Aloe Vera and Sunburn

July 11, 2022 by Jurgen

Aloe Vera plants

USES – Healing of wounds and burns, sunburn, psoriasis; intestinal inflammation, stomach and peptic ulcers.

HOW IT WORKS – The plant contains anthraquinone glycosides, resins and polysaccharides.

When taken internally, Aloe Vera has a cleansing and healing effect on the body, by virtue of its action on the digestive tract. This makes it useful for a number of skin conditions, where the process of internal detoxification is deemed by naturopaths to be important.

Scientific use of Aloe in wound healing was first documented in 1935. Since then, there have been a number of studies showing its effectiveness as a treatment for burns, including sunburns and other wounds even internal ones.

Aloe Vera juice is also beneficial for internal inflammation like colitis, diverticulitis, stomach and peptic ulcers.

Horse Chestnut and Varicose Veins

July 7, 2022 by Jurgen

Aesculus (Horse Chestnut)

USES Varicose Veins and heavy, tired and swollen legs.
The use of Aesculus in venous disorders has been recognised for a long time and it has been used in the treatment of various venous conditions since the 19th Century. It is one of the most widely prescribed herbs in Germany.

HOW IT WORKS The constituent of Aesculus which has been most studied is Aescin. It has the ability to improve the tone of the veins, reducing leakage into the surrounding tissue.

Often varicose veins are more troublesome in the summer and starting with a course of Aesculus during the spring can prevent the distressing symptoms during the warm weather. For best results, a 3 to 4 month course of Aesculus tablets is advisable. Those suffering from varicose veins will also benefit from ensuring that constipation is not a factor.

Aesculus gel is used for immediate relief of heavy tired legs.

Great news for legs! – The herbal way to help ‘conker’ varicose veins

Here are some things you can do to try to improve the health of your legs:

Veins need daily activity, so exercise is key to healthy veins. Walking, cycling or swimming are all good to get the blood in your legs flowing.
Take 10 minute breaks each day to elevate your legs above the level of your heart. A simple way of achieving this is by lying down and resting your legs on a stack of pillows.
Control your weight. Reducing excess weight helps to take unnecessary pressure off your legs.
Make sure you breathe deeply and get enough oxygen into the bloodstream.
Wear loose clothing. Tight clothes around your calves or groin can restrict circulation preventing the normal flow of blood from your legs.
Avoid high heels – low heeled shoes work your calf muscles harder which is better for your veins.
Avoid very hot baths, saunas and long periods of sunbathing.
Avoid crossing your legs. And, if you are standing for a while, make a point of changing your position, shifting from one leg to another. Try some leg exercises or wiggle your toes now and again.
As always you are recommended to drink plenty water and eat a balanced diet.

Implementing some of these tips could help you manage varicose veins in your legs without too much interference to your daily life.

Stinging Nettle and Arthritis

June 23, 2022 by Jurgen

Stinging Nettle – Urtica Urens

USES Arthritis, Gout, Detoxification, and Allergic rashes.

Stinging Nettle has been treasured for a long time by Irish herbalists as an excellent ‘blood tonic’. Traditionally the young tips of nettles are gathered to make ‘nettle soup’.

HOW IT WORKS

Nettle has a diuretic action, attributed to flavonoids, which increase the excretion of a number of waste substances from the body, particularly the acid metabolites including uric acid. This action is of great benefit in gout and arthritic conditions.

Nettles have a high nutritive value, containing Vitamin C, iron, calcium, potassium and silica, which explain its tonic action.

stinging nettle uses