Abigails Herbs

Alzheimer’s Disease is a common type of dementia, or decline in intellectual functioning. Once thought rare, Alzheimer’s disease is now known to affect more than 4.5 million people in the United States alone. It afflicts 10 per cent of Americans over 65 and as many as 50 per cent of those over 85 years of age. This disease does not only affect the elderly, but may strike when a person is in his or her forties.

Alzheimer’s disease is known to be a degernerative disorder that is characterized by a specific set of physiological changes in the brain. Nerve fibers surrounding the hippocampus, the brain’s memory center become tangled and information is no longer carried properly to or from the brain. Therefore, new memories can’t be formed,  and old memories can’t be retrieved.

Ginkgo biloba extract acts as an antioxidant and increases blood flow to the brain. According to a report published in the October 22, 1977 edition of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), ginkgo biloba extract can stabilize and, in some cases, impove the mental functioning and social behavior of people with Alzheimer’s disease. This was later confirmed in a 1997 study. Reccommended dosage is 100 to 200 mgs. of ginkgo per day.

My daughter recently got through a rough time with the H1N1 influenza virus. She had intense and painful muscle cramps. She said it felt like sharp needles digging into her bones. She said “Mom, I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy.” I am so thankful that she is almost well now.

The truth is that antibiotics are useless against the flu because influenza is a virus. The best way to get rid of the flu or any other infectious illness is to attack it head-on by strengthening the immune system. The thymus and the adrenal glands are the powerhouses of the immune system. When the body is getting sick, or is already sick, it is under stress, and stress taxes the immune system. Researchers have linked vulnerability to colds and flu to psychological stress.

Astragalus, black cherry, echinacea, ginger, goldenseal, pau d’arco, slippery elm, and yarrow tea are good for influenza. Combining peppermint tea with any of these herbal teas is effective for helping to open up the nasal passages. Echinacea is good for children. Be careful not to take goldenseal internally on a daily basis for more than one week at a time, do not use it during pregnancy, and use it with caution if you are allergic to ragweed.

I hate getting colds because it would eventually lead to chest congestion. Then nights of sleeplessness due to the incessant coughing and hacking. I made up my mind that I would NEVER allow myself to get that congested again.

I quit smoking several years ago because I got bronchitis quicker and much more severely when I practiced that awful habit. One time I went on a ski trip to Vermont and I came down with pneumonia; I felt like I had been hit by a truck! My skiing vacation ended with a trip to the nearest mountain hospital.

Anyway, if you have bronchial congestion, try inhaling the vapors of eucalyptus leaves. Breathe in the oils of eucalyptus in hot boiling water, with a towel over your head and breathe deeply. Don’t forget to remove the pot of boiling water from the stove first.

Also, a massage with essential oil of lavender is good for bronchial congestion. To relieve congestion, put four drops of lavender oil, alone or combined with eucalyptus and lemon oils, in a pot of steaming water. Hold your head, covered with a towel, over the steaming pot and inhale the pleasant, fragrant vapors. Massaging a few drops of essential lavender oil on your chest is beneficial too.

There is no cure for dandruff. It is a common scalp condition which occurs when dead skin is shed, producing unattractive white flakes. Most people think dandruff is caused by dry skin, however, it is actually the result of an oily scalp. It occurs when skin cells renew themselves and the old cells are shed.

Dandruff is generally worse in the winter months. It can be triggered by trauma, illness, hormonal imbalances, improper carbohydrate consumption and the consumption of sugar. Deficiencies of vitamin B’s, selenium and essential fatty acids have been linked to dandruff as well.

Dandruff  is embarrassing; it is an annoying and irritating problem. It is a condition which does not ever go away, but it can be minimalized. Using aloe vera gel twice a day or infused with your shampoo is helpful. Since aloe vera is a powerful antiseptic and anti-inflammatory, it works to decrease those annoying and embarrassing white flakes.

To fight bacteria, colds and flu this season try this homemade tea. It also helps to fight allergies and asthma. It is soothing and battles stress too.

In one cup of water brew together the following natural ingredients:

• 1 clove
• 1/2 teaspoon of sage
• 1/2 teaspoon of thyme
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
• juice from 1/2 lemon
• 1 teaspoon of honey

Let steep for several minutes and drink in good health.

Recipe is from natural healthmag.com from Marie-Claude Boivin of Sherbrooke, Quebec. This wonderful recipe has helped me to retain my health and wellness in the midst of stressful circumstances. I have been surrounded with swine flu and regular flu, but thanks to natural remedies such as this one, I have not come down with any of the flu symptoms. Getting enough sleep is important too. Losing one to 1/2 of our usual amount of needed sleep lowers our immune system and makes us much more vulnerable to the flu. Be well!

Natural supplements can help tame joint pain from osteoarthritis; even reducing inflammation and restoring some range of motion without the side effects of conventional medications. Such side effects include stomach irritation, high blood pressure, even possibly kidney damage.

To promote healthier range of motion, reduce pain and swelling of joints from arthritis, take some natural supplements:

1. Fish Oil  – the omega 3’s in cold water fish (such as salmon, sardines and mackerel) can help to lessen inflammation and pain in the joints.
2. Capsaicin Cream – Rub capsaicin (hot pepper) on sore joints. It helps to deplete a compound called “Substance P” that transmits pain signals to the brain.
3. Turmeric – the active component in tumeric, curcumin, contains enzymes that curtail inflammation.
4. Ginger – gingerols are the properties found in ginger which harness anti-inflammatory action. Avoid taking ginger if you take other blood thinners or if it upsets your stomach.

If you would rather use whole, fresh ginger to treat achy joints, aim to get 2 to 4 grams each day. Grate some ginger into stir-fry meals, or make a tea by mixing one-half teaspoon of ginger in eight ounces of water and steep for 15 minutes.

This information is from Natural Health Magazine/ March 2009 edition.

Arnica is an herbal flower which grows in mountainous areas of the western United States. It is also referred to as the “mountain daisy”, bright yellow in color with petals and a circle-shaped center quite similar in appearnace to the daisy.

In 2002, a double-blind study found that Traumeel, a topical arnica solution, might reduce the severity and length of pain and inflammation inside the mouths of children undergoing chemotherapy. There are many anecdotal reports of arnica, in one form or another, being responsible for reducton of pain and inflammation of skin sores.

Homeopathic dentists claim that taking arnica after a dental treatment will speed up the healing process. Most homeopathic doctors and dentists put more faith in anecdotal studies because they hear directly from their patients what works and what doesn’t work to heal troublesome conditions. An empirical research study carries weight in the medical/clinical arena, however, we forget how powerful one’s individual experiences are when it comes to healing the total person; not just the symptoms.

Since turmeric is a great anti-inflammatory agent and a disinfectant, it is a wonderful healing herb for cuts, bruises and other flesh wounds. Turmeric is good for bruises because it helps to reduce swelling. A poultice of fresh mullein leaves is also good for healing skin wounds.

To make a poultice of turmeric paste, grind the dried root into a powder with a mortar and pestle. Place the powder in a small bowl and add enough warm water to make thick paste that can be easily applied. Cover the wound with turmeric paste, after cleansing with hydrogen peroxide. Cover the poultice on the skin with a clean piece of gauze, linen, muslin or white cotton.

If using fresh herbs for your poultice, place two ounces of the herb, (about one-half cup, with one cup of water, in a small saucepan. Simmer for two minutes and do not drain. Cover the wound with the poultice and use gauze or same kind of clean material over wound as described in the above procedure.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), is characterized by severe abdominal cramping, bloating, fatigue and irritability. Many women suffer from PMS on a regular, monthly basis.

To reduce PMS symptoms, try eating magnesium-rich foods such as almonds, cashews, almonds, halibut and soybeans. It has been found that women with low levels of magnesium have more occurrences of PMS.

According to a 2005 study, a high intake of calcium and vitamin D may reduce your risk of PMS. You are better off getting your requirement of vitamin D directly from the sun, however, you should consume low-fat dairy products, sardines, salmon and orange juice fortified with calcium in order to lower your chances of getting PMS.

Sesame oil is used to stimulate energy in Ayurvedic medicine. It has also been discovered that sesame oil may help alleviate PMS-related fatigue. Everyday, women should drizzle one tablespoon of cold-pressed, uncooked sesame oil on top of their salads or stir-fried meals. There is no need to suffer from PMS, if it can be avoided.