore optimal health to both body and mind is to supplement with adaptogenic and other herbs that help balance both systems simultaneously and naturally, without causing harmful side-effects. Here are five must-have herbs that may be exactly what your body needs to achieve optimal mental and physical health:

1) Turmeric. Turmeric, the primary active component of which is curcumin, is one of the most clinically studied herbs today that contains powerful mind-body healing capacities. A common healing herb in both traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric possesses a unique ability to ease and even cure systemic inflammation, which is a common cause of many chronic health conditions and autoimmune disorders that plague people today.

Because of its natural ability to normalize various bodily processes commonly aggravated by stress and other life factors, turmeric is considered to be one of the most powerful adaptogenic herbs that helps promote systemic balance and facilitate the healthy metabolism and assimilation of nutrients. By counteracting these disease-causing physical, chemical, and biological stressors, turmeric can effectively heal and protect against illnesses that affect both mind and body. (http://www.naturalnews.com/turmeric.html)

2) Ginger. Often under-appreciated because of its relative commonality as a food, ginger is another powerful healing herb that has been used the world over to prevent and heal diseases of all kinds. Some of ginger's many benefits include its ability to settle a nervous or upset stomach, which for some people can lead to persistent mental anguish and disruption of other bodily functions. Raw ginger has long been consumed for its general calming effect, which can help promote general healing while staving off disease.

Ginger helps specifically improve digestion by aiding in the breakdown of proteins and fats, which in turn helps prevent gas, food buildup, and other negative conditions that can decrease immune function and trigger disease. Supplementing with ginger can also help lower blood pressure, ease morning sickness, and lower bad cholesterol levels. (http://www.naturalnews.com/ginger.html)

3) Aloe vera. Like ginger, aloe vera possesses an incredible ability to ease nausea, improve digestion, cleanse the colon and digestive tract, and maintain healthy elimination and bowel function. Consuming aloe vera can also help ease inflammation and improve the oxygenation of blood, two benefits that for many people can make all the difference in promoting lasting health.

There are so many benefits to consuming aloe vera, in fact, that simply adding the gel or juice of this powerful, succulent plant into your daily dietary regimen can effectively remedy a whole host of physical and mental illnesses, including cardiovascular disease, arthritis, kidney stones, ulcers, high blood pressure, nutrient deficiencies, constipation, diabetes, candida and other yeast infections, skin disorders, and cancer. (http://www.naturalnews.com/aloe_vera.html)

4) Tea tree oil. Typically used topically to heal various skin conditions and infections, tea tree oil is considered by many to be "nature's miracle healer." A highly-versatile, all-purpose healing oil, tea tree oil, which comes from the Melaleuca tree, is an exceptionally powerful antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antiviral, curative, bactericidal, fungicidal, insecticidal, stimulating, and sudorific herb capable of treating many different physical and mental ailments.

Drinking Melaleuca tea, for instance, especially when blended with other beneficial herbs like rosemary, passion flower, hibiscus, and ginseng, can help calm and soothe the nerves while providing sustained energy and motivation. Adding a few drops of tea tree oil to a diffuser by itself or with other essential oils can also help clear the lungs and airways of harmful buildup, promote alertness, and boost general feelings of health and well-being. (http://www.naturalnews.com/tea_tree_oil.html)

5) Holy basil. Another powerful adaptogenic herb, holy basil is known to help elevate mood and spirit while calming the mind. Like ginseng and licorice, holy basil is said to enhance the mind-body-spirit connection by addressing the underlying health conditions afflicting each of these important human systems. Besides generally relieving stress and boosting immunity, holy basil helps fight chronic inflammation, boost energy levels, promote clarity of mind and thought, and improve digestion. (http://www.healthbooksummaries.com)

Known more commonly as tulsi, holy basil is also recognized for its ability to fight various allergies and allergy symptoms, which often lead to feelings of "brain fog" and mental incapacity. Individuals that supplement with holy basil, particularly in conjunction with other adaptogenic herbs, have found that they are able to breathe better, digest food better, think better, and generally feel better, regardless of their particular health conditions. (http://www.naturalnews.com/Holy_Basil.html)

Sources for this article include:

http://organicindiausa.com/article-adaptogens-the-best-overall-herbs/

http://lifespa.com/2008/12/ayurvedic-adaptogenic-herbs/

Today's Natural Cure: Herbs For The Eyes

This article is from  wakeup-world.com

19 Herbs for Vision and Eye Health

What you consume has a tremendous affect on the health of your eyes, and lost vision can be restored by giving the body what it needs.

A plant based diets that provide ample amounts of vitamins, minerals and carotenoids is the first step in maintaining and restoring your eyesight.

When that is in place, the next phase is adding herbs and remedies that support and heal the eyes.  Here is a list of the top herbs for vision and eye health.

Herbs that keep eyes healthy

* Pycnogenol is a powerful antioxidant derived from French maritime pine tree bark and the subject of more than 180 studies. Of particular note is its ability to reduce leakage into the retina by repairing capillaries in the eyes. While still largely unknown to American doctors, Pycnogenol is the leading prescription for diabetic retinopathy in France.

* Coleus forskohlii, Pilocarpus jaborandi, and Triphala have all been used to lower intrarocular pressure via parasympathetic relaxation of the body. Triphala has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of glaucoma.

* Saffron is better known as the kitchen spice that gives curry its yellow color; however, it can have wonderful results for eye problems, including cataracts.  In a recent trial, every participant who took saffron had vision improvements and the researchers said the aromatic herb “may hold the key to preventing the loss of sight in the elderly”.

* Silymarin, the primary component of milk thistle, is a major liver support compound. The liver is the key organ for the eye, since all the fat soluble vitamins and glutathione are stored there and B vitamins are activated in the liver. The eye is subjected to bright light throughout the day and important ingredients for repair are stored in the liver.

* Bilberry is high in a type of bioflavonoid that speeds the regeneration of rhodopsin, the purple pigment used by the eyes’ rods. British air force pilots in World War II ate bilberry jam to improve their night vision during evening sorties.

* Gingko biloba has been used for many centuries for eye and central nervous system problems. It is a selective cerebro-vascular dilator and seems to increase circulation to the back of the eye as well as increasing blood flow to the eye. It is also becoming an increasingly popular adjunct in the treatment of macular degeneration and glaucoma.

* Eyebright has flowers that resemble eyes and has been used for centuries to treat eye irritation. The name is also thought to have been given the plant because of its valuable properties as an eye medicine that preserved eyesight and so brought gladness into the life of the sufferer.

Remedies for the Eyes

* Bentonite clay poultices have been used successfully by many people with eye problems. Bentonite clay pulls out toxins that cause any different eye issues and is especially good for infections and eye strain. It has been reported to help restore vision in the instance of cataracts

* Mix one-half to one liter of a combination of carrot, celery, and parsley, and chicory juice to help nourish the optic nerve and muscular system. Amazing results have been reported using this formula.

* Use fennel eaten raw, made into tea or used as an eyewash to help with vision problems, including cataracts.

* Endive juice is considered to be an effective remedy for myopia. It can also be mixed with other beneficial juices such as carrot, parsley, and celery.

* Cayenne is an anti-inflammatory for the mucus membranes and it increases blood flow to the eye when taken internally.

* Use Coleus dropped directly into the eye to increase blood flow to the eye and decrease intraocular pressure.

* Jaborandi is a herb that grows in the rainforest. It’s been used for well over 100 years in patients with glaucoma and it contains pilocarpine, an alkaloid compound which causes constriction of the pupils and reduces pressure within the eye.

Remedies Especially for Cataracts

* The use of carrots is considered beneficial in the treatment of cataracts. Take plenty of raw carrots daily or else drink two glasses of fresh carrot juice, one each in the morning and evening.

* Eat two or three cloves of raw garlic daily to clean the crystalline lens of the eye. The cloves should be chewed slowly.

* Mix an equal quantity of aniseed and coriander powder together with one teaspoon of brown sugar, and take the mixture in doses of 12 grams in the morning and evening.

* Place a few drops of raw organic honey in the eyes twice or more each day. This is an ancient Egyptian remedy which is reported to have benefitted many people with cataracts.

* Finely grind seven kernels of raw almonds together with half a gram of black pepper and place in a half cup of water. Sweeten with raw honey and drink the mixture to help the eyes regain vigor and clarity.

* Twice daily, close your eyes and bathe them with hot (but not scalding) water containing Epsom salts. In addition, take an Epsom salts bath at least twice a week. Remain in the bath from twenty-five to thirty-five minutes till you perspire freely. After the bath, cool off gradually.

When it comes to eye remedies, the best results may well come from combining one or more of the suggested remedies.

Two final ingredients essential to improving vision and maintaining eye health are patience and perseverance.  Most vision problems do not develop overnight and it is unlikely to correct such problems overnight.  However, with patience and perseverance vision problems can often be improved and perhaps even corrected entirely.  And, with good a good diet, habits and other items such as those described in this article, you may be able to maintain good eyesight for a long, long time.

Today's Natural Cure: Natural Treatments for MS

This article is from  naturalsociety.com

4 Natural Treatments for Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Multiple sclerosis is a bit of a mystery. It is a disease that occurs when the immune system damages the myelin sheath surrounding nerves, with effects being from mild to severe. Science is truly at a loss as to why it happens, why it is more common in northern latitudes, and why the damage that occurs varies so widely. But rest assured, there are numerous lifestyle tips for preventing and treating multiple sclerosis naturally.

MS is considered an auto-immune disease, where the immune system attacks the nervous system. A definite cause is unknown, but symptoms can vary from mild (numbness, tingling, tremor, etc.) to severe (extreme weakness, loss of vision, electric-shock sensations, slurred speech, extreme fatigue, and limited mobility). Usually, the symptoms come and go. In most cases, the disease worsens with time, with periods of remission getting shorter or nonexistent as the disease progresses.

Because the disease is a bit of a mystery, so is treating it. Of course, Big Pharma has come out with prescription solutions, but they are very expensive, come with a long list of side effects, and aren’t guaranteed to work. Fortunately, many people with multiple sclerosis have found relief through natural means.

Some Potential, Natural Solutions for MS

Because the disease varies widely, so too do the solutions. MS patients are cautioned that what works for one person, may not work for them – not so surprising. However, these potential solutions have had success in many people who suffer from the potentially debilitating disease.

• 1. Practice Healthy Living - While this tip may seem vague, things like stress and lack of sleep can worsen the symptoms of MS. For that reason, it’s important to take care of yourself. Exercising regularly, meditating, and sleeping on a set schedule could help to minimize your symptoms. Don’t sit around all day, and try not to fill your day with stress and anxiety.

• 2. Eliminate Some Foods - Some foods have been shown to aggravate the symptoms of MS. These include highly processed foods, polyunsaturated vegetable oils (like those in margarine), artificial sweeteners and preservatives, and gluten. For many, eliminating grains altogether seems to lessen symptoms markedly.

• 3. Add Other Foods - Other foods have shown promise in healing the body and reducing MS symptoms. These include: foods rich in Omega-3 fats (fish, nuts, etc.), grass-fed proteins, healthy fat sources (coconut oil, olives, avocados, etc.), and fermented food and drinks (kefir, apple cider vinegar, kimchi, and sauerkraut).

• 4. Use Herbs - Anti-inflammatory herbs may help when symptoms are at their worst. Some helpful herbs and spices that are easily added to foods are turmeric, ginger, thyme, cinnamon, oregano, rosemary, and clove. Evening primrose oil, more difficult to find, may also help because of its concentration of gamma-linoleic acid, which helps optimize nervous system function.

In addition to these changes, a vitamin D supplement may help with MS. Some research suggests there is a link between low vitamin D levels and the rate at which MS patients experience relapses. The best vitamin D source is regular sunshine, however, you can also get a D3 supplement if you fear you are deficient.

Another study published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry found that a cannabis extract has positive effects on the treatment of multiple sclerosis symptoms.

Natural treatments for multiple sclerosis depend mostly on living a healthy lifestyle and abstaining from highly processed and dangerous foods. This can be done with a significant amount of determination and motivation. And when the symptoms of MS are at their peak, they provide a serious amount of motivation to maintain even tough lifestyle changes.

Additional Sources:

NaturalNews/036983

MayoClinic