Herbal drugs

Monday, June 18, 2007

The Usage Of Herbs

By: Hans Hasselfors

There is a great tradition in different cultures around the world to use herbs, for their flavor in cooking and for their healing properties for the mind and body. The monks and nuns in early England were amongst the first people in the West to learn about herbs. They experimented with herbalism in their gardens and soon became experts in dispensing the appropriate treatment.

It's important when learning about the usage of herbs for medicinal purposes, to choose the correct dosage and to make sure of the purity of the herb. Many people who don't know about herbs think that they are completely harmless because they grow naturally. This is not true, as herbs can have side effects just as much as drugs can if not administered correctly. If you are not sure about herbs, seek advice and go to a licensed herbal practitioner. This is particularly important if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or receiving treatment by drugs. Taking both a herbal treatment and a drug can double up on components and flood the body too much.

The use of herbs and their effects is well documented. A lot of medical professionals from conventional backgrounds are beginning to give herbal remedies more respect as they learn more about herbs. The Chinese have already had herbal medicine as part of their everyday treatment for a very long time. Different ailments have their own treatment solutions, with many herbs duplicating each other.

Aloe Vera is a multi purpose herb, treating many ailments including arthritis, acne, warts, and allergic reactions. Lavender can also help with arthritis. Nigella Sativa (Black Cumin), is another herb that is used for a variety of patients, treating influenza, stomach ache, and pulmonary infections. St. John's Wort (one of the more dangerous herbs in incorrect doses), has been tested in medical trials for the treatment of mild to moderate levels of depression. Results showed that the herb performed better than a placebo.

A lot of people suffer from acute insomnia but don't want to take sleeping pills. In studies about herbs, it's been found that Valerian root is a good alternative and doesn't cause drowsiness in the morning. General fatigue can be helped by periwinkle or dandelion. Periwinkle can also ease the symptoms of the menopause, as can fennel.

Many gardeners get a lot of pleasure from growing a herb garden, providing wonderful scents and flavor for the pot. A stock of mint, basil, oregano, sage, thyme, and parsley will give you the basic supply needed for most dishes. Add some rosemary and chives and you're well set up. You'll have fun learning all about herbs and their uses in the kitchen, whether you follow advice in cookery books or do some experimenting of your own.

Article Source: http://yesezine.com

Hans Hasselfors is the founder of www.submityournewarticle.com. Visit our article directory for varied articles about herbs.


Sunday, June 03, 2007

Understanding The Causes Of Hair Loss

It is normal to lose some hair each day. The body re-grows hair to restore the hair loss. Nearly 10% of the hair follicles on the scalp remain in dormant phase after hair fall. After 2 to 3 months the dormant hair follicles grow new hair. The growing phase of the hair follicle lasts for 2 to 6 years in the scalp. The approximate hair growth in a month is about 1 centimeter. Hair loss occurs when an excessive amount of hair is lost. Hair loss can affect men, women, and children.

Causes of hair loss: There are a number of causes of hair loss. The common causes are:

Infection: Fungal infections can cause hair loss. They are easily treated with topical medicines.

Hormones: For men baldness is usually caused due to hormones. Hair loss may occur due to an overactive or under-active thyroid gland. Changes in androgen and estrogen level can cause a hair loss in both men and women. Hormone/ Steroid injections are usually given to correct hormonal imbalance.

Illness: Prolonged illness, major surgery, stress, can result in hair loss in large amounts. Temporary illnesses generally do not cause hair loss. Hair loss may also occur due to diseases, such as lupus or diabetes. It is important to find the cause of hair loss and get adequate treatment because hair loss is an early sign of disease.

Pregnancy: Hair loss in women may occur after child birth. Such hair loss occurs after 3 to 4 months delivery. This is because of high level of hormonal changes during and after pregnancy. This type of hair loss is self correcting and new hair usually grow back.

Medicines: Some medicines can cause hair loss such as anticoagulants used for treatment of gout, chemotherapy used to treat cancer, over consumption of vitamin A, antidepressant medicines, and birth control pills.


Friday, June 01, 2007

Your Guide To Managing Your High Blood Pressure

What Is Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is the pressure of blood in contact with the walls of the arteries. It is registered as two numbers, as the heart beats (the systolic pressure) over as the heart relaxes between beats (the diastolic pressure). This process of assigning number is written one above or before the other, with the systolic number on top and the diastolic number on the bottom. Here is an example, 120/80 millimeters of mercury (mmHg)) is stated orally as 120 over 80. Regular blood pressure is less than 120 mmHg systolic and less than 80 mmHg diastolic.

High Blood Pressure(HBP)
High blood pressure is an disease that step-ups your opportunity for getting heart disease, kidney disease or having a stroke. HBP is particularly life-threatening because it sometimes has no warning signs or symptoms. Irrespective of race, age, or gender, anybody can get high blood pressure. It is approximated that one in every four adults has high blood pressure. If high blood pressure springs up, it normally goes a lifetime. You can stop and manage high blood pressure by choosing action.

Detection
Everyone should be having your blood pressure checked on a regular basis. Nearly all physicians will determine a person with high blood pressure with two or more readings that are taken on different times. An unchanging blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher is regarded as high blood pressure, the other term is hypertension.

A few people have high blood pressure just when they travel to the physician's office, it is called white-coat hypertension. If your physician sees this, you may be expected to record your blood pressure at home or expected to put on a device known as an ambulatory blood pressure monitor. This device is normally worn for 1 day and can take blood pressure every 30 minutes.

Prevention
You can take steps to stop high blood pressure by embracing a healthy way of life. These steps include keeping a healthy weight; staying physically energetic; conforming to a healthy diet plan. That stresses fruits, vegetables, and lowfat dairy foods; selecting and cooking foods with less salt and sodium. And if you drink alcoholic beverages, drinking in moderation.

Treatment
You should find it crucial to take steps to maintain your blood pressure. The treatment end is blood pressure below 140/90 and lower for individuals with other conditions, like diabetes and kidney disease. Following healthy lifestyle ways is an efficient first step in both forbidding and mastering high blood pressure. If lifestyle modifications are not efficient in retaining your pressure controlled, it may be inevitable to add blood pressure medications.

Learn about blood pressure lowering lifestyle habits such as:

1. Quit Smoking
2. Reduce Salt and Sodium in Your Diet
3. Maintain a Healthy Weight
4. Follow a Healthy Eating Pattern
5. Limit Alcohol Intake
6. Be Physically Active

It is all up to you to take this silent killer and change your ways or pay the consequence.

Article Source: http://yesezine.com

Jim's articles are from extensive research on each of his topics. You can learn more of high blood pressure by visiting: HBP