Herbal Remedies for Menopause

There are many herbal remedies for menopause, however just because they are herbs does not mean that they are harmless and have no side effects or interactions with pharmaceutical drugs. Any herbs you plan on taking should be discussed with a health care provider.

Many woman say that they are helped by some natural herbs such as herbs that increase the level of phytoestrogens in the body which have the same effect as HRT. Here are a few herbal remedies for menopause:

1. St John’s Wort may be helpful in the short-term (less than two years) for mild depression at doses of less than 1.2 milligrams per day. However, it can interfere with prescribed medication and can increase skin sensitivity to the sun.

2. Soy and Isoflavones contain plant estrogens found in soybeans and other beans. It is thought that by taking approximately 50 grams of soy protein a day, it may be helpful in the short-term of less than two years of relieving night sweats and hot flashes. Long term benefits may include positive effects on cholesterol and bone health.

3. In the short-term of six months or less Black Cohosh has been thought to treat night sweats and hot flashes. Studies have shown that Black Cohosh is extremely safe, however no long-term studies have yet been done.

4. Another one of the herbal remedies for menopause is Chasteberry which is also known as Indian Spice, Tree Wild Pepper and Monk’s Pepper. A study on women found that they had an improvement on feelings of anger and mood. It was also shown to alleviate headaches. It is thought that this herb works by inhibiting the release of prolactin.

5. Evening Primrose is a herb that is rich is GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) which is thought to be an essential fatty acid for humans. This herb is taken for menopausal symptoms, as well as for breast pain and bladder symptoms.

6. Ginseng, which includes types such as Korean, Siberian and American, are known to boost immunity and relieve stress. A study reported that menopausal women taking these ginseng herbal remedies for menopause had an improved overall sense of wellbeing.

Many women report positive results with taking herbal remedies for menopause, however, before taking any herbal products you should inform your health provider of any other medications you are taking because they can have harmful interactions with prescribed and over the counter medications.

For all your health and wellbeing needs and to receive a free health book please visit Better by Nature or Better by Nature’s Homeopathic Remedies

Efficient Herbal Medicine For Diabetes

Although the use of insulin has been widely regarded as the top remedy for diabetic patients, herbal medicine for diabetes is also proven to be quite as beneficial. In fact, findings reveal that native people in some parts of the world who are plagued with diabetes, fully utilize certain herbs and plants to treat the said condition. The following reveals these herbs which are commonly used as an alternative to help cure diabetes.

Aloe Vera – is a cactus-like plant also popularly known as a ‘healing herb,’ and is usually located in dry, deserted countries. Not only is Aloe Vera widely used as treatment to burns, wounds, and also applied as an after-sun lotion, but the gel and sap derived from the leaves, aids in the treatment of diabetes. This household plant is even known to lessen rapidly increasing blood glucose levels.

Ginseng – is a plant or herb possessing medicinal elements, and other antioxidants known to treat certain conditions especially diabetes. Ginseng is also classified into various plant species like the Korean and Japanese ginseng, among others. However, further studies still need to be conducted to prove the effectiveness of ginseng in treating diabetic patients.

Coccinia indica – commonly found along the Indian subcontinent, Coccinia indica is known to contain elements which replicate the function of insulin and considered a good alternative in treating diabetes. Yet, more tests still need to be done to ensure the efficiency of this herb known as the ‘ivy gourd,’ according to experts.

Opuntia streptacantha – like the Aloe Vera, this herb also exists on dry regions such as the Mexican desert, and is popularly known as the prickly-pear cactus. Scientific studies conducted on animals reveal that the plant possesses properties equipped lessening levels in postprandial glucose as well as HbI1c. Again, more studies are still required to fully support claims on the herb’s anti-diabetic functions.

Allium sativum – widely known as garlic, allium sativum is known to contain lots of antioxidants that help decrease levels of blood glucose, quite similar to the effects of insulin. It is also considered to elevate the process of secretion as well decreasing the weakening of insulin. Previous results have been quite positive although further tests are required to solidly back up claims on its effectiveness.

Ficus carica – this herb known as a fig leaf, is popularly utilized in some parts of Europe to help cure diabetes as well as assist in the uptake of glucose. Still, the properties of Ficus carica are unknown, requiring more tests for it to be a credible remedy to patients with diabetes.

Trigonella foenum graecum – located in parts of the Mediterranean as well as North Africa and India, this special herb known as fenugreek is commonly used in cooking but also considered to be beneficial in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Thorough analysis is still needed to support its credibility.

Silibum marianum – considered to be a member of the aster family, this herb known as the milk thistle comprises of antioxidants as well as flavinoids, known to have a probable effect on the resistance to insulin. These are among various probable options to aid in diabetic treatment, and herbal medicine for diabetes. More studies are required.

If you are looking for another alternative to help get a normal blood sugar level, or improve your diabetes problem, learn more about blood sugar and diabetes by visiting http://www.diabetescurestrategy.com/normal-blood-sugar.html

Aloe Vera As a Herbal Remedy – Nature’s Antiseptic and Antibiotic

Aloe Vera (or the “first aid plant”) is one of those magical substances whose name appears as a remedy for all kind of ailments and medical complaints. The good news for all of us is that this is not just some bogus cure – scientists and medical journals have come to the same conclusions.

Aloe Vera’s soothing effects are not isolated to herbal remedies. Countless skin creams, hair conditioners and shampoos have flooded the market since its properties became known. Although not yet FDA approved, studies also continue into its impact on ailments as varied as cancer, athlete’s foot and AIDS.

What is Aloe Vera?

Aloe Vera is a species of Aloe, an extremely hardy plant found in North Africa that can survive temperatures ranging from 30F to 104F (-1C to 40C). Similar in form to a cactus, it can weather extremes in rainfall and drought, and has been successfully cultivated in both deserts and jungles. You can even grow it in your house!

The ‘active ingredient’ in Aloe comes from the gel found inside its thick leaves. To harvest the Aloe, these leaves are sliced and the gel collected. Cheaper and less effective forms of Aloe Vera are sometimes made by boiling the remaining leaves – these are not as effective however, and can sometimes even be mildly toxic.

Medicinal Uses for Aloe Vera

The ancients knew all about Aloe Vera – scientists and doctors were prescribing it in Ancient Greece, Italy and even the Persian Empire. Its first uses, as a healing agent for cuts, blisters and wounds, are still relevant today and Aloe is one of the first items in any herbalist’s toolkit.

Aloe’s antiseptic and antibiotic properties allow its use even in more severe skin problems, such as second degree burns, eczema and severe sunburn. Other skin complaints that have been alleviated by Aloe include itchy scalp, dandruff, athlete’s foot and hemorrhoids.

Those are the external uses, but Aloe can also be prepared in a powder or liquid for internal consumption. Although not currently available over-the-counter in the US market, it has been shown to regulate bowel movements and be an effective laxative. Smaller quantities have an antioxidant effect that benefits your skin and slows aging, while in cold remedies it can clear your sinuses and ease headaches.

Other Uses for Aloe Vera

True to its reputation as a versatile herbal remedy, Aloe Vera also has a wide range of uses in other fields. For example, in 2005 scientists discovered that a thin layer of Aloe Vera can act as a preservative for fruits and vegetables. In addition to being a completely natural alternative to the synthetic chemicals currently used, the Aloe is completely edible and gives you an extra antioxidant boost!

In Korea, Aloe is widely used in a popular set of energy drinks and tea, marketed for its benefit as an antioxidant and for relief of constipation. Drinkers also report higher energy levels and greater stamina in workouts.

How Do You Take Aloe Vera?

Aloe Vera is available in a cream or gel for external cuts and burns. For internal problems such as constipation, it comes in powder, liquid or tablet form. Due to stricter rules on non-FDA approved over the counter drugs, US pharmacists are currently only stocking the creams and gels.

James Wilkinson is a contributor to http://www.herbalremedypro.com, a leading resources for herbal remedies and natural cures.