Herbal and Natural Remedies

Genesis 1:29 And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which [is] upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which [is] the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.

I hope you all had a fantastic Valentine's Day! I don't want to talk about mine, because yesterday we both felt so lazy that we didn't feel like doing anything, and the week has been pretty busy too, so let's move on. I want to talk about Herbal and Natural Remedies. I became interested in studying this topic when my friend E, told me how she had used some natural ways to help relieve her daughter's cold. How fantastic is that? Relieve the sickness without antibiotics and without any side effects. However, today I will include some tips for your general health that I found on one of the books I have been reading on this topic. Herbal Medicine has been used by human beings since the beginning of times. Yet somewhere along the line, medicine took a turn from herbalism. Unlike conventional drugs and treatments, herbs can treat chronic and acute conditions, but they are also effective tools fro maintaining overall health.

Healing foods
1. Medicinal Mushrooms
Several varieties of edible mushrooms are considered medicinal. In particular, reishi, shiitake, and maitake appear to support immunity, fight infection, and even offer protection against diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Many types of mushrooms are also loaded with antioxidants, and studies show that some varieties have more antioxidants power than brightly colored vegetables like carrots and tomatoes.
2. Garlic and onions
Studies show that both onions and garlic contain sulfur compounds that can help with diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. In order to reap their benefits, they are to be eaten raw.
3. Ginger
Studies show that it can reduce many types of pain and inflammation. Ginger can also relieve nausea and vomiting from many causes, included seasickness, anesthesia, and pregnancy. Pregnant women should talk to their doctors first, but it's recommended that if they take 1g of ginger for 4 days they will have less nausea and vomiting.
4. Cocoa
Eating dark chocolate made from Theobroma cacao has proven health benefits, including lowering blood pressure, improving cholesterol levels, fighting age-related cognitive decline, preventing blood clots during prolonged travel, and even reducing the risk of certain cancers. (Who said that chocolate is bad?)

Related to Women 
Can herbs work as contraceptive?
Several herbs traditionally used to prevent pregnancy are now being seriously studied for more widespread use. For example, the Indian herb neem (Azadirachta Indica) works as a safe and reversible contraceptive.
Can herbs remove stretch marks?
Gotu kola, an Ayuvedic herb known for its ability to speed healing and reduce scaring, can help, as can utramoisturizing cocoa butter and almond and sesame oil

Strengthen eyesight
To save your eye sight, most experts recommend upping your dietary intake of plant foods such as leafy green vegetables and brightly colored fruits which contain antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, riboflavin, lutein, and lycopene.

Chronic disease
Numerous studies have shown a clear connection between diet and chronic disease: Simply put, people who eat a plant-based diet, with more whole grains and lean protein and less red meat and processed foods, have less cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.

Heart helpers
Garlic--eating lots of garlicky foods means less heart disease. Taking garlic powder keeps arteries flexible, help slower blood pressure, and can prevent the damaging oxidation of cholesterol.
Pomegranate--There is good evidence that drinking pomegranate juice every day can lower your blood pressure and improve other symptoms of CVD (Cardiovascular Disease), including thickening of the arteries.

Weight loss
Adding vinegar to your meal can reduce its glycemic effect--and its effects on your waistline--by as much as 55 percent. Vinegar contains acetic acid, which seems to inhibit your body's response to the carbohydrates you eat, leaving you feeling more satisfied and less likely to eat too much later.

Colds
Dr. Christopher recommends that in the case of a cold in adults, to place a clove of garlic on each side of the mouth between the teeth and cheek. The cold will disappear within a few hours or within a day. Also, massage the feet with olive oil and place a garlic paste and keep it during the night. To prepare the garlic paste use 1 part garlic and 1 part petroleum jelly. Reduce the amount of garlic for a child or small infant to 1 part garlic to 3 parts petroleum jelly.

These are only a few of the many situations that herbs can help to heal and/or prevent sicknesses. Follow the next post to see herbal and natural remedies for self-care and beauty.

References

The Everything Guide to Herbal Remedies by Martha Scheindler Connors with Larry Altshuler, MD

http://www.herballegacy.com/Colds_Catarrh_Coryza_Influenza.html

http://www.herballegacy.com/Cold_Sheet.html

http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/ginger