Horse Chestnut for Varicose Veins

June 12, 2019 by Jürgen

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.

Herbal remedies for Sleep

May 20, 2019 by Jürgen

herbal remedies for sleep

Valerian and other herbal remedies for sleep

Valerian is one of the most useful relaxing nervines that is available to us. This fact is recognised by orthodox medicine as is shown in its inclusion in many pharmacopoeias as a sedative. It may be used safely to reduce tension and anxiety, over-excitability and hysterical states.

It is an effective aid in insomnia, producing a natural healing sleep. Valerian can also help in migraine and rheumatic pain. Valerian is available as herbal tea, herbal tincture or herbal capsules.

Passiflora (passion flower)

This herbal remedy has a long history of success in homeopathy and herbalism alike.

Homeopathic Remedies to consider

The most effective way to use homeopathic medicines is to find the one remedy that matches the syndrome of symptoms that the person is experiencing. While chronic or severe insomnia may require > a professional homeopath, there are some simple homeopathic medicines to consider for at least short-term benefit.

One of the most common homeopathic herbal remedies for sleep is Coffea, which is a homeopathic dose of coffee. Coffea is indicated when a person feels mentally and physically overactive (these are the symptoms that non-homeopathic ingestion of coffee is well known to cause). This remedy is also known to relieve insomnia in people who have a constant flow of ideas that keep them awake.

Turmeric – Curcumin benefits

May 5, 2019 by Jürgen

Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) is a herb which has been used as a spice, or flavouring, in Asian countries for thousands of years. It forms part of the Zingiberaceae (ginger family) and the root and rhizome is crushed and powdered into ground tumeric which is commercially available.

Turmeric is an excellent anti-inflammatory. It helps to reduce joint pain and increases mobility. Turmeric also helps to increase circulation as well as proctect the liver.

If you combine Indian turmeric and ginger with nettle and artichoke, you will get a powerful herbal combination, which has dual action as both anti-inflammatory and a detoxifying complex for supple joints.

Turmeric

However, fresh turmeric leaves are also used as flavourings in some regions of Indonesia. Apart from its use as a spice during cooking (turmeric is largely responsible for the bright yellow colour of many Asian dishes) it is also thought, and many studies have confirmed, that turmeric has beneficial medicinal properties as well. This is largely thought to be due to its curcumin content which is around 3%.

It has been discovered that curcumin is the most biologically active compound in turmeric which has prompted numerous scientific studies as to its use in a medicinal context.

Turmeric is a widely researched herb, with the majority of the studies being conducted on its ability to prevent and treat stomach ulcers. In the past, stomach ulcers were thought to have been caused by a number of factors including stress and regular consumption of spicy foods.

It has now been discovered that stomach ulcers are caused by a bacterial infection. The bacterium responsible is called Helicobacter pylori and is unique in that it can live within the mucosal lining of the stomach and erode the protective barrier. Once this barrier is weakened, stomach acid can come into direct contact with the cells of the stomach wall and damage them, causing an ulcer.

Curcumin’s other main use as a supplement is its ability for controlling inflammation. It has been shown to be a potent anti-inflammatory agent and therefore may be used by those suffering from, or are prone to, inflammatory disorders such as arthritis. It may also provide a vegan alternative to other anti-inflammatory supplements including fish oils.