As we spoke about in An Introduction to Alternative Medicine, many different natural therapies are becoming very popular in our society these days. We already learned the basics of herbal medicine here, here and here. Another of my favorite natural modalities is Homeopathy.
Many people misunderstand the word “homeopathy” and think it to be the equivalent of “home remedies”. In reality, Homeopathy is a unique and complete system of natural medicine developed hundreds of years ago and practiced by close to 500 million people around the world today.
Homeopathy is a wonderfully safe, effective and gentle healing art that was founded in the late 1700’s by a physician named Samuel Hahnemann in Germany.
The practice of Homeopathy is based mainly on three fundamental principles. Let’s take a quick look at each of them.
The Law of Similars
The first fundamental principle of homeopathy is based on the Law of Similars; the principle of “like cures like”. Hahnemann called this the similimum. This has also been stated as: Similia Similibus Curentur – let like be cured by like. This concept has been acknowledged since the times of the ancient philosophers and physicians. Hippocrates, Galen and Paracelsus have all touched on the philosophy of the Law of Similars.
What this means is that a disease can only be cured by a remedy that produces the same or similar symptoms, when given to healthy people, that the disease produces in those who are afflicted with it.
So, for example, a condition like hay fever, which produces uncomfortable, watery eyes and runny nose would be treated with Allium cepa (a remedy made from the onion plant) because onions can produce the same symptoms in a healthy person.
The Infinitesimal Dose
The second principle of homeopathy is that of the infinitesimal dose. One of Hahnemann’s driving forces behind his search for a better system of medicine was his disgust for the medical treatments of the time. The administration of massive doses of poisonous medicines, common at the time, led him to state in par 2 of the Organon of Medicine (Hahnemann’s definitive work on the healing art and science of Homeopathy), “ The highest ideal of therapy is to restore health rapidly, gently, permanently; to remove and destroy the whole disease in the shortest, surest, least harmful way, according to clearly comprehensible principles.”
He designed his original provings to gradually reduce the dose to determine the smallest dose that would still remain therapeutically effective. By coincidence, what he found was that not only are infinitesimally small doses even more therapeutically effective, but they are also completely free from the side effects that may be present in larger doses.
The Treatment of the Whole Person
Homeopathy is a very individualized modality of medicine. It aims to treat the whole person, to bring about a rebalancing of the vital force, and complete disappearance of all symptoms, or in other words, a total cure.
In homeopathy, the remedy is matched to the individual, as well as to the symptoms, so people who have the same symptoms may receive different remedies. The entire makeup of the patient –their constitution – is taken into consideration when choosing a homeopathic remedy. Hahnemann says in the Organon, par 5: “In bringing about a cure the physician should consider: the evident physical constitution of the patient (especially in chronic affections), his affective and intellectual character, his activities, his way of life, his habits, his social position, his family relationships, his age, his sexual life, etc.” The remedy is matched in every way to the patient – physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, according to lifestyle, environment and family medical history. Determining whether a person is anxious, overweight, straight forward and light haired, or confidant, thin, artistic and dark haired can make all the difference in prescribing the correct remedy for that particular person. This shows that homeopathy is indeed a “wholistic” form of treatment and it is, in fact, the third principle of homeopathy – to treat the patient as a unique individual and not just a set of symptoms, or the bearer of a disease.
A fascinating and effective form of natural medicine, homeopathy is becoming accepted in more and more segments of society around the world. In fact, the government of Switzerland recently released a report in favor of homeopathy and its inclusion in their country’s national health care system.
In the next installment, we will look further into specific homeopathic remedies, their uses and why they should be included in your home medicine kit.
With cold and flu season underway, many of our families are being hit hard by illness. In fact, some people have learned to just expect that at least one member of their family will be sick at all times throughout the winter season. Colder temperatures and inclement weather have most of us spending much more time indoors, with doors and windows closed, breathing recirculated air and wishing for the sun to come out again.
The cold and flu season hits us every year, and every year the media plays on our fears and leaves us feeling helpless to keep ourselves healthy. Over the last few years the media circus has been quite intense and, unfortunately, the public is often in a frenzy of panic.
I want to empower people to be in charge of their own health and wellness.
We are far from helpless when it comes to preventing and treating winter colds and flus. Natural remedies abound for the prevention and treatment of these types of illnesses. I’d like to illustrate just a few of the ways we can accomplish the goal of staying well during the winter season using natural modalities.
In this post, I’ll delve into some of the more practical tools and techniques that can be used effectively to prevent and alleviate winter illnesses and the symptoms that go along with them.
Nature
In looking more deeply at the first factor, it is important to realize that exposure to fresh air and the natural environment on a regular basis is critical to our health. There has been much awareness lately around the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku or “forest bathing”. It is attracting attention because of recent studies showing improved immune function and mental health from the practice. It turns out that what we have known all along is true – when we are more to connected to the natural world around us, we are healthier.
Physical Activity
Because we are spending more time indoors, for most of us, that also means we are less physically active. There have been numerous studies linking physical activity with better immunity. I think the key thing to think about here is that while we may be more limited in the options for physical activity, there are still many ways to keep our bodies moving during the winter. Yoga, Tai Chi and various forms of dance are great ways to keep your body moving and to maintain flexibility the whole year round.
Food
Many of us tend to gravitate more toward food in the winter. There are a variety of reasons for this: holiday celebrations, spending more time inside, closer to the kitchen, feeling the need to nurture ourselves and families, feeling pulled into a sort of natural hibernation mode which results in the need to store up food to last us through the cold season, etc. All of these are good things, though. And, I think that doing these things more mindfully and selectively can actually help to keep us healthy instead of being a factor of illness.
Flow
As an extension of the previous thoughts, I feel it is vital to step back into the natural flow of health and well-being that can only come from understanding how we are all part of the cycles of nature. Winter is a time when all the natural world slows down, takes time to sleep and dream and gather energy for the rebirth of the spring. This is an invitation for us to do the same. When we ignore that opportunity to rebuild our energy stores and nurture ourselves in quieter, gentler, more restorative ways, we miss out on the opening to take our health to the next level. Winter is a time of introspection and envisioning our future. If we choose to come into the awareness of the flow of nature, our body, mind, and spirit will follow suit and exist within the flow of health and well-being.
Prevention
One of the best ways to stay healthy is to focus on prevention first. A healthy diet centered around nutrient-dense foods, including an abundance of vitamin-packed organic vegetables and fruits and clean, pure water, is of course, your most effective ally in preventing illness. However, there are many other tools in the health toolkit, as well.
Elderberry – This is one of the most common (for good reason) and effective herbal remedies to keep your immune system in top form throughout the year, but especially throughout the cold and flu season. There are many ways to prepare elderberry, but you can read about my absolute favorite here.
Fire Cider – All the rage right now in the herbal world, Fire Cider recipes can be individualized to suit your unique needs and tastes and is, personally, my first line of defense against infectious illnesses. It’s so simple to make and use. Here is a quick and easy tutorial to follow.
Adaptogens – Adaptogens are a class of herbs that have gained a lot of attention in the press lately. As their name suggests, they help the body ‘adapt’ to stress. Since, even among conventional health practitioners, it is known that stress contributes to the vast majority of disease states and almost 90% of doctor visits, helping the body deal with stress more effectively is a priority to maintain health. Here are just a few adaptogens you might want to consider to optimize your own well-being.
Onset of Illness
There are a few remedies that can nip a cold or flu in the bud if taken at the very start of an illness. As soon as symptoms are felt, taking these remedies can shorten the severity and length of an illness and sometimes prevent it altogether.
Oscillococcinum – This is a homeopathic remedy that is well-known for preventing a full-blown cold or flu when taken at the very onset of the illness. I have personally used it may times and can attest to its effectiveness.
Influenzinum – Another homeopathic remedy that can halt the flu in its tracks. Again, it should be taken at the very first signs of symptoms in order to be effective.
Fire Cider – I am listing this herbal remedy again because, not only is it effective at prevention of illness, but I have found that if I load up on Fire Cider (take a teaspoon every few hours) at the first sign of illness, I can completely avert the illness from taking hold.
Addressing Symptoms of Illness
Once a cold or flu has been contracted and symptoms are being experienced, it is important to support the body so that it can do its job of dealing with the disease state and bringing the body back to a balanced state of health. There are so many different symptoms one can experience while ill, and so many wonderful remedies to address those possible symptoms, it is beyond the scope of this post to address them all. However, you might want to look at my previous article about what to stock in your home medicine kit to get an idea of all the possible remedies you might want to have on hand and which symptoms they can address.
Rest – One of the most crucial, but overlooked, remedies for addressing an illness is rest. Our bodies heal when we are at rest. If we are dealing with a sickness, our body will need extra time to rest in order to do its healing work. If we insist on maintaining our daily schedules and routines, we are overburdening our bodies at the critical time that it really needs our support to heal and recover.
Fluids – In order to shunt more energy to the immune system to deal with an illness, the body diverts energy from other systems, including digestion. One of the best ways to support the body during illness is not to overload it with food, but to focus instead on fluids. Pure, clean water is important, as well as broths (vegetable or bone) and electrolyte solutions, if needed. A great homemade electrolyte solution can be found here.
Herbal Support
Gut/Detox – “Start with the gut” is a motto that many natural practitioners stand by. If the GI tract is not able to digest properly, then nothing you put into it will be as effective as it should be. Here are some herbs that are specific for healing the gut.
Aloe – soothing and healing to the lining of the GI tract
Ginger – carminative, good for nausea, diffusive, warming, anti-inflammatory
Dandelion/burdock/yellow dock – alteratives, liver & gallbladder support and detoxification
Calendula – antiseptic, healing to mucus membranes of the GI tract, astringent
Plantain – emollient & astringent, healing to GI tract
Immune – These herbs support the immune system and its function in a variety of ways.
Nourishing Infusions – This category of herbs can be considered as intensely nourishing foods for your body. They are high in mineral and vitamin content and can be taken by the quart daily for prevention of disease and well as recuperation: stinging nettle, oatstraw, evening primrose, red raspberry, red clover, violet leaf, alfalfa and linden.
Homeopathic Support
Another category of natural remedies that can be used very successfully to treat colds and flus is homeopathy. Following are just a few of the most effective remedies to consider.
Onset of illness– These remedies can be used at the first sign of symptoms and can often nip an illness in the bud: oscillococcinum, influenzinum, Arsenicum, Aconite
Symptomatic – The following remedies help the body deal with various symptoms that are often experienced during cold and flu infections.
Constitutional – Having a professional Homeopath find your constitutional remedy is very useful in that it can be used whenever the body is experiencing symptoms to bring it back into balance and activate its innate healing capabilities.
There are so many exceptional, effective ways to keep healthy naturally throughout the year! Which of the remedies and modalities above have you used? What are your favorites?
Posted on
~Heal Your Family with Nature’s Remedies~
Craft a Natural Home Medicine Kit
It wasn’t that long ago when every home had an herbal or homeopathic medicine kit filled with natural remedies to treat injuries or illnesses that family members might encounter. These days it is not so common and many people feel at a loss when they are faced with a feverish child at 2 am, the beginnings of a respiratory infection, or a finger burned from a kitchen mishap. Not only is it common sense to have a natural medicine kit at home, but it is inexpensive to put together and quite empowering to realize that you have the ability to heal yourself and your family of just about any acute illness or injury that you may encounter.
Following is a brief summary of some of the items you may want to include in your natural home medicine kit. They can be purchased ready made, but most of them you can make yourself very easily and inexpensively. A combination of any or all of the herbal items listed below would make a great addition to any home.
Herbal Remedies
Aloe
Aloe vera – Aloe has been used throughout a long portion of our history in treating and healing burns and other minor skin irritations. The best way to use aloe is directly from the plant itself. Break off a plump piece and slice it open. Apply the clear sap inside directly to the burned or irritated area. It is this sap that has been shown to have pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties.
Calendula cream – This is the first thing we reach for whenever one of the children has a cut, scratch, scrape or rash. Historically, Calendula has been used in reducing inflammation, promoting wound healing, and as an antiseptic. It has been used to treat a variety of skin diseases including skin ulcerations and eczema.
Echinacea Tincture – Echinacea is a wonderful immune boosting herb – anti-viral as well as anti-bacterial. Topically useful for stings and bites (it is a Native American snakebite remedy), as well as skin infections, echinacea is a staple for the home medicine kit. Echinacea is useful for poisonous insect and snake bites, toothaches, sore throat, wounds, childhood illnesses, upper respiratory infections, the common cold, sinusitis, influenza, herpes, lymphatic swelling and skin ulcers.
Elderberry Elixir – This is an essential remedy to have on hand, especially during the cold and flu season. Rich in vitamins A, B and C, elderberry supports immune system functioning and is one of the best remedies for viral infections. Useful for colds, flus, respiratory afflictions, fevers and upset stomachs. You can read more here.
Garlic
Garlic – I have heard many herbalists say that if they were stranded on a desert island and could have only one medicine with them – it would be garlic! It is a powerful broad-spectrum antibiotic and has been used to ward off everything from the common cold to the Plague. Some of the ailments it has been used to treat include wounds, ulcers, skin infections, flu, athlete’s foot, some viruses, strep, worms, respiratory ailments, high blood pressure, blood thinning, cancer of the stomach, colic, colds, kidney problems, bladder problems, and ear aches. Incorporating garlic, especially raw, into your daily diet is a key part of keeping your body healthy and your immune system functioning at optimal levels. You can read more about the benefits of garlic here.
Ginger – Ginger is an excellent anti-inflammatory herb as well as an important digestive remedy. It is useful for a broad range of ailments such as: nausea, motion sickness, diarrhea, colic, arthritis, rheumatism, colds flus, headaches, poor circulation and heart conditions. In Asia is it considered a longevity herb.
Plantain/Comfrey/Self-Heal/Chickweed salve – All of these herbs have excellent wound healing properties and one or all of them alone, or in combination with the above mentioned Calendula and St John’s Wort, would make a great salve or ointment for most skin ailments you may encounter.
St John’s Wort
St John’s Wort salve – While many people these days are aware of St John’s Wort for it’s anti-depressant benefits, they may not be aware that it is one of the best topical anti-inflammatory and wound healing herbs to be found. Some of the ailments that can be helped by the topical use of St John’s Wort include bruises, wounds, burns, hemorrhoids, sunburn, herpes sores, varicose veins, sciatica, nerve pain, rheumatism and arthritis.
Yarrow – Yarrow is considered a common weed, but is an extremely useful one (as most weeds are). It is an antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, digestive and tonic herb. It can be used for colds and flu, stomach ulcers, amenorrhea, abdominal cramps, abscesses, trauma and bleeding, and to reduce inflammation.
Homeopathic Remedies
For homeopathic remedies, choosing the 6c or 30c potency is usually the best option for laypersons and those potencies are readily available. Dosage, in acute conditions, may be 1 or 2 pellets repeated every 1/2 to 1 hour if necessary, up to 3 doses. Dosage frequency can then be reduced to 3 times a day for a couple of days, if necessary. Here are some basics, for the beginner, on homeopathy.
Aconite – This remedy is considered the “A” in the ABC of Children’s Remedies. Aconite is indicated at the onset of chills and colds, especially those that begin after exposure to a cold wind. Symptoms can include frequent sneezing, hot clear liquid from the nose, fever and thirst. Aconite is also indicated for mental trauma, fear and shock. Irritability, restlessness and anxiety are often present.
Apis – This is a great remedy for stings and bites, especially those of wasps and other insects. It is particularly indicated in bites that burn, itch, sting and swell with redness and heat and feel better with cool applications.
Arnica
Arnica – One of the most well known homeopathic remedies, Arnica is an excellent first aid treatment for physical trauma of any kind. Falls, bruises, strains, wounds, muscle soreness and swelling yield particularly well to Arnica. It also available in cream form.
Arsenicum – Arsenicum has many uses, one of which is for vomiting and nausea due to food poisoning – particularly from bad meat. It is also an excellent remedy for colds with painful sneezing and thin, watery nasal discharge, where the person is very chilly and thirsty, but only for small sips of water.
Belladonna – This remedy is the “B” in the ABC’s of Children’s Remedies. It is indicated in conditions like fevers and headaches where there is sudden onset, throbbing pains, red, hot skin and dilated pupils. It can also be used for scalds or burns, if there is throbbing present and inflammation is starting.
Chamomile – Chamomile is the “C” in the ABC’s of Children’s Remedies. One of the symptoms that almost always indicates this remedy is that one cheek is hot and red, while the other is cold and pale. Useful for teething infants, pain and fever, especially in those who are very sensitive to pain. Other symptoms are intense irritability, restlessness, temper tantrums and children who only calm down when carried.
Hypericum – This remedy is extremely helpful in wounds and trauma that involve nerve endings, fingers, toes or spine or those injuries that cause intense pain. Examples are slamming fingers in the door or stubbing the toe.
Ledum – Ledum is the prime remedy to use for puncture wounds. It is also useful for bites and stings that feel cold (opposite of Apis, above).
Nux Vomica – This remedy is indicated in indigestion, nausea and vomiting which results from nervous strain, stress, overwork or overindulgence in food and drink – the hangover remedy. It is also useful in colds where the nose streams in a warm room, but is stuffed up at night. The person is extremely chilly, cannot warm up and is very irritable.
Pulsatilla – Pulsatilla also can be indicated in indigestion, but from rich or fatty foods. However, it is better known for conditions such as earaches, headaches and colds. In all cases there is usually thirstlessness, amelioration from the open air and aggravation from warm, stuffy rooms.
Rhus Tox – Useful in cases of joint injuries, sprain, muscular stiffness after over-exertion or exposure to cold and wet conditions, Rhus Tox is also a great remedy for poison oak and chicken pox, as well as colds and coughs. Some of the main symptoms indicating this remedy are restlessness, feeling worse from beginning to move, but feeling better after continued motion, feeling worse at night and from uncovering, but better from warmth.
Nettle (Urtica)
Urtica Urens – This is an excellent remedy for first degree burns as well as sunburn and nettle stings, or other rashes from plant contact. You can read more about Urtica (Stinging Nettle) and it’s herbal uses here.
Miscellaneous
Rescue Remedy – A combination of 5 of the Bach Flower Remedies, Rescue Remedy is useful to have with you at all times for helping to deal with any sort of trauma, whether mental, emotional or physical. It is calming, relaxing and helps to restore balance. I have found it very useful for tantruming children as well as stressed out Mamas.
Essential Oils – Essential oils are extremely potent and must be used with care. If applying topically, ALWAYS dilute them first. Here is more information on how to use essential oils properly and safely.
Lavender essential oil is calming, relaxing and useful for soothing bug bites and burns. It is also extremely effective for relieving the pain of headaches and ear infections.
Tea Tree is very anti-microbial and can be used for disinfecting. It is also great to inhale for relieving stuffy sinuses and respiratory issues.
Oregano is another potent anti-microbial essential oil. Useful for infections and is also anti-inflammatory.
Peppermint essential oil has many uses, including soothing sore muscles, relieving pain and calming nausea.
Helichrysum is a superior essential oil for healing old wounds, calming inflammation and reducing scar tissue.
Basic First Aid Supplies -Here is a list of basic supplies to have on hand in your medicine chest so you can be prepared for any minor acute situation that might occur.
Assorted sizes of band-aids, including wound closure strips
Travel sewing kit which contains needle, thread, safety pins
Flannel fabric/wash cloth
Tweezers
Scissors
Fingernail clippers
Plastic eye cup
Ace bandage
Disposable lighter
Various tape
Hydrogen peroxide
Saline
Cotton swabs
Cotton balls
Gauze pads
Instant Hand warmers
Bottle of water
Soap
Although needs will vary from family to family, having these items on hand will not only cover most minor situations that may occur, but give you peace of mind – knowing you are prepared and have the ability to take care of your family’s health naturally.
What is in your natural home medicine kit?
~ Vanessa Nixon Klein~ Traditional Naturopath, Herbalist, Homeopath, Aromatherapist and Nutrition Expert
Assisting people who are ready to build a natural lifestyle and take responsibility for their own health to achieve and maintain wellness through lifestyle enrichment and transformation as well as natural health and beauty techniques including herbalism, homeopathy, nutrition, aromatherapy and physical movement is Vanessa’s specialty.
How Belly Dance Can Improve Physical, Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual Health in Women
As women go through perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause, their bodies undergo significant changes. These changes can impact their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health.
Fortunately, natural movement practices, such as belly dancing, can help women navigate this transition with more ease and grace. Let’s explore the benefits of natural movement for women entering the menopausal portal.
Physical Benefits
Belly dance is a low-impact, weight-bearing form of exercise that can improve balance, flexibility, coordination, and strength. This is particularly important for women in peri-, mid-, and post-menopause, as they may experience a decline in bone density and an increased risk of falls. Belly dance involves fluid, circular movements that can also help improve joint mobility and reduce stiffness.
According to a study published in the Journal of Women’s Health Physical Therapy, women who participated in a 12-week belly dance program experienced significant improvements in balance, flexibility, and muscular endurance. They also reported reduced pain and increased self-esteem.
In addition to the physical benefits, belly dance can also help women connect with their bodies and feel more comfortable in their own skin. This is especially important during a time when many women may be experiencing changes in their body shape and size.
Mental Benefits
Belly dance can also have significant mental health benefits. It can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, which are common during the menopausal journey. The mindful, rhythmic movements of belly dance can induce a state of flow, which can be calming, centering, and meditative.
In a study published in the Journal of Complementary Medicine Research, women who participated in a belly dance program reported significant reductions in stress and anxiety. They also reported improved mood and a greater sense of well-being.
Emotional Benefits
Belly dance can also have powerful emotional benefits. It can help women reconnect with their femininity and sensuality, which can be empowering and healing. Belly dance celebrates the natural curves and movements of the female body, which can help women feel more confident, empowered, and comfortable in their own skin.
In a study published in the Journal of Dance Medicine & Science, women who participated in a belly dance program reported increased body image satisfaction and self-esteem. They also reported feeling more connected to their bodies and more confident in their ability to express themselves.
Spiritual Benefits
Belly dance can also have spiritual benefits. It can help women connect with their inner selves and tap into their creativity and intuition. The ancient origins of belly dance can also imbue the practice with a sense of history and tradition, which can be grounding and inspiring.
In a study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, women who participated in a belly dance program reported increased spiritual well-being and a greater sense of connection to something greater than themselves.
In essence, belly dance and other forms of natural movement can offer a wealth of benefits for women in perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause. These practices can improve physical health, reduce stress and anxiety, increase body image satisfaction and self-esteem, and promote spiritual well-being. By connecting with their bodies in this way, women can navigate this transition with greater ease and grace, and embrace this new phase of life with confidence and vitality.
If you would like to learn more about how natural movements such as belly dance can support you during the menopausal transition (and try it out for yourself!), I have a fun, supportive belly dance membership you can check out here: https://vanessa-nixon.xperiencify.io/bellydancing-thru-life/learn-more/
Common herbs like Red Clover are often overlooked as useless and pesky weeds. How many times have you weeded this pretty little plant from your garden spaces?
In organic agriculture and permaculture, Red Clover is now being viewed as an excellent cover crop to add minerals and nitrogen to the soil. However, in herbal circles, Red Clover has been praised for centuries as a highly medicinal and vital plant, especially for women and children.
Children’s Skin and Respiratory Issues
Long used throughout history for skin and respiratory conditions, Red Clover is a safe and effective option for relieving childhood eczema and whooping cough. A bevy of other conditions, such as colds, coughs, congestion, and bronchitis, as well as psoriasis, and dermatitis can be addressed with the proper use of Red Clover also. Taken as a tea, Red Clover can be a parent’s most useful go-to herb.
Fertility
Red Clover is well known for it’s fertility enhancing abilities. Herbalist Susan Weed explains that “It is especially helpful if there is scaring of the fallopian tubes, irregular menses, abnormal cells in the reproductive tract, or “unexplained” infertility….The high vitamin content of red clover blossoms, combined with the folic acid in the leaves is especially helpful to sperm and egg production and helps prevent birth defects….Red clover’s high mineral and trace mineral content helps restore and maintain good production of hormones. Its profuse and exceedingly absorbable calcium and magnesium help rejuvenate and repair the delicate tissues of reproduction….And red clover’s well-known ability to alkalinize the body may alter the vaginal pH, making it more receptive to sperm, and may create an environment more friendly to sperm throughout the woman’s reproductive area, thus increasing the chances of conception. Consistent use softens scar tissue in the fallopian tubes.”
Menopause
The Iroquois, and other traditional societies, used Red Clover infusions for ‘the change of life’. Now, we know why it works. Red Clover is rich in isoflavones, which are natural estrogens, similar to human female hormones. “Phytoestrogens perform functions in the body similar to those of natural and synthetic estrogens, relieving menopause- and menstruation-related problems and perhaps protecting against osteoporosis and cancer of the breast, colon, and prostate”, says James Duke. Scientific studies have born out the ability of Red Clover to significantly reduce hot flashes, as well as other menopausal symptoms.
Cancer
Many cultures world-wide have traditionally used Red Clover for healing and preventing a variety of cancers. New research has validated these benefits, especially in the case of breast cancer, prostate cancer and brain cancer.
Nourishing and Detoxifying
One of the reasons Red Clover is able to exert such a positive influence on such a variety of health conditions is its nutrient content. It is literally a powerhouse of nutrition. Red Clover contains a multitude of vitamins, including beta carotene, vitamins C, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, B12, as well as minerals, such as, magnesium, manganese, zinc, copper, calcium, nitrogen, iron and selenium. Additionally it is a good source of plant protein. Likely due to its rich nutrient content, Red Clover is also a powerfully detoxifying plant. According to Herbalist Rosemary Gladstar, it is “one of the best detoxification herbs”.
Pleasant and mild-tasting, Red Clover can be combined with Spearmint, Peppermint, Lemon Balm or other herbs to create a delightful daily tea that will keep you and your children in good health!
Do you drink Red Clover tea? Do you have a favorite herb to combine it with?
For decades, the lowly Dandelion has been called a persistent weed. People spend hundreds and even thousands of dollars a year trying to rid their lawns and gardens of this tenacious, pesky plant.
But, what if the Dandelion was more valuable and useful than anything else that grew in your garden? It just may be…
Here are 5 reasons that you might want to not only allow your Dandelions to grow in your yard, but perhaps even cultivate a spot just for them in your garden:
Anti-Cancer Activity
Dandelion has been traditionally used for a variety of cancers and recent scientific studies have proven its efficacy in this area. Dandelion has anti-cancer activity against prostate, breast,pancreas, liver and skin cancers. Herbalist Susan Weed talks about it’s role in breast cancer: “Dandelion is a superb ally for liver and breasts. Regular use-internally before meals and externally before sleep-helps keep breasts healthy, reverses cancerous changes. Digestion is settled and strengthened a few minutes after taking a dose. Results in breast tissue are slower, taking six weeks or more to become evident.”
Nutrient Dense
Dandelion is rich in nutrients, including Vitamin C, Vitamin K1, the B vitamins, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, beta-carotene and dietary fiber. It also contains zinc, copper, manganese and essential fatty acids. Whew, that’s an impressive list!
Liver Protection Activity
Liver protection is one of the uses of Dandelion that is common to many systems of traditional medicine, including TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) and Western Herbalism. Dandelion has been well-known as a liver tonic for centuries. Quite a few studies have proven this in recent years, including a study done on alcoholic liver damage.
Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activity
Due in part to its rich vitamin and mineral content, it is no surprise that Dandelion is an excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Many health conditions are the result of oxidative stress and Dandelion has proven in studies to have anti-oxidant and protective activity and to reduce markers of oxidative stress.
High Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Lowering Benefits
According to Olympia Herbalist, Elise Krohn, Dandelion helps the liver to preferentially make high quality fats (HDL) over low quality fats (LDL). It is also an excellent diuretic, helping to normalize high blood pressure. This has been borne out in studies as well. Herbalist David Hoffman notes that the powerful diuretic action of Dandelion is comparable to the drug `Frusemide’, with the added benefit that Dandelion is rich in potassium – which is usually depleted by pharmaceutical diuretics.
We’ve really just skimmed the surface here, though. Dandelion is also thought to help with degenerative joint diseases and rheumatism, hormone regulation that may assist with menopausal symptoms, blood sugar regulation which may assist diabetics, as well as having antiseptic activity. With all these benefits, Dandelion has something to offer just about everyone!
Do you use dandelions as medicine? Let me know in the comments your favorite use. Or if you don’t use dandelions now, let me know if you’d like to learn.
One of the most perfect herbs for those new to herbalism is Lemon Balm. Lemon Balm, whose botanical name is Melissa officionalis, is remarkably versatile in its uses. Its pleasant taste makes it great as a beverage tea, while its medicinal properties make it valuable for healing a variety of issues.
Throughout history, Lemon Balm has been used medicinally. The writings of Dioscorides and Pliny the Elder mention the use of Lemon Balm on surgical dressing for wounds, and to treat venomous bites and stings. The 12th century herbalist, Saint Hildegarde von Bingen, said “Lemon balm contains within it the virtues of a dozen other plants.”
Here are a few of the areas in which Lemon Balm excels:
Melissa officinalis
Brain
Recent studies show that Lemon Balm is helpful in improving brain function. In one study, a significant increase in the speed of mathematical processing, with no reduction in accuracy was observed. In another study, after just one dose of Lemon Balm, subjects showed improved cognitive performance and lengthened attention span!
Stress
In those same studies, another benefit that was observed was improved mood and a sense of calmness. In fact, Lemon Balm has been used traditionally for reducing stress of all kinds. Stress-induced anxiety and/or depression is specifically indicated for the use of Lemon Balm. It has an uplifting nature that can dissolve tension and induce a balancing of the nervous system.
Sleep
The relaxing effect that Lemon Balm has on the nervous system can also be helpful for those with sleep issues. In Germany, lemon balm is actually licensed as a standard medicinal tea for sleep disorders. In The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia it is listed as a sedative. Western herbalists often use it in combination with other relaxing and sedative herbs to promote sleep.
Viruses
Lemon Balm is highly anti-viral. It has been studied for its effectiveness against herpes virusas well as HIV with positive results. In one study on 115 patients, a proprietary preparation of lemon balm extract in a lip balm showed efficacy in treating lip sores associated with the herpes simplex virus. Studies of various mint family plants, including Lemon Balm, showed efficacy against human immunodeficiency virus type 1.
Children
Even though Lemon Balm is a powerfully medicinal herb, it is gentle enough for children. It is indicated for use in ADHD and hyperactivity in kids. Because of its gentle nature, it is the herb for choice when a child has any of the various issues listed above – problems falling asleep, a viral infection, learning disorders or any sort of stress-induced condition. Because of its delightful flavor, it is a favorite among even the pickiest of children, making it even more valuable as a medicine.
Lemon Balm is a standby in our household and brings its uplifting nature and agreeable, lemony flavor to so many medicinal blends and remedies, it would be difficult to be without it!
While this, by no means, is a complete list of all the benefits Lemon Balm possesses, it is a nice place to start. Do you use Lemon Balm? What is your favorite way to use it?
Now that the long, dark days of winter have passed and the first few indications of spring have sprung, it’s time for many people to start thinking about allergy season. There are a number of effective ways to prevent and ease allergy symptoms using natural therapies. Many have been in use for centuries and now we have the scientific validation of their efficacy as well.
Prevention
It’s always advantageous to prevent illness rather that try to treat it after it has taken hold. Here are a couple of ways to prevent allergies from starting in the first place.
Adaptogens are all the rage these days. In the first post in this series, we talked about what adaptogens are and what they are used for. In this post, I’m going to describe some of the most commonly used adaptogenic herbs and how to determine if they are right for you.
Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus) – Also known as Siberian Ginseng, Eleuthero is a mild, tonic adaptogen that can be used over long periods of time to help strenghten the immune system, increase endurance and stamina and improve the quality of sleep. Clinical studies have shown that it also can be of benefit in lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Adaptogens are all the rage these days, it seems. For the last couple of years, everybody and their dog has been talking about adding adaptogens to their smoothies, consuming them in teas, tinctures, powders, you name it. What is all the hype about? What are these adaptogens and why would I want to take them? These are great questions and here are some answers.
What are Adaptogens?
Adaptogens are substances that have the ability to help the body adapt to stress. In this case, we will be focusing on herb or plant adaptogens. In the past, this category of herbs has been called rejuvenating or restorative herbs, qi tonics or rasayanas. And, modern research has proven that these superior herbs, that have such a long tradition of use, are safe and effective.
