Yarrow – Digestive Bitter

July 27, 2019 by Jurgen

Yarrow – Achillea millefolium

USES Indigestion, Digestive tonic, Gastritis, Leaky gut, Abdominal bloating, Wind, Food allergies.

DESCRIPTION Yarrow is classified as one of the bitter herbs. Other herbs in this category include Centaury, Gentian and Dandelion. These have the common ability to stimulate digestive processes and improving the breakdown of food.

HOW IT WORKS Yarrow contains volatile oils and flavonoids. These have an anti- spasmodic and anti-inflammatory action on the digestive system, easing colic and reducing flatulence.

Bitters stimulate the taste buds. This triggers off a reflex nerve action, which increases the flow of saliva and stomach enzymes. The sum total of this is an improvement in the digestive function of the stomach and small intestines.

Herbal remedies for Sleep

May 20, 2019 by Jurgen

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 Jurgen

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.