Phytotherapy: Modern Herbal Medicine

[coralie]

The roots of a great medicine
The first written text on plant medicine is on clay. It consists of a set of tables engraved with cuneiform characters and its authors, the Sumerians, wrote it some 3000 years BC.
This marks the start of the official history of phytotherapy, although it is known that in reality, man made very early use of plants both as food and for medicinal purposes.
Ever since, man has ceaselessly pursued his quest for knowledge of plants, their secrets and their beneficial properties.
Nowadays, science is making such strides that new horizons are opening up for phytotherapy.
New, cutting-edge scientific methods are being used to ascertain the active principles of plants, discover new properties, new forms that are simpler to use and designed to suit the needs of present-day life.
Plants have now become real medicines.

A place for health medicines
Classical "chemical" medicines are often set against phytotherapy. However, nowadays, there is a place for each of them in the therapeutic field. While it is true that "standard" pharmacy (disease medicines) has held centre stage for nearly a century because of the excellent results it has given in many fields, nonetheless it has gradually shown unwanted, sometimes even harmful, side-effects that call for caution.
"Health" medicines, the product of phytotherapy, provide disease modifying treatments whose gentler action will help you to prevent illnesses and treat chronic problems such as arthrosis or insomnia, for example.
To do this, phytotherapy acts in depth, without attacking the body and by stimulating its positive reactions.
The result : a more effective, lasting effect, and above all free from side–effects.
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Stress- Sleep
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Lavender
Lavandula angustifolia

Recommended for
ANXIETY - NERVOUSNESS - RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS (BRONCHITIS, SINUSITIS, RHINITIS)
Part used
flower

DESCRIPTION
This is the so-called “true” lavender, the species whose scent is most delicate and whose essential oil is most pure. It flowers in summer and covers the sunlit hillsides of Provence with a violet-tinged blue carpet.
THE SOOTHING PLANT :
Its properties are connected with the composition of the essential oil, which is why it is important only to use true lavender. It has a sedative effect on the nervous system, making it possible to recommend it for anxiety and nervousness in adults and children. Slightly hypnotic, free from side-effects, it treats sleep disorders.
The essential oil is also antiseptic and anti-inflammatory, active against infections and inflammations of the respiratory system.

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Passiflora
Passiflora incarnata

Recommended for
INSOMNIA - AGITATION - ANXIETY - NERVOUSNESS AND STRESS - BREAK THE HABIT CREATED BY CLASSICAL HYPNOTICS AND ANXIOLYTICS
Part used
the aerial part

CULTIVATION :
Passiflora is a beautiful plant originally from Mexico, where it was used by the Aztecs for its sedative properties.
It was brought into Europe by the Spanish Jesuits under the name of "Passion flower". They saw in the shape of the flower Christ’s instrument of passion.
FOR CALMER NIGHTS :
The aerial part of the plant contains flavonoids which contribute to its beneficial action for sleeping problems. It progressively brings back natural sleep for insomniacs. It is very beneficial for anxiety and nervousness accumulated by a life full of stress and therefore prepares for a peaceful and restful sleep. It is neither addictive nor habit forming and can be used to replace progressively and substitute pharmaceutical classical remedies which we know can have long term side effects.

[coralie]

Tonus- Fatigue
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Royal Jelly (Freeze - Dried )


Recommended for
FATIGUE - CONVALESCENCE - CONTROL OF AGEING

DESCRIPTION :

Royal jelly is a rare natural product secreted by bees and which forms the queen’s sole diet (whence its name!). The queen thus lives fifty times longer than other bees and lays up to 2000 eggs per day !
STIMULATING AND FORTIFYING :
These findings have caused biologists to analyse the composition of this jelly with the pearly sheen dubbed the “celestial remedy”. It is a veritable vital elements concentrate: Group B vitamins (especially B3, B5, folic acid and biotin), trace elements and minerals (copper, iron, phosphorus, etc.), amino acids and essential fatty acids. Ideal for every one of us, children, adults and the elderly, royal jelly combats fatigue, restores tonus during convalescence, strengthens the body’s defences and improves anorexic states.
Its best presentation is in freeze-dried form, to keep its active constituents intact. Royal jelly is even more effective working in synergy with ginseng, in a one-month course of treatment.

[di]

Very interesting Topic Coralie

Garlic keeps ageing blood vessels elastic..
Garlic preparations are evidently suitable for the prevention of cardiovascular problems even in healthy people. The findings show that a daily intake of a standardised garlic preparation in doses of 900 mg can lower both the total cholesterol and the LDL fraction in patients with moderate hypercholesterolaemia. This reduction was statistically significant as compared with placebo.
P.S:Also keeps ppl away..

Mistletoe: lectins successful in cancer therapy.
Ginkgo: is of proven value in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease .

Devil’s claw: relieves low back pain and rheumatism.

Hawthorn: makes lasting improvement in the performance of the heart .

St. John’s Wort: helps Combat Depression and Protects the Heart .
Dejected mood, morning tiredness and night-time brooding are typical symptoms of a depression that needs to be taken seriously.
The risk of suffering from this disease at sometime in one's life is currently between 8 and 12 per cent for men and as high as 20 to 25 per cent for women. So much for the bad news.
The good news is that an amazing change has occurred in the treatment of depression. Nowadays more and more doctors are using a preparation made from St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum). Scientific studies have also shown that the constituents of this medicinal plant have a favourable influence on the heart and circulation as well.

Valerian extracts: improves sleep without causing drowsiness during the day.
A medicinal plant maintains its value, even in comparison with synthetic drugs.
For patients who have difficulty in getting off to sleep, many doctors prescribe synthetic drugs of the benzodiazepine group. The main advantage of these drugs is their rapid and reliable action. Unfortunately, this advantage is overshadowed by unwanted and sometimes even dangerous side effects. Valerian, on the other hand, calms over-stimulated nerves, stabilises the patient’s mood, and promotes sleep without any such risks.

Willow bark extract: alleviates back pain without having any significant side effects .

[coralie]

Alfalfa
Medicago sativa

Recommended for:
BRITTLE NAILS AND HAIR - ASTHENIA, ANAEMIA - OSTEOPOROSIS AND MENOPAUSE - PREVENTION OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES.

THE ESSENTIAL MINERALISATION :
This common plant found in the temperate areas of Europe has nutritive and remineralising properties.
In fact it contains a very high content of proteins, (which can be up to 55%), amino acids (which make up proteins), vitamins, trace elements, such as calcium, iron, phosphorus, zinc, copper, selenium and silica. With its content of iron, it is particularly recommended for anaemia and asthenia.
All its nutrients are of benefit to the growth and the strengthening of nails and hair.
The latest studies show that a regular intake has a moderate hypocholesterolemic and athero-sclerosis preventive action.
The presence of a vegetal oestrogen (coumestrol) with its hormonal action coupled with the remineralising properties of silica and calcium, helps reduce the troubles linked to the menopause and osteoporosis.

[coralie]

Carrot
Daucus carota

Recommended for
BEAUTIFUL COMPLEXION - PREPARATION FOR SUNBATHING - NIGHT VISION DISORDERS

CULTIVATION:
A field and hillside plant, the carrot is grown all over Europe for its root and is mainly used as a food.

SUNSHINE ON YOUR SKIN :
Its utility in phytotherapy is due to the presence of an invaluable substance, beta-carotene, which is transformed in the body into vitamin A (whence the name of “provitamin A” given to it).
Beta-carotene is a skin beauty vitamin. It prepares the skin for exposure to sunshine, aids tanning and prevents sun-induced allergies, notably in fair-skinned people, by increasing melanin production. This substance, by its cell-protecting effect, strengthens the epidermis’ resistance to ultraviolet ray attack.

Carrot also improves night vision because it increases visual acuity.
Finally, it is useful during growth because it promotes protein assimilation and tissue building. The carrot is a natural source of beta-carotene that is transformed into vitamin A according to the body’s needs. Consequently, it presents no risk of hypervitaminosis and may thus be used by everyone.

[coralie]

Starflower Oil - Borage Oil
Borago officinalis

Recommended for
WRINKLES, DRY SKIN, STRETCH MARKS. PREVENT THE AGEING PROCESS OF THE SKIN.

DESCRIPTION :
Originating from the Middle East, this plant is also widespread in Central Europe and the Mediterranean countries.
Its pretty blue flowers used to be used as an herbal tea when suffering from sore throat as they have excellent soothing powers.

A PLANT FOR THE SKIN :
Nowadays, the oil extracted from the seeds by cold pressing is extremely valuable due to its rich source of two polyunsaturated Essential Fatty Acids; Gamma Linolenic Acid and Linoleic Acid. Taken in capsule form, Starflower oil helps to fight against the ageing process of the skin and prevent the formation of wrinkles. It improves the elasticity of the skin and makes it more resistant to outside aggressions. It also improves brittle nails and hair.
To take full advantage of its benefits, Starflower should be taken regularly.

[Inanna]

to be sincere i didnt get through all that was written here~
but i head that zein el atat is good! he has treatments for all kind of illness and all the cremes he orders are a base de plantes!
i know many ppl who buy stuff from him and say he's good!

[coralie]

Eat well and be Healthy

HEADACHE?...>>> EAT FISH!
Eat plenty of fish -- fish oil helps prevent headaches.
So does ginger, which reduces inflammation and pain.

HAY FEVER? >>>>EAT YOGURT!
Eat lots of yogurt before pollen season.
Also-eat honey from your area (local region) daily.


TO PREVENT STROKE >>>>DRINK TEA!
Prevent build-up of fatty deposits on artery walls with regular doses of tea. (actually, tea suppresses my appetite and keeps the pounds from invading....Green tea is great for our immune system)!

INSOMNIA (CAN'T SLEEP?) >>>>>HONEY!
Use honey as a tranquilizer and sedative.

ASTHMA? >>>>>EAT ONIONS!!!!
Eating onions helps ease constriction of bronchial tubes. (when I was young, my mother would make onion packs to place on our chest, helped the respiratory ailments and actually made us breathe better).

ARTHRITIS? >>>>>EAT FISH, TOO!!
Salmon, tuna, mackerel and sardines actually prevent arthritis. (fish has omega oils, good for our immune system)

UPSET STOMACH? >>>>>BANANAS - GINGER!!!!!
Bananas will settle an upset stomach.
Ginger will cure morning sickness and nausea.

BLADDER INFECTION? >>>>>DRINK CRANBERRY JUICE!!!!
High-acid cranberry juice controls harmful bacteria.

BONE PROBLEMS? >>>>>EAT PINEAPPLE!!!
Bone fractures and osteoporosis can be prevented by the manganese in pineapple.

PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME? >>>>>EAT CORNFLAKES!!!!
Women can ward off the effects of PMS with cornflakes, which help reduce depression, anxiety and fatigue.

MEMORY PROBLEMS? >>>>>>EAT OYSTERS!
Oysters help improve your mental functioning by supplying much-needed zinc.

COLDS? >>>>>>EAT GARLIC!
Clear up that stuffy head with garlic. (remember, garlic lowers cholesterol, too.)

COUGHING? >>>>>>USE RED PEPPERS!!
A substance similar to that found in the cough syrups is found in hot red pepper. Use red (cayenne) pepper with caution-it can irritate your tummy.

BREAST CANCER? >>>>> EAT Wheat, bran and cabbage
Helps to maintain estrogen at healthy levels.

LUNG CANCER? >>>>EAT DARK GREEN AND ORANGE AND VEGGIES!!!
A good antidote is beta carotene, a form of Vitamin A found in dark green and orange vegetables.

ULCERS? >>>>>>EAT CABBAGE ALSO!!!
Cabbage contains chemicals that help heal both gastric and duodenal ulcers.

DIARRHEA? >>>>>EAT APPLES!
Grate an apple with its skin, let it turn brown and eat it to cure this condition. (Bananas are good for this ailment)

CLOGGED ARTERIES? >>>>>EAT AVOCADO!
Mono unsaturated fat in avocados lowers cholesterol.

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE? >>>>>>EAT CELERY AND OLIVE OIL!!!
Olive oil has been shown to lower blood pressure.
Celery contains a chemical that lowers pressure too.

BLOOD SUGAR IMBALANCE? >>>>>EAT BROCCOLI AND PEANUTS!!!
The chromium in broccoli and peanuts helps regulate insulin and blood sugar.

[Inanna]

HEADACHE?...>>> EAT FISH!
Eat plenty of fish -- fish oil helps prevent headaches.
So does ginger, which reduces inflammation and pain.

i should get an aquarium to work! everytime i have a headache i pick one!
i tend to have headaches a lot at work! especially in the afternoon!

[coralie]

Fruits which helps to keep healthy:
Kiwi: Tiny but mighty. This is a good source of potassium, magnesium, Vitamin E &fiber. It's Vitamin C content is twice that of an orange.

Apple: An apple a day keeps the doctor away? Although an apple has a low Vitamin C content, it has antioxidants &flavonoids which enhances the activity of Vitamin C thereby helping to lower the risks of colon cancer, heart attack & stroke.

Strawberry: Protective fruit. Strawberries have the highest total antioxidant power among major fruits &protects the body from cancer causing, blood vessels clogging free radicals. (Actually, any berry is good for you..they're high in anti-oxidants and they actually keep us young.........blueberries are the best and very versatile in the health field........they get rid of all the free-radicals that invade our bodies)

Orange: Sweetest medicine. Taking 2 - 4 oranges a day may help keep colds away, lower cholesterol, prevent & dissolve kidney stones as well as lessen the risk of colon cancer.

Watermelon: Coolest Thirst Quencher. Composed of 92% water, it is also packed with a giant dose of glutathione which helps boost our immune system. They are also a key source of lycopene - the cancer fighting oxidant. Other nutrients
found in watermelon are Vitamin C &Potassium. (watermelon also has natural substances [natural SPF sources] that keep our skin healthy, protecting our skin from those darn suv rays)

Guava &Papaya: Top awards for Vitamin C. They are the clear winners for their high Vitamin C content. Guava is also rich in fiber which helps prevent constipation.
Papaya is rich in carotene, this is good for your eyes. (also good for gas and indigestion)
Tomatoes are very good as a preventative measure for men, keeps those prostrate problems from invading their bodies.