Arthritis is an expanded disease that commonly affects the joints. There are many conditions which can be attributed to arthritis. This disease is one of the leading causes of disability in older people. Many people need medication to be able to handle the pain and the inflammation that accompanies this disease. There are also some kinds of herbal treatment for arthritis which can help to alleviate the pain and inflammation.

The many forms of arthritis may have different causes as to why an individual is plagued by this disease. The many different forms of arthritis can be slowed down by kinds of herbal treatment for arthritis. The many symptoms and effects of arthritis can also be alleviated by other herbal treatments for arthritis. Herbs are not entirely made from plants and may also encompass some animal parts and tissues.

Treating Arthritis With Herbs

The more commonly known herbs that can positively affect those who suffer are alfalfa, wolf

Herbs have been around and been used for ages, but over the past few years in particular they have become especially popular. More and more people are realizing how beneficial they are, either for targeting a specific ailment or for improving general well-being.

Herbs for Depression

If you suffer from depression, there are some herbs that work very effectively, and one in particular is St. John

medicines have been used throughout history by people the world over and while it is difficult to determine the exact beginnings of herbal medicine, remains from archaeological digs show that plants were used by early civilizations in burial rituals and other ceremonies.

Herbal medicines were the only remedies known to man before the advent of modern medicine which has only been around for about 300 years. Many of the conventional drugs we now use are based on herbs and herbal remedies of ancient times. Nearly a quarter of all prescription drugs in the US contain an active ingredient that has been derived from a plant. Some of these ingredients are from actual plant extracts while others are man made chemicals based on the active properties of a plant.

Herbs and Modern Medicine

Some examples of modern day medicines based on ancient herbal medicine wisdom can be found as close as our own medicine cabinet. Salicylic acid, a compound that is similar to the active ingredient in aspirin, was originally derived from white willow bark. The opium poppy gave us morphine and codeine as well as laudanum, a tranquilizer used during Victorian times. And Vincristine from the periwinkle is used to treat certain types of cancer.

Before the discovery of antibiotics, Echinacea was one of the most widely used of herbal medicines in the United States. It was prescribed to fight a variety of infections and today it has been proven by researchers to boost the immune system by stimulating the production of white blood cells that help fight disease.

Old Traditions Return

Today, there seems to be a growing trend to return to the old but proven ways of herbal medicines, as many people are looking for an alternative route to traditional medicines and cures. They may feel that modern conventional medicine isn

Herbal medicine has been around and been used for centuries, but only now has it really become so popular and such a big hype. Herbal medicine is the use of herbs for their therapeutic or medicinal value, and although conventional forms of treatment such as prescription medication still ranks in as being far more popular, herbal medicine is definitely starting to catch up.

Herbal medicine can be used for a variety of health problems, but today is most commonly used for the treatment of heart disease, high blood pressure, pain, asthma, and related problems. There are certain herbs which are very commonly used in herbalism and green tea for one, which most people do not even realize is considered as being an herb.

The benefits of green tea have been recognized and celebrated for a long time, and it is most noted for containing volatile oils, vitamins, minerals, and caffeine, as well as polyphenols, particularly the catechin called epigallocatechin gallate. Green tea helps guard and protect the body against cardiovascular disease and even helps with weight loss.

Milk thistle is another of the most commonly used herbs, but which is typically used to increase the secretion and flow of bile from the liver and gallbladder. Milk thistle, like most other herbs, is incredibly easy to use, and here you can simply pour a cup of boiling water onto 1 teaspoonful of the ground seeds of the milk thistle and let infuse for about 15 minutes. Drinking this three times a day will have you noticing effects within a week.

Blue Cohosh is another herb used frequently in herbalism, and the root and rhizome of the herb are most commonly included in recipes here. It is considered as being an excellent uterine tonic that can also be used at any time during pregnancy, especially if there is a threat of miscarriage because it offers an anti-spasmodic action and will ease false labor pains an dysmenorrhia.

Warning

Although herbal medicine is natural and usually very safe, it is important to know that you should never mix this medicine with any type of prescription medication, because the result of this could be incredibly dangerous, even potentially life threatening. Many negative and adverse health reactions have been reported in cases like these so it is important that you basically choose one or the other and stick to it, or at least give your body time to get the other out of its system before starting on a new form of medicine.

Herbs have long been used to remedy many illnesses and ailments. There are many different forms of herbs that are used to do help people deal with their sickness and ailments. Among he many forms of herbal remedies, is the herbal extract. The herbal extract is usually extracted from the herb by steeping parts of the herbal plant in a certain percentage of alcohol and left to wallow for some time. This extraction process renders the alcohol with the beneficial elements of the herbs which were steeped in it.

Some people call these extracts tinctures. Actually, there is a slight difference between the two wherein extracts are stronger and more concentrated compared to tinctures. This is a very slight difference and can be mistakenly assumed that these two are one and the same thing. Herbal extracts and herbal tinctures

Herbal Extract Uses

There are many uses for herbal extracts such as to add flavor in foods especially baked goods, as dietary supplements and as part of an alternative medicine therapy. Baked goods or products usually benefit from the addition of herbal extract because it adds to the aroma and in some cases the flavor of the products.

Herbal extract is also used sometimes as a dietary supplement. Care needs to be considered when taking herbal extracts as a dietary supplement because of the alcohol content in them. This may affect a person directly or indirectly and can be lethal especially if the person is allergic to alcohol. Please check the label as to how much percentage alcohol a certain extract might contain.

Herbal extracts as a part of alternative medicine therapy is also a common use for most extracts. These are usually massaged or rubbed onto a sprained or corresponding part of a person

With the abundance of information available today on the steps to optimum health and nutrition, it seems that it would be easy to figure out what foods are considered healthy and which are not. Unfortunately, too many facts and figures have clouded the diet scene, making it difficult at best to decipher how health and nutrition are supposed to meet. The good news is that there are some basic principles that you can easily follow, which will lead to a healthier, happier lifestyle.

Skip the Fat

According to the American Heart Association, it is important when talking about health and nutrition to select foods that are low in saturated and trans fats. This does not mean that you necessarily have to read every label of every food you eat. The simplest way to cut back on fat in your diet is to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, low fat dairy products and whole grains. Stay away from processed foods like crackers and cookies, because the frying and baking processes of these items will add fat as well as calories to the content, with very little nutrition tacked on.

Watch the Cholesterol

This aspect of health and nutrition is where many people often get confused about which foods are good for you and which ones are not. As long as you stick with fruits, vegetables and whole grains, you will be keeping your cholesterol intake down to a healthy level. You can also add foods like lean meats, poultry and fish as well as low fat dairy products. Soluble fiber, like that found in oats, beans, citrus fruits and strawberries will help lower your bad cholesterol while offering a healthy source of fiber and vitamins.

Cut Back on Salt

While a little bit of salt is okay in a healthy, nutritious diet, too much salt can contribute to problems with high blood pressure and cholesterol. Low sodium foods include fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain items and low fat dairy products. Do you see a pattern in the choices that you can make for health and nutrition? The same foods that pack the greatest punch when it comes to vitamins and nutrition are the same foods that will help you avoid the substances that are bad for your health. As long as you are making up the bulk of your diet with these healthy choices, you can rest assured that your diet is offering you the biggest nutritional bang for your buck.

Finally, keep your weight in check, since obesity can contribute to many health problems like heart disease and diabetes. Exercise daily by combining strength training with aerobic activity for maximum benefit. Health and nutrition do not have to be an unsolved puzzle. With proper lifestyle choices you will be on the road to optimum healthy living in no time at all.